“Did you have a good day?” he asked.
Matto charmed her with his easy smile and interest.
“All my flights today were groups of tourists. The family group was the most fun—a mother and father and three kids. The kids were so excited to see bears. In contrast, I had two strange men who were more worried about a woman flying them than the view outside my helicopter.” At least she hoped that was their problem.
“Do you get many passengers like that?”
“A few. I guess life would bore us if we were all the same.”
Matto laughed. “That is true.”
“Where are we having dinner?”
“Are you hungry?”
“Yes. H—my friend used to tease me about having hollow legs.” Renee cursed herself for getting too comfortable. She couldn’t mention Hunter. It was too dangerous. She hadn’t needed Susan to remind her to keep her past close to her chest.
“Oh? And was this friend jealous of your slender build?”
Renee snorted before she could censor her reaction. “No, he was just giving me a hard time.”
“A boyfriend?”
“No, an old friend from the army. Married and crazy in love with his wife.” Renee paused, huffed a breath and went for honesty without giving details. “I found it best not to step beyond the bounds of friendship with my army pals. I valued my reputation, and they gossiped worse than any small-town biddies.”
Matto pulled up in front of the Tundra Inn. “My brothers threatened to crash our dinner. It annoyed them I asked you out first, so I organized a private dinner in my room. I hope that’s okay?”
“I… Yes.” Renee frowned, thinking about Kansas and Dakota Taktuq. And was it even safe dining alone with a man she didn’t truly know? “What’s stopping your brothers from interrupting our dinner here?”
“First, they don’t know I booked another room, and second, I didn’t tell them.” He winked at her. “I’ve learned to be one or two steps ahead of the twins. It’s a survival technique.”
Renee forced a smile as he exited the vehicle. She opened the door before he could do it for her. It must be nice to have brothers. She missed her army buddies. For their safety and hers, she maintained radio silence and stayed away from social media.
“What have you ordered us for dinner?” Was she going to do this? Trust him?
“You have a choice,” he said, taking her arm and leading her into the lobby of the inn. “Coast is clear. Let’s move before we get busted.” Matto propelled her along a passage and up a short flight of stairs. He produced a keycard and in seconds flat, he had the door closed behind them. “And my brothers think I’m not as crafty as them.”
Renee laughed at his satisfied tone, although she still wondered at the sense in dining alone with him.
“Let me help you with your coat. I realize dining alone like this could be a red flag for some women since we’ve just met. Do you want to ring a friend to let them know where you are and who you’re with?”
She stared at him for an instant, then nodded and plucked her phone from her purse. After a brief mental debate, she rang Sax Hallsten and explained the situation to him. Although she ended the call with heated cheeks and Sax’s amusement ringing in her ears, her lingering trepidation faded. “Thank you. Not many men would think of that.”
“No problem. I want you to enjoy our dinner because I’m hoping to repeat the experience.” Matto took her purse and set it aside. Her tummy fluttered at the skim of his hands as he removed her coat. Her breath caught on recognizing the alternative craving and uneasiness he induced in her. Sexual. She shifted her weight, aware of him and the fit of her clothes.
“You… That dress.” Matto clasped her forearms and drew her nearer. He nuzzled her neck. “Lavender.”
“Yes.”
He pulled back a fraction. “Are you going to let me love you tonight?”
Renee let out a startled laugh. “You don’t muck around.”
“I find plain speaking is best,” he agreed. “You’re an attractive woman, Renee.”
“Is that why you booked a room?”
“I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit the thought occurred but you have the last say. If I’m mistaken about a mutual attraction, we’ll have dinner and I’ll take you home.”
