He chuckled."Are you trying to say it's my turn?"
She lifted a shoulder."It's not that we need to take turns, but I think that—"
Her words were cut off when his lips met hers.It started out tentatively but grew into something else.It wasn't what she'd call a passionate kiss — more of an exploration.As if they were each questioning each other and then reassuring.Inviting, and then getting closer.
By the time he lifted his head, she felt as though they knew each other better than they had before.When he brushed his thumb over her lips and nodded, she knew he felt it too.
"I'll talk to you tomorrow, Miss Callie Clay."
She chuckled."I look forward to it, Secret King.And don't forget — I want to see you wiggle that ass as you walk away."
Chapter Eight
Callie couldn't stop smiling as she drove away from the airport.Ollie had kept his word and walked with a real swagger all the way back to his plane.She didn't want to tell him, but his butt was the first thing she'd noticed about him.
So she very much appreciated him giving it a wiggle before he looked back over his shoulder at her with a grin.She'd watched him untie the plane and climb in, giving her a wave after he started it up.She'd stayed while he taxied to the end of the runway, telling herself that next time she was going to ask him how the pedals worked.
She hadn't noticed if he used them in the air, but he definitely seemed to be steering with them when they were on the ground.Her heart had leaped into her mouth as she watched him thunder down the runway and take off, but once he was safely in the sky, she relaxed.She knew he was happy up there, and she understood why.
There was a feeling of freedom in flying.She loved it.As she headed back toward town, she wondered if she might get the chance to take him up on the offer to teach her to fly.
Wouldn't that be something?
As she got closer to the grocery store, she decided that she was going to call Alara.She and Zia had plenty to eat now, but Callie was hoping that she'd be open to another visit.She pulled into the little lot behind the store and took her phone out.
"Hi, Callie.Is everything okay?"Alara answered.
"Yeah, everything's fine with me.I just dropped Ollie back at the airport, and the rest of my evening is my own.I was wondering if you'd like some company?I need to eat, and I was thinking I could pick something up for us to share, if you'd like.I don't want to impose if you're busy or don't feel up to it."
The line was quiet for a few moments before Alara said, "You know what?I'd love the company.You don't need to bring anything to eat, though.You brought us plenty before, thank you."
"No, I know I don't need to," said Callie, "but they make great grain bowls here — lots of veggies, good protein.I was thinking I could bring some over for the three of us to have for dinner."
The line went quiet again.Callie understood.She wasn't big on accepting help herself, and certainly not on accepting anything that felt like charity.
"To be honest, it'd be nice for me to have some company," she continued."I tend to be a bit of a hermit most of the time, but things feel quiet at home after being at Jacob and Becca's place all week for the wedding."
"Okay, then, thanks," said Alara, "but don't think I don't know what you're doing."
Callie chuckled."I didn't think that for a second.I’m not making it up, though; I’d like to see you guys.I feel like I understand how things are for you, because I've kind of been there."
"I hope not," said Alara.
"Well, I'll pick us up some dinner and be with you in a little while.Then, if you like, we can trade stories and see."
"Thanks, I would like that, and we both know that Zia will be happy to see you."
"I'll be happy to see her," said Callie."She's a sweetheart, but she's not the only one that counts, you know.You do, too."
"Thanks.We'll see you when you get here."
It only took Callie fifteen minutes to buy what she wanted from the store and get back to the pullout where Alara was parked.As she was climbing out of her truck, the camper door opened, and Zia leaned out, calling, "Lady Sunshine!Thank you for coming to see us again."
Alara appeared and shepherded Zia out of the way so that Callie could come in.She set the takeout bags on the counter and smiled."I hope you'll like this."
"I love grain bowls!"Zia bounced up and down on her toes."We both do.It's one of Mommy's favorites.She likes it because it's good for you.I like it because it tastes good."
Alara chuckled."It's true," she told Callie."And it makes life so much easier when we can find a win-win that we both agree on."She took some cutlery from a drawer."I'll dish it up," she said."What would you like to drink?"
