"Do you have time for coffee before you head back?"she asked as they climbed out.
He checked his watch and smiled."I've got time."
They left the plane tied down and took her truck into town.Kai greeted them with a smile when they walked into the coffee shop.
"Hey, Callie.The usual?"
"Please.Two of them."
She paid before Ollie could protest, and they took their lattes to a small table by the window.The afternoon light slanted in, catching the steam rising from their cups.
"Thank you for today," she said."All of it."
"Thank you for coming."He wrapped his hands around his cup."You're a natural up there, you know."
"I don't know about natural, but I love it."She smiled."I never thought I would."
He held her gaze, and the warmth in his eyes made her chest tighten.
This was real.Whatever this was becoming — it was real.
They sat there for a while, not talking much, just being together.Watching people pass by on the sidewalk.Letting the day settle.
When they finally got up to leave, she felt the weight of the sea glass and the wishing stone in her pocket.Two treasures.One she'd found herself, one he'd given her.
She was starting to think he might be a third.
Back at the airport, the late afternoon sun hung low over the trees, casting long shadows across the tarmac.Callie leaned against her truck, not quite ready to let him go.
"So," Ollie said, stepping closer."You're driving down tomorrow?"
"First thing.Becca's expecting me for lunch."
"And we’re flying Willow to a meeting in the morning, but it’s only in San Francisco; we should be back by late afternoon."He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering."Any chance I could see you tomorrow evening?I know you'll be with Becca, but..."
"I'd like that."She smiled."I'll text you when I know what the plan is."
"Good."He was standing close now, close enough that she could smell the salt air still clinging to his jacket, mixed with something warmer underneath."I had a really good day, Callie."
"Me too."
He cupped her face in his hands, and this time there was no hesitation.His lips met hers, and the kiss was slow and deep, the kind that made her forget they were standing in a parking lot in full view of anyone who might drive by.
Her hands fisted in the front of his jacket, pulling him closer.He made a low sound in the back of his throat, and heat pooled in her belly.
When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing harder than they should have been.
"I should go," he murmured, though he didn't move.
"You should."She didn't move either.
He laughed softly and pressed his forehead to hers."Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow."
He stepped back, and the cool air rushed in where his warmth had been.She watched him walk back to the Cirrus, laughing when he turned to wave and then wiggled his ass before climbing in.
She was still standing there when the plane lifted off, catching the last of the sunlight as it banked south toward Napa.
