Page 95 of Wilde Hearts

“I can’t thank you enough, Judd, for making this happen for us.” Facing me, Colt introduced us. “Judd, this is Ensley Wilde. Ensley, this is Judd Murray.

Judd studied me—and if it was possible, his grin grew even bigger. “So, this is Ensley.” Taking my outstretched hand, he gently shook it. “I’ve heard so much about you, I feel like I know you already.”

My brows shot up as I looked at Colt, then back to Judd. “I hope all good things.”

He laughed. “My wife and I were about ready to haul this boy back to Colorado ourselves when he finally told us he was heading home. Of course, I wanted it to be on better terms.” Turning to Colt, he said, “You mentioned on the phone that your father’s doing well?”

Colt nodded. “He’s doing great. They’re glad I’m home, and so am I.”

Judd looked at me and winked. “I bet he is. Everyone at the ranch told him that he was a lovesick fool and needed to get his ass back to Colorado.”

I smiled at Colt. “Is that so?”

“Sure is,” Judd stated. “Talked about you all the time.”

Colt clapped his hands. “So, how long is the flight today?”

Judd chuckled. “Nice change of subject. We’re looking at around two hours and twenty minutes. The weather’s clear the whole way. They are talking about a small storm that could move through on Monday, though.”

“Will that delay us in leaving on Tuesday?” Colt asked.

Judd shook his head. “I think it’ll move through fast. If anything, we might be delayed a few hours,” he assured us. “You two make yourselves at home. We’ll have one other pilot and one flight attendant. She’s my daughter, so if she isn’t doing her job, you let me know.”

“Lori did decide to join us?” Colt asked.

Judd nodded. “She did.”

I couldn’t help but notice the strange expression that crossed over Colt’s face. If I hadn’t been looking at him, I would have missed it.

“Speaking of!” Judd said, as he walked over and hugged a woman who’d just walked up the steps and boarded the cabin. When they stepped apart, she glanced our way. She looked at me first, then Colt. Something flashed in her eyes as she smiled his way.

“Colt, it’s nice seeing you again.”

My gaze bounced between the two of them. Lori looked to be around Emeline’s age. Her dark brown hair was pulled back into a low bun, and her eyes were the color of the sky. She was stunningly beautiful. She quickly got to work stowing her bag and moving into the cabin.

“Can I make you a drink? Orange juice or mimosa?” she asked me with a polite smile.

I shook my head. “No, thank you.”

Her gaze moved to Colt. “Colt?”

“No, thanks, Lori. I’m good for now.”

She nodded as she started to put the bottles under the cabinet. “We’ll be taking off as soon as Judd finishes his check of the plane. Do either of you need anything before that?”

My mouth felt dry, and I had a hard time forming words, so I just shook my head and slowly sat down on the sofa. I was seriously nervous about flying in this small plane…but now I also couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something between Colt and Lori.

I knew I was being ridiculous. I’d slept with other guys during the last ten years, and I couldn’t expect Colt to have been celibate. I tried hard to push those thoughts from my head.

“There are belts there, as well as on the single chairs. I would suggest the chairs for takeoff, they’re more comfortable.”

“Thank you,” I managed to get out, but it sounded hoarse.

“Ma’am, would you like a bottle of water?”

I nearly sagged with relief. “Yes. That would be nice. And please, call me Ensley.”

Lori gave me a smile before walking to the front and returning seconds later with two bottles. One for me, one for Colt.