They sat on the sofa and ate with their thighs and shoulders touching. Samuel didn’t want to let go of her.

Though she wasn’t physically pulling away, she hadn’t made eye contact since they’d stopped kissing.

“Alright. What’s wrong?” He asked.

She smiled. “It’s just something I have to work out.”

“Maybe I can help, since I have a feeling it involves me in some way.”

“You won’t like it.”

“Maybe I can change it.”

She laughed. “Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Duly warned.”

“I don’t date pilots.”

“Me either,” he said without a hitch.

She stared at him. Then took another bite of pasta. Then she chuckled. “You’re a pilot.”

“This is really good,” he said as he filled his fork. “Don’t think of me as a pilot.”

“Okay… What should I think of you as?”

“Anything. Think of me as your yard boy.”

She laughed. “Why would I need a yard boy? I live in an apartment.”

“I’m sure you can think of something for me to do. As your yard boy, I can run errands. I’m really good at running errands. I even do returns.”

“What about when you’re off flying a plane?”

“Just a taxi driver. Not a pilot.” He winked at her and nudged her shoulder with his. At least she was looking at him again.

“I’m serious.” She insisted.

“So am I.” He set his empty plate on the coffee table.

“Just because you don’t call yourself a pilot, doesn’t mean you aren’t one.”

“And just because I’m a pilot, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t date me.”

She shot him a look of fake exasperation.

“What do you have against pilots anyway?” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“They’re always away. Remember, I have first-hand experience as the daughter of a pilot.”

“A famous pilot.”

“I don’t know about famous, but definitely successful.”

“In the pilot world.” He lifted one eyebrow. “He’s a famous pilot. So besides being gone a lot, what else do you have against my breed?”

She pulled her feet under her and hugged a pillow to her. “Pilots aren’t… monogamous.”

“What? Really? Why am I just now learning about this?” He feigned shock.

She chuckled. “It’s the stewardesses. They’re like candy for y’all.”

“Oh, well, you’re doubly safe. They don’t have stewardesses anymore, only flight attendants. And I don’t eat candy.”

“You don’t eat candy. Ever?”

“Never.”

“What about a brownie?”

He shook his head. “No sweets for me, unless I’m with you.” He leaned back and put an arm across the back of the sofa. “So, if I’m a taxi driver by day and your yard boy by night, does that grant me exception status?”

“I’ll have to think about it.”

“What if I promise to send you flowers every day?”

“Now you’re just teasing me.”

“How about if I drive you around, and you never have to drive or take other transportation?”

“But you’re not here, remember?”

“Oh right. Then when I’m here. And don’t forget, I do errands.”

“I’ll have to get back to you. What else do you have to offer?”

“I can do foot rubs.”

“Really? I might have to see if you’re any good.”

“Ah. I can offer a free sample right now. If you want.”

“Sure. I never turn down a foot massage.”

“Here.” He held out his hand. She shifted her feet toward him. He took her shoe off and put her foot across his knees. She leaned back against the pillows. He started with her toes and worked his way to the bottom of her feet to her ankles. She had adorable red toenails.

She closed her eyes, and he moved to the other foot.

He shifted to pull her toward him, holding her close. “I also offer unlimited heavenly kisses.” He whispered against her ear before claiming her mouth again.