I nearly fall to my knees and kiss the tarmac. The asphalt, faded from years of Texas sunlight and full of cracks and even potholes, might not be everyone’s idea of beauty, but right here, right now, it looks damn good to me.

“Feels good to be home, doesn’t it?”

The soft sound of Cassie’s voice jerks me from my thoughts and I slide my gaze over to her. “Better than I ever imagined possible.”

What was supposed to be a two-week stint turned into a three and a half week flying adventure that had us bouncing from one continent to the other. Twice, Northwest had ordered our plane back to the United States and once we’d even flown all the way to Denver before we were sent back to the other side of the Atlantic. I love flying more than anything else in the world, but even I was tired of being in a cockpit. I’m also sick and tired of never having more than a handful of hours off, and never being completely sure what time zone I am waking up in.

The worst part of the entire experience was being so close to Cassie and not being able to do much about it. When I first suggested that we not sleep together until we’d had time to get to know one another, I figured we’d date in between flights. I hadn’t counted on the fact that there literally wasn’t any time to do anything but sleep and grab a bite to eat as we traveled either to or from the airport.

I’m exhausted and burned out, and that can’t possibly compare to how Cassie feels. She started this round of flying four days before I was assigned to her plane.

As far as I can tell, the way Northwest sent us out on one flight after another doesn’t technically violate any FAA laws, but I’m certain it’s not the way things are supposed to work. It’s no wonder that Cassie and a few of the other pilots I managed to speak to are cranky and irritated with the company. The long hours, combined with the way the company randomly changes the location we’re flying to, is beyond irritating.

The soles of Cassie’s rubber shoes slap against the asphalt, reminding me of the other reason I’ve been feeling out of sorts the past few days.

I tried talking to Cassie while we were flying, attempting to get to know what made her tick, what she liked, her family, but she had a knack for avoiding the topics and steering the conversation to the passengers we were shuttling around, the airport we were either flying into or out of, or the weather.

I don’t know any more about her than I did when we left Florence.

The worst part is that my damned cock doesn’t understand the concept of no sex. Every time I got near Cassie, it went hard and managed to stay that way until I either indulged in a little self-help or a cold shower. If something doesn’t give and soon, I just know I’m going to develop some sort of hideous and embarrassing medical condition.

I glance at the nine-year-old blue Chevy pickup I started driving when I decided I wanted to impersonate a normal guy who needed a job. It’s parked right where I left it, though the thick layer of dust it acquired while I was flying the friendly skies hides any trace of blue.

Cassie angles to a different section of the lot, heading toward an older model Buick Century that’s seen better days. I follow her.

“All this time together, and we haven’t had a chance to go on a single date,” I tell her. “We could change that right now. I know this cute little place that serves some of the best barbeque in San Antonio. It’s just five minutes from here. What do you say?”

Cassie glances over her shoulder at me. “Um, I can’t. I have to get home.”

“Okay, fair enough. I’m supposed to stop at my folks’ place tonight for a family dinner anyway.” I run a hand through my hair. “How ‘bout tomorrow night?”

Cassie shakes her head and digs into her pocket for her keys. “Family plans of my own.”

I narrow my eyes. This is starting to feel a lot like all those times when she refused to engage in any kind of personal conversation while we were flying. I get that she’s suspicious and that she’s had problems with guys before. I like to think that I’m fully prepared to give her all the time and space she needs, but I’m getting really tired of being blown off.

“Lunch tomorrow?”

“Can’t.” Cassie punches a button on her key fob and frowns when the Buick’s locks don’t respond. “Plans with my sister.”

She juggles the keys until she’s holding one. She jams it into the door’s keyhole and gives it a sharp twist. The lock clicks and she opens the door.

We’re scheduled to fly together in just five days and, considering how Northwest has handled our schedule the past few weeks, we might be in the cockpit again tomorrow, but I’m still reluctant to let her go before we nail down a time or place to meet. One way or another, I’m going to get to know the real Cassie.

“Fine. How about you choose a time that works for you and I’ll fit it into my schedule?”

Cassie slips behind the wheel. She starts the engine and buckles up her seat belt, somehow managing to make every single movement seem like an act of aggression.

I grab the side of the door before she can close it and drive away, which is exactly what I’m pretty sure she intended to do.

The last of my patience frays.

“Damnit, Cassie. You agreed that we should try and get to know one another. I’m doing everything in my power to make that happen while you do your level best to make things difficult. Tell me what it is you want.”

Cassie rests her hands on the bottom of the steering wheel and laughs bitterly. “You asked me that before, and I told you I didn’t know what I wanted.”

A chill settles over my heart as she rolls her shoulders. She turns her head, her dark eyes locking with mine.

“Since then I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about your question, and I’ve decided that what I want is to be left alone.” She pulls the Buick’s door closed. “I’ll give the scheduling office a call tomorrow and let them know that you and I aren’t compatible and that we’ll both need to be assigned to new copilots. Hopefully, it won’t be a problem.”

Her left foot presses down on the gas pedal and she peels out of the airport parking lot without another word. Leaving me alone and staring at her taillights.