With Honor (16 page)

“Ready?”

He stood there, his hand out for her to take so he could lead her to his plane where they’d fly into the sky–together. She could do this, and could trust him. He’d never allow her or the baby to be hurt. Without another second’s hesitation, she placed her hand into his. A sense of security blanketed her. She wasn’t sure where the safety stemmed from, but it felt good. He’d planned his day flying and had included her. His thoughtfulness meant a lot to her.

As they walked across the grassy field, Jasmine made no move to remove her hand from Shane’s, and neither did he. In fact, he threaded his fingers with hers and it felt right. The wildflowers growing along the path put off a sweet aroma and the pungent grass was strong in the air. The sun beat down, but a slight breeze made it feel nice. The clear blue sky offered peace.

Yes, it was a good day for a ride in the sky.

Shane helped her inside the small blue and gold plane with the bold letters,
Flying Ace
written across the side. She settled into the brown leather seat and glanced around the tiny inside, which reminded her of a toy plane. The dashboard looked simple and uncomplicated. The warmth made sweat bead between her breasts. She shifted in the seat and watched Shane through the outside mirror as he inspected the plane. After he finished his examination, he joined her inside the cockpit. Sharing the space with him made the temperature rise, but she wasn’t as uncomfortable as she thought she’d be. In fact, she relished in his touch as his arm brushed up against hers.

He pulled on the earpiece so that he had contact with the controller.

He seemed confident at the helm–or whatever they called it in the plane. Not everyone had the bravery to fly. Compared to the jets he usually flew, she guessed this was nothing.

“Time for seat belts.” Instead of giving her time to find hers, he reached across her lap and grabbed both metal ends of the straps and tugged them around her, clicking the pieces together. He adjusted the material to make sure they were snug. “There you are. Safe and sound.”

“Yes, snug as a bug in a rug.”
Snug as a bug in a rug?
Rolling her eyes, she wasn’t sure where that came from. Nerves maybe? She blew her hair out of her face and relaxed back into the seat.

“Your first run always causes a case of nerves.” Shane said.

“That obvious?”

“No worries. I won’t let a thing happen to you.” He winked and put his sunglasses on as he spoke to the controller and started the engine. The loud roar of the engine came alive and vibrated the plane. The sound soothed her. She enjoyed watching his deft hands move as he checked the switches and knobs, turning and dialing them. His muscles tightened and stretched the sleeves of his shirt.

The plane moved and they were off to a start. Jasmine clutched the arms of her seat and swallowed the stiffness rising within her throat. A mantra flooded her mind. “I am safe. I am safe. I am safe.” She closed her eyes and allowed the hum of the engine to ease her tension.

Little time had passed, then she heard Shane say, “You can open your eyes now.”

Popping open one eye, she saw pale blue. Then she opened the other and realized they were above the ground. Staring out her window, she was surprised that she didn’t feel the need to upchuck.

“Not so bad, eh?” He smiled as he clicked a button on his right. “She doesn’t have AC, but with the side windows open and the fan on, it’ll keep the heat at bay.”

“Not too bad. I trust you can handle this itty bitty thing compared to that expensive jet.” She nibbled the corner of her mouth.

Scrubbing his jaw, his amazing smile broke over his features. “Actually, this is a little harder to fly than my jet. They make billion dollar aircrafts as easy to fly as slicing bread. These babies are a challenge. That’s what makes them worth learning to fly.”

Air seemed to leave her lungs.

“But, baby, I’ve been flying this here plane for ten years.”

“This plane in particular?” she asked.

His rich laughter filled the space. “Yes, this particular plane. She’s never failed me yet.”

“Hmm. Interesting thing about that statement is, if she fails now we’re as good as dead and we’d never know.”

“Jasmine?” His voice turned soft and silken. “Jasmine? Look at me.”

She did. His sunglasses were off and his eyes were the most fantastic color of understanding she’d ever seen. “Mm?”

“Everything will be okay. I promise.”

His words were like a salve to her tension. With him, all would be well.

Serenity filled the rest of the journey. She enjoyed the scenery and the inner peace of being hundreds of feet above anyone and everything except the clouds and an occasional bird in the distance. Shane pointed out familiar places on the ground and told her about funny situations of when he first learned to fly. She laughed and all traces of nerves vanished.

“Well, it looks like we have arrived,” he said after an hour in the sky.

“Arrived?” She looked down below.

The landing was smooth. Fifteen minutes later, they were clear to exit. Getting out of the plane, she stretched and gazed around the area where they had set the plane down. She had no idea where they were. The area looked like an empty field to her. Wanting to ask Shane, she turned and he was already gone. “Hello? Shane?” She moved around the side of the plane and found him returning with a picnic basket.

“Did that just appear?” she asked.

“I had it delivered to the airfield back in San Antonio and one of the guys made sure it got into the plane for me.”

At a cross between surprised and impressed, she said, “How thoughtful of you.”

They’d walked a short distance when they came to a cliff. Jasmine heard running water and peered over the edge. She caught a glimpse of the jagged rocks down below. “What is that? Is that a rushing creek?”

Shane shook his head. “A waterfall, city girl.” He laughed. “Come a little farther down.” He motioned for her to follow.

Standing beside him, Jasmine stared out into paradise. Water splashed from the rock wall and puddled in a crystal blue pond.

“So, what do you think? Worth the trip?

“Yes, it’s lovely. Where are we?”

“South of San Antonio in a town called Rose. This is a preserved region owned by a good friend of mine, Walter Thomas. He actually lived next to my family when I was a kid. Maybe you will meet him one day. He has more stories than a fairytale book.”

“I’d like that. This certainly is a miniature utopia.”

“Would you like to eat up here on the grass, or down on the rocks, closer to the waterfall?”

“Is it okay if we venture down?” She couldn’t keep the anticipation from her voice.

“Sure. I’ll help you. The path is a little uneven and spots may be slippery.”

Laying her hand in his, she found his touch an added pleasure of the scenery.

They ate pasta salad, turkey on crackers, cheese slices, and chocolate dipped strawberries. When they were finished, she was stuffed. Together they put away the disposable dishes. “That was delicious, Shane. You thought of everything.” The sound of the water hitting the rocks calmed her. Once upon a time she’d have been in the water instead of watching from the bank. What stopped her? “I bet you didn’t think of one thing.” She stood up.

“And what is that?” His eyes held her with gentleness.

“Bathing suits.”

“Yes, I forgot,” he said in a whisper.

“Why allow the water to go to waste? And the privacy?” Sliding out of her heels, and grabbing the hem of her shirt, she tugged it off. The rest of her clothing followed until she stood before him in only her thong. Placing her hands on hips and tilting her chin, she said in what she hoped was a sexy voice, “Well, are you coming or not?” Not waiting for his answer, she strolled toward the edge of the water and dipped her toe in, testing the temperature. “Brrr.”

Shane came up beside her, completely naked. She took in his masculine beauty. There wasn’t any part of his body that needed lifting or toned.

“Mm. Nice,” she said. Movement below his waist caught her attention. “Very nice.” She laughed. “This water will take care of that problem.”

Taking his erection into his palm, he made several quick thrusts. “Poor fellow.” Shane clicked his tongue. “Nothing worse than getting shot down before you have the chance to fully rise to the occasion.” He shrugged and continued to stride slowly into the water until he stood waist deep. “Come in. This is your idea, remember? The temperature isn’t so bad once you get used to it.” He dipped lower and swam.

“Okay, I’m coming.” Although she didn’t like the cold, she did want to be in the water with him. He was right. Her body adjusted and she met him in the middle.

His gaze held hers. “The water is perfect,” he said. “Great idea you had.”

“I do come up with some good ones once in a while. Maybe I did have an ulterior motive, though.”

“And what would that be?” His eyes twinkled.

“To get you naked,” she said with a wink.

He inhaled a deep breath and disappeared into the water. Jasmine darted her glance around and couldn’t see him. A cat and mouse game. She laughed. Eventually he’d grab her, she knew it and waited. Her anticipation grew as she waded. Time ticked and she began to worry. This was an old trick, she reminded herself. Yet, what if it was one time that something did happen. “Shane? I don’t want to play this.”

Nothing.

Her throat clogged with fear. She searched through the water but couldn’t see him. Just as she started to scream his hand touched her bottom and squeezed, making her jump in alarm. He came to the top, expertly tugging her body against his naked hips. “Damn you for scaring me.” She attempted to pull away but he held her and nuzzled her neck with his lips.

He brought his face up and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Forgive me, sweetheart.”

How could she be angry with him when he made a face that melted her heart? “I see the water didn’t take care of the issue for too long.” She referred to the fact that was poking her, literally.

“Come hell or cold water, nothing can keep me down.” A mischievous smile darted across his lips. He had a way with words.

She wouldn’t have been more affected if he’d licked her from ankle to inner thigh. Bringing her arms around his shoulders and her legs about his waist, her inner thighs pressed against the subject at hand. “I’m not complaining.”

His large hands gripped her hips and lifted her slightly. Pushing her thong aside, he spread her until she wrapped him like a leather glove. Her moan of pleasure entwined with the soft crashing of the water. “Shane…” His name spilled from her parted lips. He warmed her body with an intensity that only he could give her.

“Yes, baby.” His breath swept against her neck. “Feels good.”

“This…this is heavenly.” Nature’s sounds surrounded them in a tribal dance of harmony.

“This is ecstasy.” Licking her neck and collarbone, he rolled his hips, penetrating her deeper. She called out his name again and again, until together they surrendered to orgasm.

Chapter 12

Jasmine lounged on the rocks, soaking in the sun as it dried her body. Shane lay next to her, twirling the tip of his finger around her erect nipple. Bringing her head up and looking at him, she smiled at his mischievous expression as he stared at her breasts. Usually she’d feel self-conscious, but with the look of appreciation in his eyes, she felt only excitement. Her body recovered from the two orgasms she’d had in the water and now she had another wave of urgency. How was it possible that she couldn’t get enough?

“You are beautiful, Jasmine. If I were an artist I would never put away my paints.” His voice was thick with desire. He continued to trace the beaded bud as she watched. Butterflies fluttered inside her stomach. His hand drifted to her belly and cupped the mound. A tender touch that made her tingle. “Lovely.”

“You’re not so bad yourself, pilot.” As she slipped her gaze over his nude body, a bittersweet ache oozed along her insides, downward into the apex of her thighs. His fingers dipped lower, sliding across her sensitive folds and flicked her clit. Her body was uber sensitive.

“I aim to please.”

“I melt under your touch,” she said through trembling lips.