His Flight Plan by Yvette Hines

Rhine, her knight in shining armor, had walked back into her life from the night.
    The only thing she could do as she led them both toward her house was send up a quick prayer hoping this would end differently than her other relationships.
    * * * *
    “So, how did you find me?”
    He glanced at the beauty beside him as he followed Kiera’s instructions and pulled into a spot close to Freedom Park in Uptown Charlotte. “I remembered Queen City Youth Center, the name of your place and where you’d flown in from.” He turned off the car and got out to open her door. “Since I had business in town I figured I’d look you up. Is that all right?”
    “Yes.” She stared up at him from her seat as he stood with her door held wide, then smiled. “I’m glad you did, Drake.” Taking the hand he offered her, she got out.
    She slipped her hand around his bicep as they walked into the spacious, well-lit park. There was something about her touch and hold on him that felt comfortable, right.
    “May I ask what business you were conducting here?”
    “Of course. However, so we are clear, the only reason I didn’t tell you about it before was because it was still being negotiated and I didn’t want to jinx it.”
    “Understandable.” She stroked the inside of his arm with her thumb.
    The soft brush through the fabric of his short sleeve dress shirt sent warmth through his body as he flexed his muscle. “My brother and I just bought the airport in Harrisburg.”
    She stopped and turned to him as they stood before the colorful waterfall. “Are you serious?”
    “If the feeling of pride that has been stretching my heart for the last five hours means anything, I’m very serious.” He smiled down at her. Kiera was absolutely stunning. Even though she wasn’t dressed up, just wearing slacks, a soft green blouse, and low pumps, she still managed to take his breath away.
    “That’s wonderful. So, are you here to stay?” Her hazel eyes glowed.
    He wanted to believe it was happiness at the thought of him living close to her that filled her gaze. “Not quite. I have a few things to tie up in Chicago. I should be back in a month or so. Then I’ll be here to stay.”
    “That’s great.” A smile graced her lips, stretching her full mouth wide.
    Captivated by the shimmer of her gloss he stepped to her, but kept his hands to himself. “I don’t want to assume that in the time since we last saw each other that you are still single. You’re a lovely woman and I’m sure men are chasing after you day and night.”
    “Only the men that want to scream at me about their unruly children.” Her smile wavered and a shadow came into her gaze.
    “You sure you’re not hurt?”
    “I’m fine, and unattached.”
    Silence stretched on as they stood there gazing at each other. The echo of the water streaming down the wall and the occasional steps and light conversation of other pedestrians drifted by, but nothing broke the connection between them.
    Reaching up, he caressed her chin, then up along her jaw to her earlobe with the conservative diamond stud. “I want to kiss you again, Kiera.”
    Her eyes fluttered as he stroked the shell of her ear. “What’s stopping you?”
    “Me.” He closed the gap between them, then slipped his arm around her waist. “You see, sweet lady, I have this thing for you. A bad case. I know that if I taste your sweet lips again I won’t be able to stop there. I don’t want to begin something I can’t finish.”
    She placed a hand at the center of his chest, then glided it up and around the back of his neck. There she squeezed. “Then finish it.”
    Searching her gaze, he wanted to be sure she understood completely what he was hinting at. “I want to make love to you, Kiera Stanfield.”
    “Good. Because that’s what I want you to do.” She leaned toward him and her eyelids drifted shut as she tilted her chin up and offered him her lips.
    He stepped back and took her hand.
    When her lids shot up,