Dates And Other Nuts Read Online Free PDF Page A

hear him.
    The whole town would hear him.
    Again, Temple studied her reflection in the mirror, wondering if she had time to do something about her nose as she watched the traffic of passengers in various states of haste passing behind her.
    Couples were parting with hugs, kisses and tearful smiles. For a moment, she felt a pang of envy which she quickly pushed aside.
    â€œI don’t know how you do it, Gin. You and Mike have gone together for what? Two years?”
    Temple couldn’t find a man who held her interest for more than two days. Not even for Grams. Lately she could hardly make it through four hours with one.
    â€œAre you two thinking of marriage?”
    Ginny shrugged and poured ketchup into plastic bottles. “I don’t know. There are still some things to work out,” she said. “Mike’s not crazy about children and I want a houseful.”
    â€œHe’ll come around.”
    â€œI’m not counting on it. He had my Chia Pet spayed for my birthday.”
    Grinning, Temple glanced at her watch, took a last sip of coffee and slid off the stool. “Running late. See you later.”
    â€œHey,” Ginny called. “Your birthday’s coming up. Shall I start looking for a cat?”
    â€œI’ll think about it,” Temple said, heading toward the exit. The idea was sounding better to her all the time.
    Scotty was in the copilot seat, clipboard in hand, going down the preflight list when Temple stepped inside the door of the small cockpit.
    â€œCoffee, gentlemen?”
    â€œLove of my life,” Scotty said, taking one cup.
    This morning’s flight was aboard a Saab 340 aircraft with a crew of three: pilot, first officer and flight attendant. The aircraft, with one-by-two seating, represented a whole new generation of planes built especially for shorter-distance flying. The cockpit was equipped with state-of-the-art avionics technology. It was one of Temple’s favorite planes.
    Squeezing around her, Craig took his seat at the controls. The rush of heat at the unexpected contact took Temple by surprise. It was all-encompassing, like being bathed in tropical sunlight. Her cheeks flamed and she stared at him, trying to understand what had happened.
    Craig took the cup of coffee from her. “Something wrong?”
    â€œNo, uh...everything’s fine, thanks.” What was that about? Shivers for Craig Stevens? Since when? Just because he was wearing Old Spice after-shave, her absolute favorite.
    Scotty sipped his coffee gratefully. “Didn’t have time for any at home this morning. Steph was up all night with the baby.”
    â€œNothing serious, I hope?” Temple leaned against the door frame, her equilibrium regained.
    â€œTeething.” Laying aside the clipboard, Scotty took another sip of his coffee. “Funny how quick you forget things,” he said. “Pete and Cari are five and six now. Steph and I had forgotten the number of times we had to get up at night to massage sore gums and try to get aspirin down a baby. But, alas, I see I bore you.” He grinned.
    Craig settled his sunglasses on his nose and adjusted them. Temple noticed the way his hair lay smoothly against the nape of his neck, the attractive way the crisp, navy and light blue uniform fit him like a glove, defining his broad shoulders and muscled thighs—
    Geez, Burney, what is the matter with you? Craig’s your best friend? You’re ogling him like a potential, clandestine lover! Ooohh, now there’s a thought.
    Shaking the fantasy aside, she made herself concentrate on what Scotty was saying.
    â€œYou two need to find somebody and settle down.” He handed his cup back to Temple. “Stop all this running around with strangers, going home alone, waking up to Pop-Tarts in the toaster and instant coffee.”
    â€œYou sound like Grams,” she said.
    â€œI like Pop-Tarts,” Craig grunted, frowning at his clipboard.
    â€œEleven