Dates And Other Nuts Read Online Free PDF

years tomorrow I asked Steph to marry me, and miracle of miracles she said yes. We’re getting a sitter and going out to dinner Friday night.”
    â€œWow,” Temple teased, underwhelmed by the plans.
    â€œHey, don’t knock it. It may not be laser lights and rockets, but it’s nice. Comfortable. The kind of familiarity that makes it—” He stopped midsentence, looking a little embarrassed at his pleasure in the relationship he shared with his wife. “Well, we’ll have a quiet, candlelight dinner with wine, then home—to bed. Early.” He winked at Craig. “It’s not bad. Trust me.”
    Smothering a sigh of frustration, Temple retrieved Craig’s coffee cup. “I envy you, Scotty. Find me a man just like Steph, and I’ll marry him on the spot.”
    â€œJust like Steph?”
    â€œWell.” She grinned. “With a few significant differences.”
    Stowing his clipboard, Craig began final preparations. “Can’t you two think of anything but marriage?”
    â€œGiving you the creepy-crawlies?” Scotty laughed.
    â€œNot me,” Temple said easily, aware Craig was as shy of matrimony as she had once been. “I wish I could find Mr. Marvelous.”
    â€œYou’re looking at him, sweetheart.” Winking, Craig smiled at her and her pulse jumped erratically at the familiar gesture. It wasn’t unusual for him to wink at her, but this morning it seemed somehow different.
    â€œMaybe you’re looking in the wrong places,” Craig mused aloud, studying a chart.
    â€œYou’d think I was looking under rocks, judging by the candidates I’ve been coming up with,” she said dryly. “Just tell me where to look, and I’ll gladly check it out.”
    â€œIf I knew, I’d be looking there myself.” Putting away the chart, he smiled. “All okay. Ready to get these people to their destinations?”
    Temple saluted, smiling. “Aye, aye, Captain.”
    Later, she did what she did best. She took care of her passengers, the part of her job she never tired of. Over the years, she’d formed numerous friendships with frequent fliers, keeping in touch by Christmas cards and an occasional letter.
    â€œNuts?
    â€œCoffee, juice or soft drink?
    â€œI’m sure you’ll be at your gate on time.
    â€œNo, ma’am, it’s perfectly safe to use the lavatory when the plane is banking.
    â€œNo, ma’am, really. You won’t fall out.
    â€œMagazine?
    â€œAnother aircraft? Yes, sir, I’m sure the captain is aware of its presence. Yes, I’ll bring it to his attention—just in case.
    â€œJust a noise, ma’am. No, I don’t think anything’s wrong with the engine. I can’t identify the source, but it’s nothing to be concerned about.”
    The usual questions, usual answers, but important to the passengers.
    Ten hours and seven touchdowns later, they landed back in Dallas. With the last passenger disembarked, the galley secured, magazines returned to their places, Temple picked up her shoulder bag and stuck her head into the pilots’ compartment.
    â€œNeed anything?”
    â€œNope, just about ready to go,” Scotty said, reading off the last two items of the post-flight check.
    Five minutes later, the three of them were striding toward the terminal.
    â€œWhat’s on for tonight, Scotty?” Craig asked.
    â€œQuiet night at home.”
    â€œHow about you, Burney? Got a hot date?”
    There it was again. A ting...a delicious little wave when he spoke to her.
    â€œNot even a lukewarm one.”
    â€œNo date? Something wrong?”
    â€œNo, just tired.”
    â€œToo many late nights,” he teased.
    â€œSure, just like yours.”
    â€œAnyone game for breakfast in the morning before our flight?” Craig asked.
    â€œNot me,” Scotty said. “On these hours, I can’t eat before