Runway Romance (Love in the Air Trilogy) Read Online Free PDF Page A

both ways. And, what’s the big deal if Rocky’s gay or not? You’d be lucky to call him a friend. I know I am. Excuse me.” Jenny turned, her carry-on wheels swiveling perfectly behind her.
    The red light by her flight told her she wouldn’t get past the first security check, but she headed through the door that led to the inner corridors anyway. At least it would get her away from Jessica.
    “People can be so stupid,” she grumbled. After heading down the hallway to the left, making a quick jog to the right, another right, and then another left until she came to a four-way intersection. “Something’s not right here.”
    Jenny retraced her steps, but realized she had gotten turned around somewhere. “What in the heck? Where am I? The security check station should be on my left.” All she saw was a large bank of windows leading into a beige meeting room with long tables and chairs. “I need one of those ‘You Are Here’ maps.”
    “Can I help you?”
    Jenny looked up to see Mr. Baggage Handler in a midnight blue jumpsuit with large head phones wrapped around his neck, along with a pair of safety goggles. His eyes were the most amazing shade of turquoise, some ethereal blend of green and blue.
    “It’s you. You may not remember me. We met on the tarmac.”
    “Of course I remember you. You look lost.”
    “Yes, well, I think I am. I thought I knew this airport like the back of my hand. I was looking for the first security checkpoint.”
    “Which one? There’s a couple, depending on your status.”
    “I only know of one. Do they have names?”
    “Not officially.”
    “Okay, I’ll bite, what are the unofficial names?”
    “The first checkpoint for flight crew, except for pilots, is called… Are you sure you want to hear this?”
    “Definitely. I’ve heard it all. I won’t be shocked.”
    “Okay.” The man grinned slightly and rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger.
    Jenny couldn’t help noticing his tidily trimmed fingernails. Did his girlfriend remind him to get a manicure or was that his own doing, she wondered. Jenny realized she hadn’t heard what he was saying. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
    “Skirt. Some newbies tried to change it to Tail, but the seasoned vets weren’t having any of that.”
    Jenny scowled. “What do they call the pilot’s checkpoint?”
    “Dick.”
    Jenny winced. “There are female pilots, you know.”
    “More male than female.”
    “Next?”
    “Minions. Like me. We do the grunt work of delivering and retrieving.”
    “You get to drive those cute little cars with the wagons behind?”
    “I’ve never heard it described like that before, but yes.” The man’s eyes flashed with amusement.
    “I’ve always wanted to try that.”
    “Come on by anytime. I’ll let you ride with me.”
    “I don’t want to ride. I want to drive!”
    “Can’t let you do that unless you’ve gone through training.”
    “How hard can it be?”
    “Well, it’s not that it’s hard. Pretty much like driving a car. But you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times and you’re wearing head gear so you can’t hear the sounds around you.”
    “So, you wouldn’t know if a plane was barreling down the runway?”
    “I’d know because I can feel it, but not because I can hear it.”
    “Does that heighten all your other senses?”
    “It does.”
    “Oh, gosh, where are my manners. I’m Jenny, Jenny Collins.” Jenny held out her hand.
    “I’m Richard Novatney.” He took Jenny’s hand in his and squeezed gently. “My friends call me Rich.”
    “Am I your friend?”
    “You are now.” Rich smiled broadly, his eyes dancing. They seemed to shine brighter than the overhead fluorescent lighting.
    They held hands a few seconds too long, creating an awkward tension. Jenny was surprised to find she liked the feel of his hand in hers. Something about the different textures made her want to wrap her hands around his and explore every nuance.
    Rich cleared his