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

throat, then removed his hand from hers.
    Jenny blushed as she placed her hand back at her side.
    “What’s the next, um, security check?”
    “Formality. It’s usually shortened to Form. It’s more like paying lip-service to security. No one’s ever been stopped in Form. It’s mostly for visiting police officers or security staff who’ve already been given clearance a long time ago.
    We also have Digs. That’s for Dignitaries, famous people and folks who need more security than the average John Q. Public.”
    “Why not just call them number one, two, three?”
    “Where’s the fun in that?”
    “So I’m a Skirt, huh? Flight attendants haven’t been required to wear skirts in years. What about male FAs?”
    “They’re Skirt, too. And, I’m pretty sure a few of them actually wear skirts, even if it’s only in their off hours.”
    “Well, I’m looking for Skirt.”
    “You aren’t too far off, it’s around this bend, make a left and then another left and you’ll be there.”
    “Would you be willing to come with me? Just in case I get lost again.”
    “Sure. I’m on a break.”
    “Thank you. I feel better knowing I’m with someone who knows where they’re going. I thought I knew this airport so well. Preoccupied, I guess.”
    They began walking toward the first security checkpoint. “If I get preoccupied, people die.”
    “That’s a bit dramatic, isn’t it?”
    “Ever been hit by a vehicle loaded down with an airplane full of baggage behind it?”
    “Almost.”
    They exchanged smiles.
    “Even when you stop the cart, the weight of the storage cars behind propels the vehicle forward.”
    “No stopping on a dime?”
    “Not even on a quarter.”
    “How about a dollar?”
    Rich chuckled.
    “How long have you worked here?” Jenny asked.
    “Fifteen years. My father worked for Ballinger his entire life.”
    “That’s amazing. I don’t know anyone who’s been at the same job for ten years, let alone a lifetime.”
    “I think he instilled that same sense of work ethic in me.”
    “The question is, is the company as loyal to you as you are to it?”
    “So far, yes.”
    “That’s very good to hear.”
    “You don’t like Ballinger?”
    “I like them a lot, but I also know they’ve been cutting back on expenses.”
    “Flight crew is the last place they’ll make changes. Guys like me will get the axe way before a Skirt will ever get cut.”
    “I’m finding that term really distasteful. It makes me sound like some dim-witted woman who’s easy on the eyes but otherwise worthless.”
    “That’s how some FAs treat the job.”
    “Not the ones I’ve worked with.”
    “Maybe you and your co-workers represent a higher class of flight attendant.”
    “We like to think so. We call ourselves the Navy Seals of FAs.”
    “Clever. I like that.”
    A long table on the left, an x-ray machine on the right and a metal detector between the two came into view. Two men were standing nearby.
    “Guess this is the place. Thank you, Rich. I’m not sure how I got so turned around.”
    “My pleasure. Anytime. And, if you ever want to ride with me on a run, just let me know.” Richard pulled a card from his pocket with his name, phone and e-mail address. “Just call me.”
    “I will. Thanks.”
    Rich headed back toward the hallway they came from as Jenny was screened.
    “Your flight doesn’t leave for several hours?”
    “I know I’m early. I just couldn’t wait in the flight lounge a minute longer. You can check my credentials. I bought a book to read. No one will even know I’m around.”
    The guards eyed her suspiciously, then glanced at the screen confirming her credentials.
    “Okay this time, but don’t let it happen again.”
    “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
    When she was given the “all clear,” she headed to the next checkpoint.
    “Nice Skirt,” one of the men said.
    “Very nice Skirt.”
    “You think Rich has a chance?”
    “Not in a million years.”
    “Twenty bucks