Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
Price felt the tenuous thread between him and Addie. He wished it could be more, but at least she was willing to give him a chance. That was more than he’d hoped for since she found out the truth.
They held hands and talked the rest of the flight about family, friends, work, the Colevilles, her rebuilding her bungalow and how she would put central heat in.
He appreciated the way they could talk about everything. Still, when the plane descended toward the small northwestern Arizona valley that Addie called home, his stomach was twisted. If only he could stay with her, get to know her family, go to Daphne’s wedding with her.
But it was clear she was far from ready for that.
Paul landed smoothly and taxied to a stop. Price’s dread increased. He didn’t want to say goodbye.
Addie released his hand and stood. Price stood with her. Should he go meet her family or would that be too much? He looked out the window and could see a couple vehicles and a group of people.
“Thank you, Price. I guess I’ll see you … sometime.”
“If you want to.”
“I do.” She nodded. “I promise I do. I just need some time.”
“Okay.” He didn’t know what else to say.
Paul came out of the cockpit and smiled at both of them. “How was the flight?”
“Terrific,” Addie said. “You are a master.”
“Well, thank you. Loads of practice.”
He hurried to push the buttons to open the door.
Addie gave Price one more longing look. He waited for the gut punch of her turning and walking away.
But she stepped back in, fisted his shirt, pulled herself close, and kissed him. It was a beautiful kiss but full of longing and frustration as well. Price’s head was in the clouds and he was swept away by Addie’s kiss.
Before he could get his head on straight, refuse to let her go, and kiss her for a very long time, she released him and stepped back. “Thank you for giving me this time and space.”
He didn’t want to be away from her, but he’d honor her wishes. “Thank you for the kiss and for giving me another chance.”
She smiled. Then she turned and rushed past, muttering a quiet “thank you” to Paul.
The plane was suddenly very empty and very quiet.
Price was tempted to stride out into the calm, dry air, go meet her family, and give her a very long kiss goodbye, but she’d asked for time and space.
It was a small price to pay for her being willing to forgive him and give him a chance to earn her trust again.
It was still torture to tell Paul no when he asked if Price was staying.
He stood watching her reunite with her family through the windows as Paul closed the door and taxied away. He sat for takeoff, but only because Paul asked him to.
Flying away from Addie was like leaving his own arm behind.