Free Taken by You by Carlie Sexton

tonight, but she was so desperate for love she’d take everything that he had to give her and more. She would make him feel better.

Chapter 8

    Wednesday rolled around and Neil was going to spend his lunch break taking Kate to the airport. He wanted to make sure that she got there okay and caught her flight without any problems. She had checked online to ensure that her flight would be on time. Having packed only one bag, it was small enough to carry on. As she didn’t want to check her luggage, she wore the coat that she would need for Minnesota and took only the shoes on her feet.
    Neil pulled up to the terminal to drop her off. She had her ticket ready and was going to check in with the skycap. Neil put his hand on hers.
    “I’m going to miss you , baby. I wish that I could go with you.”
    “I’m going to miss you too, but it will only be for a couple of days.”
    “I know, but it is going to be tough.”
    “I’ll have my brother. He’s meeting me at the plane. He’ll be good moral support.”
    “I’m glad you two are close. How’s he taking the loss of your dad?”
    “He really hasn’t said too much about it , but he feels that dad abandoned him, as well.”
    “ Are you ready?”
    “Yes,” she said. “I just need some tissues.”
    “I think there are some in the glove compartment,” he said, leaning over to open it. He then reached down to pop the trunk and opened the car door. Kate found the tissues, but she also noticed a small photo album. She took it out and put it in her purse without Neil seeing. She wanted to take some pictures of him with her as a small comfort whilst away. Neil had already taken out her luggage and had placed it on the curb. He turned to hug her tight. He didn’t want to let go. Wrapped in Neil’s arms felt like being wrapped in a warm towel just out of the dryer on a cold winter’s night—safety and love rolled into one gorgeous package.
    ***
    Roger was circling the terminal to pick up Paulina and Jacob. He nearly caused an accident when he spotted Kate hugging some man. He pulled up, stopping practically right behind them. They didn’t notice him. He opened his glove compartment and took out a pen and paper jotting down the license plate number. He would have Rose run the plates and get an address on this guy. He couldn’t believe that he had just stumbled upon her. It was fate. He was meant to find her. This validated that she was the one for him.
    Searching so far had been a waste of time. He finally realized that she had actually quit her job. No doubt that this guy had talked her into it. SDSU had been pointless. Following Charlie had been a bust, too. She wasn’t at work the day he went there.
    To think, he was running into her here at the airport.
    He wanted to follow whoever this guy was home, but he couldn’t since he had to pick up Paulina and Jacob. He pulled out to circle again. He couldn’t risk Kate seeing him. She had already turned and walked up to the check-in. He smiled broadly just like the day that he first talked to her on the phone. Everything was falling into place.
    Suddenly a worrisome thought crossed his mind. Where was she going and how long would she be gone? She only had one bag, so it couldn’t be for more than a few days. At least it didn’t look like she was leaving and never coming back. He would give it a few days and then he would begin watching this guy’s place. Coming up with an excuse for his absence to placate Paulina would be simple.
    ***
    Kate wheeled her suitcase behind her as she made her way to security. The line was long, but she had plenty of time. She stood in line behind a couple who looked very much in love. They reminded her of Neil and her. She wondered if they were going on their honeymoon. She noticed her brother about ten people ahead of her. Seeing him relaxed her, and she was glad that she wouldn’t have to fly alone. He was only two years younger and they had always been very close, so she would cherish