Free Rerouted Obsession - A Sexy New Adult Contemporary Romance Novella by Amelia Basinger

being lied to, or if it was because Will had been only pretending to be interested in her.
    “In the beginning, that’s what I thought, but after ten minutes of being around you, I just wanted to know you more, and I knew that wasn’t the case,” Will said honestly. “I didn’t outright lie to you. I just didn’t correct your assumption. I like you, Scarlett. I want to get to know you even better. I’m sorry if I led you to believe something other than the truth,” he said, ducking his head in guilt.
    Scarlett sat quietly for a moment. Things had not turned out like she had planned. She had developed real feelings for someone for the first time since her engagement, but she had also been deceived, just like she had been by her former fiancée.
    Knowing the silence was torturing Will, Scarlett reached over and placed her hand on top of Will’s. “The money doesn’t matter to me as much as you think. I was only trying to keep the airport in the family,” she admitted. “I like you too. I honestly do, but I think I’m going to need some time to figure out how I feel about this. It isn’t about the money. I was thinking you were someone you weren’t, and you did nothing to change that until now,” she continued, blinking away her tears.
    “I understand. I was afraid you wouldn’t be interested in spending any more time with me if I told you the truth,” Will told her.
    “Contrary to popular belief, I’m not that shallow. Don’t get me wrong, money is nice, but, like I just said, the only reason I was attempting to get with the man buying the airport was to keep it in the family,” she continued. “The airport means the world to me and my sister, and this is the only place we’ve ever called home.”
    “Well, I can promise you that Jake isn’t your typical, heartless businessman. He told me before we left that he was pretty sure he wanted to keep Jim in charge of all operations here. That would include staff choices,” Will explained.
    Scarlett couldn’t believe her ears. Her crazy plan hadn’t even been needed in the first place. Sometimes, she really should just listen to Abby. She had tried to warn her.
    “You have no idea how great that is to hear,” Scarlett said, a big smile spreading across her face.
    “I know you feel like I lied to you, and I’m sorry. I hope you can forgive me and give us a chance,” Will said, tentatively reaching for her hand, which was resting on the console.
    Scarlett didn’t pull her hand away.“I want to give us a chance too,” she confessed, giving his hand a squeeze.
     
    * * * *
     
    “Where is Scarlett?” Abby asked with a slight edge of panic. They had only been at the airport half an hour, and it had quickly become utter chaos. Passengers were arriving and demanding to know when their plane was scheduled to leave; only two mechanics had made it in so far; and Scarlett, the go-to answer girl at the airport, was nowhere to be found.
    “Earlier, Will told me they would make it here as soon as they could,” Jake said. “I’ve tried calling his cell, but he must not have any service.”
    “I know, I can’t get Scarlett on the phone, either. Do you think you could do me a big favor?” Abby asked as she whizzed around the office.
    “Sure. Anything,” Jake replied.
    “Out of our six mechanics, only me and two others have shown up so far. I’m stuck in here until Scarlett gets here. Do you think you can go and help them get the planes and runway ready for operating?” Abby asked.
    “I’m on it. We’ll get it covered,” Jake said with a nod and hurried to get to work.
    Abby wouldn’t worry as much now while she and her dad talked to air traffic control and tried to get a new flight schedule sorted out. She believed Jake was capable of handling the tasks.
    “I’m sure she’ll be here as soon as she can,” her father called over his shoulder.
    “I know, I know,” Abby replied as she held the phone against her ear. It felt like she had been