Free Runway Romance (Love in the Air Trilogy) by Merri Hiatt

closed her eyes as a warm sensation slid down her spine, settling in her knees. Her hands found their way around his neck, her fingers tugging lightly at his hair.
    Their bodies aligned hip-to-hip when Rich’s arms surrounded her, pulling her closer still. Everywhere he touched seemed to be alive with nerve endings. They tingled and pulsed as he awakened the embers of fire lying just below the surface.
    Rich leaned back so he could look into Jenny’s eyes. “I wanted to do that since the moment I met you.”
    Jen’s smile formed slowly. “The timing was perfect.”
    The pause that followed was filled with electric awkwardness. Jenny didn’t know whether to kiss Richard again, thank him for settling her driving nerves or ask him to come inside. “I’ll get my shoes.” She spun quickly out of his arms and into the house, shutting the door behind her.
    After taking a few steps, she winced. She quickly reopened the door. “Sorry.”
    “I love a woman who kisses me, then slams the door in my face.” Rich’s smile deflected any ill-will in his comment.
    “Would you like to come in?”
    “You’ll just be a minute, right?”
    “Yeah.”
    “I’ll wait out here.”
    “I’m really sorry.”
    “Forget about it.” He leaned forward and kissed her quickly on the cheek.
    “It’s forgotten. I’ll be right back.”
    True to her word, Jenny was back with sneakers in tow within less than a minute.
    “I thought I’d take you to the old movie theater parking lot. The only thing you can hit there is a lamp post.”
    “I’m not worried about hitting anything.”
    Once they were in the car heading to their destination, Rich said, “I thought that was why most people didn’t want to drive.”
    “That’s probably true.” Jenny shared the story about the accident.
    “So, you’re worried about someone hitting you?”
    Jenny nodded.
    Rich thought for a moment. “I think defensive driving is what we’ll focus on. Ways you can respond if you think someone is going to hit you. First, we’ll start with the basics. If you have a good foundation, it makes everything else easier.”
    “I already know all this stuff. It’s the other drivers I need help with.”
    “We’ll get to that. Every car feels a bit different. You need to get to know the car first. I’m going to have you drive slow, then put the brakes on gently. Then, do it again, only this time slam on the brakes. Then, one more time, driving fast right from the start and then putting on the brakes. Got it?”
    “Got it. I still don’t know why, though.”
    “You will.”
    “You’re the driving coach.”
    When they arrived at the parking lot, Rich reviewed his instructions again. Jenny did as she was told, pressing the gas pedal lightly. The engine made a roaring sound, but the car didn’t move. She tried again.
    “Did you go over your checklist first?”
    “Yes. I’ve done everything.”
    Rich raised his eyebrows, questioning her reply.
    “What? I did. You saw me. I checked everything. Mirror, seat belt, radio is off, car is in drive, emergency brake is… Oh. Guess I forgot that one.” She released the emergency brake.
    “From the top.”
    “Okay.” Jenny pressed the gas pedal lightly and the car moved forward. She followed Rich’s instructions. “I see what you mean. When I was going fast and braked, the car pulled to the right a little bit. Now that I know that, I can compensate if I ever have to brake quickly when I’m going fast.”
    “Exactly. Give this student an A+.”
    Jenny giggled. “This is actually making me feel more in control. I usually feel like the car is driving me, not the other way around.”
    “I have some orange cones in the back. Let’s work on steering.”
    “I’m ready.”
    “Pop the trunk.”
    As Rich got out, Jenny popped the trunk, thinking to herself that she really was ready for this. She couldn’t run scared all her life. It was just like the ghost flight. Everyone was freaking out and not wanting to be