Cockpit: A Second Chance Romance by Joanna Blake Page B

stepped outside to see Jagger leaning on his bike. He hadn't wanted to come in tonight apparently. I couldn't say I could blame him.
    He just held out his hand and handed me the helmet. I took it, strapping it on. He didn't say a word. Neither did I.
    But I didn't want him to take me home yet. I wrapped my arms around him while he straddled the bike and put his helmet on.
    "I don't want to go home yet."
    He glanced over his shoulder at me.
    "We're going to talk, Jenny."
    I rubbed my shoulder against his leather jacket in response. He started the bike and took off. This time he didn't go slow.
    Maybe it's because he was upset. Maybe it's because I was dressed properly this time. Maybe it's because he didn't feel as protective of me.
    But this time, Jagger went fas t. I could still feel the tight control he had as he drove a half hour into the mountains. Up and up we went until I could smell the green and the trees and water.
    There was a cool mountain lake up here. I'd never been, though Crystal and I had talked about going when the babies were a little older. I knew that's where he was taking me.
    By the time he stopped, I knew I had to tell him the truth.
    He got off the bike and took his helmet off, staring at me in the darkness. The moon was almost full, shining brightly on the lake. It was cool up here, not like the blazing hot sand where the base was situated. I looked around at the trees.
    That was the thing I missed the most since Dad had been stationed here. The trees.
    We walked towards the lake in silence, then along the shore until we found a large rock. I sat and waited. He stood there for a while, one leg up, just looking at me.
    "Jenny..."
    He ran his hands through his hair, staring out at the lake.
    "I want to know what we are doing here. Together, I mean. If this is going anywhere."
    He looked at me.
    "I want it to. Do you?"
    I inhaled sharply at the look in his eyes. He was open to me. No arrogance. No walls.
    I tried to make light of it and failed.
    "How far do you want it to go?"
    He leaned forward and cupped my cheek. He was utterly serious, ignoring my lame attempt at humor.
    "All the way Jenny. If you'll let me in."
    I wasn't ready to hear him. To let him make me soft and vulnerable. I gave him a flirtatious look.
    "I thought I already had."
    He stepped back, anger darkening his eyes.
    "Dammit Jenny, that's not what I mean!"
    I took a deep breath. I had to take a moment to calm my heart. When I looked at him, I was serious too.
    "I know."
    He gave me a small, crooked smile. As if he was laughing at himself. At us.
    "We are both kind of a mess, aren't we?"
    I nodded.
    "What was it back then? My reputation? Is that why you didn't write to me?"
    I shrugged, but it felt false.
    "I don't know."
    That was a lie. And I was tired of lying. He deserved the truth. I sighed and looked at him.
    "Yes. I heard about you and- I. I was hurt, I guess. I didn't want to be another notch on your bedpost."
    He sat down beside me, turning me to face him.
    "You were never that. Not from the first second I laid eyes on you."
    My mouth opened. He meant it. I should tell him- I should tell him everything.
    Now.
    "Jagger- I have to tell you something-"
    But he shook his head, putting a finger on my lips.
    "Stop. I don't care what happened when I was gone. Please Jenny, don't tell me anything else. I know what I need to know."
    I froze, the words fading from my lips.
    "I'm in love with you, Jenny Reeds." He smiled at me, his hands gentle on my face. "And you are in love with me."
    Tomorrow, I thought as he kissed me.
    I'll tell him tomorrow.

Chapter Fourteen
    Jagger
    ✈

    I perched at the bar, leaning against it. This was my seat. Now that we'd made it official, I was here every shift Jenny worked, the whole damn time.
    I looked forward to a time when she wouldn't have to work here. When she'd be home by my side at night. But for now, it was kind of fun to watch her make fools of dozens of men, night after night.
    She was doing