Love on Landing by Heather Thurmeier

How've you been?"
    Her voice sounded as sugary sweet as honey, just like he remembered. She was a southern girl all the way. She would smile in your face and talk sweet to you, but he knew better. He knew the real Kerry would not take kindly to anyone who didn't treat her the way she demanded.
    "I've been fine. What are you doing in Paris?"
    "Well, this is my new route, darlin'. Who are you with these days? I haven't seen you around as much as I used to. I miss that."
    She came to stand in front of him and walked her fingers up his chest, stroking her hand along the length of his shoulder as she fluttered her eyelashes at him.
    Really not good.
    "I'm not flying commercial anymore. I've gone private now." He took an instinctual step back, distancing himself from her as much as he could with the counter behind him.
    "Private. Wow, aren't you moving up in the world. I'm impressed."
    She batted her eyelashes at him again, the fake wisps of black hair reminding him vaguely of spider legs. He shivered. "Thanks."
    "So how long are you in town for? I'm here for a few days still, so if you're up to spending a day in bed, I'm game."
    He shook his head, shuddering a little. He'd slept with Kerry a few times in the past, but that was a long time ago. Back when he was still young—and stupid. "You always were so straightforward. I can't."
    Kerry stuck out her bottom lip in a fake pout. She reached into her bag and pulled out a crumpled receipt and a pen. "Here's my hotel number. You call me anytime if you have a change of heart, okay?"
    Reluctantly he took the piece of paper, vowing to ditch it in the trash on his way out of the store. He had no intentions of ever sleeping with her again, but there was no real reason to be rude and say that to her face. Besides, the chances of running into her again were unlikely at best. "Thanks. I don't think I'll be able to take you up on your offer though."
    She grinned. "We'll see. You never know when you'll get some unexpected free time." Kerry stepped closer to him and went up on her toes. She kissed both of his cheeks, lingering a little longer than was European custom then whispered in his ear. "I'll see you around… hopefully."
    "So this is where you got to," Tali said, appearing behind Kerry with a not-too happy expression on her face.
    Kerry and Tali smiled politely at each other, but Gavin—and most likely everyone else in a one-mile radius—could feel the tension crackling in the air between them. Not good.
    "I was grabbing us some coffees. The hotel makes the worst coffee in Paris." Gavin laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "I guess you had the same idea, huh?" He directed his question to Tali, hoping Kerry would take the hint and leave.
    Kerry looked back and forth between the two of them, taking a moment to obviously eye Tali, evaluating every characteristic about her. "Now I understand," she said to Gavin. "But just so we're clear, my offer still stands. I'll see you around, darlin'."
    Gavin sighed as Kerry walked out of the coffee shop. Thank God she hadn't stuck around any longer. He wasn't sure how Tali would react to Kerry and her offer, but he guessed there might be yelling involved and perhaps even more tears.
    "So that's nice. You have a friend in the city." She smiled sweetly up at him, taking one of the coffees from the counter.
    Oh, good. She's not upset.
    "Yep, we used to be on the same route together when I was still flying commercial. She's a flight attendant."
    "And she kissed you."
    Uh-oh.
    "On the cheek, as is the custom in Europe. That's all."
    Tali narrowed her eyes at him. And took a sip of her coffee while he waited, holding his breath. He didn't want to go into details about his previous relationship with Kerri. That part of his life was in the past and he wanted to keep it there, but he also wouldn't lie to Tali if she asked him about his relationship with Kerry or any others. Of course if she didn't ask…
    "Is whispering in someone's ear and passing little