Passion at 30,000 Feet

By Merri Hiatt

PASSION AT 30,000 FEET (Book three of the Love in the Air Trilogy) – Kate Boudreau wears her title as Sex Goddess of the Skies proudly, until she finds herself coveting her friends’ long-term relationships. She’s not even sure she’s capable of sticking with one person. Her longest relationship only lasted six days. Michael Eldridge is more than happy to guide her into the greatest journey of all, the flight of love.

OTHER BOOKS IN THE LOVE IN THE AIR TRILOGY:

RUNWAY ROMANCE (Book one of the Love in the Air Trilogy) - Little does Jenny Collins know that a near hit-and-run on the airport tarmac will lead to an opportunity to overcome a fear she's been carrying around for years, the discovery of a culinary delight and an end to her search for Mr. Right. Together with her flight attendant roommates, Kate and Patricia, the turbulence of love takes flight in Book one of the Love in the Air Trilogy.

LOVE ON THE FLY (Book two of the Love in the Air Trilogy) - The one thing flight attendant Patricia Ruskin doesn't need is a relationship with a pilot. When David Marshall roars into the parking lot on his Harley and steals the spot she's been waiting for, she's ready to read him the riot act. Until she learns he's at the ice cream shop getting comfort food for his heartbroken teenage daughter. Time apart finds Patricia fantasizing about the boyfriend of one of her best friends. Is it possible to love two men at the same time? If so, how will she ever choose when both men send her senses reeling?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Merri Hiatt
• Release date: Jul 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301376551

Merri Hiatt

Merri Hiatt grew up in a small town near Shasta Valley in Northern California. Upon moving to the Pacific Northwest in Washington state, Merri fell in love with the mountains, ocean, rain and lush greenery. Merri credits her high school creative writing teacher with giving her the nudge to pursue writing. BOOKS WRITTEN BY MERRI HIATT: PROPOSAL SERIES: Sweet Proposal, Jaded Proposal (coming soon!), Midnight Proposal (coming soon!); LOVE IN THE AIR TRILOGY: Runway Romance, Love on the Fly (Passion at 30,000 Feet coming soon); SEASONS OF LOVE SERIES: Summer Love, Autumn Love, Winter Love, Spring Love; CELEBRATING LOVE TRILOGY: 14 Love Letter Lane, 21 Romance Way, 28 Passion Boulevard; EMBRACING LOVE TRILOGY: When Love's at Work, When Love's at Home, When Love's at Play, When Love's on Vacation (Sequel one), When Love's Gone Country (Sequel two); MANGADARTH TRILOGY: Marayah's Return, City Reborn, My Mother's Eyes; Kat Burglar, a romance novella; Mama Lives in My Hair, a short story about life and death; Sarah and the Magic Beans, a short story about magic and hope; The Magical Christmas Cookies, a short story about hope; Santa Hates Seattle, a short story about hope and second chances; Puddle of Poetry (sixty-two poems from sassy to sensitive to serious); Food So Good, You'll Never Know It's Good For You, 11 Recipes and Tips; and Potato Chip Princess, a young adult short story. Visit Merri's website at http://merrihiatt.com Merri states: "I am a lover of all emotions. They swim and spin around my head with abandon. What fun to let the words these feelings bring forth play along my tongue and whisper into the still of the night. When I capture them on paper, it is a joy and one of my favorite ways to spend time."

Book preview

Chapter One

Kate Boudreau used a tissue to retrieve the wet object from the side of the toilet. If I find another used condom in an airplane bathroom, I’m going to—

Plant a video recorder in there and charge a fee not to air it on YouTube? Rocky Puffer suggested.

Make a little money on the side by putting a vending machine in there? Betty McDonald said.

Tie it around the gentleman’s genitalia, Kate finished. I fail to see the excitement in having sex in a public bathroom.

Never stopped you. Rocky deposited a bag of trash into the larger bag Betty was holding as she stood in the aisle.

That’s different. Kate followed Rocky’s movements. The pilot’s loo is large and doesn’t reek.

Someone’s trying to justify her behavior, Rocky said.

I’m not trying to justify anything. I’m just saying, if you’re going to play Flight Attendant and Pilot, use your imagination while you’re at home. I don’t want to have to pick up after you.

Not to change the subject, as scintillating as it is, but how are Rich and Jenny doing? Betty asked.

Never better. Why?

There are rumors going around.

Saying what? By who?

Nothing specific. Just that they might be on the rocks and that Patricia might be involved somehow.

Kate focused her full attention on Betty. Where did you hear this?

Now don’t get mad at her, she’s just trying to get the real story, Rocky said. If we’ve heard about it, you know everyone else has, too.

That pisses me off. It’s nobody’s business what happens on our personal time.

So, they’re good? Betty asked.

Better than good, they’re great.

I’m relieved. You know I was there when they met for the first time. I told Jenny she was smitten, but she wasn’t having any of it. She had that look in her eyes.

I know that look, Rocky said. It was the same look Miss Kate had when she met Darrell.

Do tell.

His name is Darrell Arthur. He flies helicopters for tourists in Hawaii. We met him on vacation earlier this year, Rocky said.

He’s not a pilot? I’m confused. I thought you only dated pilots.

I didn’t date him, I just had sex with him. It was only once. Our vacation got cut short when Patricia got hurt.

How’s she doing?

Good. No more crutches and she’s done wearing the walking boot.

Why do I get the feeling there’s more to all this than you’re telling us? Betty asked.

Isn’t there always more?

I suppose. What’s the official word? I’ll start spreading it around so the other gossip will come to an end.

The official word is that everything is going great with Rich and Jenny and doubly great for David and Patricia.

No one is going to believe me. We have to give them some of the juice or they’ll keep nagging me.

We should tell them they had this big blow-up with Patricia and Jenny thrashing at each other like wild cats, Rocky said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Then what? Kate asked.

One thing led to another and they ended up kissing and then they had this great big orgy and all was made right with the world.

An orgy makes everything right with the world? Betty said.

Rocky shrugged. Couldn’t hurt.

Josh Garrett poked his head around the corner. Captain says you’re taking too long. Double time it. He wants to get out of here, it’s his wife’s birthday.

We’re on it, Josh, Betty said. When he disappeared around the corner, she added, If he had his nose any farther up Captain Wilson’s ass, it would be stained brown forever.

Betty! Rocky’s eyes widened. You’re not usually so catty. I love it!

I’m tired of everyone getting promoted around me. I’ve been with Ballinger for eight years and what do I have to show for it? Even newcomers like Patricia get assigned better flights than I do. It’s just not right.

Have you told anyone how you feel? Rocky asked.

I’ve written letters and sent e-mails. It doesn’t do any good. I realize I’m older than everyone else, but I’m one of the best FAs around.

Damn straight, Kate said.

Maybe I’m getting jaded. I didn’t plan to spend my life picking up condoms and having my toes stepped on, you know?

I know, Kate and Rocky said in unison.

Betty waved a hand in the air. Forget I said anything. I’m just tired. I’ve got some down time this week. I could use the rest. Maybe it’ll give me a whole new perspective.

Or maybe you need to get laid, Rocky said.

Betty’s laughter spilled down the hallway. Rocky, you are a joy to work with. I always know when I’m on a flight with you, I’m going to have a good time.

What am I, chopped liver? Kate asked.

Of course, you, too.

They quickly finished the task at hand with Rocky gathering the bags of trash while the two women used sweepers on the aisles.

When they were finished, they gathered their belongings and de-boarded the plane, heading for the Ballinger Air flight lounge to finish their paperwork and head home.

It’s been a joy, ladies. Kate, don’t forget our stay in Bali is coming up.

How could I forget? I’m looking forward to it.

Tell Jenny hi for me, Betty said.

I will. Safe flights until we meet again, Kate said.

Safe flights, the two FAs echoed.

Half an hour later, Kate was welcomed home by the sight of twinkling Christmas lights surrounding the windows. Jenny and Patricia were hanging greenery on the porch railings, along with red velvet bows.

Hey stranger, Jenny said. You look tired.

I am. I want to sleep for a week. The decorations look great. A little early isn’t it?

It’s the first Sunday of Advent, Patricia said.

It’s still November.

Just barely.

Jenny, Betty says hi.

Betty McDonald?

Yeah.

She’s so awesome.

She’s also fed up with everyone being promoted but her.

What’s up with that? Patricia asked.

Age, Jenny said. She’s not even that old. Ballinger likes ‘em young. I’m going to have the same problem ten years from now.

We all will, Kate said.

Except Rocky. With men it’s different. When their hair turns gray it’s distinguished. When a woman’s hair turns gray, they hand you a box of hair color and say, ‘Get rid of the gray, it makes you look old.’

I’d love to stay and chat about Advent, getting old and whatever else pops up, but I am dead on my feet. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Get some good rest, Jenny said.

Glad you’re home, Patricia said.

Kate left her bags by her door, stripped and slid into bed with a weary, but contented sigh. There was nothing better than sleeping in your own bed after being away for a week.

Her to-do list called to her, but she shoved thoughts of it to the back of her brain mumbling, Tomorrow.

Chapter Two

Fourteen hours later, a naked Kate emerged with a satisfied smile on her lips. Sleep is my god.

Jesus might have something to say about that, Patricia said as she poured coffee into a mug and handed it to Kate.

Mmmm. Sleep and coffee, two of my favorite things.

What about men? Jenny asked.

Right now, they’re about eight or nine on the list.

Why? Patricia said, wide-eyed and curious.

I’m tired of it all. I think Rocky and I should get married. Kate perched on the edge of the chair, avoiding Jenny’s disapproving scowl. He’s great fun to be with, has excellent fashion sense and wouldn’t ditch me for another woman.

Another man, maybe, Jenny said, and since when have you ever been ditched? You’re usually the one doing the ditching. As she spoke, Jenny placed a kitchen towel on the seat of the wooden chair.

Do you want me to put some clothes on? Kate asked.

I knew you’d get the hint.

Kate spread the towel out and then sat on it. There. Happy?

Not happy, but satisfied. Now, get back to your story.

You’ve only been gone two days. You didn’t even have time to find someone to get ditched by, Patricia said, joining her friends at the kitchen table.

I didn’t exactly get ditched, but I’ve been watching you guys. Your relationships haven’t been perfect, but you worked it out and you’re still together, happily together. I don’t think I’ve ever had that.

I never thought you wanted to make a commitment to just one person, Jenny said.

I didn’t. It just seems so… shallow. I don’t have history with anyone. I haven’t even been with anyone long enough for us to have an imperfect relationship that needs fixing, let alone long enough to actually work on it and feel that sense of accomplishment and connection.

So find a guy and stick with him for a while, Patricia said.

I don’t know how to stick. I’m an expert at leaving. It’s my best thing. Guys who date me know it’s for the short-term with no commitments.

So, like I said, find a guy and stick with him for a while.

You’re not listening, Kate said.

No, you’re not listening. Don’t go after the guys you always go after. Find someone new, different, exciting and then don’t leave after you’ve had sex.

Even better, don’t have sex with him for at least a month, Jenny said.

A month! Hell’s bells you might as well cut off my fingers right now because there is no way I could go a month without having sex of some kind, even if it was just with myself!

It won’t kill you, Jenny said.

Yes, it will. How long have you gone without sex? Kate asked.

Jenny thought for several minutes. Eight months.

How did you survive? Were you a raving lunatic?

No, I was not a raving lunatic. I do have some control of my hormones, Miss Sex Goddess.

Of the Skies, Patricia reminded her. Can’t forget that part. Very important.

How about you, Patricia?

Well, it was much longer for me. Three years.

Really? Jenny asked. May I ask why?

No one was interested in me.

I find that really hard to believe. Were you on the rebound or something?

Patricia nodded. It was a bad break-up. My heart was shattered. You read that in a book and think, ‘Oh poor woman,’ but I know what it means to see your heart in the tiniest pieces you can imagine dumped into a garbage can. I didn’t want to get close to a man ever again.

But you did, Kate said.

Eventually. It took years, though. Friends tried to convince me it was time to get out there again, but I knew it wasn’t. I was nowhere near ready to open up and allow someone else to see the real me.

Sounds like Kate’s way hurts less. You never get close enough to care about anyone, Jenny said.

I cared. I just put myself first. I always have. I didn’t mean it in a selfish way, but I guess that’s what I’ve always done, taken care of my needs first.

What makes you walk away? Patricia asked.

Men who ask too many questions or try to figure me out. I don’t want to be figured out.

It can be nice to be known and to know someone else, Jenny said.

When the person is trustworthy, Patricia said.

How do you know who is trustworthy? Kate asked.

Good question, Grasshopper, Jenny said. "Therein lies the dilemma.