Navy pressed his hand over his stomach and burst out laughing.
“That came out so wrong,” Bobby said.
“But it was so perfect based on my ridiculous description of the fact I have my own small plane and helicopter and my favorite place in the entire world is in the sky.”
“I used to be terrified to fly. It’s still not my favorite thing, and I almost never go up in a small plane if I can avoid it. I once drove five hours just so I didn’t have to fly a prop plane.”
“Flying is still the safest way to go, even when it’s a prop. You should let me take you up in mine. I built her myself. I bet I can change your mind about flying the friendly skies. It’s so much different in a—”
Bobby held up his hand. “You built a plane? And you expect me to get in it? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“It’s perfectly safe. The FAA had to come out and inspect Destiny and I’m diligent in making sure she’s in tip-top shape.” Navy had to wonder what Bobby knew about Navy’s career in the military. During their forty-five-minute private conversation before they were interrupted by birthday festivities, they hadn’t covered that aspect of his life. They pretty much stuck with superficial surface-level topics along with favorite books, movies, and television shows.
Besides, his past career wasn’t something that he discussed often or in detail. Granted, Casper knew everything, but Casper certainly wouldn’t discuss Navy’s personal business with anyone.
Not even Ethel.
So, it was probable that Bobby had no idea that Navy’s military career ended because he’d crashed.
Something he should tell him if he chose to take him up on what he was about to offer. “I don’t have some big death wish. I’m not a thrill-seeker or anything. Do you have plans tomorrow?” Fuck. Why did he have to do that?
“I have to get in my word count, but other than that, not really, why?”
“Let me introduce you to Destiny and Dreamer.” Navy swallowed the thick lump in his throat. He hadn’t felt this nervous since he’d tried to get back together with Shamus about ten years ago.
That had been disastrous. No matter how much he had truly loved Shamus, they were a toxic couple. Shamus wanted things Navy wasn’t capable of giving. Shamus demanded Navy be someone he wasn’t, and Shamus would never understand or respect that Navy preferred to live a quiet life. It wasn’t that he was ashamed. He just didn’t want to flaunt it. He once tried to explain to Shamus by pointing out straight couples who didn’t kiss passionately in public. It wasn’t that he wasn’t willing to hold hands or even give Shamus a kiss goodbye. It was just there was always a time or place.
Being loud and proud just wasn’t his style.
Shamus needed the world to know he was gay. He wore it as a badge of honor.
Navy preferred being honorable instead.
“Who or what is Dreamer?” Bobby tapped the key fob in his hand. His Range Rover beeped and the lights flashed.
“My helicopter. And for the record. I didn’t build her, if that makes you feel any better.”
“And by introduce, do you mean we take a ride in the sky? Or I just sit back from a distance and wave?”
“You’re funny,” Navy said.
“I have my moments.” Bobby waved to his brother Fitz who had a beautiful woman on his arm. “I’m regretting saying yes to letting him stay at my place tonight.”
Navy chuckled. “I don’t normally watch those entertainment pieces, but since I’ve been flying Ethel around, I couldn’t resist. No offense, but Fitz certainly knows how to land himself in the limelight.”
Bobby shrugged. “Fitz thrives on being the center of attention. And other than that one chick, he has a good method for weeding out the real crazy women. My only concern is that he’s going to end up a dad and not be prepared to take care of the kid.”
“You’re not worried he’s going to drag you or your family into the media frenzy?”
“Have you met my sister Kennedy? She already did that once,” Bobby said. “And so did I when I wrote that book.” He tapped the novel in Navy’s hand. “For the most part, the media is good to me and they treat me well, but there is always one asshole that wants to smear my good name by making one for himself.”
That right there is why Navy needed to walk away.
No. He needed to run.
“That’s got to be tough,” Navy said. “Well, I best be going. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”
“Does that mean your offer no longer stands for tomorrow?”
Just because he wouldn’t be entangled romantically didn’t mean he couldn’t be friendly. Besides, it would be rude not to be nice to the boss’ potential in-laws. “Not at all.” Navy pulled out his business card. “Would one in the afternoon give you enough time to get your words in?”
“That sounds perfect.”
“Great. Shoot me a text and I’ll get you the address. I’ll see you then.” Navy stretched out his hand and gave Bobby’s hand a firm shake.
Navy was in over his fucking head and if he wasn’t careful, he’d more than crash and burn.
3
Bobby rolled his neck as he re-read the last few paragraphs.
Shit.
Fucking bull horrible crap shitty words on the page.
But he’d managed to meet his daily goal along with tweaking his outline and finding a plot hole he hadn’t know he had all while daydreaming about the super sexy pilot that had visited his dreams.
He glanced at the time on the upper right of his computer screen. Not bad for being eleven in the morning. Then again, he’d started at five because he hadn’t been able to sleep. Navy had wormed his way into every thought Bobby had. He thought if he watched a little porn and rubbed one off he’d be able to get Navy off his brain.
Nope.
He pulled up his messages app and found Navy’s business card, typing in the contact information.
Bobby: Hey, Navy. It’s Bobby Monroe. Sorry I waited so long to reach out. I just wasn’t sure if I’d get my work done, but I’ve managed to do everything I needed to and if that offer still stands, I’d love to check out your plane and helicopter and maybe go for a ride. Let me know where to meet you. Thanks.
He stared at his computer screen for a few moments.
Now bubbles popped up on the app.
Perhaps he waited too long, which could be a good thing. He was flirting with disaster.
Footsteps coming down the steps caught his attention.
Well, Fitz was finally awake.
Bobby wondered if his date would be doing the walk of shame or not. Or if she even cared. This was always the fun part. He closed his laptop and headed from his office to the kitchen where he found Fitz sitting at the island with a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream.
He’d bought his home in Long Beach, California, after he’d sold his fourth book. It had been a bit of stretch to live on the beach and until his advance for his first straight novel, he’d been house poor, but in the last few months, he’d put a little money into decorations.
It wasn’t huge, only a three-bedroom and fifteen hundred square feet, but he had a view of the ocean from both his office and the master. What more could a man want?