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“You constantly surprise me,” she chuckled tenderly, touching his cheek and he moved slightly, cradling her to him and drawing something so visceral into his soul just being near her. “Seriously, it’s a long time ago, and that's part of the reason I need to wait. I’m scared and simply not ready. I want more there and to feel comfortable in my skin with you.”
He hugged her.
“I’m sorry if I burp again,” he began, desperately needing to hear her laugh and know he could still make her smile. “We can take as long as you need – forever if that is what it takes… but I’d prefer sooner because I’m a dude, and we think with our stuff.”
And was rewarded with another of those beautiful laughs.
“Elana, I honestly think you are the most incredible person I’ve ever met, both inside and out – and while I’d love to fool around, the intimacy I want with you is more than that,” he breathed, kissing her cheek softly. “There’s something special when you open up and share with me because I feel privileged to peek behind the curtain, you know?”
“Thank you,” she whispered softly, nuzzling his cheek as he sighed heavily.
“Have I mentioned my gut is miserable right now?” – and was rewarded with her laugh once more, causing him to grin as he hugged her close. “I swear, next time, I’m stopping at eight bowls.”
“Oh my gosh, Max…” she was chuckling and looked at him, sharing a look that was literally wrapping around his heart and holding tight.
How am I ever going to leave? He thought desperately – and paused. He was supposed to have Reese or Eileen drop him off at Flyboys tonight so he could catch his flight in the morning with Outfield. Plans had certainly changed, and he needed to let the other pilot know he’d just meet him at the airport instead.
“Hey,” he began gently and kissed her cheek again. “Can you drop me at the airport in the morning instead of my brother taking me to Flyboys to meet up with Outfield? Do you mind?”
“No, of course not,” she replied, her expression falling. “I guess your time is almost up, isn’t it?”
“Yeah. I need to let Reese know about the changes and make a quick phone call. Do you want to head home after this so we can be alone?”
“I’d like that.”
Nodding distractedly, he got up from the bench and immediately dialed Outfield as he walked toward the judge’s table.
“Hello?”
“Hey,” Max said simply in greeting. “I’ll meet you at the airport. I’m not going to Flyboys this trip. I got married.”
“Do whaaaat?” Outfield blurted out loudly, making him wince and pull the phone away from his ear.
“Married. I got married. I’m staying with a hot chick instead of your grim and grumpy hide… hello? That’s a no brainer.”
“No, I heard you,” Outfield began. “And I thought you were against that. I mean, you sure gave Riptide a hard time and…”
“Yup. Karma punched my card.”
“No, I’m just surprised.”
“You and me both ‘cause this wasn’t in the plans, but when you find the one…”
“Well, yeah, I get it.”
“Eight in the morning, right? I need to check my ticket again.”
“No, the flight is still scheduled for six in the morning.”
“Dang it…”
“Yeah, yeah, buddy. We’ll talk more later,” Outfield said distractedly, and Max wasn’t about to keep him on the phone. He ended the call by simply hanging up as Reese was looking up at him curiously. He wanted to get out of there and spend some time with Elana alone.
“Elana is going to drive me to the airport instead.”
“I figured the plans had changed,” Reese nodded, smiling. “Are things better now?”
“I hope so,” he said quietly, glancing over his shoulder before looking at his brother again. “Will you check on Elana for me while I’m gone? I’d feel better about leaving.”
