Standby (Open Skies Book 4) by Becca Jameson (popular e readers .TXT) 📕

timing then because after I’ve had you in my bed, you won’t want to leave.”

She laughed. “So cocky.”

“I call it confident.” He crossed his arms and hoped she couldn’t see the bulge in his pants. Besides the fact that her dress was skimpy, it was also short. Her long legs were no more concealed than they’d been in her shorts. And he had a strong desire to run his hand up between her thighs and find out what she was wearing underneath.

Her phone pinged in her hand and she lifted it to glance at the screen with a sigh.

“Hawke?”

“Yes. Every fucking day. He never tires of it.”

“Do you read them all?”

“Yes. If I don’t, I might miss him saying he’s going to come over or something. Even though he never actually makes good on that threat, I still want to be able to give Raeann a heads up just in case.”

“Did you text her to let her know where you are?”

“Yes. A few minutes ago. She’s in the air. She’ll get it when she lands.”

“Good. Now, how about if you let me read the messages instead? Then you won’t have to stress.”

Her shoulders dropped in relief. “Would you?”

“Of course.” He held out his hand. “I’d prefer it if you never read or listened to a single message from that asshole. It upsets you, which he knows. That’s why he does it.”

“Thank you. My password is eight two four six. A cross on the keypad.”

“That’s a horrible password, Shayla.”

She shrugged. “I know but at least I can remember it. It’s not like I have government secrets or some scandalous nudes on there.”

He chuckled. “Darn.”

She leaned closer, grinning evilly. “If you want to see me naked, just ask.”

He groaned and then lowered his gaze to read the incoming text.

You weren’t home last night. Where were you? I waited for you to return and you didn’t. You better not be fucking someone else.

Jake gritted his teeth and forced himself to remain calm.

“You don’t have to hide your reaction on my account, Jake. I’m used to his texts. I assume he’s insinuated that he came to my condo and I wasn’t there. He does that. I have no idea if it’s true or not. I’ve never seen him. He just likes to make me think he’s watching me all the time.”

Jake lifted his gaze. “How have you not lost your mind for the past three months?”

She shrugged. “I’m strong. I’m exhausted, but I refuse to give him what he wants.”

“Well, it’s awful and I’m sorry this is happening to you. I’ll do my best to come up with a way to make it stop.” His gaze softened and he let it slide up and down her amazing body. “Now, move your sweet butt away from my desk so I can get back to work.”

She glanced at his computer. “You’re working on a Sunday morning?”

He shook his head as he reached for his mouse. “Not officially. I’m digging around in your stalker’s personal life.”

She gasped. “You can do that?”

He grinned at her. “Sweetheart, I can do anything. I’m a computer god.”

“Again with the cocky.”

He chuckled and pointed toward the door. “Out. You’re a distraction.”

“That was the point.” She shook out her long silky black hair so that it brushed against his arm.

He glanced at the spot. “You’re touching me.”

She rolled her eyes. “Hair can’t count.”

He pointed at the door to his office. “Out.” He couldn’t keep from smiling as he ordered her from his office, ruining the effect of his demand.

She humphed as she shoved off his desk and padded from the room, her fantastic ass swaying all the way to the door.

Jake forced himself to concentrate on Hawke Richman’s private life. The man was squeaky clean on paper. One divorce two decades ago that must have ended a very young marriage. No kids. Not even a traffic ticket.

Jake hated guys like him. Thought they owned the world. Bossy. Demanding. Self-absorbed. Polite when it was necessary. An asshole as soon as no one was looking.

Why had he picked Shayla? How many others had there been? And how long did he usually harass women before giving up?

Chapter 9

The beginning of the week went fairly normal for Shayla. She worked the same out-and-back route Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. By Wednesday, she was confident she wouldn’t run into Hawke on this flight. Not even in the airport or the lounge.

When she arrived at the gate, she was a few minutes early. The flight attendants from the previous flight were still exiting. Two of them hesitated when they saw Shayla and then glanced at each other. They didn’t even bother to hide their distaste.

The hairs on the back of Shayla’s neck stood on end when they rolled their eyes and chuckled. She rarely felt confrontational, but this was getting old fast, so she stepped in front of them. “Is something funny?”

She didn’t even know their names, but the one who cocked her head at Shayla had a name tag that read Marcy. “I’m not sure funny is the right word, but you should know everyone thinks you’re a fool.”

“Is that so? And why’s that?”

“Because Hawke is obviously one of the sexiest pilots working for the airline. He’s kind and fun to work with too. Anyone can see that. I can’t think of a single reason to snub him.”

Shayla narrowed her gaze. “Did you ever consider perhaps asking me for a reason instead of listening to rumors?”

The other woman, whose name tag read Darla, grabbed her friend’s arm. “Let’s go.”

Marcy held firm then. “Fine. What’s your reason?”

“Because he’s an abusive prick. But you don’t deserve the details.”

Marcy rolled her eyes again. “If he’s such a prick, why haven’t you stood up for yourself before now?”

“Because people like you aren’t worth my explanation and when you walk away from me, you will return to your gossip, not believing a word I’ve said.” Shayla lifted a brow in challenge.

“That’s for sure.” Marcy walked right on past Shayla, head held high.

Darla at