In the Blink of An Eye by Jerry Baggett (ebook reader for surface pro TXT) 📕

asking his egoistical questions. He wasn’t a rude person, just challenging in social conversations. In spite of that, he was attractive and likable.

She’d been on scholarship for the swim team at the UC San Diego. Swimming, still her exercise of choice. She’d inherited the small island cottage, and much more, from an old maid aunt, a retired teacher. She had learned to surf, spending summers here, with Aunt Clara. She still cherished the memory of New Momma, her name for Aunt Clara in her prayers. Aunt Clara often accused her of being an over-age, over-educated beach bunny. Maybe I am, she thought.

A full week had gone by since she’d met the navy pilot. She felt like an immature school girl drooling over the high school quarterback. I’m thirty-one years old, it shouldn’t be happening. I should have given him my number and encouraged his call. At least, that would provide an opportunity to work through this silliness and get on with my life.

The problem had only grown worse after Thursday morning. She was awakened from a dream about the pilot at three a.m., leaving her feeling guilty, even embarrassed. She’d never experienced such an erotic dream until then. She’d awakened, believing he was lying next to her on the V-berth, where he’d slept. Her hand had been gently stroking the thin hair on his chest, creating unsuspected sensations. That had never happened before. Why can’t I have those feelings for Steven, look forward to our next kiss? He’s attractive, successful and he loves me.

She rushed away from work. She tried to make up her mind; should she jump in the shower, or go for a run along the harbor-front beach. She chose a run on the beach and quickly changed into shorts and running shoes. She headed for the door and felt her phone vibrate; a text. She’d check it after her run.

Chapter 3

Lieutenant Commander Dick McGowin picked up his cap, positioned it carefully on his head, and left the building. He’d been granted a ten-day leave while the investigation was underway. He had been temporarily reassigned to the Naval Training Command in San Diego, at Miramar Naval Air Station, awaiting a change from regular navy to reserve status, only days before his plane went down.

The report of his downing and loss of the aircraft had been reviewed and approved by his commanding officer. He didn’t expect today’s meeting to be the end of his reporting to the review board.

He made plans for an overdue visit with his brother, Dammit, and his wife, Robbin, in Florence, South Carolina after his appointment at the Pentagon. He and his brother had always been close, with Dammit being eighteen months younger, and two inches taller, a brawny six feet, five inches tall. The McGowins were a well know family in the Los Angeles business community. Dammit, now a reserve colonel in the marines, got lucky and married Doctor Robbin Goodrich, heir to three generations of her family’s wealth. Dick never let him forget it. He didn’t understand why the requested meeting was in Florence, until Dammit explained they were there visiting the newest children’s hospital acquisition. Children’s Medical Care Associates, a non-profit children’s hospital foundation made possible by an endowment from Doctor Robbin Goodrich.

“Now, you’re telling me you’ve fallen for someone you’ve only known a few hours? That’s not the older bro I know,” Dammit said, laughing. “Maybe the splash in the ocean busted more than your arm.”

Robbin said, “Lay off my favorite brother-in-law, Dam. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say.”

“Thanks, Robbin. Just because he’s bigger than me, he likes to throw his weight around. Does he still run five miles before breakfast every morning?”

She reached across and picked up Dick’s hand. “Go ahead, Dick, tell me everything about this girl who’s started your engine revving. I trust your judgement.”

“Thanks. I’d whip his butt, if he didn’t play dirty. Anyhow, this great love story may never come about. She’s involved with someone now, Doctor Peyton, on Catalina Island, where I ditched. Her name’s Samantha Brooks and I’ve never been attracted to anyone like this. I don’t intend to hurt her if she’s genuinely in love with this guy. My senses are telling me to read between the lines, her good life is not quite as good as she professes it to be. I intend to find out with a full-court press. I won’t do anything stupid, but do believe in the old adage; nothing ventured, nothing gained. Can you guys think of a good reason why I shouldn’t?”

“Dutifully noted,” Dammit said. “You’ve always given me good advice and I’m only trying to do the same for you. I know you’ll do it your way, anyhow, and it’s always been the right way.” He turned at the sound of the waiter returning with a second glass of wine. “Dick. I called you, not only because Robbin and I have missed you, but we’ve only seen you once since you returned from deployment in the Middle East and would like to run something by you.” He looked at Robbin. “We know you’ve applied for a transfer to Naval Reserve status, then plan to go with American Airlines to continue flying. We’d like you to consider another option, something we think would be mutually beneficial for both, yourself as well as Robbin and I.”

Dick looked at Dammit, then back at Robbin. “I think I know what you’re proposing, but go ahead, let me hear it.”

“I think you may have met Mark Wynn, our chief pilot,” Dammit said. “Mark has been our first and only chief pilot since the Trust purchased the Gulf Stream and leased it to CMCA, the foundation. As a result of an old injury sustained during the first gulf war, he’s decided to retire in December.”

Robbin spoke first. “Please consider joining us as the foundation’s Chief Corporate Pilot. As a family