Page 21 of Natalie's Nighthawk

“When’s he picking you up?”

“Thirty minutes ago.”

“Oh, hun, I’m sorry.” Natalie couldn’t stand the pity on her sister’s face. Graham wouldn’t stand her up. She was pretty sure of it. But then her mind flashed back to the type of guy he’d been during high school. It didn’t seem like he was still that guy who dated a lot of women during those high school years, but then again, she barely knew him though her instincts screamed that he wasn’t that guy anymore.

“He probably just got held up or called out for a rescue or something,” she gave voice to the thoughts that had run through her head in the past thirty minutes.

“Wouldn’t he have contacted you somehow?”

She shrugged her bare shoulder. “I’m sure he would have if he could.” She didn’t mean to sound so despondent when she said that. Not having gone on many dates, she didn’t know the protocol for being stood up.Stop, she admonished herself.It’sonly been thirty minutes!

Maddie’s eyes flashed to a spot behind Natalie, her lips turning up at the corners. “I have a feeling your night is gonna improve.”

Natalie turned around to see what had captured her sister’s attention. Graham was running towards the house. He looked rumpled in his black cargo pants and black Nighthawk tee, a small backpack hanging from one shoulder, but he was a welcome sight. Releasing the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding for the last thirty minutes, she watched as he took the six porch steps in two to reach her.

“I’m so sorry I’m late, Chickadee.” He took hold of one of her hands and leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. Natalie inhaled the masculine scent of him. He smelled like the outdoors, pine and fresh air mixed slightly with sweat and hard work. His hair was mussed like he’d been caught in a windstorm. He was dirty and unkempt but the best-looking thing she’d seen in a long time.

He stepped back from her squeezing her hand, then turned to her sister with a nod. “Maddie.”

“Nice to see you, Graham. Everything okay?”

“It is now.” he looked at Natalie as he answered. She could feel the heat of a blush work its way up her cheeks.

“You always show up for your dates dirty and smelly?” Maddie asked, wrinkling her nose.

“Maddie!” Natalie hissed.

Graham chuckled. “Yeah, sorry. We just got back from a rescue in the UP.”

“I figured,” Maddie remarked. “Wait … was that you on that helicopter?”

“Yeah. Finch dropped me off. I didn’t want to leave my lovely date waiting any longer.”

Natalie blushed again, wondering if she would ever stop blushing around this man? A man who took a helicopter to get to a date, definitely a first for her.

“Holy shit!” Her exclamation elicited a bark of laughter from him. “You didn’t have to … I mean … you could have canceled. We could have gone out another time. I imagine you’re exhausted after the rescue.”

“Nope. If I can use your bathroom for a bit, I’ll be raring to go.”

The thought of Graham using her shower had her blushing once more.Gah!Don’tthink about him naked in your shower!But the image wouldn’t leave her brain. All those sleek muscles slick with soap, water forging a path over the ridges and valleys of his body. Her lady bits started to stand up and take notice at the direction her thoughts were going.

“Natalie?” Graham asked with a smirk, pulling her back from her wandering brain.

“Right … shower. Sure. Go ahead.” She mentally slapped herself. Could she sound any more like an idiot?

“Thanks, Chickadee. I won’t be but a few minutes. Then we can get a bite to eat.”

“Sounds good.”

“Have fun, you two,” Maddie said with a wave as she went through her own door.

“You can use the shower in my room. It’s bigger than the guest bath. Last room at the end of the hall upstairs. Towels in the closet.”

“Thanks, I’ll be quick.”

Natalie watched as he took the stairs two at a time and breathed a sigh of relief. He was okay. And he’d been in such a rush to see her he’d had the helicopter drop him off here.Holy shit.Howhotwas that?

Graham rushed through his shower, anxious to get back to Natalie. He was itching to spend the evening with her, despite the exhaustion that pulled at him. The rescue had been a challenging one. A group of teenagers and their boat had been trapped in the rocks at the base of a cliff along the shore of Lake Superior. The waves were strong, not allowing for a water rescue. They’d had to rappel down and pull the kids out with ropes. Thankfully, everyone was uninjured. It had been grueling work for his team. But there was no way he was going to cancel on Natalie.

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