Page 29 of Love on the Line

“Which is?”

“A connection. Our talks were wonderful,funny, uplifting, and so easy. They felt comfortable from the very first night.I can understand why Jen did what she did, and you, unable to resist herpersuasiveness.” AJ chuckled.

Mathias laughed. “Yes, she is tenacious.” Heturned to her and held both hands in his. “I’m glad you’re giving me thischance, and I promise I’ll do everything in my power to prove it’ll be worthit.”

“Oh, I know you will, and I’m lookingforward to it.” She stood on her tippy-toes and gave him a light kiss beforepulling back.

Mathias rested his forehead against hers. “Youknow you’re wrecking me with that outfit.”

“Am I?” AJ answered seductively.

“You look so damned sexy. I want to coveryou up with my cape so no other man can look at your ass that’s barely coveredby those shorts.”

AJ turned her body and looked over hershoulder at her rear, shaking it. “You mean this ass?” When she looked back atMathias, she had to giggle at his sexy moan. She whispered up to him. “Otherscan look all they want, but you’re the only one that’ll be touching this ass.”

“AJ,” he groaned.

She laughed again as she pulled him towardthe food cart. “Come on, let’s eat. I have a feeling we’regonnaneed our strength for later.”

Mathias chuckled as he followed, and theyspent the better part of an hour devouring BBQ, followed by ice cream as theywatched many of the balloons returning from their flights. Once finished, theywalked the park.

“Doyou come to the event every year?” Mathias asked.

“Almost, and it never fails to astound me.What about you?” She looked up at him, happy to have him by her side.

“I’ve never missed a year. Somethingalways draws me. Amazing we’ve never run into each other before.”

AJ laughed. “Well, it is a huge event, andBoise’s a big city.”

“Biggest little city in the west.”

“I thought Reno had that distinction?” AJquipped.

“Maybe.” Mathias shrugged as he grinned.

“Have you ever been up in a balloon?”

“I have, several times, in fact. Would youlike to go up today?”

“I would love it! But wait, aren’t therides only on opening day?”

Mathias winked as he squeezed her hand,leading her deeper into the crowd. “I have my powers, and I would never daredisappoint the lady.”

AJ’s spirit couldn’t get any better as shelet Mathias lead her through the thinning mass of people, closer to a fewgrounded balloons. The colorful variety was spectacular, and their sheer sizenever ceased to amaze her.

They approached a balloon with a southwestzigzag pattern, with white, peach, and turquoise coloring. One man noticed themand a beaming smile broke out across his face. Two strides had him in front ofMathias as they shook hands.

“Mathias, I see you found your lady.”

“Yes,” he answered, raising AJ’s hand tokiss her knuckles. He then introduced her to his friend, Jeremy Dietrich, andpointed out his wife, Megan. They met while Mathias had been to Albuquerque’sballoon festival a few years ago, theirs taking place about a month afterBoise’s.

“Are we still set?” Mathias asked.

“Yeah, be ready to go in a few. I signalwhen we’re good to go.” Jeremy slapped a hand against Mathias’s shoulder andwalked back toward the balloon.

AJ turned to him. “We’re going up?” sheasked with excitement.

“We are. While I was waiting, hoping, andpraying that you’d return, I asked him about taking us up.”

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