Page 8 of Love on the Line

“All right. So would I. Your profile saysyou’re a Boise native as well. Did you attend Boise State for your degree?”

“Yes, I got my B.F.A. in graphic designthen went on to do advertising.”

“And you’ve never been out of the countrybut have your passport ready to go.”

“Yes again. I want to hike Machu Picchuand swim the Great Barrier Reef. And see the great Pyramids and tour a castle. Ortwelve.” She tried but failed to stifle a giggle. When she’d talk about herdreams of travel and adventure with Brad, he’d scoff and ask why. Everythingshe’d ever need was in the United States, he’d say. That should have been aclue to their incompatibility.

“Um, how about you? Besides India, whatother out-of-country adventures have you been on? Oh, and do you prefer Mathiasor Matt?”

“Mathias. I had the opportunity to go toDubai on business, and while there, I BASE jumped off the Princess Tower. Andsince I was in the vicinity, I ventured over to see the Taj Mahal and theChitwanNational Park in Nepal.”

“That’s so amazing! Wow, that’s reallysomething to brag about.”

“I’m pretty fortunate with my job andlifestyle. So why haven’t you fulfilled any of your out-of-country dreamtrips?”

“Oh, well, I … you know, I’ve been busybuilding my career.”And letting amanipulator basically run my life for two years while I was oblivious to histrue nature. Let it go, AJ! What’s done is done!

“And are you where you want to be?”

MyGod, his voice is something, she thought. The kind you read about, if you’re oneto read romance novels, which she totally was, and how a voice like his wasdescribed as a panty-dropper. She had to fan herself from the heat suddenlyovertaking her entire body.Sheesh!

“AJ, you there?”

“Oh, yep, still here.”What was the question? Oh, yes, am I where Iwant to be?“My career’s been going great. Hit a bit of a road bumprecently, but you know, that happens.”

“Anything you care to elaborate on? AnythingI can do to help?”

“Unlikely. I’m sorry, I guess I’m not readyto discuss that right now.”Because it’smuch more than just my career that’s hit a road bump.

“Please stop apologizing. I understand. Imean, how much do you really know someone after only ten minutes of chatting?”

“Precisely.”Although I feel like I could say things to you I never could to Brad.Howinteresting. AJ cleared her throat. “So, any plans for your LaborDay weekend coming up?”

“Yeah, I thought I’d go check out the hotair balloons at the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic, then head down to the 10Barrel Brewing Company for the beer wars.”

“Really?” She, too, had thought ofchecking out the balloon classic, and since she loved beer…

“What about you? Any plans?”

Howmuch do I tell him? What if he wants to meet up? Could I?

“AJ? Do you always have a habit of goingoff into your own little world from time to time?”

She knew he was teasing by the laughterthat followed. “Is that your way of asking if I’m an airhead?”

“I would never!” he feigned outrage,causing her to giggle.

Giggles,really? Get a grip!

“Well, if you must know—”

“And I must,” he smoothly interjected.

“I was also thinking of going to theballoon classic.”

“And since you prefer beer to wine…”

“Oh my God, are you a mind reader?”

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