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him. His experience as a pilot proved ideal for designing structures that were both ergodynamically friendly and aerodynamically sound. He told me he was still in the Air Force reserves. He said he also worked as a test pilot, trying out new technology for aircraft at Mojave Air and Space Port. I must say, he was built for it, being both fearless and intelligent.
    I was starting to feel tired and looked down at my watch. No wonder; it was hours past my normal bed-time. Jack noticed, grabbed my wrist, and turned my arm to glance at my watch, too. “ Jeez , it’s almost two in the morning, Sami. I should take you home. I’m sorry I kept you out so late,” he said apologetically.
    “Time really does fly when you’re having fun.”
    I smiled at him.
    We walked to find his car and start on our way home. I hung on his arm so I wouldn’t get dizzy and fall.
    I was relieved to see him open the passenger’s side door of a black Acura for me. Sure, I was impressed by him being such a gentleman but even happier that the ride home had promised to be a little gentler than my journey in Tess’s Porsche. Jack’s driving made me relax even more. He didn’t drive fast but not overly slow either. He seemed to be aware of everything around us. I imagined him maneuvering a plane in the sky with great skill. We talked in the car the whole way back to my apartment. Jack walked me to my door. Before I could put my key in the lock, he grabbed me as he had earlier on the dance floor, so elegantly, and kissed me delicately on the lips. He pulled his face away to check on my expression, carefully studying my eyes. I responded by running my hand through the back of his hair to pull him back down and kiss him again. This time, he pressed his lips firmly to mine. I got goose bumps and felt a rush when he responded to my advance. This kiss was much longer and passionate.
    “Hmmm,” he sighed. He easily pulled himself away from my embrace. “Beauty and brains.” He stared at me, his expression unreadable.
    All I could do was laugh. I had never heard anyone compliment me that way. “You’re not so deficient yourself,” I said, trying to say something witty. Great, I made it sound like he was lacking something. I wished I could take the words back as soon as they left my lips. Luckily, he didn’t seem offended.
    “Can I see you again, Sami?” he asked with hope in his voice.
    “Yes, of course.”
    “Wonderful, I’ll call you tomorrow,” he muttered. He smiled and swiftly leaned in to kiss me on the cheek before he briskly strode away.
    I walked into my apartment and headed straight to the refrigerator. I realized I was starving after eating only appetizers for dinner. I couldn’t believe how much fun I’d had tonight. I had to remember to thank Tess on Monday. All I could think about was Jack. He was the most amazing man I had ever met. He exuded a confidence that was not conceited but reassuring. He had the body of an athlete and the bravery of a soldier. He was intelligent and absolutely gorgeous!
    ***
     
    I covered my eyes with my blanket when I awoke to the bright light shining through my bedroom windows. I had forgotten to pull the shades before I went to bed last night. I lay there assessing my physical damages. My head hurt a little, but overall I might have evaded the dreaded hangover I’d hoped to avoid. I couldn’t believe I’d slept so soundly last night. I got up and got a huge glass of water, just in case there was a delay in the onset of symptoms. My body jumped while I chugged down the liquid after being startled by the music of my cell phone’s ring tone.
    “Hello,” I answered cheerfully, pretending I had been awake for hours.
    “Samantha, it’s me, Jack. Please tell me you remember me,” he pleaded playfully.
    “Jack … hmm, let me see … I think I might know someone by that name.” I laughed. “How are you?”
    “Great. I am guessing that you survived the night.” “Yes, I’ve never been