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the West Coast who make their annual trek north at this time of year. They party twenty-five hours a day. When they get away from their families, they go wild. I guess that’s their way of easing the tension of their demanding jobs.”
    Storm shook her head, enjoying Jim’s closeness as he checked his long stride to match her own. “He sure came on strong,” she commented.
    Jim glanced at her. “Well,” he said grimly, “you’d better get used to it. These men will be letting it all hang loose, and, like I said before, women are considered good for only one thing around here, and it sure as hell isn’t flying a plane.”
    “Just the same,” she said, lowering her voice to a husky whisper, “thanks for helping me.”
    He grinned. “I saw you clench your fist. I couldn’t afford to have you deck him on the spot.”
    Storm laughed lightly. “I didn’t even realize I’d done it.” She stopped, her hands on her hips. “Do you actually think I’d hit somebody?” she demanded.
    Jim swung around, a lazy grin on his face. “No, not really. I figure if you haven’t tried to hit me by now, with all the hot words we’ve traded, you aren’t going to hit anyone.”
    They stood facing each other a few feet apart, an invisible web of attraction, an undeniable magnetism, building between them. Storm watched Jim’s expression soften as he studied her features. She didn’t mind his gray, clear-eyed gaze. It made her feel good, glad to be with him. He shook his head.
    “Well, it seems I’m not going to get rid of you tonight. I can’t afford to have Rickson tracking you down. After we file the flight, let’s go out to dinner.”
    “Together?”
    “Is there any other way?”
    “Well…I didn’t think you wanted—”
    “I like your company,” he interrupted. “I just don’t believe you can do the job of a bush pilot.”
    Storm grinned impishly, tossing her copper hair across her shoulders in a gesture of defiance. “Okay, I can accept that for now. Are you calling a truce for tonight, then?”
    “Why not?” He pulled her forward, and they walked in the evening twilight to a nearby parking lot. Already, scudding clouds that had lurked offshore all day were blanketing Seattle in a gray mantle.
    “Where are we staying tonight?” Storm asked as they climbed into the rented car.
    “Bradford Outfitters always has a motel rented for its pilots and clients.”
    Storm frowned. “Does that mean Rickson will be there, too?”
    “Unfortunately, yes. You’re going to get your first taste of a sleepless night, with a lot of drunken partying going on.”
    “Great,” she muttered. She chewed on her lower lip and stole a look at him. His profile was sharp and confident. “Well, where will you be?” she asked in a low voice.
    Jim snorted, shifting the dark green Jeep into gear and moving out into the airport traffic. “I’ll make sure you’ve got the room on the end, and I’ll stick myself in the middle, between you and them.”
    “Thanks,” she whispered.
    “It just proves a woman has no business in this sort of job. If you were a man, I wouldn’t have to worry about a damn thing.”
    “Well, if you’d quit acting like the white knight to the damsel in distress, I’m sure you’d find I can take care of myself.”
    He gave her a sidelong glance of utter disbelief. “I wonder for how long. If you’d flown in here by yourself to pick up Rickson, what do you think the outcome would have been?”
    “You worry too much. Besides,” Storm growled, “I’ve managed to survive for the last year on my own, and have handled every problem that’s been thrown my way.” She wanted to add: “All except you…there’s no way to handle you,” but decided to clamp down on her impulsive tongue for once.
    He pulled the Jeep into the parking lot of a restaurant and got out, then waited for her on the steps. Storm smiled to herself. He had said no favors given, and that apparently included opening car doors.