Toy store. Seriously? That kiss was far too hot to have taken place in a public place, but a toy store?
That was just wrong.
Up in the air, she was trying to ignore the fact that Jarik was sitting in the cockpit with her. Surprisingly, he had some experience flying and was turning out to be a good co-pilot.
“My father used to fly,” he explained with a smile. “He didn’t get to go very often because of the crown, but when he did, he used to take me with him. Kashif wasn’t allowed to be in the same plane as him, and Samir was never interested, but I loved it.”
Oh boy. Personal conversations needed to be off limits. She didn’t want to know about his past. She didn’t want to make a connection with him. She simply wanted to get to Syria, finish the job, and get as far away from him as possible.
“So I’ve been thinking,” she said as she cleared her throat. “I realized that I’m way off schedule. You don’t have to volunteer when we get there. I know you have pressing business to attend.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him turn his head to stare at her, but she refused to look at him.
“We made a deal.” There was a sharp edge in his voice. “I have time to help you out at the camp and still make my prior engagement. Do you really think I’d run so easily?”
“I’m only trying to make things easier for you,” she said through clenched teeth. Her emotions took over, and she gripped the yoke a little too t
ightly. The plane dipped, and Jarik reached over and touched her wrist lightly.
“Focus on the kids,” he murmured in a soothing voice. It centered her, and she readjusted her positioning.
“Sorry,” she whispered. “I guess I get a little worked up some.”
Just then, the radio sparked to life. “This is King Khalid International Airport Control to Flight 446. We have a message from a Sebastian Walken.”
“Sebastian!” Maria gasped. She flipped the communications switch. “This is Pilot Maria Walken of Flight 446.”
“It’s been requested that you change your course to Riyadh to pick up some extra crates for your delivery. You have clearance to land.”
“Riyadh?” Maria said with a frown. “Is there any more to the message? I’m trying to get to Syria.”
“No, ma’am.”
Maria sighed and shook her head. She couldn’t get a hold of her brother, and now she had to reroute her entire plan? Anger surged in her, but she tried to keep a lid on it. She had to trust Sebastian, and if he’d managed to rustle up more donations, that was awesome.
“Very well. Please provide new coordinates, we are changing course.”
After adjusting her coordinates, she turned her head and looked over at Jarik. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I’m sure we can find you a direct flight to wherever you need to be in Lebanon, once we land.”
“You think it’s going to be that easy to get rid of me?” he asked without looking at her.
She couldn’t help but smile. Most men tended to give up when she didn’t show interest, but Jarik seemed determined to stick around. She’d be lying if she didn’t admit that she liked it. A lot.
As soon as they landed, she left Jarik with the plane to figure out what Sebastian had left for them. When she tried to call him and still got no answer, she started to get anxious.
While she waited for a custom’s official, she called Tessa. Her friend picked up immediately. “Maria! Where are you?”
Was that a note of stress she heard in her friend’s voice? “Why? What’s wrong? Is something wrong?”
“Sweetie, relax,” Tessa laughed. “I tried to call you a few hours ago and couldn’t get you. I assumed that you were in flight.”
“I was in flight, and I was on my way, but apparently Sebastian had some donations he wanted me to pick up in Riyadh. That’s where we are now. As soon as we load the plane, I’ll be on my way. How is everything in Syria?”
“Good. They’re all set up and waiting for you. I’ve set up the Christmas decorations, and I actually think we can pull something special together for dinner for the families. All we’re missing is Santa and his, or rather her, presents.”
Sighing, Maria tried to peer through the window blinds into the office. She could see shadows moving around, but no one had come out to talk to her yet. “Is Sebastian there? I’d like to have a word with him.”
“Sebastian?” Tessa cleared her throat nervously. “Maria, Sebastian isn’t here.”