Going Home - Chapter Three by Jannine Gallant

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            The tires slid on the slush coated pavement of the freeway before catching. At the speed they were going, she’d be more than a little late for dinner. Not that they had a choice. Nor was she in a hurry to end their journey. Snow fell in big fat flakes to be slapped away by the wipers. Soft rock filled the car, a welcome change from holiday music, and warmth encompassed her.

            For the first time all day, Lacey relaxed. Her gaze rested on Reece’s big hands, firm on the steering wheel. Not for one moment did she doubt his skill on the slippery roads. The man oozed confidence and competence.

            His deep brown gaze shifted from the road to her face and back. “How long are you staying in Denver?”

            “A week.” She snuggled into the seat. “I’ve been looking forward to getting out of L.A. and going home.”

            “Home? Don’t you live in Los Angeles?”

            She nodded. “Yes, but Colorado is home. It’s where I grew up, where all my strongest memories are.” She stared through the windshield at the falling snow. “I enjoy my job. I have a great roommate and lots of friends, but I don’t feel a connection to Southern California. Does that make sense?”

            “Perfect sense.”

            When he didn’t elaborate, she touched his arm. “Is Denver your final destination or a temporary stop?”

            He winced. “Honestly, I don’t have a clue.”

            “I’m surprised.”

            His glance slid over at her again. “Why’s that? You don’t know anything about me.”

            “You’re wrong.”

            A dark brow shot up. “Oh?”

            “I know you’re kind and considerate. I know you’ve experienced loss. It’s there in the lines on your face and the sadness in your eyes. I know that you roll with the unexpected and make the best of it. Most of all, you seem like a man in control of your own destiny. That’s why I’m surprised you don’t have your future all worked out.”

            A smile eased across his lips. “And here I thought I was a closed book.”

            “Nope. You’re an easy read. I’m guessing you had a plan, but it got derailed.”

            His eyes widened. “Are you sure you aren’t a psychologist—or a mind reader.”

            “Nope. I just make a point of studying people beyond what I see on the surface.” A green highway sign flashed by outside the window. Still thirty miles to Denver. “What happened to change your plans?”

            His fingers tightened around the steering wheel. “My fiancée sent me a Dear John letter a month before my tour was up. Apparently she fell in love with someone else while I was gone.” He shrugged. “Not that I blame her. Long distance relationships are a bitch in the best of circumstances. Knowing your fiancé is getting shot at and might never come home is the opposite of best.”

            Anger started as a slow burn in her chest and crept outward. She fisted her hands in her lap. He might act like having his life turned upside down and his feelings thrown back in his face wasn’t a big deal, but she didn’t believe him for a minute.

            “I know you’re too much of a gentleman to hit a woman, but I’m not.” She pulled a notepad from her purse and waited with pen poised. “Give me her address.”

            Laughter, rich and deep, echoed through the car. “Sonya probably has six inches and thirty pounds on you.”

            “I’ll still kick her butt. My parents made me take self-defense classes before I moved to L.A. They worry about me in the big, bad city.”

            Reaching across the center console, he patted her leg. “Small but mighty. Are you afraid of anything?”

            It took a moment to gather her wits. His warm hand through the fabric of her pants left an indelible impression on her thigh. She swallowed. “That one’s easy. Flying.”

            He grinned. “Ah, your terror in the face of a little turbulence is explained.”

            “Okay, tough guy, what’s your biggest fear?”

            His expression hardened. “I’ve already faced it. What Sonya did doesn’t even come close.”

            His tone told her he didn’t intend to elaborate, and she wouldn’t dream of intruding on his privacy. They were quite for several minutes, letting an Eagles’ tune fill the conversational void, but the silence wasn’t uncomfortable. Lacey’s eyelids drooped. A muttered oath had them snapping open. Red taillights flashed in the evening gloom. The car slid as he braked but came to a stop several feet short of a big pickup.

            Her heart settled back into a normal rhythm, and she let out a breath. “That was close.”

            “Close is a bullet creasing your neck and barely leaving a scar. I wouldn’t consider a hiccup in traffic close.”

            She stared at him as he eased the car forward. “Did that happen to you?”

            Pulling back the collar of his shirt, he uncovered a red welt across his neck. The pulse at the base beat strong and steady.

            Her stomach clenched, and she breathed through her nose. “I’m glad you aren’t going back.” The words rasped in her throat, hard and hurting. “I know we just met, but…”

            He touched her hair in a gentle caress before returning his hand to the steering wheel. “Thank you for caring.”

            “Why wouldn’t I?”

            In the distance, the glow of city lights glimmered along the horizon. They were almost to Denver. Anticipation mixed with regret, filling her with confusion. It was Christmas Eve, a time for family and tradition. She was going home to her grandma, and Reece would spend the holiday with his parents. They were nothing more than strangers whose paths crossed by chance. The hollowness inside grew as he left the freeway and followed her directions into a quiet neighborhood. Lights decorated the houses, glowing with Christmas cheer. When he pulled into her grandmother’s driveway, she sat still in her seat, staring at the illuminated tree shining through the living room window. The porch light welcomed her home.

            “I guess this is it.” She bit her lip.

            When he touched her cheek, she turned to face him. The warmth in his eyes set her heart beating in a fierce rhythm.

            “Is that what you thought, that I’d just drop you off and drive away?”

            Her shoulders lifted in a tiny shrug.

            “You can’t get rid of me so easily.”

            “No?”

            “Not a chance. My parents live maybe five miles from here. Seems likely I’ll swing through this neighborhood on my morning run.”

            She pressed a hand to her chest. “I make a mean cup of coffee, and my grandma’s cinnamon rolls are to die for. “After a five mile run, you’ll need sustenance for the return trip.”

            When he smiled, all the joy of the season filled her with happiness and hope.

“This isn’t the end, Lacey. It’s just the beginning. When I boarded that plane, I had no idea I truly would be going home.”

I hope you enjoyed Going Home. All my books can be found on my website, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Have a very, merry Christmas!

Going Home - Chapter Two by Jannine Gallant

 Jump to the first story

            Have yourself a merry little Christmas…

The song blared through hidden speakers in the overheated airport lobby. Arms crossed, Reece leaned against a post and waited patiently while the customer in front of him questioned the rental car agent about the best route to Denver. Five years ago, he would have wanted to strangle the guy for holding up the line. The Marines had taught him the value of patience—and that there were far more efficient ways than strangulation to take out an obstacle in his path. Eventually the man moved away, and he stepped forward.

The agent’s eyes widened as her gaze moved from his face downward. The diamond stud in her nose sparkled beneath fluorescent lights, and fingers with black painted nails fluttered. “Do you have a reservation, sir?”

            “No, I don’t.” He softened the blunt statement with a smile. “I’d like to rent a car, preferably something with four wheel drive.”

            “Sorry, but we don’t have any left. Everyone upgraded when the snow started.” She tapped buttons on her computer and nodded. “Yep, the last vehicle on the lot that isn’t reserved is a midsized sedan. Will that work?”

            Her voice, raised to be heard over the endless loop of cheery holiday music, echoed in the sudden silence before A Holly Jolly Christmas erupted from the sound system. Behind him, people grumbled and swore as half the line stampeded toward the other rental agency desks.

            “I’ll take it.”

            She started tapping buttons again. “Good choice. I’m pretty sure the competition is sold out by now, too.”

            To his left, a thud shook the floor. He glanced over his shoulder and met Lacey Chandler’s wide eyed gaze. The color drained from her face, and she plopped down on top of the oversized suitcase.

            “How am I supposed to get to Denver, then?”

            The agent slapped a rental agreement on the counter and pointed. “Sign here. I’ll need to see your driver’s license and a credit card. ” Her brows drew together as she looked up and frowned at Lacey. “You should have made a reservation.”

            Her mouth opened, then closed, and her lips tightened. Reece admired her restraint. A moment later, the fight drained out of her, and her shoulders slumped. Compassion filled him.

            “I’ll give you a ride if you like.”

            Lacey regarded him with a mixture of suspicion and hope. She chewed her lip. “I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.”

            “We’re both going in the same direction, and I’ll enjoy the company.” He handed over his credit card then turned to face her. “I know taking a ride from a stranger is incredibly stupid, but I swear I mean you no harm. You have my word.”

            Troubled blue eyes regarded him for a long moment before she finally nodded. “I believe you."

            Relief surged through him. For some reason it was important he earn this woman’s trust. “Hold tight. I’m almost finished.” He glanced at the agent. “Aren’t I?”

            She handed back his license and credit card. “A couple more details. Do you want full insurance?”

            Sleet rattled against the sliding glass doors leading out of the airport terminal. “Sure, give me the insurance. Oh, and for the record, I’ll be dropping the car off in Denver.”

            With an ill-concealed eye roll, she tapped on the computer again then pushed over a key. “Normally we like to keep our cars local, but since you’re a hero and all…”

            Taking the key, he scooped up the paperwork. “I’m no hero. The real heroes are the men and women still over there—and the ones who’ll never come home.”

Turning sharply, he hefted his duffle bag. When he bent to grab Lacey’s suitcase handle, his palm closed over slender fingers. Their gazes locked.

“I can get it.” Her voice was soft, almost breathless.

“Call me old fashioned, but my mother didn’t raise me to let a woman carry a heavy bag.”

“It has wheels.”

He pulled it from her grip. “The principle still holds. Humor me.”

Smiling, she slung the strap of her carry-on bag over her shoulder. “A man should always listen to his momma. I’m not going to stand in your way.”

“I like you this way better.”

Her brow shot up. “Huh?”

“Feisty beats defeated every time.”

She skipped a step to catch up with him, then tugged the hood of her jacket over her shining blonde hair as they stepped through the sliding doors into a gust of wind laced with snow. “I’m not usually such a baby, but the day started out bad and only got worse. I’ve been playing catch-up since the moment my alarm went off.”

Glancing at the number on the rental form, he located the slot holding a boring, tan sedan. With a shrug, he popped open the trunk. “Sounds a lot more exciting than my day. Let’s hear all the details.” After dropping his duffle bag into the trunk, he eyed her oversized suitcase and then loaded it onto the back seat.

She slid into the passenger side and turned to face him as he shut the door. Cold air filled the car, and a gust of wind rocked it. The storm was growing worse. He wished again for a four wheel drive and thought of the Humvees he’d driven when he wasn’t flying over the mountains of Afghanistan. Nothing rocked those babies but a roadside bomb. Dragging his thoughts back to the present before misery could grab him by the throat, he smiled at Lacey. She was both sweet and sexy, a contradiction that made him wish he hadn’t promised to be a complete gentleman.

Turning on the engine, he adjusted the seat and mirrors and cranked up the heat. “Why did your day start out so bad?”

“A last minute client demanded my attention. I had to change my flight to a later one to accommodate him. We all know how well that turned out.”

He frowned. “A client needed his accountant on Christmas Eve?”

Those big, blue eyes blinked at him, and color crept into her cheeks. “I’m not an accountant.”

“But you said—”

“No, you assumed when I mentioned numbers.” She straightened in the seat and lifted her chin. “I’m a personal shopper and a math whiz.”

Warmth filled him, and it wasn’t from the still cool air blasting from the heat vents. He tried not to laugh as he pulled out of the parking lot but couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Will you hit me if I tell you that you look more like a personal shopper than an accountant?”

Her smile took on an edge. “I might.”

“You know what?”

“I’m almost afraid to ask.”

“I’m glad our plane got rerouted. I’m thrilled they ran out of rental cars. Something tells me the next couple of hours are going to be the highlight of my week.”

The conclusion to Going Home will post tomorrow. You can find all my books on my website, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Thanks for stopping by!

Going Home - Chapter One by Jannine Gallant

 Jump to the first story

          She had just one wish for the holiday. Survival. The aircraft jolted and shook like a tilt-a-whirl gone wild. Clutching the armrests in a white knuckled grip, Lacey Chandler braced her feet against the seat in front of her and prayed. When a sudden air pocket sent the plane in a free fall through space, a squeal of sheer terror tore from her throat.
          “You okay?”
          She stared at the man in the seat next to her. Lowering his newspaper, he regarded her with a raised brow. Even in her petrified state, she couldn’t help noticing his rugged good looks. She’d been sneaking glances since the plane took off in Los Angeles.
          Forcing her clenched teeth apart, she answered, “I’m just peachy for someone about to die.”
          His firm lips tilted up at the corners. “A little turbulence isn’t going to kill anyone.”
          Of course he wasn’t afraid. A camouflage print shirt hugged shoulders so broad they took up more than his fair share of the seat while the matching military issue pants strained across his thighs. Dark brown eyes held a depth of experience she couldn’t begin to understand—and didn’t want to. He probably ate terrorists for breakfast.
          Overhead, the fasten seatbelt sign lit up, and a loudspeaker crackled. “This is your captain speaking. Looks like the weather is growing worse, folks. Please return to your seats and buckle up.”
          “Worse? How can it get worse than this?” She bit her lip.
          A hard, calloused hand closed over hers and squeezed before pulling away. “I’m sure we’ll fly out of the storm in no time.”
          A tingle of warmth shot through her. Though she generally followed the old adage about not speaking to strangers, talking might take her mind off her imminent demise. She hesitated, eyeing him from the top of his closely shorn head, past prominent cheek bones and a hard chin, to the muscled forearms crossed over the newspaper resting on his lap. Though her seatmate was probably only a few years older than she was, late twenties she guessed, he didn’t look young or harmless—anything but. Still, she needed a distraction.
          “Are you in the army?”
          “Marines.”
          Not very chatty. She tried again. “Going home on leave for Christmas?”
          “Going home, period. I just finished my second tour in Afghanistan. It was enough.”
          “Oh.” The plane bounced, jostling her into those broad shoulders. “Thanks.”
          “For what?”
          “Putting yourself in harm’s way for me.”
          He shrugged. “I did what I was told, nothing more, nothing less.” The warmth in his chocolate eyes faded.
          Whatever he was remembering obviously wasn’t pleasant. Maybe I’m not the only one who needs a distraction. Prying her fingers from the armrest, she held out her hand. “I’m Lacey Chandler.”
          His grip was firm. Comforting. “Reece Hartman. It’s nice to meet you.”
          “Likewise. Where’s home?”
          He hesitated a moment before answering. “My parents live in a suburb of Denver.”
          “Yeah? So does my grandmother. That’s where I’m headed. My mom and dad are on a cruise in Greece. They’ve been saving for it forever, and my brother is spending the holidays with his in-laws.” She was babbling. She knew it but couldn’t stop. The plane rocked from side to side then shook like a dog coming out of water. Her voice rose as she braced her feet. “It’ll be just me and my grandma this year.”
          His big hand covered hers again. “Take a deep breath and try to relax. We’re going to be fine. Honest."
          Looking into those bottomless eyes, she almost believed him. Almost. “How can you be so sure?”
          “Because I’m a pilot. I’ve flown combat missions in all sorts of weather. Storms like this one are nothing out of the ordinary.” He frowned. “The landing could be a little tricky, though, if the temperatures keep dropping.”
          “I feel a whole lot better now. Instead of nose diving into a mountain, we’ll crash on the runway. That’s a much better option. Easier to identify the bodies.”
          His laugh rolled across her senses and curled her toes.
          “You’re a pessimistic little thing.”
          “Nope, just realistic. Numbers don’t lie, and I have a feeling we’re about to become a statistic.”
          “Numbers, huh? You don’t look like an accountant.”
          She narrowed her eyes and forgot all about the pitching plane for about three seconds. “What do accountants look like?”
          “Old and boring, not young and blonde and cute.”
          “Talk about a stereotype!”
          Before she could fully launch into a lecture, the loudspeaker crackled. “Change of plan folks. We have freezing rain in Denver, and they’ve closed the airport.”
          Groans and the buzz of conversations erupted throughout the plane. This couldn’t be happening. It was Christmas Eve for God’s sake.
          “Never fear, I have a plan B. We’re detouring to Cheyenne. That’s in Wyoming, people. Sorry for the inconvenience.” The speaker squawked and went silent.
          “The guy’s a regular comedian.” Reece shrugged his shoulders and smiled, his teeth gleaming white against his tan. Slowly the smile faded. “It isn’t the end of the world, Lacey. You aren’t going to cry, are you?”
          “Of course not.” She sniffed and blinked. “I’m just disappointed. It’s been a long day, and I know my grandma went to the trouble of making a big dinner.”
          “The drive will only take a couple of hours, give or take, depending on the roads.” He glanced at the big, black watch strapped to his wrist. “It’s only four now. Once we’re on the ground, you’ll call her and tell her you’ll be a little late.”
          She nodded. They were silent as the plane bumped and jolted then slowly began its descent into Cheyenne. Gray clouds and flakes of snow streamed by the tiny window. Clutching the armrests, she closed her eyes as the engines roared. A warm hand closed over her clenched fist, and some of the tension drained out of her. When the wheels touched down on the runway, she sighed in relief.
          “Safe and sound.”
          She opened her eyes and looked deep into his. “I guess I got my wish.”
          “Oh?”
          “We survived.”
          A slow grin spread. “Told you we would.”
          “A man of your word, I appreciate that.” She rose on shaking legs and pulled her carry-on bag from under the seat. “I won’t say it’s been a pleasure meeting you, Reece. More like an adventure.”
          Standing, he brushed against her in the confined space and put a steadying hand on her back. Warmth coursed through her.
          “I disagree. It has been a pleasure.” His eyes never strayed from her face. “Have a merry Christmas, Lacey.”
          “You have a merry one, too, Reece.” With a final backward glance, she walked down the aisle and off the plane.

 Check back tomorrow for Chapter Two in Going Home. All my books can be found on my website, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Happy Hollidays!