Page 55 of One Kind Hand

Which made her feel self-conscious now. She was about to be seen out in public on the arm of a famous person. Everyone would know she was with Austin Rayhill tonight and while that was exciting, it was also terrifying. What if the public tore her apart? Normally she didn’t care how people felt about her aside from respecting her as a pilot. Not everyone had to like her. Not everyone did. But would she be bad for Austin’s career if the public thought he was nuts for dating a Vermont chopper pilot? Not that she looked like a Vermont chopper pilot tonight, but still.

She clamped a hand onto Austin’s arm as they were about to board the plane. His blue gaze connected with hers.

“What’s the matter, beautiful?” he asked, his face full of concern.

“Umm . . . I . . . are you sure about going public with this?” She gestured between them.

His face fell a bit, his brows crinkling as if she’d physically hurt him. “Dating a famous person is too much of a hassle, isn’t it? I get it.”

She shook her head. “No, it’s not that. It’s no hassle for me, Austin. It’s just . . . I’m . . . me.” She arrowed her hands at herself. “And you’re . . . you.”

“I’m not following.” That groove between his dark brows deepened.

“I’m not exactly the caliber of chick the public expects to see you with. I don’t want to ruin your image or embarrass you.”

Austin’s face immediately relaxed, a slight grin forming on those tempting lips. “Not that it’s all about appearances, but have you seen yourself tonight?” He took her hand, holding out her arm and waving his free hand over her. “You are out-movie-starring any movie star I’ve ever known, Charlie. You’re radiant. You’d light up a movie screen.” His gaze combed down the length of her, causing her body to heat. “Putting looks aside, your . . . caliber as you put it, far exceeds that of anyone else I’ve dated. I’m proud to be able to stand next to you.”

Her throat was tight. Her eyes pricked. She was unable to reply, his words had affected her so much.

Austin tugged her up against him. He fingered the ends of her hair then trailed a fingertip along her jaw. “Now if you’re having second thoughts about this date because you don’t want to be with me, I’ll understand. I’ll hate it, but I’ll respect how you feel.” He searched her face. “But if you’re having second thoughts because you somehow think you’re not good enough, stop that shit right now.”

She swiped at a few tears that had escaped from her eyes.

“Am I walking you back to the car or up these stairs?” He motioned to the airfield’s parking lot then to the plane.

She squeezed his hand she still held then stepped onto the stairs. “Let’s get this date going.”

Charlie was still a little worried, but when Austin’s hold tightened as he followed her up the stairs and they entered the plane, she decided her desire to be with him outweighed her fear of being torn apart in public. She did hope, however, nothing about her would damage Austin’s standing in the public eye. She’d have to do her best to use the proper silverware at dinner and play the role of sophisticated lady.

Or sophisticated badass at least.

The plane’s interior was gorgeous. Comfortable leather seats that were bigger than Charlie’s couch at home. Rich brown tones that were masculine and sexy. Champagne flutes already filled and fancy appetizers on a shiny platter.

Austin shook hands with a man in dark pants and a black, button-down shirt. “Captain George, I’d like you to meet Charlene Moyen. Charlie’s a helicopter pilot.”

Captain George’s smile was wide and bright. “Nice to meet a fellow sky adventurer. Welcome aboard.”

Charlie shook his hand. “Thank you. Nice to meet you too.”

“This is Serinna.” George pointed to a woman on his left dressed in a similar fashion. Gesturing to a man on his right, also wearing what must have been the standard uniform, he said, “And that’s Keith. They’ll both be helping out tonight and seeing to your needs on the flight.”

“On the flight to . . . ?” Charlie laughed when Austin stood in front of her and shook his head.

“Nice try, but they’ve all been sworn to secrecy.”

Charlie snapped her fingers in defeat. “Can’t blame a girl for trying.”

“I’m sure you’ll enjoy the destination.” With a nod, George made his way to the front of the plane. “We’ll take off in five minutes.”

“Thanks, George.” Austin angled his head at Serinna and Keith and they disappeared to the back of the small plane.

Charlie found it interesting how Austin managed to give off a friendly vibe to the people who worked for him, but also maintained his authority. He could be powerful yet not a dick at the same time and that was damn sexy. He was simultaneously an alpha and beta male. She’d never met a guy like that and was surprised by how much she liked this unique breed of male.

“Can I finally peel that coat from you?” Austin asked, his fingers wiggling. “You’ll be more comfortable on the flight without it.”

“Why? Is it a long flight?”

Austin wagged his index finger at her. “No hints about the destination, lady.”