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The truth is, I have more money than I know what to do with, and my family has been taken care of financially. I suppose it’s only a matter of time before I move on, but I don’t think Addie will be happy.
Considerations for another day. Right now, it’s time to call my golden ticket outta here.
I open Addie’s text messages, find Hunter’s phone number and hit call. I hope the guy is going to be cooperative.
It barely rings before a brisk, feminine voice answers. “Pyro.”
Not expecting a woman or “Pyro,” I hesitate. Not much catches me off guard, and I have no idea why I assumed Hunter was a man, but just in case I dialed the wrong number, I say, “I’m calling for Hunter.”
“This is Hunter.”
Hmm. Unexpected and certainly a nice surprise. I assumed some former military flyboy would be escorting me home.
“Hey, it’s Knox.”
“Do you plan on showing up to the airport any time soon?” she asks in a tart voice.
“Change of plans,” I tell her.
“What do you mean?”
“Unfortunately, I’m in a bit of a jam.” My attention moves back outside where Torres’ men continue to search. “Any chance you can pick me up?”
“I thought that’s what I was doing.” Her voice is dry as tinder.
“I can’t exactly get to the airport at the moment.”
She huffs out an annoyed breath and I find myself wondering what she looks like. If it’s anything like her sultry voice, I’m in trouble. Distractions on a job aren’t good.
“You can’t just grab a taxi?”
“Not at the moment, no. Sorry to put you out, Hunter.” Apologies can go a long way, and I infuse my tone with sincerity. “I know you’re doing me a huge favor, and I appreciate it. You have a lovely voice, by the way.”
I’m not sure where that last part came from, but it’s true.
“What?”
“Kind of smoky. Like my favorite top shelf whiskey.”
“I’m sorry, are youflirtingwith me?”
Her directness is refreshing. “Maybe?” I can’t help but laugh.
Another sigh. “Where are you?” she finally asks, and I grin from ear to ear. Even through the phone, my charm serves me well. Clearly, she isn’t thrilled about the change of plans, but I send her the address and she tells me she’s on her way.
Time to blow this pop stand. Er, bakery.
Chapter Four: Hunter
Whoever he is, the guy has balls.
With another shake of my head, I finish dealing with the airport’s rental office, take the key and slide into the car. Plugging the address Knox gave me into the GPS, I leave the airport behind and venture out into the city.
Wow. Talk about going above and beyond. If there were an award for saving people’s asses, I should definitely be nominated. Between swooping in to rescue Ex Nihilo over and over again this past year, and now this, I’d say I should win Pilot of the Year.
But he wouldn’t have called me if he wasn’t in trouble, right? At least that’s what I tell myself until I pull into the alley behind the panadería and text him that I’m here. I’m not sure what exactly I expected, but it isn’t the man who strolls out of the back door like he doesn’t have a care in the world, wearing sunglasses and a tuxedo, tie hanging loosely around his neck.
He’s carrying a pink bakery box and turns momentarily to speak to the woman now standing at the door before tossing her a jaunty wave. Maybe I’m reading the situation wrong, but she looks slightly flustered as she sends him off with smiles and, apparently, pastries and good wishes. Does he know her? Theyseem to be acquainted. Hell, he looks like he’s out for a Sunday stroll, not running from a dangerous situation.