Can't Say No by Sherryl Woods Read Free Book Online Page A

foolhardiness.
    Blake glowered over the side of the gondola and inquired via radio, “Has there been any change in the reports from the weather service?”
    Audrey peered down to see John’s reaction to having his advice so calmly discounted. He was scowling up at the two of them, his wrinkled face totally disapproving.
    â€œMissy, are you okay?”
    Before Audrey could speak for herself, Blake said, “She’s fine. Now, what about the weather?”
    John muttered something unintelligible, then sighed. “The weather report is unchanged, clear until noon or so, then some storms brewing.”
    â€œThanks, John. We’ll see you in Glenwood Springs.”
    â€œYou do remember where it is, don’t you?”
    Blake laughed and gave him a thumbs-up gesture. “I checked the map, old man.”
    â€œGlad to hear it. You ain’t shown much sense about anything else this morning.”
    â€œStop hounding me and get out on the road. If I lose sight of Hammond, keep me posted on his progress.”
    â€œIf you lose sight of Hammond, you’ll have more to worry about than his progress. Over.”
    â€œWhat did he mean by that?” Audrey asked, instantly alert.
    â€œJust that the course should be pretty straightforward. If I can’t see Hammond, one of us has gone astray.”
    â€œCan that happen?”
    â€œIt’s possible.”
    Audrey stared at him and sank back down again. “Oh, my God.”
    â€œDon’t give up on me now. We’ve got work to do, woman.”
    â€œI’d like an explanation first. Exactly how do we go off course? Don’t you know how to steer this thing?”
    â€œSure,” he said confidently. “Up and down.”
    Her eyes widened. “Up and down? What about forward and back?”
    â€œThat’s a little trickier.”
    â€œHow tricky?”
    â€œActually that part’s up to the air currents.”
    That vague sense of alarm that foolishly had gone into hiding came back with a vengeance. “We’re floating around up here at the whim of some fickle wind?”
    â€œIn a manner of speaking.”
    â€œI’ve changed my mind. I’d like to take the down ride now.”
    â€œToo late, sweetheart. We’re off.”
    Tension made her numb, except for the pulse in her neck that seemed to be fluttering excessively fast. A little more reassurance now would have been nice, but Blake seemed to be occupied with a number of inexplicable maneuvers, including spilling little drops of water over the side of the gondola.
    â€œIf that’s our water supply, would you mind preserving it?” she requested over the lump that had lodged in her throat. She was beginning to envision spending the rest of the summer and then a long, very cold winter stranded on a mountain with only Blake for warmth. To her disgust, certain aspects of the image held a very strong appeal.
    â€œJust checking the wind. We’ll have plenty left if we need it.” He opened the vent in the side of the balloon, allowing the air to cool slightly, and guided it down into a more favorable current. His movements were efficient and, even to her untrained eye, skilled. They also displayed his masculine strength to full advantage. He had stripped off his windbreaker and was working in a snug-fitting polo shirt. A thorough exploration of the corded muscles in his arms distracted her temporarily. Those titillating images danced through her head again.
    He glanced down at her. “How are you enjoying the ride so far?”
    Audrey tried to concentrate on the warmth in his eyes, but she couldn’t help noticing that a few remaining, low-hanging clouds were zipping past at a dizzying speed. “I’ll let you know later.”
    Blake stopped what he was doing and gazed at her with concern. “You aren’t still afraid, are you?”
    â€œDoes the phrase ‘stark terror’ mean anything to