Deathly fear rolled through her as the streets rushed by. Several minutes passed before her heart slowed its pounding. The grip she had on Slade's waist didn't ease until they slowed and came to a stop by a large gray building.
"We're here. So, what did you think of your first motorcycle ride?"
Savanna eased her hands away and climbed off the bike. "I actually liked it. Where are we?"
Slade pulled off his helmet, then unfastened hers, and locked them both to the bike. "We're taking a sunset ride in a hot air balloon."
"Wow. Of all the scenarios I pictured, that one didn't come up."
"Don't tell me that you've done this before."
"Never."
He slid his hand against hers. "First step is meeting the pilot and crew. Come on."
Slade introduced her to the guys she was about to entrust with her life, then they drove to the launch site. While they drove, Derek the pilot spoke about his several years of experience in piloting the balloons. When they reached the site, he explained how the basket and balloon envelope were laid out so that the wind aided the inflation process. Then he had Savanna and Slade help hold the envelope open while the inflation fan forced air into the balloon.
Savanna's trepidation surged when Derek lit the burner and fire blew into the envelope, but watching the colorful balloon come upright was a very cool experience. She shared a smile with Slade and allowed him to help her into the basket. She was tall, but climbing inside wasn't her most graceful moment.
Derek nodded at them. "Ready to take off?"
Her palms grew damp and she gripped the basket. "Sure."
Slade's arm slid around her shoulders. "Let's do it."
Her stomach rolled as the basket moved and rose into the air. She breathed in deep, concentrating on the feel of the wicker against her palms, and the strength of his arm around her shoulders, and not on how the trees, buildings and cars grew smaller and smaller. Derek had said the balloons could go as high as several thousand feet, but that he'd keep it to fifteen-hundred for them. He'd probably taken one look at her and seen the nerves spiking and worries spinning.
"Hey." Slade's murmur tickled her ear. "You okay?"
"Honestly, I keep thinking about errant wind gusts coming along and carrying us far out to sea. I know it's silly and he explained how the basket can't tip over, but still." She lifted her shoulders as heat burned into her cheeks. "Irrational fears strike again."
Slade cupped his other hand against her cheek. "Maybe this will take your mind off of them."
He turned her until their bodies faced each other and she released her grip on the basket. The arm around her shoulders pulled her in closer. Slade inclined his head and brushed his thumb over her cheek. Her breath caught and her lips parted, ready to welcome his. She watched his eyes and the way they seemed to darken as he drew closer. Her heart pounded all over again, but in anticipation, not fear. In need and desire.
Warm, firm lips closed over hers and his fingers continued their gentle caress. Savanna clutched his jacket, both to keep him close and as an anchor. Slade made a small sound of approval and slanted his mouth, taking the kiss deeper. A thread wove between them, binding them together. Whatever this was, it was huge, overpowering, and as heady a sensation as the most dizzying buzz she'd ever experienced.
Slade lifted his head and trailed his finger over her lips. He looked a little dazed. "So, yeah. I know my favorite part of this experience."
Smiling, she leaned into his embrace and relaxed, enjoying the peaceful glide along the air against a backdrop of reds and golds streaking across the sky.
They pointed out landmarks to each other and laughed over Derek's stories. Too soon, he said, "We're coming up on our landing. The wind is picking up, so we might have a bumpy one. I want you to crouch down, turn sideways from the approaching ground and bend your knees slightly to soften the impact. The balloon may drag and turn sideways so use the basket to lean against to ensure no injuries occur."
Injuries? Savanna tensed as the basket drew closer to the ground. She peeked at Slade. He watched the landing with the same determination she'd seen him exhibit while waiting for a pitch. Concentration, but no fear. As though he felt her gaze, he glanced up and smiled, then covered her hand with his. "No worries."
The basket bumped along the ground and came to a stop.
Derek continued to issue instructions. "Wait in the basket for some of the hot air to be released. That way the balloon doesn't take off again when you dismount."
"Now, that would be a story." Savanna moved closer to Slade, exhilarated over the ride and relieved they'd had a safe landing. She glanced around the area outside the basket. They were in the field behind the gray building where they'd started.
"No kidding."
At Derek's okay, they climbed out of the basket and then he waved them toward a table draped in white linen. A bottle of champagne, clutches of tapered candles, and dishes of various hors d'oeuvres covered the center.
Savanna turned to Slade. "This is nice."
"This is the rest of the experience. The crew will dismantle the basket and pack up the balloon and we can take our time out here. I'm glad the wind cooperated and we were able to land here instead of another spot. My bike's in the parking lot, so there's no rush to get back anywhere." He poured a drink for them both.
She filled her plate and settled into one of the chairs. They were situated so that she and Slade would be next to each other.
He handed her a glass and then raised his in toast. "To a successful flight."
The bubbles fizzed over her tongue. Savanna set her glass aside and touched
