Northern Magic

     Had her love crashed with Rick’s plane?  Shannon was ecstatic at the prospect of joining Rick in Alaska.  They’d waited so long, but now he’d found a pilot’s job and they could be married.  Her hopes faded, though, after her arrival in Anchorage.  Rick wasn’t there.  His apartment had been rented to someone else.  Panicky and confused, Shannon sought help through Cody Steel, Rick’s supposed employer.  Shannon feared for Rick’s safety and prayed he’d be found soon…before her love faded; before she succumbed to Cody’s captivating charm.

      “You don’t expect me to go look for him!”  Cody’s words triggered Shannon’s anger.  “I wouldn’t ask you to do it for nothing,” She snapped.  “I’ll pay to charter your plane.”  “It isn’t the money.”  He ground out the words.  “I don’t want it.”  “Then what is it?”  Shannon demanded impatiently.  A low groan escaped his throat.  “Surely you’ve guessed by now, Texas.”  He pulled her roughly to him, bringing her within inches of his mouth.  “Why should I help you find Rick when I want you for myself?”  No reply was permitted as he hungrily took possession of her lips.  “I can make you forget him….”  His husky voice vibrated against the sensitive skin of her neck.  And in cold breath of sanity Shannon discovered that he could.