Read Online Untamed Desire by Lindsay McKenna - Free Book Online Page A

the poorly lit hallway. Immediately, voices drifted within earshot, and Storm slowed her steps. She recognized Jim Talbot’s voice, and her heartbeat skyrocketed. He was almost shouting at Dan Bradford. She came to a halt as their words became distinguishable.
    “Stella, go to lunch. Jim and I have something important to discuss.”
    “Sure, Mr. Bradford.” ‘There were a few moments of awkward silence. Storm sensed the tension within the office and hesitated, unsure whether or not to make her presence known.
    “I want her out,” came Jim’s voice.
    “You’d better have a good reason, Jim.”
    “She can’t take the grind.”
    “Oh? Stella was just showing me the mission’s report. I’d say you’re putting a lot of undue stress on the lady, wouldn’t you?”
    “I happen to think she can’t take it. Dan, we’ve got eight more weeks of this kind of pressure.”
    “Has she been late for any flights?” Dan cut in smoothly.
    “No.”
    “Any complaints from the people she’s flown to or from camps?”
    There was a moment’s hesitation, and Storm caught the edge of anger in Jim’s answer. “No, dammit. Look, Dan, I happen to pride myself on being able to judge people accurately. I’ve proven this to you before on several occasions when you thought we had the right pilot and I said no. And every time I was right.”
    “Yes, that’s true. You were right.” There was a lengthening silence, and Storm clutched the box to her chest, her heart hammering in her ears. She pressed her lips tightly together.
    “Jim,” Dan said softly, “I think your judgment is being influenced by something else. Storm reminds you of Heather.”
    The silence between them became unbearable, and Storm froze, afraid to make a move. Who was Heather? Her mind whirled in confusion. Had Heather been another woman pilot who hadn’t been able to fulfill the demanding tasks set for her by Jim?
    “Don’t you dare bring her into this,” Jim finally replied in a low voice, taut with anger.
    “Why not? She was my daughter.”
    “She was my wife!”
    Storm gasped in surprise. Jim’s wife! She hadn’t even known he’d been married. And where was Heather now?
    “Storm is like Heather in many ways,” Dan continued. “In her talent for flying and in her special confidence.”
    “That’s what got Heather killed!” Jim exploded violently.
    ‘Take it easy, Jim. We both know it was a freak snowstorm, not her flying ability, that was responsible.”
    Storm heard someone pacing the length of the room, and she hugged the wall, trying to tame her anxiety. Jim had been married. To Dan Bradford’s daughter! Somehow, she just couldn’t assimilate that. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat. No wonder Jim wanted her out of the company! And suddenly another, even more terrifying reality washed over her. He must care about her strongly to be reacting so heatedly to Dan Bradford’s accusations. She closed her eyes. Her temples began pounding as she considered the situation.
    “Now, look,” Dan Bradford said soothingly. “I need Storm too much to let her go just because she’s causing you pain. Try to let go of the past, Jim. I know how much you loved Heather. We both loved her deeply. But a woman—and especially Storm—can handle this job the same as a man.”
    Again silence fell between them, and finally Storm heard footsteps. A door opened.
    “Is that your final decision, Dan?”
    “Yes, it is. Storm stays.”
    “You’re forgetting she has another two months of probation left with the company.”
    “That’s right. And unless something drastic happens between now and then, I’m sure she’ll pass the test. Look, Jim, she’s a fine pilot. Why not give her half a chance to prove it? Search your conscience. Just because she reminds you of Heather is no reason to fire her.”
    The door closed, and Storm waited. Then she heard Dan sigh heavily and trudge off toward his own office. She waited another five minutes before timidly