Quentin grinned down at her. “Thatdoesn’t happen very often.”
“Very funny,” she retorted, barely sparing him a glance. She was afraid the stunning vistas would disappear if she so much as blinked.
Keeping one arm securely around her waist, Quentin shifted so that they stood side by side.
Lexi raised her face to the azure sky, soaking up the sun and wind as the balloon glided smoothly through the air. It was absolutely exhilarating. A feast for the senses.
Over the next hour she and Quentin took in the sights, mostly communicating without words. When Lexi excitedly pointed something out to him, he’d nod and smile in shared appreciation. The pilot rarely interrupted to narrate, leaving his two passengers cocooned in their own private world of enjoyment.
When Quentin left her side, Lexi murmured softly, “Hurry back.”
A moment later, she was startled by the sound of a bottle being uncorked.
Turning, she watched as Quentin poured champagne into two glasses and handed one to her. Surprised, she arched a brow at him. “I thought the champagne toast is traditionally doneafterthe safe landing.”
“I asked them to make an exception this time.” A crooked grin curved his mouth. “I’d figured at some point during the flight, you’d appreciate some alcohol to help calm your nerves.”
Lexi chuckled. “Good looking out.”
“Always.” Sobering after a moment, Quentin raised his glass in a toast to her, his eyes glowing with warm pride. “Here’s to you. For bravely conquering your fear of heights.”
Lexi smiled shyly. “I don’t know if I’vecompletelyconquered it.”
“You’re up here, aren’t you?”
Her smile turned quiet and grateful. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Quentin.”
His gaze softened. “We make a good team.”
“Always.”
Their glasses clinked musically and they drank, smiling at each other.
After a few moments, Lexi sighed contentedly. “What an amazing day this has been. I almost wish we didn’t have to go back home on Monday.”
“Me too,” Quentin murmured.
“I’d love to have dinner tonight in one of those Michelin-rated French restaurants.”
“Let’s do it, then.”
“We can’t,” she reminded him with a rueful smile. “Asha’s chef is preparing a special New Year’s Day dinner. Besides, we don’t have reservations.”
“Then we’ll come back tomorrow night.”
“Mmm. Sounds like a plan.”
“Good.” Quentin reached out, his fingertips brushing her cheek as he gently pushed her windswept hair off her face.
Their gazes caught and held. A strange, intoxicating dizziness swept through Lexi.
Altitude,she told herself.Or too much wine in one day.
But she knew better.
The winds of change were upon her and Quentin. That stolen kiss on the balcony had set something in motion between them. Something that had sent them hurtling into the unknown.
Where they landed, only time would tell.
