And I’m failing embarrassingly at all three.
Just when I think I can’t get more embarrassed, a sleek black car pulls up, and Victor steps out.
Wearing a long wool coat, a crisp collared shirt, and aviator sunglasses, the man I’m married to is also wearing the frown of a man who’s already had three meetings and earned a small country’s GDP before 7 AM.
Doesn’t help my rapid heartbeat that he also looks like a cologne ad come to life. As for me, I look like I raided my roommate's closet and hoped for the best.
He grins when he sees me, removing his sunglasses as he nears.
"Good morning, Miss Beaumont.” His eyes sweep over me, and I swear the temperature rises ten degrees. "You're on time."
"You sound surprised."
"I'm impressed.”
"It's seven AM. You said seven AM sharp."
"And you listened. I like that about you."
My stomach flips. “Oh no, please don’t.”
"Don't what?"
"Don't say things like that when we're about to spend four hours alone on a plane together."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm trying to be professional."
"How's that working out for you?"
"Terribly, thanks for asking."
He laughs, a deep throaty sound, and takes my suitcase without asking. "Come on. Let's get you out of the cold."
I follow him toward the plane, and a flight attendant appears at the top of the stairs. She's tall, blonde, and wearing a pressed uniform that makes her look like she could also be a runway model.
"Good morning, Mr. Kade," she says with a warm smile. "Welcome aboard."
"Morning, Claire. This is Harper."
Claire's eyes light up with recognition. "Mrs. Kade! It's wonderful to meet you. I saw the video—the chapel was so charming!"
I'm going to die. Right here. On this tarmac.
"Thank you," I manage. "It was very... spontaneous."
"The best love stories always are." She gestures up the stairs. "Please, come aboard. I've prepared everything just as you requested, Mr. Kade."
Victor's hand finds the small of my back, guiding me up the stairs, and I'm acutely aware of his touch even through my coat.
The interior of the plane makes me stop dead in my tracks.
"Oh my God," I breathe.
It's beautiful. Cream leather seats that look more comfortable than my actual bed. Dark wood accents. Warm lighting. A full bar area. What appears to be a bedroom in the back.
A bedroom.
