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I peered out the jet window from my seat, watching the activity on the Burbank Airport tarmac. The sun glinted off the sleek white jet, almost blinding me. I shielded my eyes with one hand, desperately searching for any sign of Grace’s arrival.
Nothing.
Dante sat across from me, his stoic expression showing no emotion. “She’ll be here soon, Your Highness.” His voice was resolute and reassuring as he scrolled through his phone. “Put your mind at ease.”
Despite his confidence, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that the paparazzi might have scared off Grace for good.
What if she didn’t show up?
What if she decided it wasn’t worth the risk?
What if I had to resort to Plan B?
That was the problem . . .
I had no Plan B.
My entire scheme rested on her bumbling help. Without Grace, I was doomed to marry someone I should not be marrying.
As I reluctantly settled back into my seat, I caught sight of a figure emerging from the executive terminal. My breath hitched in my throat as I recognized Grace’s brown hair shining in the sunlight. Directly behind her was a porter, lugging her overstuffed floral suitcase on a cart toward the tail of the jet.
“There she is!” I practically shouted, then jumped to my feet as joy and relief surged through me at the sight of her.
“Indeed,” Dante said, like he’d expected it all along.
Grace’s cheeks flushed as she stepped onto the jet and locked gazes with me, her eyes darting around the luxurious interior of plush leather seats and polished wood accents.
“I’m sorry I kept you waiting,” she said sheepishly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I had second thoughts.”
“What happened to change your mind?” I couldn’t help asking.
“Well . . .” Grace appeared to mull over the question. “When a person is at rock bottom, they really have nothing to lose. The only direction is up. Plus, going to Verdana is a chance for me to escape the chaos in Los Angeles.”
“Well, I’m certainly glad you’re here,” I said.
“Welcome aboard,” Dante said.
“Thank you,” she said with a smile.
I gestured to the seat across from me. “Please make yourself comfortable. We’ll be on our way to Verdana shortly.”
She nodded and strapped herself in as her eyes glittered in wonder and amazement. “I’ve never flown private before. Or first class. Or anything remotely close to comfortable. This is really something.” She gently ran her fingers across the buttery-soft, white leather seats.
“Anything you need, just let us know,” I said.
“Thanks.” Grace sank into her seat with a happy sigh. “I’m grateful for this opportunity. It couldn’t have come at a better time.”
I raised my hand to signal Jill, the lead flight attendant.
She approached us with a tray of drinks, her smile warm and genuine. “Mimosas for the prince and our lovely guest.” She handed each of us a glass.
Grace accepted hers eagerly. “Wow—thank you. I’m Grace, by the way.”
“I’m Jill—such a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” she said, before returning to her station.
“To new adventures,” I said, raising my glass in her direction.
“And to second chances,” Grace added, a soft look in her eyes.
