Stefan laughed and nodded.“I'm sure you do.And I can't wait to taste them.”His eyes nearly danced.“I think you'll enjoy my kitchen.”A pinging sound interrupted us.Stefan reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.He answered it.“Yeah?”His eyes held mine for a moment.“Okay.”And then he tapped the screen and shoved it back into his pocket.“We're landing soon.”
He stood, and so did I.I helped gather the plates and cups and followed him to the back.“I'll get you another coffee when we're off the plane.”I took a few last sips before I gave it to him, and he dumped it down the sink.Then he took my hand and pulled me to him.“You look beautiful,” he leaned down and kissed me, “wife.”
That word—and his kiss—sent tingles through my body.I slipped my hands up his chest and kissed him back.He tasted of coffee and cantaloupe.
When he broke the kiss, he smiled.“Let's get you buckled in for your first landing.”Stefan took my hand and guided me down the aisle to our seats.But this time, he insisted I sit beside him.“Here, let me,” he said, reaching around and grabbing my seat belt.
“I think I can handle it.”
He clicked the belt and tightened it.“I like to do it,” he said and gave me a quick kiss before buckling himself in.
I noticed the plane was definitely descending, and it made me nervous.I wasn't sure what a landing felt like.But I assumed it would be way worse than taking off.And that had been terrifying enough.“It's like a ride at the fair,” Stefan said, almost like he was reading my mind.His hand grabbed mine.
My head spun to him.“Is that supposed to be comforting?”I said in a snarky tone.
He let out a low laugh and lifted my hand to his mouth.“Sorry.Not a rough fair ride.A very calm, gentle ride.”He smirked and kissed my hand.“You'll be fine, Francesca.I've been through hundreds of landings.And so will you.”He dropped our hands to his thigh.
The plane tilted more.And more.And then more.
“You have quite a grip there,” he teased and placed his free hand over mine, sandwiching it between both of his now.“Breathe, Francesca.”His eyes gazed deeply into mine.“I know this is your first time.But you'll have to get used to it.”He winked and chuckled, then sat back in his seat.
Jerk.
Even though I wanted to punch him, I couldn't risk letting go of his hand.My other hand gripped the armrest for dear life as we lowered.
And lowered.
And lowered.
“We'll touch down in a few seconds.”Stefan squeezed my hand.“You'll feel a bump or two, but that's all normal.We're fine.And then the plane will slow until it stops.”He continued talking me through every movement and bump of the plane.
And although it didn't fully take away my anxiety—it sure helped knowing what was coming next.
When the plane finally stopped, I was so grateful to be alive, I wrapped my arms around him and cried, “Thank you.Thank you so much.”
He engulfed me in his arms and chuckled.“You're fine, Chesca.Relax.Take a deep breath.It's over.And now we're finally home.”He moved away and lifted my chin with his index finger.“You're going to love it here.I promise.”His lips gently grazed mine.His hands swiftly unbuckled my seat belt and then his.After he stood, he reached his hand out to me.“Ready?”
I wiped my cheeks and nodded.“Yeah, I think so.”I slipped my hand in his, and he helped me stand.We walked to the door of the plane.A man who I assumed was the pilot stood there.Stefan introduced us, and then the pilot opened the door for us.
It was a beautiful, warm day.Almost hot.I squinted at the bright sun shining out there.Stefan guided me down the stairs and onto the cement.“Over here.”He jerked his head in the direction of a black limousine.My feet faltered slightly until Stefan stopped.“Are you okay?Is something wrong with your shoe?”He looked down at my feet.
“Is that—” I pointed and raised my eyebrows, “yours?”
He turned his head to what I was looking at.
“The car?Yeah.Why?”
I sighed and shook my head.“No reason.”I swallowed and started walking again.I'd never been in a limo before.Obviously.And yes, I knew that Stefan was rich.
Private plane rich.
But for some reason, seeing this limo made me realize exactly how different our tax brackets were.
“It's just a car,” he muttered beside me as we walked hand in hand.
I couldn't help but laugh right the heck out loud at that.Because the vehicle sitting in front of me was definitely not—just a car.I tried to stop laughing, but I couldn't.
“What's so funny?”He jerked my hand slightly in his grip.
