Chapter 12
Whitney
My alarm blares, waking me up from my dream. I blink a few times before shutting it off and checking the time.
Shit.
It’s already five o’clock. I meant to get up at four-thirty, but I must’ve hit the snooze button one too many times.
Tossing the covers back, I fly out of bed and into my bathroom. My hands grapple with the shower handle, turning it to the exact spot where I know the water will be perfect. I shower quickly, hop out, and dress in the clothes I set out last night.
I give my hair a quick blow-dry and dab on some light makeup.
I’ll be in Theo’s jet most of the morning, so I don’t spend too much time on my outward appearance.
Hopefully, we’ll have plenty of time to rest and freshen up in the hotel before appearing at the gala.
I’ll worry about the smaller details of my makeup routine then.
Thankfully, I packed just about everything I needed for our short trip last night. Tossing the final things in—like my toothbrush and retainers—I grab my overnight bag and hurry down to the lobby of my apartment building.
I immediately catch sight of the car waiting for me and curse under my breath. Running my hands over my hair to smooth any potential strays, I walk out the front doors and onto the sidewalk.
“Hey, you ready?” Theo asks when I step outside. Of course, he’s got his phone in his hand, but his attention is only on me. Those warm, brown eyes widen as soon as I’m in front of him, and he looks me over appreciatively.
I can’t deny that that fact makes my stomach flutter a little.
I’ve never seen someone’s face light up the way his does when he sees me.
It’s something I’ve always dreamed I’d get to experience, that utter joy in having me around.
I know Leila loves hanging out with me, and Mr. Peterson always liked my presence.
But with Theo, everything feels amplified.
Every day it seems that he is just as happy to see me as the last.
“Ready, Freddy,” I respond and instantly regret it. Why, oh, why did I say that?
A smirk forms on his face, and he laughs under his breath before exiting the car and reaching for my suitcase. We’ll only be gone for the weekend, but we have a few important events, so I had to pack a few extra things so I’ll be presentable.
“You make me laugh, Whit,” he says, winking. “I got this. Go ahead and get settled.”
I do what he says and slide into the back seat of his car. His driver catches my eye in the rearview window and greets me. I’ve never met this driver before. Maybe since it’s so early and outside his usual business hours, Theo had to get someone other than his regular driver, Tod.
The trunk slams shut, and then Theo slides in next to me. He gives me a wide grin before instructing the driver that we’re all set. Theo taps at his phone screen as soon as the car is in motion.
I peek out of my peripheral vision to watch him sign off on an email and tap send. The familiar wooshing sound of the email app goes off, then Theo clicks the lock button on his phone and turns his attention back to me.
“Kinda early, huh?” he says, like an icebreaker. “Have you eaten?”
“No, I accidentally slept through my first alarm, so I didn’t have time to grab anything.”
“The jet should have full service, so we can get you some coffee and breakfast once we board,” Theo says, offering me a polite smile. “Thank you again for coming with me. I can’t imagine anyone else I’d like next to me tonight.”
My chest flutters at his meaningful words, but instead of saying something just as nice back, I blurt, “Of course, that’s what assistants are for.” Instantly, I want to eat my words, but I give him a tight smile.
He doesn’t smile back, instead choosing to study my face intently, something unreadable in his expression.
I think back through our dinner at Gino’s last week, how Theo explicitly answered my question that I was not attending the gala tonight as his assistant but rather as his date.
At first, I had thought he was just saying that, but now, based on the intensity of his gaze, I think he meant every word.
“Do you have much to do on the plane?” I ask him, hoping for a quick change of subject.
“I just have to run through my speech one more time. I can’t believe my mother waited until yesterday to tell me about this,” he grumbles. Then he adds, “Maybe send a few emails, too, but nothing massively urgent.”
I nod my head pensively. “Well, let me know if you need my help.”
He gives me a wry smile. “You’re not working this weekend.”
I shrug a shoulder and then turn away from him, looking out the window.
We pull up to O’Hare, driving around to a private access entrance.
We get out of the car, and a few attendants come to pick up our bags.
Just like if we were flying commercial, we have to go through security checks before we’re allowed through.
Finally, we load into a golf-cart-like vehicle that takes us through the airport and onto the tarmac.
The jet awaits us; the white metal glints off the rising sun.
Already I can hear the hum of the engines warming up.
I hope my jaw hasn’t gone completely slack out of shock.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a beautiful plane in my life.
An attendant is waiting for us at the stairs, who bows his head once we pull up.
“Pleasure to see you, Mr. Hurst,” the attendant says once Theo steps out of the golf cart.
Theo gives him a wide smile and holds his hand for a shake.
We’re then ushered up the stairs onto the plane.
When we settle in our seats, I look around, leaning my head forward and back to try and get a good view of the entire layout.
Theo places his hand on my leg, drawing my attention back to him.
He’s watching me in amusement. “Do you need a tour?”
I settle back in my seat and feel my cheeks flush. “Sorry, no. I’ve just never been on a private plane before.”
Theo stands before I can say anything else and holds his hand out. “Let me show you all the bells and whistles.”
I slide my hand into his and let him pull me up and out of my seat.
He shows me the main cabin of the plane and all the special features.
There is a large table where he could hold meetings in the air if needed.
There’s even a large TV that he could connect his tablet or laptop to wirelessly if he needed to view his screen on a larger scale.
He shows me all the hidden compartments and secret nooks. He also points out the lavatory, so I know where to find it.
“And now, the best part,” he says, waggling his eyebrows. Theo pushes open one final door at the back of the plane, revealing a large, queen-size bed and a private bathroom.
I let go of his hand and step into the private room, walking in a small circle and taking it all in. “This is insane,” I mutter. “I can’t imagine this being my life.”
Theo slides his hands into his pockets. “Trust me, things lose their magic appeal once you live it.”
I nod, understanding where he’s coming from. “Yeah, I can see that happening.” I walk over to the bed and run my hand along the pristine satin duvet. “I bet I could take some pretty incredible naps in this bed, though.”
Theo laughs and shakes his head. “Well, if you get tired during our flight, feel free to come on back here.”
“Really?” I ask him a little too eagerly.
He chuckles again and then holds a hand out for me again. “Absolutely. Let’s stick with our seats for now though.”
When we’re settled back in our seats, a flight attendant swings by to take food and drink orders. I ask for some French Toast and coffee. Theo orders an omelet and two mimosas to go with our breakfasts.
The attendant writes our orders down and informs us she’ll get these for us when we’re in the air. Our flight to New York isn’t long—a little longer than two hours—but a little breakfast sounds perfect.
Theo pulls out his phone again and scrolls through his notes app, reviewing the speech his mother apparently bestowed upon him for this evening.
Theo was kind enough to let me take the window seat to watch us take off.
I’m peering out the window and watching the crew down on the ground get everything ready for takeoff.
Before too long, the plane starts moving down the runway. As soon as we start accelerating for takeoff, my hand flies to Theo’s forearm, gripping it. He glances over at me, but rather than look back at him, I clench my eyes shut, preparing to no longer be on the ground.
Theo removes my hand from his arm but then winds our fingers together. He gives me a reassuring squeeze. Then I feel his lips on my ear, and he whispers, “Relax, Whitney.”
“I can’t.”
“Are you afraid of flying?”
“Apparently.”
He laughs under his breath and gives my hand another squeeze. “It’s okay. I’m here right next to you.”
His words are surprisingly reassuring, but he doesn’t say anything else. I keep my eyes shut until my equilibrium feels the plane level out in the air. As soon as everything feels right again, I let out a large breath of air and open my eyes.
Theo is watching me, his lips curled into a sideways smile. “You going to make it?”
I press my lips together, slightly embarrassed, but nod my head. “I think so.”
He gives me a long look. “Glad to hear it.”
Finally feeling brave enough, I look out the window, watching the plane steadily rise over the earth below us.
After a while, the attendant brings us our breakfasts.
The smell of the hot French toast fills my nose, and my mouth instantly waters.
I pour the syrup over the toast and am about to dig in when Theo halts me.
I look up at him, ready to attack him for keeping me from my breakfast, when I see him holding out a champagne flute. “Mimosa?” he asks, handing mine over. He holds his out in a toast when it's in my hand. “Here’s to a lovely weekend with the loveliest woman I know.”