Page 135 of The Best Friend Power Play

"Nope. Sorry."

"But we've landed."

"True." I kiss her on the lips, lingering there a moment longer just because I can. "But we haven't reached our final destination yet."

As we disembark the plane, I hand each of the crew an envelope. I'm pretty sure tipping isn't expected, but after watching all the seasons of Below Deck, it's a nice thing to be able to do.

The customs process is handled privately and quickly—another thing you can pay for— without Hannah being able to deduce our current location. That doesn't stop her looking every which way for clues.

But nope, there's no signage on our route from the airport to the blacked-out SUV waiting for us at the end of the runway. I made sure to check beforehand.

We hop into the car.

Luggage has already been loaded for us, so we take off right away.

"Why can't I see out these windows?" Hannah asks, tapping on the glass.

"Because I asked for mini-curtains to be installed so a certain someone can't look out."

She shakes her head, smiling. "Is all this really necessary?"

"Hey. This is my power play move. My big grand romantic gesture that has nothing to do with trying to outshine a certain other best friend of mine."

"Hey. You know it's not a competition. I love you for you."

"Hey. I know that. And I was kidding about the whole Fraser thing."

Just between you and me, I'm, like, ninety percent kidding about competing with Fraser. Ten percent is male ego and pride, because yeah, I want to give my girl that epic romance novel moment.

She deserves it.

"Just sit back and relax," I tell her. "We've got a two-hour drive ahead of us."

"Fine. I'll relax and look out the windo—oh, that's right. I can't."

"Luckily, I've come prepared." I reach under the seat, pull out a book, and show her.

She lets out a gasp. "I pre-ordered that book."

I smile. "I know."

"I mean, I pre-ordered that book because it's not out for another two months."

"Well, you know, I got my people to call the author's people, and what do you know? She very kindly sent me a signed copy."

Hannah's jaw drops. "She signed it?"

"See for yourself."

I hand her the book, and she squeals in delight, reading the personal message from the author.

"I know she's your favorite, and I have to say, she's such a gem. So sweet and kind."

"This is amazing. Thank you." She plonks a kiss on my forehead. "But for the next two hours, do not disturb me or there will be murder. Enjoy the view. Bye."

I laugh as she flips through to the first chapter and starts reading.

The joke's on her, though. Even with the windows blacked out by curtains, I still have the most amazing view in the world.

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