Page 290 of The Bonus

“Yes. Gabriel wants him to stay with us to be safe.”

My eyes hold hers for an extended beat.

“Don’t.” She smirks.

“Really?”

“Get your mind out of the gutter.”

“I’m just saying.”

“You don’t need to. I’m happily married.”

“Remember that.”

“When have I ever forgotten?” she gasps.

“When you locked eyes with Mark for the first time.”

“Stop.” She smiles as she hugs me. “Go and be exotic somewhere, you rich bitch.”

“I love you, thank you so much for this.”

“Have fun, babe, you deserve it.” She holds me tight.

I tear up, because more than anyone, Deb knows what I’ve been through because she’s been through it with me. Every hard step of the way with these babies, Deb has been my rock. Throughout the pregnancy, the birth, their lives…she’s stepped up and been their second mom and the partner I never had.

“Thank you for everything, Deb, I owe you so much.”

“Stop blubbering. Your friendship is all I ever want…actually.” She looks in my wardrobe. “I’ll have your hand-me-downs too.”

“Deal.”

We giggle and walk back out to the living room. “Let’s go.”

Five hours later.

The stewardess walks up the plane. “We’re preparing to land, Mr. Ferrara.” She smiles.

“Thank you,” he replies.

I have no idea how long we’ve been flying; he’s taken my phone and my watch. “Can I see?” I go to open the blind on the window and Gabriel snaps it shut.

“It’s a surprise.”

“But we’re here, this is the surprise time.”

“Not until we get there.” He widens his eyes and pulls out a blindfold.

What?

Ha-ha, oh my god.

Honestly, this is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me, being flown to a secret location on a private jet for a first date with the hottest man alive.

I feel like a Bond girl or something.

The plane pulls to a stop, and Gabriel puts the blindfold on me. “Are you serious?” I whisper as I hold it over my eyes.

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