Page 30 of Ardent Desires

As I step inside, wide-eyed and trying to take it all in, the pilot turns to greet us. “Welcome aboard. I’m Captain Thomas. We’ll be arriving in Milan in approximately seven hours.”

I freeze for a second, my mind screeching to a halt. “Milan?” I blurt, spinning around to face Alexander, who’s watching me with that ever-present smirk.

He chuckles. “Yes, Milan. That’s where the hotel opening is.”

I stand there, my eyes darting between him and the lavish plane, trying to process everything. Milan. Italy. I never thought I’d be traveling internationally, let alone to Milan. I must look like a fish out of water because Alexander lets out a full laugh, catching my attention.

“What?” I ask, crossing my arms, trying to play it cool.

“You’re cute,” he says, leaning back against one of the seats, his blue eyes gleaming with amusement. “I’m used to people who aren’t impressed by this kind of stuff. I like that you’re all giddy.”

“I’m not giddy,” I protest, even though the smile tugging at my lips betrays me.

He raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but he doesn’t push it. Instead, he steps closer and asks, “Do you need anything before we take off?”

Before I can respond, a hostess appears from the aisle, all polished and professional. “Hello, Mr. Blackwood, Ms. Sanders. Can I get you some wine?”

“I’m good, thank you,” I say, feeling a little out of my element as she hands a glass of wine to Alexander, who takes it with an easy nod.

With a quick glance at me, he says, “Let’s get settled.” He motions toward one of the larger seats by the window. I sit down, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’m about to take off in a private jet to Milan.

The takeoff is smooth, and the plane so quiet I barely notice we’ve left the ground. The entire experience feels like something out of a dream, and I keep sneaking glances out the window at the clouds below us, reminding myself this is real.

Alexander, of course, is unfazed. He’s already pulled out his laptop, his attention locked on whatever deal or project he’s working on. The man is always working. I try not to stare, but I can’t help it. He looks so damn good sitting there, focused and intense, his jaw clenched slightly in concentration.

After a while, the soft hum of the plane and the overwhelming day catch up to me, and I feel my eyelids growing heavy. I drift off, the last thing I remember is the quiet tapping of Alexander’s fingers on his keyboard.

When I wake up, I’m surprised to find I’ve been covered in a blanket, and my heels are off. I blink, looking around, feeling disoriented for a second.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” Alexander’s voice breaks through the haze, and I turn to find him watching me with a smile.

I stretch, feeling more relaxed than I expected. “Are we there yet?”

“Not yet,” he says, closing his laptop and leaning back in his seat. “We’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

I let out a content sigh, leaning my head against the seat. “This is amazing,” I say softly. “I’ve never been to Milan.”

“Really?” he asks, his blue eyes locking on mine, curious. “Where else have you traveled to?”

I shake my head, feeling a little embarrassed. “Nowhere, really. I’ve never been out of the U.S.”

He raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “Wow.”

I shrug, trying to play it off. “It’s been a dream of mine to travel, but it’s never really been an option.”

He watches me for a moment, his gaze softening. “Well, I’m glad your first international trip is with me.”

There’s something in the way he says it that makes my stomach flip.With him. I like the way that sounds.

“I’m glad too,” I admit, smiling at him.

“After the opening, maybe we can explore the city a little?”

I nod. “Only if you don’t mind.”

He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “I’d like that.”

The plane begins its descent, and my heart skips a beat as I glance out the window. I can see the sprawling city of Milan below us, the buildings and streets looking like something out of a painting. It’s surreal—like I’m watching someone else’s life play out.

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