Page 55 of Thiago
Twice they had eaten dinner at his home…
Thiago shifted in the chair. He hadn’t wanted to analyze his feelings, but the truth was, those two nights were extra special because India had spent the night.
The first time had been on a Friday night, two weeks ago. That particular day, he had told her they would eat dinner at his place. She followed him home in her car, and upon arrival, discovered the delicious spread his chef had prepared for them. They talked until late, made love, and then fell asleep.
He had enjoyed waking up to her in his bed. So of course, when he invited her to come over Monday night, he told her to pack an overnight bag. They had left his house at the same time in the morning to go to work. His only regret was that they couldn’t ride to work together.
Thiago’s peripheral vision was snagged by a flicker of movement, and he turned to watch the limo he had sent for India ease to a smooth stop beside the plane. When she exited the vehicle, his body came alive at the sight of her.
One corner of his mouth lifted higher when he saw she had done as he had asked. April was early autumn in Brazil, and the climate was temperate. Last night, she texted him a picture of a sundress.
Thinking about bringing this on the trip. Too much?she’d asked.
He’d immediately picked up the phone because a simple text could not properly convey his feelings. “It’s perfect. Wear that tomorrow for our flight.”
She had laughed, insisting she had already picked an outfit for the plane, so he hadn’t been sure if she would wear the dress. But he watched with heat flickering in his veins as it billowed in a soft breeze. She wore a light jacket over it becausethe temperature had dropped lower than usual for an April afternoon, but he would promptly have her remove the jacket when she came on board.
As she approached the stairs leading up to the plane door, he got to his feet to greet her.
When she saw him, a smile spread across her face.
“Hi,” she whispered.
Thiago immediately pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. It was impulsive. He couldn’t stop himself. Traveling together had added another dimension to their relationship, cementing their couplehood.
“You look amazing. Thank you for wearing the dress,” he said.
“You were so insistent, I didn’t want to disappoint,” she replied.
Thiago became momentarily lost in her eyes before he realized the chauffeur was standing at the door with her bags, his eyes politely averted as he waited.
“I will take those,” Thiago said.
“Have a safe flight, sir—ma’am.” He nodded and left them alone.
Minutes later, they were seated beside each other in the middle of the plane when the flight attendant approached with a steaming cup of tea and his whisky on a tray.
“We will be in the air shortly,” she said, placing their drinks before them.
After she was gone, India turned to Thiago. “Tea for me?”
“It’s the herbal tea you drink,” he answered.
Her eyebrows lifted higher. “How did you… you ordered the tea I like?”
“Of course. I saw the box in the cabinet at your apartment.”
“You didn’t have to do that, but… thank you,” she said quietly.
“You’re welcome.”
A moment passed between them. Something indefinable. Something heavy. He knew she felt it too because she suddenly focused on her cup, lifting it to her lips.
“Good?” he asked.
“Perfect,” she confirmed. “What are you drinking?”
“Yamazaki 18, whisky made in Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery. Would you like a taste?”
