Page 84 of Movers and Fakers

I shake my head, about to set my phone aside when another text comes through.

Prince Charming: No matter what, I know I won’t be able to take my eyes off you.

My whole body buzzes with a giddy sort of joy I’ve never known before. I slip on the undoubtedly expensive red dress and as the soft fabric grazes my skin, I can’t help but wonder if Hayes touched the dress first. Then I think of all the kisses we’ve shared this week. It gets to be far too warm after that, and I fan my face, grateful I’m alone in my room.

I stare at myself in the mirror, some of my anxieties drifting away at the sight of the beautiful dress. This weekend might come with difficulties, but I know by my side there will be a man who constantly tries to take away my worries, and that’s enough to get me through.

Chapter forty-two

Anytime, Anywhere

Hayes Rosewood

Aurora slides out of the back seat of the pitch-black SUV we took to the airstrip. The morning sky is painted in soft strokes of pale pink and blue, matching the pastel lounge set she’s wearing. Mac takes her suitcase and backpack from the back of the car, along with my singular duffel bag and suit bag.

“I knew I overpacked,” Aurora mumbles as she watches Mac walk up the stairs into the jet.

“There’s plenty of room. You could have brought a few more suitcases if you wanted,” I say, which earns me a look. One that says she does not care for my logic this early in the morning. We’re getting a head start on the day so there’ll be plenty of time to explore before dinner tonight, but between the nerves and the time, Aurora has been even more reserved than usual. Hopefully the coffee and breakfast waiting for her on the plane will lighten her mood.

“I can’t believe I’m about to fly to New York City on a private jet.” Her comment is laced with an awe that makes me smile.

I throw an arm around her shoulder and lead her across the tarmac.

“If you stick with me, this will be the most boring trip you ever go on.”

She shakes her head. “I can’t imagine thinking an impromptu trip to New York is boring.”

“You say that until I take you to Paris,” I reply, enjoying the wide-eyed expression that takes over her face.

“You want to take me to Paris?”

I stop at the bottom of the stairs and tip her chin up with my finger.

“If you want to go, I’ll take you. Anywhere, anytime. Just say the word.” I bend down and press a kiss to her lips. “Now, come on, your chariot awaits.”

She rolls her eyes at the royalty reference, but she’s smiling, which is always a win in my book. I let her go up first, enjoying the sharp intake of breath I hear when she gets to the top. Private jets, trips to New York, clothes, fancy dinners—it’s all normal to me. Bordering on mediocre at this point. I’m grateful for what I’m blessed with, and hanging around people like Forrest gives me a good perspective, but it still gets old after a while.

With Aurora, though, I’m seeing things through fresh eyes. She runs her fingertips over the cream leather seats, then over the Hermès blankets draped across them. The pilot, Marcel, steps into the cabin as Aurora is admiring a pillow covered in a pink silk pillowcase.

“Mr. Rosewood, Miss Driscoll, it is a pleasure to have you aboard this morning. Whenever you are ready, please buckle in for takeoff. Once we’re in the air, your breakfast will be delivered to your seats and you will be free to move about the cabin,” he explains.

“Thank you, Marcel.” I nod to him, then turn to Aurora. “Ready to go?”

“There’s going to be breakfast?” she asks instead of answering.

I chuckle and place my hand on her lower back, leading her to a set of cozy chairs joined together on the right side of the plane.

“Did you think we weren’t going to eat until we got there?”

We take our seats. I buckle immediately, and Aurora follows suit, though her eyes are bouncing around the cabin, taking it all in.

“I brought a protein bar,” she murmurs.

I hold a hand up to signal to the attendant at the back of the plane who I know will be watching for it. Shortly after, Marcel comes over the speaker and declares we are preparing for takeoff, then goes through a few safety measures. Aurora stares out the window as we take off, a small, almost baffled smile on her lips. Satisfaction pools in my chest at the sight. It’s great to have money, but it’s even better when I can spend it on her.

Once we’re in the air, we unbuckle and the flight attendant rolls a cart over with our breakfast. Aurora lets out another gasp at the sight. There’s a tower of pastries from a local bakery, two fresh omelets, a fruit tray, and her favorite salted caramel iced coffee poured into a travel mug so the ice doesn’t melt too quickly.

“Hayes …” she trails off as I pass her a plate.