Page 78 of Misadventures with a Time Traveler

But that’s where the “chill” ends and the “until now” part begins.

While Dmitri and I have let the bubbles do their worthy best on our bloodstreams as we bicker about what movie we’re going to watch on the widescreen, my best friends look like the Thelma and Louise of the skies, sitting together and scheming in conspiratorial whispers.

Seriously. The two of them are scheming.

About things I’m not sure I want to know about.

“Hey.” My shout is intentionally harsh. I swear, the only thing missing from the air over their heads is a Plexiglass bubble with a sticker reading Stay out. Evil plans afoot. “Are you seriously going to let Dmitri call the shots on what we’re watching for the next eight hours?”

“Huh?” Raegan blurts. “What who’s watching? Where?”

“It’s fine,” Drue mutters. “Whatever he wants.”

My jaw plummets. “Who are you, and what have you done with Eeyore Kidman?” Since we were kids, this woman’s always demanded a say in the movie choice.

“Yessssss.” Dmitri crosses his long legs at the ankle and hovers a finger over the pad that controls the inflight entertainment system. “If we start now, I can get in A View to a Kill, Octopussy, and Moonraker.” With the same finger, he smugly ticks the air. “Ding, ding, ding. Bad Bond fashion shows for the win.”

I release my seat belt with a stubborn snock and march across the cabin until I’m palming D’s forehead. “Out!” I order. “Get thee gone, demon. Return Drue Kidman to me at once!”

“Back. Baaack.” She bats my hand away. “Lay off. I’m just tired.” She throws a dark side-eye at Raegan. “Somebody subjected me to physical labor in the name of fun.” She unfastens her belt with a yawn I don’t entirely believe. “As a matter of fact, I’m thinking of going to the back for a nap.” The yawn vanishes in favor of her pout. “Tuck me in, wenchie?”

“Fine,” I mutter and lead the way to the onboard bedroom. “All right. Anything’s better than— Holy. Shit.”

My heart is in my throat. My blood rushes to my face. Every thought in my brain is out in the clouds beyond the window next to the bedroom’s queen-size bed.

Upon which Maximillian kneels, peering out the wide window like a kid visiting an amusement park.

Though that’s where the comparison of him to anything childlike has its beginning and end.

To put his own words to good use, God’s freaking teeth. The flight attendant’s black suit, which explains what Rae and Drue have been up to since we left Loire, is the most perfect showcase yet for his long limbs, lithe grace, and courtly posture. Not that he’s posturing much at the moment.

He’s too busy being adorable. And beautiful.

And the fulfillment of everything my soul has ached for all day.

Maybe for a lifetime.

“Alessandra.” A breathtaking smile intensifies the allure of his mouth. “Come and see, mon miracle.” He scoots over, making room for me while ripping off his jacket by clumsy hitches. Our arrival has apparently given him permission to shuck the disguise. “Come now and look. We are flying. Above the clouds!”

For a long moment, I’m filled with too much shock to move—and too much enchantment to want to. Suddenly, everything’s just…brighter. Better. Filled with more wonder. He’s here. Really here.

“Errrm…surprise.” Rae’s murmur, behind my left shoulder, is followed by Drue pressing in over my right. She notches her chin to my neck before whispering, “Sometimes, great birthday presents do come in big packages.”

I’d smack her for the snark, but my heart is too busy agreeing with her—in every vibrant way. Instead of the bop, I yank on her wrist and haul her in for a heartfelt mash. After I do the same to Raegan, I swallow to hold in my tears—not that I’m fooling anyone with the effort. The tender focus on Max’s face confirms that clearly enough.

“Damn,” I finally utter. “I don’t know whether to kiss you wenches or toss you both out the airlock.”

Drue steps back and links elbows with Rae. “We’re not getting a better exit cue than that.”

Rae’s giggle of agreement is cut short as Drue pulls the door closed with a defined clack. A softer snick follows as I slide the lock into place too. And why the hell do I feel the need for the extra security when I’m the one sealed in with a muscled hunk staring me down like a hungry lion?

I don’t even want to try for the answer.

Just like I shove a lot of things from my mind right now.

Like how they all actually got Max smuggled aboard this thing, posing as a flight attendant. And why he agreed to it, dropping his whole life to hop on a plane with me to New York City. And what the hell I’m going to do with him once we get there…

Besides a lot more of what I yearn to do with him now.