“I like my style too, but it’s not exactly private jet material.”
“Says who?”
“Me!”
“How would you know if you’ve never been on a private jet before?”
I curse up to the sky. Dammit. Why does he always have a good point? “You can be so infuriating sometimes!”
Rowan kisses my forehead like I should be rewarded for being adorable while angry.
“We should get going because we don’t want to be late.” He removes his hands from my pockets before placing one on the small of my back. With a softness I’ve grown to appreciate, he directs us up the stairs and into the jet’s private cabin.
Whatever I thought private jets looked like inside, this was not it. The toe of my sneaker catches on the black carpet, and I scream as I lose my footing. Rowan’s arm shoots out and clutches onto my flailing arm, righting me before I fall face-first.
“Graceful as ever, Zahra.” He laughs under his breath.
He deposits my body in a massive seat that could fit three of me on a usual flight. I stroke the beige leather to confirm this is not a dream.
He drops into the seat across from me. “What’s that face for?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re uncomfortable.”
My cheeks burn. I should be thankful to be going on a trip instead of freaking out over the minor things. “No. I’m fine.”
He traces his bottom lip with his thumb. “I think you might be the only person I’ve met who is intimidated by my money and wants nothing to do with it.”
“Must be quite the contrast compared to the majority who are mainly intimidated by your personality.” My snappy comment is rewarded by a low laugh from Rowan. The sound warms my entire chest.
His eyes lighten as I shoot him a smile. “I like the way you make me feel.”
“And that is?”
“Like I’m a real person.”
I roll my eyes. “If these are your standards, there’s nowhere to go but up.”
He laughs again, and this time, I join him.
Okay, I won’t admit this to Rowan, but dating a billionaire has its perks.
Perk One: Taking a random flight to New York City because he feels like it would be a good date spot.
Perk Two: Visiting New York freaking City!
I’m bursting with excitement as the jet lands on the runway. The moment Rowan told me about our destination, I pestered him with many questions about the city and how often he comes here.
“I’ve never seen someone look this excited to be in New York before.”
“Are you kidding me? This is a dream come true!”
“Hold off on that statement until you get off the plane. I’m pretty sure the smell alone will convince you otherwise.”
“What kind of person hates New York?”
“The same kind who loves Chicago.”
“Take that back!” I lean over and smack his shoulder.
He grins. “Nope. Not until you come with me to Chicago and confirm what I already know.”
I’m pretty sure my heart might burst at Rowan’s idea. Planning ahead seems to add another layer to our casual but doesn’t feel casual relationship.
“People can’t take off and fly away whenever the feeling strikes.”
His head tilts. “Why not?”