Wheels Up
[Airport – Early Morning]
"Over here."
Adeline turned, tugging her suitcase along. Elias stood near the gate, dressed head-to-toe in black—tailored, crisp, and not a wrinkle out of place. His gloved hands adjusted the strap of his carry-on with practiced precision.
"You're early," she said.
"You're five minutes late."
She rolled her eyes. "Nice to know travel hasn't improved your charm."
"It's a business trip, not a vacation. Don't expect charm."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
They walked in silence through the terminal, the hush of early morning flights surrounding them.
"You packed light," he observed.
"I follow instructions."
"Good. Don't touch me when we board."
She raised a brow. "Didn't plan to."
He glanced sideways. "You'd be surprised how many try."
[On the Plane – Business Class]
"You don't like flying?" she asked, eyeing the way his hand clenched the armrest.
"I don't like recycled air and people who take off their shoes."
Adeline smiled. "So… everything."
A flight attendant approached. "Would you like a drink, sir?"
"Double espresso. Sealed bottle."
"We don't serve it sealed—"
"Then no."
Adeline bit back a laugh.
"You're enjoying this," he said flatly.
"A little. Watching Mr. Perfection squirm is surprisingly therapeutic."
"I don't squirm."
"Your knuckles disagree."
He pulled out a sanitizing wipe and began methodically scrubbing the tray table.
"Should I be taking notes?" she teased.
"I'd prefer you review the Singapore itinerary."
She produced the folder from her bag. "So romantic."
[Hours Later – Singapore Airport]
"You slept the entire flight," Elias noted as they cleared customs.
"You gazed at spreadsheets like they were love letters," she shot back.
"I don't trust in-flight entertainment."
"You don't trust anything."
He didn't deny it.
Outside, a black vehicle waited by the curb.
"Single rooms, right?" Adeline asked as they climbed in.
Elias turned to her. "Of course."
She nodded, trying not to notice how her pulse picked up when his eyes lingered a second too long