Page 33 of My Ex's Best Friend

"Sorry, girls, I've got to run."

“Hot date with Frenchman awaits,” Tammy says.

"Bye!" I end the call and do a quick check for my passport and essentials before I grab my bag.

Just as I'm about to head out, a text pops up on my screen.

I'm downstairs. I was sent over to pick you up for the airport drop.

It’s from the same number that was just calling me.

I’ll be right down, I write back.

With a last-minute glance around my apartment to ensure I haven't forgotten anything, I rush out the door. The door clicks shut behind me, and we’re on our way.

Lost in my thoughts and the anticipation of the trip, I only look up when the motion of the cab comes to a halt.

Blinking, I peer out the window. We're not at the bustling terminals of Boston Logan Airport.

I turn to the driver.

"Did we take a wrong turn? Are we at the wrong airport?"

"No, ma'am. This is the right place. Private airport, just as Mr. Bennett’s instructions stated."

As I step out onto the pavement, I'm greeted by the sight of Jake casually leaning against a wall, a smirk playing on his lips. Dressed in a way that exudes effortless charm, he looks like he stepped out of a travel magazine.

“Hey.” He straightens when I approach.

“What are you doing out here?”

“Waiting for you to arrive,” he says, tousling his hair. My heart skips a beat at the gesture. He looks like the same boy who saved me from bullies all those years ago.

The private airport screams luxury.

"Private jet, really? You didn't think to mention that?"

He chuckles, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, what's an adventure without a few surprises, right?"

I can't argue with that. Besides, there's something inherently glamorous about boarding a plane without the usual airport chaos.

As we step on board, the opulence of the interior takes my breath away.

I quip with a playful grin, "I suppose we don't need boarding passes for this flight, huh?"

Jake chuckles, a warmth in his eyes. "You catch on fast, Kiera."

We find our seats and to my dismay, Jake sits down right opposite to me.

I crane my neck around. There are at least ten more empty seats, and he could have sat down anywhere else.

“Fasten your seatbelts, please,” the pilot commands.

As I settle into the plush surroundings, I realize I can just ignore Jake and focus on everything else.

Just as I'm taking it all in, an air hostess appears with a bottle of champagne, pouring a glass for me. I look up at her, and that's when I notice Jake staring at me.

The soft glow in the cabin highlights the contours of his features, and his eyes, usually filled with mischief, now carry a sincerity that catches me off guard. His dark hair is perfectly tousled, framing a face that carries a hint of rugged charm.

---