Chapter 44
Grace's POV
I followed Alex into the elevator at Morgan Tower, my mind racing with questions. The elevator didn't stop at any of the usual floors – it kept climbing, higher than I'd ever been in the building.
What exactly does he have planned?
"Are we going to the roof to look at stars?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in my stomach.
Alex's lips curved into that mysterious smile I was beginning to recognize. "I have something better in mind."
Better than stars? I couldn't imagine what could top a romantic rooftop view of the city.
The elevator doors opened to reveal the building's helipad. Wind whipped across the open space, and there, gleaming under the spotlights, sat a sleek private jet. Lucas emerged from the aircraft, nodding to Alex with professional efficiency.
"Everything's ready, sir."
My breath caught. A private jet? At midnight?
"Alex, what is this?"
He turned to me, his expression soft but determined. "Trust me."
---
The wind on the helipad was fierce, cutting through my dress like ice. Before I could even shiver, Alex was draping a custom cashmere coat around my shoulders. The fabric was impossibly soft, and it carried his scent – that subtle cedar wood cologne that had become familiar.
"I'm not cold," I protested, my cheeks flushing despite the chill.
His voice was low, almost a whisper against the wind. "Trust me, tonight will be special."
Special. The word sent a thrill through me that had nothing to do with the temperature.
The interior of the cabin took my breath away. Soft LED lights mimicked the effect of candlelight, casting warm shadows across cream leather seats. After the plane smoothly took off, Lucas wheeled out a service cart laden with fine china and elegant French cuisine arranged like art. After setting everything on the table, he lit the candles, instantly creating a romantic atmosphere.
"This is incredible," I breathed, taking in the intimate setting. We would be having such an elaborate dinner at thirty thousand feet – it felt surreal.
Alex settled across from me, his eyes never leaving my face. "I could have bought you roses from any street corner, or jewelry from any store. But those things are..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Ordinary. Lacking sincerity. I wanted to give you something no one else could."
My heart did something complicated in my chest. "Alex, just having you here with me tonight – that's the most precious gift I could ask for."
I reached into my purse and pulled out the carefully wrapped box I'd brought. "I have something for you too."
Inside were custom cufflinks, each one set with a deep blue sapphire that caught the candlelight like captured starlight. Alex's eyes widened slightly – the first time I'd seen him truly surprised.
"They're exquisite," he said quietly. "I love them."
The cufflinks were intricate, with a complex clasp mechanism. Without thinking, I moved closer. "Here, let me help you with them."
The space between us disappeared as I worked with the delicate mechanism. I could feel the warmth radiating from his skin, catch the subtle scent of his cologne mixed with something uniquely him. When I finished, I stepped back to admire the effect.
"Perfect. They suit your style perfectly."
His gaze was intense, almost burning. "Everything you choose, Grace... it always moves me."
---
As I started to return to my seat, Alex's fingers brushed against my wrist – the lightest touch, but it sent electricity shooting up my arm. I lost my balance, tumbling forward and landing in his lap, his arms automatically coming around me to steady me.
His lips brushed against my cheek as he spoke, his voice slightly rough. "Careful... are you alright?"
I went completely rigid, heat flooding my face from my ears to my cheeks. Alex's hand came up to cup my burning face, his thumb tracing my cheekbone.
"You're especially beautiful tonight, Grace."
From the corner of my eye, I saw Lucas discretely retreat to the cockpit.
---
My brain had completely short-circuited. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure Alex could hear it.
"I'm... I'm a little hungry," I stammered, scrambling back to my seat so quickly I knocked over my water glass.
Smooth, Grace. Real smooth.
Alex replaced my glass without comment, refilling it with champagne. I drank it in one gulp, trying to calm my racing pulse.
Get it together. You're acting like a teenager.
---
Alex reached into his jacket and pulled out a black card – not just any black card, but one I recognized from the exclusive private banking sector. Unlimited spending limit, and the kind of card that could only have family members added as authorized users.
"This is for you," he said simply.
I stared at the card. "Alex, I have my own income. This is too much."
"It's my Valentine's Day gift to you," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Unless you don't like it."
The champagne had gone straight to my head, making my cheeks burn even hotter. "I... I like it."
---
Lucas's voice came over the intercom: "Congratulations to you and Miss Grace on your Valentine's Day."
I looked at Alex, confused by Lucas's congratulations. Alex gestured for me to check my phone.
I picked up my phone and looked at it. To my surprise, the display showed 11:30 PM, and the date still read February 14th.
But we took off after midnight...
"Alex," I said slowly, "what time zone are we in?"
His smile was triumphant. "We flew back in time, Grace. We didn't miss Valentine's Day."
I covered my mouth with my hands, tears springing to my eyes. He brought me back to yesterday. He made sure we didn't miss Valentine's Day.
Through the window, I could see lights approaching – not a city, but a private island, glittering like fallen stars against the dark ocean.