Chapter 289

They breezed through check-in and customs and took off on time. The journey was in fact perfect—except for the two coiled springs sharing the first-class cabin.

As they hurtled across time zones, Brianna played a game with the night sky, convincing herself that the day that had started so perfectly was being extended so it could end on a better note, and that somehow he’d look over and smile, as if pleased the universe was giving him these extra hours. Only Elmo didn’t use them wisely. Barely a word passed between them even as they landed, renegotiated customs, and stepped out into the freezing morning.

Freezing!

Melbourne winters weren’t exactly warm, but they were positively tropical compared to this. Her breath was blowing out white clouds, her teeth chattering as they headed to the waiting car, jumping like a puppy left behind into the heated warmth as the driver loaded their cases.

But nothing—not Elmo’s black mood nor her earlier confrontation with Gilberto—could dim the beauty