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Hydration is essential. Consider it done.
I signal a flight attendant before takeoff, arranging for champagne to be delivered to row 27 once we’re in the air. The irony of sending her champagne after our first encounter isn’t lost on me.
Two hours into the flight, my phone buzzes again.
The champagne was a nice touch. Much better when I’m drinking it rather than throwing it.
Progress. Though I found both experiences memorable in their own way.
You’re impossible. Also, I may have drafted the opening of my assessment during this flight. It’s... balanced.
I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. Integrity looks good on you, Bennett. So does that green dress, by the way.
Stop flirting and let me work, Cole. Some of us use flights productively.
Understood. Though I can think of a more productive use of our time if you’d accepted that upgrade offer...
NOW who’s being unprofessional? Behave yourself until we land.
No promises. But I’ll try.
I spend the rest of the flight reviewing board materials and drafting implementation plans for the environmental initiatives Harper highlighted during her assessment. By the time we begin our descent into New York, I have a comprehensive strategy for accelerating our sustainability timeline—one that will surprise the board but transform Cole Tech’s environmental impact.
As passengers prepare for landing, I send one last text.
Dinner tomorrow night? My place. I’ll cook something organic
.
Her response comes quickly.
You cook?
One of my many hidden talents. Say yes.
Yes. Send your address. I’ll bring wine.
Looking forward to it, Dr. Bennett.
It’s a date, Mr. Cole.
The simple exchange fills me with anticipation. Not just for tomorrow’s dinner, but for the possibilities beyond it—challenging and worth exploring.
When we land, I wait, allowing other first-class passengers to disembark ahead of me. From my seat, I can see down the aisle as economy passengers begin to gather their belongings. Eventually, Harper appears, looking rumpled but no less striking. Our eyes meet across the distance, a private moment of recognition amid the bustle.
She gives me a small smile before disappearing into the terminal crowd.
I follow more slowly, respecting the distance she needs while already planning tomorrow’s menu and imagining her in my apartment, our strange, reversed relationship continuing its unconventional evolution.
Five days ago, Harper Bennett threw champagne in my face and called me an environmental hypocrite. Now she’s coming to my apartment for dinner, having spent two nights in my bed.
Life rarely unfolds according to plan, but sometimes, the unexpected detours lead to far more interesting destinations. And Harper Bennett is undoubtedly the most interesting detourI’ve encountered in years—one I’m certain might become my most important destination.
Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.
Chapter Eleven
HARPER