I jump at the sound of my apartment intercom buzzing.

“Yes?” My voice squeaks.

“Miss Benjamin? I’m here to pick you up, on behalf of Prince de Montmorency. Whenever you’re ready.”

“I’ll be right down.” I check my hair and makeup for the millionth time, take a deep breath and go downstairs.

The chauffeur is standing next to a massive stretch limo and waiting when I step outside. I appreciate that there isn’t any judgment on his face, when it’s obvious I’m not his normal clientele.

“Help yourself to anything you like.”

I marvel at the luxury. Fine leather seats. A selection of drinks and top-shelf liquor tucked away in a mini-fridge. A nice fruit and cheese platter with cheeses I’ve never even seen before. I can’t imagine how spoiled someone would be if they travelled like this all the time. It must be so expensive! Though I suppose if you’re the Prince of Roquefleur, you can damn well buy whatever it is you like.

What makes me smile the most is the air conditioning! I’ve been cooped up in my studio all day, sweating like a racehorse as I paint. After I showered and dressed for today, I opened the door of my refrigerator and freezer and just stood there, trying to stay cool. Once I get paid for this gig, I’m totally buying an air conditioner.

This is such a bad idea. Right?

But here I am, wearing a dress I’ve been saving for something special, on my way to a date with a freaking prince!

I toy with the idea of asking the driver to turn around and take me home, certain that this is a bad idea, but before I can even decide, we’re pulling up at a security gate outside a small airfield.

The driver makes his way across the airfield, clearly familiar with it. I suppose if I had a private jet, I’d use it all the time, too…

“Here we are, Miss Benjamin. The Prince is waiting for you just over there.”

I glance in the direction the driver gestured at and my heart flip flops in my chest.

I thank the driver and start walking to where Gabriel is standing, watching me. Despite the heat, he’s wearing dark jeans and a white linen shirt. He looks casual and happy, like perfection.

“I’m really glad you could make it.” His face lights up as he walks to meet me. Seeing how obviously happy he is to see me makes my knees go weak.

“Thank you for the invitation. I admit I’m intrigued about this secret trip you planned. Any hints?”

“Not yet. It wouldn’t be a surprise otherwise. I will say we’ll be flying for a while, but I guarantee that you will be pleased at the destination. It is very special.”

As charmed and intrigued as I am, I suddenly question whether or not this is a good idea. I rushed so much to shower and dress, that I didn’t even text Maggie to tell her what I’m doing. God, I hope I’m not making a colossal mistake!

“Well, I suppose I can trust you…”

Gabriel laughs and it’s like my body doesn’t know whether to relax or be scared. As he leads me onto his plane, I realize that I really like him. Away from his friends, he always seems like he’s genuinely pleased to see me. Sure, we’ve messed around a little, but…I just assumed that was lust. Could he really, seriously, like me?

I sink into a plush leather seat. An attendant makes sure we’re buckled in, then we’re quickly taxiing down the runway and then airborne, as if everything revolves around our schedule. Once we’re airborne, the attendant returns and brings champagned, and a platter with caviar, little triangles of toast, and a dish of crème fraiche.

I could get used to this.

For once, there is a silence between us and it doesn’t feel awkward. I’m realizing I don’t resent him like I originally did when he showed up that night at the coffee shop. Then, it seemed he was playing up a playboy prince persona, but now? Now when we spend time together, he just seems like a normal guy. Filthy rich and royal, but he’s grounded and…kind of nice.

“I know this will seem terribly rude, but I had a taxing morning. Do you mind if I take a nap for a bit? It’s not because I’m bored with you or don’t want to talk. I’d just like to rest up so I’m fully present for you when we land. It’ll be a few hours until then. There is a selection of movies, music, or reading material, if you like.”

Gabriel stifles a yawn and I resist the urge to push back a lock of his hair that is falling from his normally perfectly coiffed hair.

“No, that’s fine.”

Honestly, it does seem weird that he’s going to take a nap, but I don’t mind. This whole thing between us is starting to overwhelm me, not least this impromptu trip to who knows where!

Once he gets comfortable under a cashmere blanket, Gabriel zonks out almost instantly. I try reading magazines or watching one of the movies available, but I keep fidgeting. My eyes keep returning to Gabriel, watching him sleep.

Gabriel’s full lips are parted and his breathing is regular. Asleep, he looks completely at peace and captivating. Finally, it dawns on me what I need to do. I need to draw.

I retrieve an ink pen and the drawing pad I always have with me and set to work. I focus on his face and chest, working to capture the calm in his expression. When I start to draw the top of his chest, I can’t stop staring and my fingers itch to unbutton his shirt a little more and run my hands against his bare skin.

Drawing quiets my nerves. My pen moves races across the pages of my notebook, as I make several quick sketches of him. I eventually settle on drawing a portrait of him, his face relaxed as he sleeps. A lock of his hair falls across his forehead and, after I include it in a drawing, I gently reach out and push it away from his face. I want to see all of him, all of this man who is so unexpectedly captivating me.

I know I should take a nap, too, but I’m too keyed up. Everything is changing. Gabriel is so much more than the entitled rich guy I thought he was – kind, intelligent, generous, and so sexy. He’s unexpectedly tender and attentive with me, more than any other man I’ve ever met.

This feels like a fairy tale, even though I know it’s too much to hope for that kind of thing for myself. I grab the cashmere blanket the attendant left for me and curl up and look out the window and watch the clouds beneath us.

If this is a dream, I never want to wake up.