The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires #1)(77)

Whatever I thought private jets looked like inside, this was not it. The toe of my sneaker catches on the black carpet, and I scream as I lose my footing. Rowan’s arm shoots out and clutches onto my flailing arm, righting me before I fall face-first.

“Graceful as ever, Zahra.” He laughs under his breath.

He deposits my body in a massive seat that could fit three of me on a usual flight. I stroke the beige leather to confirm this is not a dream.

He drops into the seat across from me. “What’s that face for?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re uncomfortable.”

My cheeks burn. I should be thankful to be going on a trip instead of freaking out over the minor things. “No. I’m fine.”

He traces his bottom lip with his thumb. “I think you might be the only person I’ve met who is intimidated by my money and wants nothing to do with it.”

“Must be quite the contrast compared to the majority who are mainly intimidated by your personality.” My snappy comment is rewarded by a low laugh from Rowan. The sound warms my entire chest.

His eyes lighten as I shoot him a smile. “I like the way you make me feel.”

“And that is?”

“Like I’m a real person.”

I roll my eyes. “If these are your standards, there’s nowhere to go but up.”

He laughs again, and this time, I join him.





Okay, I won’t admit this to Rowan, but dating a billionaire has its perks.

Perk One: Taking a random flight to New York City because he feels like it would be a good date spot.

Perk Two: Visiting New York freaking City!

I’m bursting with excitement as the jet lands on the runway. The moment Rowan told me about our destination, I pestered him with many questions about the city and how often he comes here.

“I’ve never seen someone look this excited to be in New York before.”

“Are you kidding me? This is a dream come true!”

“Hold off on that statement until you get off the plane. I’m pretty sure the smell alone will convince you otherwise.”

“What kind of person hates New York?”

“The same kind who loves Chicago.”

“Take that back!” I lean over and smack his shoulder.

He grins. “Nope. Not until you come with me to Chicago and confirm what I already know.”

I’m pretty sure my heart might burst at Rowan’s idea. Planning ahead seems to add another layer to our casual but doesn’t feel casual relationship.

“People can’t take off and fly away whenever the feeling strikes.”

His head tilts. “Why not?”

“Because we have jobs and responsibilities.”

“Leave dealing with your boss to me.”

I shake my head, pretending to be disgusted, yet my heart accelerates in my chest.

Our conversation is cut off too soon by the pilot announcing it’s safe to take off our seat belts.

The flight attendant opens the cabin door and all I see is white.

“Snow! Real snow!” I take the steps two at a time and pick up a handful of glittering snow.

Rowan stops beside me. “We got lucky.”

“Lucky? How?”

His eyes stay glued to my smile. “There usually isn’t snow this early in the season but they just had a storm the other day.”

“If that’s not fate, I don’t know what is.” I throw the snow in the air and watch it all fall around me like powder.

I close my eyes and laugh, only to open them to find Rowan staring at me.

The staff makes quick work of our luggage, and before I can blink, Rowan has us settled into the back of a town car. He clutches onto my hand and draws idle circles with his thumb. Each rotation sends a jolt of energy shooting up my arm.

I stare out the window the entire time, taking in the bright lights and endless amounts of people. It reminds me of the Dreamland crowds, but more aggressive. Like people have places to go and people to see, so everyone needs to get the hell out of their way.

I absolutely love it.

We pull into the valet of some high-rise building covered in glass and steel.

“You live here?” I crane my neck back, taking in how the skyscraper touches a cloud. A real freaking cloud!

He shrugs. “Sometimes. It’s one of my homes.”

“One?!”

He shrugs.

“What’s it like to have more money than God?”

“Lonely.” His word carries enough heaviness to taint the air around us.

I’m tempted to wrap my arms around him to give him a squeeze. I can’t begin to imagine how isolating it is to be surrounded by so much wealth to the point that people stop treating him like a real person. After Rowan’s confession, I make a promise to myself to stop gawking at everything like it might disappear any second.

“Okay. I’m going to act cool from now on and pretend none of this phases me.”

“Don’t do that. I… It’s fun to see things from your perspective.”

Fun?! Who knew the man could experience such joy. I’m so caught up in that admission that it takes me a second to realize the rest of his statement.

He likes to see things from my perspective. My chest tightens, betraying me. Dammit. I should have listened to Claire. There’s no way things can stay casual between us without developing more intense feelings beyond liking one another. But why would he pursue me as Scott and Rowan if he wasn’t interested in taking things further?