Before I can fully process it, Sofia is hurrying me onto the company jet bound for Monte Carlo.
"There are a few things we need to go over for our product presentation, so you'll be sitting next to me on the plane. The flight is nine hours long, and I intend to use every minute making sure you're ready for the expo."
As I follow her down the aisle, I realize the two of us are probably the last to arrive. I'm surrounded by other employees going to the product expo, including...
"Lee Know! Robin!"
"(Y/N)? What are you doing here?" Lee Know asks.
"Is this some kind of joke? I don't know what the three of you have cooked up, but it won't work." Robin complains
"Like I'd be working with Min-ho. Keep moving, (Y/N). There's nothing to see here." Sofia nudges me.
I settle myself a few rows back from Lee Know, then turn to Sofia.
"Now will you tell me why I'm here? Shouldn't Evan be on this trip?"
"He had a last minute emergency. His mother is sick or something, but that's just one reason why you're here and not him. This expo is the premier event for our industry. It isn't open to the public, but investors show up by the dozens."
"No wonder why they hold it in Monte Carlo. There's no better place to spend a lot of money..."
"Exactly. The event itself will mostly be booths with a few keynote presentations for the major players. But we're doing things differently this year. The board set it up so investors can choose a specific division to back, instead of our whole company."
"Which means..."
"We need to make sure the division is the environmental lab. Though there's only one person you really need to impress... Antonie Bisset."
"Who's that?"
"He's the man who could change both of our lives forever. If you value your future at Lee-Russo, make sure to wow him. Now, I already started your presentation deck, but you'll need to add more about your testing process..."
HOURS LATER...
"Okay, I officially need to get up and walk around before I fuse to this seat."
I head toward the front where Lee Know is sitting, hoping no one will notice if I steal a quick moment with him, when I stumble over Robin's bag! Its contents spill out into the aisle. He quickly snatches up all his papers.
"What is this, a dirty trick to get your hands on my files?"
"I was just stretching my legs. Trust me, you're the last person I want to see."
"Oh, you've made that very clear. I'm busy, (Y/N). Go find someone else to spy on."
I sigh and continue making my way up the aisle. Suddenly a hand shoots out and grabs my wrist. Lee Know yanks me into the cockpit, out of sight of the other employees. He pulls me into him and kisses me as if we haven't kissed in months.
"Lee Know! What if someone sees us?"
"Half the people on this plane are sound asleep, and the other half are drunk. There's no one here but us and the pilot. And don't worry, Kevin and I are cool."
"In that case...kiss me again."
Lee Know snakes an arm around my waist, teasing my lips open and sliding his tongue inside. I let him in with a soft moan, the scent and taste of him are everywhere.
"You have no idea how much I've wanted to do this all flight."
He cups the side of my face and allows his thumb to trace the line of my lips.
"It's been driving me out of my mind..."
"Me too."
Lee Know pulls my body flush against his as he kisses me long and deep. The plane lurches as we hit a rough patch in the air. For a moment, I feel weightless in the circle of Lee Know's arms... Then the turbulence hits again, and I almost lose my balance.
"Whoa."
"I've got you...but we should probably return to our seats."
I nod, trying to think about how much I still have to sneak around.
Under Naya's plan, we would've been... No, (Y/N), you can't focus on that now. You chose to take this job, so you have to deal with the consequences.
I make my way back to the main cabin. Only Robin and Sofia seem to have noticed my stolen interlude with Lee Know.
"More plotting, (Y/N)?" Robin accuses.
"Don't talk to my employee like that. You should know better than anyone that I protect what's mine." Sofia surprisingly defends.
"Yeah, until they outlive their usefulness."
"Uh...you two wanna save this for later? Or maybe this is more of a 'pistols at dawn' situation?"
"Very cute."
"Just wait and see. You'll regret the day you had anything to do with this snake."
Fortunately, I'm interrupted as the plane begins its descent...
"Welcome to Monte Carlo! The sun is shining, the sea is sparkling, and the cars are ready to whisk you away."
After a short drive, I check in at the hotel, and get settled in my room...
"At least there's no more prep for the expo until tomorrow. What to do with my afternoon off..."
I'm still deciding what to do when my phone chimes with an incoming message.
Me:
-Going to Monte Carlo for a few days. Explain later but can you water my plants?
Jenny:
-Just saw this.
-MONTE CARLO!!!
-Did your billionaire whisk you away?
Me:
-No, it's a work thing.
Jenny:
-But he's there right? So you must be VERY busy ;).
Me:
-How? There are soooo many coworkers around.
Jenny:
-Doesn't sneaking around make it more hot?!
Me:
-At first yeah but to be honest the excitement has started to wear off.
Jenny:
-Uh oh. What changed?
Me:
-Lee Know and I are stuck. Without a PR plan, it's like we're in limbo.
Jenny:
-'Cause you are! You lost your roadmap.
Me:
-Even if I wanted to do something, it's not just up to me.
Jenny:
-You should talk to Lee Know about this. Your feelings make perf sense. He's the only one who can help you fix it.
Me:
-It feels like we never have the time TO talk.
Jenny:
-Then MAKE some. And never forget you're worth it.
Me:
-Thanks Jen.
Jenny:
-You can thank me by putting $20 on red for me.
Me:
-I don't know what that means but sure?
I smile as I tuck my phone away. To my surprise I hear a knock on my door almost immediately.
If Sofia makes me work today, I swear...
"Hey, beautiful. You free tonight?"
My pulse quickens at the sight of Lee Know at my door, but I also can't help but feel a little wary considering what I just confessed to Jenny.
"Depends on what you have in mind."
"You, me...and the bright lights of Monaco. I want to take you out for a night on the town."
"Are you sure that's a good idea? I know we're away from New York, but..."
"I'm sure. It's high time for that first date Naya was setting us up for."
"In that case, a thousand times yes!"
"I was hoping you'd say that. There's so much I want to show you, and since the best sights are far away from the hotel, we won't have to worry too much about anyone from Lee-Russo spotting us."
"A private night out? Seems too good to be true."
"I'll let you get ready, and I'll meet you around the corner in...30 minutes?"
As soon as Lee Know leaves, I hurry to my suitcases and start surveying the outfits I packed.
"This is the first time I'm going out in public with Lee Know...plus I wanna fit in with the chic fashion of Monte Carlo..."
I dig through my clothes and find the perfect outfit and I quickly throw it on.
"Lee Know won't be able to take his eyes off me, no matter what sights we see."
Anticipation courses through me as I spot Lee Know waiting for me in front of a newsstand.
"Hey, stranger. Come here often?"
Lee Know turns and catches sight of me in my outfit. He grins.
"You look amazing."
"You're not so bad yourself."
He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me in close.
"Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?"
"What do you mean?"
"This is our first date, remember?"
A look of understanding passes across his face. He steps back and offers me his hand instead.
"Ah, of course. It's been a long time since I was on a first date. I'm not sure I remember how it's supposed to go."
Lee Know slides his fingers through mine until we're holding hands. It's a simple gesture, but so natural that my heart patters.
"Well good thing I'm here to show you."
"I'm also a very good student."
He leans in for a swift kiss.
"I don't believe that for a moment." I smile.
Everything about Monte Carlo is designed to impress. Lee Know leads me around the city for hours, and I drink it all in.
"This place is something else, isn't it?"
"It's beautiful, but I'd be just as happy in a desert if it meant I could be with you."
Lee Know lifts our joined hands to his lips and kisses my fingers.
"Me too."
Before I can respond, my stomach gives a resounding grumble.
"Whoops. I guess with the time change, I'm hungrier than I thought."
"I figured you might be, so I made an early dinner reservation for us."
Ten minutes later, Lee Know and I are seated inside an upscale French restaurant. Lee Know pulls out my chair before seating himself.
"I could get used to this kind of treatment..."
"Wait until you try the wine. Your life will never be the same."
I reach underneath the table until my toes brush Lee Know's. Slipping off my shoe, I run my foot up the inside of his calf.
"(Y/N)..."
I can feel the hard strength of Lee Know's muscles under my touch. I smile innocently as I slide my foot higher..."
"What?"
The waiter approaches and asks something in French. Lee Know helps me order, and the waiter retreats again.
"So, what's next on the first-date checklist? Should we talk about our families?"
"Given that I lived with yours for several months, I think we're a little past that."
"We did skip a few steps...but I want to do this right."
I look deep into his eyes and see nothing but sincerity. My conversation with Jenny plays in my mind, and I take a deep breath...
"Then we shouldn't be sneaking around."
"I never wanted it to be like this."
"Then it's time we do something about it...right?"
"I've been thinking about it...and I believe we should wait until the new year to take things all the way public."
"The new year? But that's months away!"
Lee Know reaches across the table to take my hand... He takes my hand in his and gives me a reassuring squeeze.
"I know it's asking a lot, but it's the only way. By January, the corporate competition will be over."
"Then what's tonight about? Just some meaningless outing to placate me?"
"No, of course not."
"Lee Know, I feel we've been stuck in the same spot for months now, ever since we came back from Italy. We have to move forward if we want our relationship to survive."
"I...didn't realize you felt that way. I'm so sorry, (Y/N). I just... I don't see a way around this right now. I can't lose you."
I sigh. I don't want to lose him either.
And now that I work for the lab, going public could jeopardize my career as much as Lee Know's.
Lee Know reaches out to tuck a finger under my chin, drawing my gaze up to his.
"I'm glad you told me you feel like we're stuck, and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure we're moving forward, even if it's just in private. Please, (Y/N). What's a couple of months when we have the rest of our lives to be together?"
I'm not thrilled about Lee Know's new plan, but I can see his point. I can feel my resolve starting to falter...
"Lee Know... You're right. It makes sense to wait."
"I know things are tough now, but when I finally have you all to myself...let's just say I plan to make things up to you."
"You'd better."
The mood lightens as the waiter brings out our food. Although the weight of the conversation still hangs over me, I'm able to push it out of my mind and enjoy the meal.
"Okay, what did you order for us? This food is heavenly."
"That's a filet mignon with bearnaise sauce. No one does decadence like the French."
We work our way through the main course before the waiter appears again, flourishing a tray. He unveils a delicate pastry.
"Oh, but we didn't–"
The waiter says something as he sets the dessert on our table before whisking our empty plates away.
"A gift from the chef. The waiter said it was in honor of love and lovers in Monte Carlo."
"Cheers to that."
I lift the dessert to Lee Know's lips, and he opens his mouth to taste it. I move slowly, teasing him...
"Are you going to make me work for it?"
"Good things come to those who wait. And if you behave yourself, a fancy dessert isn't the only thing you'll get to taste..."
"An offer I can't refuse."
I finally let Lee Know sample the rich dessert. He moans quietly as he swallows.
"That's good, huh?"
"Why don't you see for yourself?"
Lee Know pulls me in for a light kiss, and I can taste the sweetness that lingers.
"I think that's enough dessert for me. Any more, and I won't be held accountable for my actions..."
"Then let's get out of here."
Night has fallen by the time we leave the restaurant, and I'm feeling perfectly content...until I fight a sleepy yawn.
"Feeling the jet lag?"
"A little. It was a long flight, and Sofia didn't let me get much rest."
"I hope you're not too tired. I saved the best for last..."
I follow Lee Know to the top of a building a few blocks down. I'm about to ask what's going on when I hear the whipping sound of helicopter blades rotating overhead.
"Is that for us?"
"I had them prepare the chopper for us. I want to take you on a personal tour of the city, if you're not too tired."
Lee Know reaches for my hand, and the warmth of his touch sends a thrill through me, a spark that's ready to ignite...
"Let me show you the sights from a completely different vantage point."
The bright lights of the city spread out in every direction, beckoning me to take them in from above.
Lee Know and I don't get to go out that often, and I would love to extend our time together...
"Take me up, Captain."
Lee Know grins and takes my hand to lead me to the helicopter. He hands me a headset and waits until I'm settled in the co-pilot's seat before taking his seat and shutting the door.
"This first part might be a little rough..."
But as we rise into the air, Lee Know appears to be perfectly in control. I look down at the sparkling lights below me.
"Wow...everything's so tiny down there. Makes me feel like all our problems are so small."
"They're nothing we can't handle."
Lee Know points out the sights as we fly past...
"Right below us is the Casino de Monte-Carlo, but if you look up ahead, you can see the lights from the Palais du Prince."
"What's your favorite spot?"
"In Monte Carlo? Probably driving along Avenue d'Ostende. But in all of Monaco, I'd have to go with Jordins de Saint-Martin. It's so peaceful there."
"Not as peaceful as 10,000 feet up in the air."
"That's true. Between flying and traveling, it's hard to choose a favorite."
Lee Know reaches over to put a hand on my knee.
"Especially when you're with me."
"Tell me more about why you love flying."
Lee Know looks wistful as he returns his attention to the horizon.
"This is where I feel the most alive. When I'm behind the controls, it's me versus the world. I decide if I want to go left..."
Lee Know steers a sharp left, sending my pulse racing.
"...Or right."
He veers in the opposite direction, and a thrill runs through me before he straightens out.
"So much of my life is spent doing what other people tell me to. What other people expect of me..."
"You're a good parent. A good boss. A good son."
Lee Know's penetrating gaze captures my own.
"But sometimes... I just want to be me."
Lee Know lifts the helicopter up until we're skimming the cloud line. I'm breathless at the beauty of the sky...and at how content Lee Know looks while navigating it.
"But enough about me. This is our 'first date', remember? Tell me something I don't know about you."
"Well, I've never told you about my childhood nickname. The kids in school used to call me pimple face."
"Pimple face isn't so bad...'
"It is when you're fourteen! The only kid who called me (Y/N) was Jenny. Although she's given me her own share of nicknames over the years..."
"Should I come up with one for you?"
"Only if I get to give you one."
" 'Lee Know' doesn't count? It is my nickname given to me my 7 of my closest friends. We all would joke around about it by saying 'You Know, I Know, Lee Know'."
We both giggle.
"Maybe, but it doesn't have the same ring to it as 'Hot Pants'. "
" 'Hot Pants'? "
"Mmm, maybe Mr. Hot Pants. You are up for CEO of an international company, after all."
"I take it back, I'll just call you (Y/N)."
Lee Know points out a few more landmarks through the window, including the Musee Oceanographique.
"The boys would love to see their fish exhibits. We'll have to bring them next time."
"Next time?"
"You never know what the future holds."
Lee Know gives my leg a reassuring squeeze.
"But I mean it, (Y/N). I am thinking about what's next for us. Not just next year, but the year after that and the year after that..."
Even though it catches me off guard, his sincerity makes me warm all over.
"What about the next few minutes?"
I place my hand on Lee Know's knee and give it a meaningful stroke...
"Have you forgotten that I'm operating a highly complicated piece of machinery?"
"You're a man of many talents. I'm sure you can multitask... On second thought, You're right. It's much too risky to distract the pilot."
I pull my hand away and place it in my own lap.
"YOU: If you're too busy flying the helicopter, I'll just have to take care of myself instead..."
Lee Know watches out of the corner of his eye as I slide the hem of my skirt up my thigh.
"(Y/N)..."
I reveal my skin inch by tantalizing inch, not stopping until the line of my panties is visible.
"I don't think you realize what a dangerous game you're playing..."
I allow my thighs to fall open as I slide my hand between my legs.
"Tell me to stop, and I will."
"That's it. I'm grounding you."
I yelp as the helicopter dips. At first, I'm afraid I took things to far, but Lee Know is in complete control as he starts our descent.
"Grounding me?"
Lee Know touches the helicopter down on an empty cliffside, away from the lights of the city. Darkness envelops us in every direction.
"Come here..."
Lee Know tosses his headset aside and pulls me into his lap. There's not much space in the cockpit, but that doesn't seem to matter as Lee Know captures my lips with his. He cups the back of my neck as his mouth takes ruthless possession of mine. He slides a hand under my clothes reaching to cup my breasts.
"Lee Know..."
He pinches and plays with my nipples through the fabric of my bra, causing me to arch into him and grind my hips into his. I can feel him, hot and ready against my core.
"I need you. Please..." I beg.
I lift my hips enough to reach for his belt buckle. Soon, I free his member from his pants, and he helps me push my panties aside. I settle over him again, groaning loudly as I sink down on his length...
"God, I've missed you."
I rock my hips forward catching my most sensitive spot against his pelvic bone. His hands brace my hips, helping me set the pace.
"More...I need..."I moan.
Lee Know pumps up into me, faster and harder, and I can barely keep up as the pleasure coils inside of me. I can feel it winding tighter and tighter, threatening to break... Just when I think I can't take it anymore, Lee Know leans forward to bite my shoulder. The sting is enough to send me hurling over the edge.
"...Lee Know!"
He follows a moment later, muffling my name in the crook of my neck.
"(Y/N)...!"
After a moment, I manage to catch my breath. Lee Know helps me shift back into my seat, and I straighten out my clothes.
"I guess you weren't kidding about the 'personal' part of the tour."
I can hear Lee Know chuckle as the chopper's blades start whirring again.
The next morning...I wake to an incessant knocking at the door. Somehow, I know exactly who it is.
"Are you still in bed?"
"At seven in the morning? When we agree to meet at night? Yeah, I'm still in bed."
"Not anymore. There's been a change in plans. Antoine Bisset has invited us to the Circuit de Monaco, the main racecourse through the city. It's time to show me exactly what you're made of, (Y/N)."