Page 137 of No Boss
“I wanted privacy.”
He said it simply. As if it were nothing. As if arranging an entire field for one evening was just… practical.
Her step faltered. His arm came around her, palm pressing against her back, drawing her close enough to steady her.
Her breath caught, eyes lifted to him, lips parted.
He tried not to smile. Failed.
“You booked the entire field,” she repeated, softer, as if repeating it might make it more reasonable.
He held her gaze, unapologetic. Slightly amused.
Then he stepped back. “Come.”
She followed.
The operator steadied the basket as she climbed in. Wood creaked under her weight. Abhinav stepped in after her, and the basket swayed.
Her hand moved on instinct, catching his arm. She tried to pull back. His hand closed over hers before she could.
Outside, the operator spoke, voice routine, distant.
Abhinav answered without taking his eyes off her.
The ground gave way in a slow release, the earth loosening its hold.
Meera’s hand rose to her mouth in wonder.
Jaipur opened beneath them.
It was beautiful.
The city she had always known unfolded into another form. Pink and amber stretched outward. Streets ran through it like veins. Rooftops formed a vast mosaic. The old walls curved through it all.
The air cooled as they rose. It moved through her hair, brushed her skin, and her other hand too found his arm without thought.
Her eyes moved across the horizon, trying to take it all in. “It’s beautiful.”
His voice came close to her ear. “Yes.”
She turned.
He was watching her.
Not the city.
Her.
His eyes moved across her face, taking in each breath, each trace of wonder, the softness in her expression.
“You’re missing the view,” she murmured.
“No.” His eyes dropped to her lips before returning to her. “I’m not.”
Warmth rushed to her cheeks. She turned away, though she could feel him watching even then.
The balloon rose higher. The sky opened wide above them.
