Thorne hailed the next cab to pick him up from the airport, but it was unnecessary, as the driver was already swerving to the sidewalk, about to drop someone off. Thorne was glad that luck was on his side because it was windy as hell.

He waited patiently as the passenger exited the cab, surprised to see Cress again. "Well, hello there. Long time no see."

She seemed just as surprised to see him but immediately beamed at him. He instantly liked her. People at the airport were often too grumpy—it was nice to meet someone who was actually in a good mood (and not in a fake good-mood as was required from the personnel).

"Yes, hello. You just arrived?" he asked.

"Yep. You're about to leave?"

"Yes."

He snapped his fingers in disappointment. "Too bad. Maybe one of these days we'll share a plane?"

She grinned. "Maybe we did and just didn't know?"

"Possible. Well, here's to hoping for a next time." He helped her by getting her suitcase from the trunk and then put his own into it. Before he got into the cab, he made a great show tipping an invisible hat and bow slightly. "Farewell, milady."

She answered with an awkward curtsy. "Your carriage ... awaits you ... mylord?"

He laughed. She was cute. He wished he had more time to chat but he was in a hurry. He waved her a quick goodbye and gave the driver the address.

As the cab pulled away, Thorne turned in his seat, looking after her as she entered the airport, the wind tugging at her long hair, ready to fly off to another unknown destination.

He wondered when and where he would see her again.

Because by now he was sure they would meet again.


A/N: Next time, Cress (finally) learns Thorne's name.