I would have liked to look down at the clouds, but it was nighttime in South Korea.

We were due to arrive at Gimhae International Airport, Busan, in an hour. That would give me enough time to run through the activities sheet once more. Employees from Lee Chul Enterprises would be waiting on us before the plane touched the ground. The very next day, duty called. Tonight was the only opening for rest. Someone had warned me about Lee Chul's tunnel vision in matters of work, and I expected nothing remotely deviating from their known reputation. That was why I needed someone else who could show the Korean client that Hartfield & Gold's mirrored such dedication and followed strict standards of delivering only the best. That was why I wanted Keziah.

The past months I've worked with her, she'd shown nothing but a relentless desire to be the best. I couldn't see anyone else by my side on this trip. Absolutely no one.

"Sir, would you like anything else? Champagne, orange juice?" The flight attendant asked, handing me the elegant menu, but I waved it away.

"Thank you, Yvette." Her smile widened at the fact that I remembered and referred to her by her name.

"You're welcome, Mr. Welsh," she said before walking to another passenger.

I worked on a few other things before I cleaned up in the lavatory. I carried my convenient travel bag with me. In it was a comb, my own toiletries, and such items. Being on a plane limited what I could do. I didn't trust myself to shave the five o'clock shadow debuting on my face. So I wiped my face with helpful wipes, brushed my teeth, flossed, combed my hair, and changed into a buttoned-down maroon and blue striped shirt. Casual and yet presentable when paired with the black slacks I wore. Thankfully, neither article was wrinkled too badly where I wouldn't want to wear them.

I returned to my seat and stretched comfortably in my seat. Then I turned on the television and scrolled through the options. A soft sigh from my right diverted my attention and swept my gaze across the aisle. Comfortably sleeping in her reclining chair was Keziah. I smiled despite myself.

Her head was turned in my direction, granting me a view of how she looked like when she slept. Her straight black hair was bound away from her heart-shaped face. Her lashes cast a shadow over her cheekbones and her full lips were parted slightly. A truly precious sight to behold. I didn't know who changed her mind. Maybe Anne or Liz. It could be that she herself came to her senses and seized the day.

I pondered whether to wake her up. On this trip, we were coequals, I wouldn't lie about that. But would I be treading on a fine line if I were to rouse her from her poignantly restful slumber and suggest that she make herself look presentable? No. Probably not. She'd thank me in the long scheme of things.

"Miss Mills." I softly shook her shoulder.

"Miss Mills, we arrive in Busan in about half an hour." She rubbed her eyes and sat properly.

"Oh."

"We will have people from the client's office waiting on us so I'd advise you to freshen up a little." She nodded and roused herself from sleep. She too traveled with a small bag of toiletries, sensible.

"And you should go over the itinerary before we land."

I assumed sleep slightly clouded her brain because she replied "Yes, sir."

Then she stopped in her tracks and narrowed her eyes at me. I understood her subtle glare perfectly, but I was not bossing her around.

"These aren't orders, merely suggestions." I clarified. She took my statement with a grain of salt and went on her way.

The thirty minutes were up and there was no indication that Keziah was ready to get out. Then the pilot's announcement came.

"And now passengers we will begin our descent to Gimhae International Airport, please remain in your seats and fasten your seatbelts."

The attendants came around asking us to fix our seats and fold our blankets. I obeyed with half my mind. The other half was wondering what was keeping Keziah.

"Excuse me." I got the attention of the male attendant walking by.

"A colleague of mine went into the bathroom thirty minutes ago and she—"

The restroom door opened and Keziah hurriedly stepped out. Her makeup was tastefully done. Her hair was neatly brushed and styled into a top bun, lifting her almond eyes. She also changed into a fuchsia blouse. She apologized and took her seat, fastening her belt before sighing in her chair. I refrained from saying anything.

We were able to locate the L.C. greeters easily. They held a card with Welsh and Mills, written in bold letters.

Suddenly, Keziah gasped, startling me.

"What's the matter?" My voice buckled in concern.

"Mr. Welsh?" The young Korean asked.

"Yes." I took her offered hand and then shook that of her associates.

"Then you must be Miss Mills." Keziah only smiled and nodded.

"It's a pleasure to meet the both of you."

"Same here." I smiled.

"I'm Do Eun Soon. And this is my colleague Ong Ho-Jin. Welcome to Busan. I hope you had a pleasant flight."

I waited for Keziah to reply after a moment of awkward silence I finally replied.

"Yes. It was wonderful. We immensely enjoyed the first-class treatment. Gamsahapmnida." I started following them as they ushered us towards the exit.

"Is something wrong, Miss Mills?" I slowed my pace.

Keziah pulled me back by the arm, taking me aback, and she vigorously nodded. "I forgot to clean my teeth," she cried.

"I don't have bad morning breath. Here, smell it." She ambushed me by breathing in my face before I could grant consent. I staggered.

"Is it bad?"

"Jesus, Miss Mills." I looked at our hosts, who were blissfully unaware of our behavior.

"It's that bad, huh?" She sheepishly glanced away, pressing her lips together as her nerves took hold of her.

"Try to stay calm and be quiet," I whispered.

"Well, you don't have to stare at me like that."

Like she was a different species from another galaxy? How else did she expect me to look at her?

"I apologize, I'm not sure what the proper reaction is for having someone breathe in your face." Sarcasm dripped in my voice. I made it a point to redirect all questions to myself. That proved to be a feat.

Fortunately, we arrived at our destination after a short while. The street was narrow and there was only one house on it. The wooden gates and slanting roof left so much hidden behind them.The SUV parked in front of the residence. Two minutes later a small group ran out of the house. Four older women and two gentlemen dressed in uniform. They bowed in greeting when we got out of the car. Eun Soon introduced us to the staff. She spoke rapid Hanguel (Korean), telling them we were the esteemed guests of Lee Chul shi. We were to be treated with the utmost respect to keep Mr. Lee happy.

We had a quick tour of the house and it was such an architectural beauty. I patiently took in the exterior gardens and lawn care. The interior washed in white, tastefully designed with antiquated Asian pieces; vases, paintings, and centerpieces. The corner of the living room was a staircase leading downstairs where the kitchen and dining area were. The house was a complex beauty.

The entire wall of the dining area was made of thick glass showing off a beautifully lit turquoise pool and an urban scene of the rest of Busan.

"It's gorgeous!" Keziah whispered in awe.

"So where are you sleeping?"

"I believe we are both to share this space. It's big enough," I whispered.

"The chef has your meal ready for you." Eun Soon informed us.

"We will leave you two to settle in. I have emailed the security codes to both of you. Transportation will arrive promptly at 8:00am." They bowed and exited.

The assortment of dishes on the table was enough to feed an army. Keziah smiled and danced in her seat. Her eyes sparkled and her grin developed into muted giggles. Then she cleared her throat and attempted to compose herself.

I kept my smile hidden behind propped hands.

She was terrible at restraining her excitement. She skillfully grabbed the chopsticks and surveyed the table. With every dish she tasted, she dramatically moaned.

"Should I leave you alone with the food?" I asked.

"Hmm? Oh, you're here."

I raised a brow at her. Was she kidding?

She laughed.

"It's all like I'm in the dramas and I love that the food is just as delicious as it looks on T.V."

"The dramas?"

"Korean dramas. I love them." She confessed.

She closed her eyes, savoring a bite.

"You don't say grace?"

She paused chopstick midway into the kimchi bowl.

"Oh, no. Oh, no. I do. I just forgot."

I didn't always say grace either, but teasing her was fun.

I rattled a simple prayer my mother always recited, and then we continued to eat in silence. I watched her dance in her chair the entire time she was eating. Probably the most adorable thing I have ever seen. At the conclusion of the meal, I just had to wonder how she remained so fit and lean if this was how she ate regularly. Keziah stood up and stretched.

"That was so delicious." She tells the staff in Korean. And thanked them with a bow before heading up the stairs. I followed her up with my tablet in hand, cross-checking the success of all the file transfers. I bumped into Keziah. Thankfully, I instinctively grabbed her before she fell on her face.

"Why are you just standing in the way?"

Then I saw her issue. Our rooms were right next to each other.

"From what I know, most Korean residences have thin walls. There'll be very little privacy." She complained.

"I'm not a noisy person. And unlike some people, I mind my business." I didn't mean her. But then I also meant her.

I still recall her attempt at playing matchmaker for me and Claire. Was she regretting that now?

"Besides, with the excellent workmanship of the residence, I doubt the architecture of contractors made such a mistake. You are safe." I pulled my hand away from her waist when I realized it had been lingering.

She rubbed her neck and glanced away.

I stepped toward my door.

"And also there are security pads on the doors. Goodnight, Miss Mills."

In my room, I turned off the tablet and stuffed it back into my briefcase, preparing everything necessary for our meetings tomorrow.

Then I turned around and registered the existence of the small oak door. It wasn't the bathroom door. I silently swore, hoping the rooms weren't adjoined. It would horrify Keziah to no end. And me, of course. I warily opened the door. It led to a small office space. I breathed in relief.

The door on the other side opened, and I found Keziah wearing the horrified expression I hoped to avoid.