Chapter 38: Chapter 38
Blair
I observed the unique architecture of the city through the window of the plane as we flew over Singapore. I was enchanted by every detail of this city that seemed to be unlike any other I had ever visited. I couldn't wait to see every corner of this place and I hoped that Dimitri would take the time to do so.
" Is this your first time? " Sue, one of the flight attendants who was part of the flight crew, asked me a question as she saw me admiring the view through the small window.
" Yes, and I am finding it amazing without even landing.”
"Wait till you see the airport," she winked.
I knew exactly what she was talking about, and I felt anxious about landing. Singapore's Changi airport was famous for its luxury and uniqueness, remaining number one on the list of the world's best airports.
I checked the time according to the local time zone, three o'clock in the morning on an eighteen-hour flight. I urgently needed a good bed.
Dimitri had also boarded the night before, except that he had arrived in Singapore hours earlier.
" I will announce the landing procedures," Sue warned.
I nodded my head in understanding, feeling anxious about the next three days I would spend with Dimitri in this amazing place.
As soon as we disembarked, I looked around in delight, this was without a doubt the most beautiful airport I had ever visited, with lots of greenery and even a waterfall in the center of the lobby, making me sigh. My trip had already been worth it just knowing this place. I accompanied the crew to the hotel where we would be staying, I didn't even bother to turn on my cell phone, checking my messages and missed calls only at the end of the following morning, when I woke up.
With a smile on my face, I opened the message from Dimitri that asked me to let him know when I woke up. I didn't take long to call my boyfriend, and was answered on the second ring. Dimitri appeared on the other side of the screen looking very tidy, already out of his room.
" I thought I would never wake up again.”
" I went to bed at four in the morning after being on a plane for eighteen hours, I deserved to sleep late," I yawned, getting out of bed after running my fingers through my hair.
" You know what you deserve? A good breakfast before visiting the best spots in town," he suggested.
" Will I get a private guide for this tour? " I speculated, walking to the closet, where I had stored my suitcase the night before.
" I'm in room 520, you can bring your things," he said before hanging up.
We were both staying in the same hotel, and only the inopportune time that I arrived yesterday prevented me from going straight to his room.
After dressing for the hot and humid Singapore climate, I picked up my suitcase and bag and carried them to the room indicated. I knocked on the door, and barely had time to register what was happening when Dimitri opened the door, wrapping me around the waist and pulling me into the room.
In a moment I found myself pressed between his body and the closed door behind me. I dropped the bag on the floor, bringing my hands up to Dimitri's hair, who held me in a delicious kiss while running his hands through my body.
" I missed you " he pulled away a little, his forehead resting against mine.
" I realized that," I replied with a smile on my face.
He walked away for good, taking my suitcase to the closet. Following him closely, I stood behind him, running my hands up his back and massaging them.
" And what's the script for today, commander?”
" I thought we would start with a good breakfast at the hotel restaurant, then I have a list of some street markets I thought you might like to visit," he took a deep breath as I continued my massage, "and then we will have a tour of the Gardens by the Bay and finish at Sentosa Beach.”
" May I suggest a change? " I ran my hand down his torso, back up his shirt, scratching his skin as I pulled it up.
" Of course," he sighed.
I pulled off his shirt, distributing a few kisses and gentle nibbles down his back.
" I suggest we order room service, stay here for a while, take a nice shower, and then we can enjoy the street markets," I declared between kisses all over his skin.
Dimitri turned to me with a satisfied smile on his face.
" As usual, you manage to improve all my plans.”
We left the room at almost two o'clock in the afternoon, Dimitri seemed eager to take me to all the planned places, and I was loving the city.
" Let me get this straight, I don't have a painting of my cousin, but you won one? " Dimitri asked, as we walked through a street market in Chinatown.
I had told him about the gift Joe had given me before I boarded the plane, which now adorned my living room wall.
" He likes me better than you," I scoffed.
" What does the painting look like?”
" Believe it or not, but it's the view from your apartment in St. Petersburg.”
" Really? " he stared at me in surprise as I stopped at a stall to look at some costume jewelry.
" And it's perfect, he said, so that I can feel like I'm in Russia with you," I held up a few necklaces, not particularly interested in any of them.
I thought it was an extremely thoughtful attitude on the part of the guy who was becoming more and more present in my life. I was pretty sure that there was something going on between him and Claire, but they hadn't assumed anything yet.
" But you know what I really want to know? What is it about you that brings me to a place like this of your own free will? Usually you try to keep me away from any place where I can spend money," I frowned.
To my surprise, Dimitri was disconcerted by this question, showing me that there was something behind his attitude.
" No, that's…”
" Dimitri, what is it? " I left the necklaces behind, turning in his direction.
" Actually, I have something I need to talk to you about," he took a deep breath, indicating with his forehead that we should start walking again.
We walked in silence for a few meters until we were away from the movement of tourists. Dimitri led me to a bench, settling us there.
" What was it?”
" I couldn't change my schedule, I won't be able to go to Abby's wedding with you," he said.
I frowned at the news, it was already almost all arranged for him to spend three days with me in California, what changed?
" Why?”
" They said they couldn't change it, that there was already someone else on the California flight," he explained.
I sighed in dismay. I was looking forward to this, and now it's not going to happen anymore!
" But you managed to change your schedule to Singapore," I stared at him.
" That was done by Oleg Ivanov, my mentor. He has more influence in the company than I do.”
To spend his birthday with his friend, he'll find a way.
I looked away as the thought crossed my mind.
" You were upset," he sighed, taking my hand.
Come on, Blair, you know how these things work. You had to call in a lot of favors yourself to get on this flight. You should be more understanding.
" No, that's fine. I understand," I forced a smile, "we'd better make the most of the time we have together then.”
" We'll see each other again on Valentine's Day," he reminded, kissing my hand.
Yes, we both had managed to take a few days off for Valentine's Day, it would be our first celebration together and I couldn't wait.
" Yes, you better prepare something special to make it up to me, commander," I mocked before placing a brief kiss on his mouth, "now let's go, I haven't bought anything from Singapore to take home yet.”