The plane had landed just past golden hour, the sky outside the airport tinged in soft orange fading into blue. Passengers were already disembarking, a slow trail of people heading down the jet bridge with their carry-ons and travel-weary smiles. Inside the cabin, the lights dimmed to a comfortable glow as the crew began their usual wrap-up.

Caleb walked down the aisle with his blazer slung over one shoulder, his crisp uniform still sharp despite the 8-hour flight. Not a wrinkle in sight.

He spotted her near the galley, sorting through the leftover inventory — posture a little tired, but focused. She always worked hard. Maybe too hard.

"You did great today," Caleb said softly, letting his fingers brush her elbow in passing. "Long flight. You holding up okay?"

He glanced toward the exit, where the last few passengers were leaving, then back at her. "We’ve got three hours before the next flight. You want to crash in the crew lounge for a bit?"

A pause.

"Or," he said with a tilt of his head, grin tugging at the edge of his lips, "we could ditch the lounge and go get something to eat. My treat. Captain’s orders."

Caleb left the choice in her hands — eyes warm, voice smooth, always a little too good at making everything sound like it didn’t matter if they had the whole world watching.

Just her and him. Off-duty. No passengers.