Page 121 of Wrecked
The sliding door to the body of the craft was open.
“Let’s fly,” Hawk said.
After Stryker, Emerson, Tommy, and Barry climbed in, he slid the door shut, then he shifted his sights to Addison. “Ready, partner?”
“Ready.”
She climbed into the cockpit, pulled the door shut. One of her favorite things was flying with Hawk. If she was addicted to anything, it was him in a cockpit controlling a multi-million-dollar machine like it was an extension of himself. He was confident, in control, and completely at ease.
He had it all. He was the most amazing, impressive man she’d ever known. And she’d just ended things before they’d even got started.
If it’s for the best, then why does my heart hurt so damn bad?
17
MAN DOWN
As Hawk walked around the craft, he patted the side of the metal bird. “Okay, baby, do us right.”
He jumped in, bucked up, and started the helicopter. Pausing, he listened to the propellers, ensuring nothing sounded unusual. Then, he pulled on his headset.
ALPHA should have pre-cleared him to fly within the FRZ—Flight-Restricted Zone—but he’d run into problems before.
“Tower, this is Bravo King Whiskey Alpha Alpha,” Hawk said. “Alpha Alpha requests clearance for lift off.”
“Go ahead, Alpha Alpha,” replied the air traffic controller.
“Alpha Alpha landing in an open field on the Eastern Shore.” He gave the GPS coordinates.
“We have your request. One second.”
Silence.
“Alpha Alpha, confirm you’re not crossing into DC,” said the controller.
“Confirmed. Alpha Alpha is flying around DC airspace,” Hawk confirmed.
“Alpha Alpha, you’re cleared for lift-off.”
“Alpha Alpha cleared for lift-off,” Hawk parroted back.
“Here we go, babe,” Hawk said, before the helo lifted off the ground.
He needed to fly wide of DC. If he crossed into the prohibited area—even by accident—he’d have two F-18 Hornets on his ass in seconds. They’d either escort him out or shoot him down. No thanks to either option.
Hawk loved flying. It was like oxygen to him. When he learned to fly, during college, he’d double up on lessons during exam week. It calmed him down that much. He felt like one with whatever craft he was in. Piloting came easily to him. Always had. But he felt the pressure when he had passengers. He accepted the risks that came with flying, but his passengers trusted him. That meant a lot to him.
As he flew south, he stared out at the lights below dotting the landscape. Despite the late hour, people were awake.
He appreciated that Addison had talked to Tommy, who had finally quieted down. He wasn’t sure if Tommy had first-mission jitters or if the man didn’t have an off switch.
He glanced over at Addison. She returned his gaze, the whites of her eyes framed in green, brown and beige face paint. They shared a smile. Simple and brief, but it spoke volumes. He wasn’t gonna let her go, but he couldn’t force her to stay either. Maybe she was right. They had some sexy fun, but they were better at beingjustfriends.
Like hell we are.
The attraction was there, always had been. So was their connection.
We’re better together… in every possible way.
