The Pilot And The Dreamer

Chapter 13

I never thought I would say those words nor hear them come out of my mouth, but ever since meeting Hazel in the bar that night, she has definitely weaved her way into my heart that I haven't felt since my ex left me simply because I wasn't rich like her. Hazel has been through some rough times, including her ex-boyfriend, which I'm gonna say he abused her, and the deal with Nathan. I look directly in Hazel's eyes showing admiration in them and makes me want to protect her.

"Nathan, if I were you, I'd back the hell up, get into your town car and go back to wherever you came from or so help me, if I find out you were anywhere near Hazel, I will personally see that you are treated with the utmost care," I growl and I feel Hazel slip her hand into mine before dragging me away from Nathan.

"What the hell was that?" I ask her, watching Nathan walk away with a smug look on his face. 

"Relax. He's not worth it." She says. I turn back to him to see him with an arrogant smirk on his face and I clench my fists together, ultimately hurting Hazel when she yelps.

"Damnit. I'm sorry, Hazel." I say, rubbing her hand with mine. 

"You're fine." She shivers and I pull her close, promising myself that I will protect her. Natalie looks at me and I nod, deciding that finding a local bookstore would be something to cheer Hazel up when her phone rings. She lets go of me and digs around in her purse and from the look on her face, it's not good.

"Hello, mother." 

"Young lady, how dare you run off like that."

"I'm fully capable of doing whatever the hell I want." She sneers.

"Watch your tone, missy. Now, call Nathan back so he can bring you back home." Her eyes go wide and look at me with a scared look on her face.

"W-why did you have Nathan come here?" 

"My dear, because I knew where you were and I don't trust that Noah character."

"How dare you put a tracker on me!" She yells and I stand back, "Noah is the best damn thing to ever happen to me and I trust him more than I trust you!" She screams before hanging up but stares down at the phone in her hand. I watch her shoulders begin to shake and I rush over before she falls over and she sobs into my shirt as I held her against my chest, bridal style. I carry her towards the plane and lay her down on the couch where she relaxes and falls asleep. I feel a hand on my shoulder and it's Natalie who is gesturing towards outside. I follow her and she stands with her arms crossed, Peter standing behind her.

"Natalie?" I ask, unsure what is going on in her head.

"I can see something between you two and I'm thankful that you were at the bar that night. You bring out the best in her as well as showing her that there is nothing to be afraid of."

"She's doing something to me, slowly," I say, feeling a weight that has been lifted off my shoulders at that confession. "I'm scared that I'm going to screw it up with her."

"If I know anything about Hazel is that as long as she has Natalie by her side, she can conquer anything, and that includes a guy she met at the bar." Peter says, wrapping an arm around Natalie's shoulders.

"I have an idea. How does she feel about dancing?" I ask. Natalie's face lights up.

"Oh honey, she lives for it." She replies and I grin.

"I know a spot where we can do swing dancing," I reply with a grin. "It's a surprise for her, since she deserves it. Come on, let's go." I round everyone up into the plane and shut the door, before strapping myself in the pilot's chair to start the aircraft up. I communicate with the tower and taxi the plane onto the runway before taking off and heading towards California. 

~~~~~~~~~~~

About 30 minutes into the flight, I hear the cabin door open, shut and then the scent of strawberries hits me before the person sits down in the co-pilots seat. I take a quick glance to my left to see Hazel, with some adorable bed head, and sleepy eye.

"Hey, sleepyhead." I say, turning my gaze back to the dials and the sky.

"Hey. How long was I out?" She asks, strapping herself into the co-pilots seat.

"Probably an hour and a half." I reply, checking the gauges. "Before you ask, it's a surprise where we're going."

"Damn." She looks down and I chuckle, causing my heart to almost beat out of my chest.

You're falling for her, Noah

Question is, does she feel the same way?

I snap out of it to communicate with the tower for permission to land. We do and Hazel's looking around, wondering where we're at. I take hold of her hand and squeeze it.

"Do you trust me?" I ask, causing her to look up at me before nodding.

"I do." She replies, squeezing my hand. "I'm sorry I passed out on you earlier." She finishes, but I stop her.

"No need to apologize." I reply, landing the plane on the runway, and taxing it towards the hanger to park it. I do and stand up, pulling Hazel to a standing position. "Come on, I have a surprise for you." I say, leading her out through the door and Natalie and Peter are waiting next to a car. 

"Guys, what is going on?" Hazel asks, unsure. I kiss her on the lips, before looking her dead in the eye.

"I will never let anything hurt you." She nods and we get into the car and I drive towards the swing dancing showroom. We pull up and right away, I can see Hazel's eyes light up as I park the car. 

"You didn't!"