“A pilot from the Air Force is going to land smoothly, like they have all the time—and runway—in the world. Whereas a pilot from the Navy is going to land hard and fast, like they are landing on a battleship with very little room to get it right.”
I take in his explanations, which make sense, but I wonder if any of it is true.
I shake my head, trying to hide the way he’s making my smile want to come out even more. “I have no clue.”
“I’m hoping, for your sake, it’s Air Force.”
He sits back in his seat while my smile goes from there to gone in a millisecond.
“Why would you say that? Is Navy bad? Should I be worried?”
A grin tugs on his lips. “I’m kidding. Even the worst Navy landing is still spectacular, and you want to know why?”
I bite my inner lip in thought. “Why?”
“Because you’ve landed and you’re secure on the ground,” he whispers, leaning in.
I push him away, making him laugh at his own words.
With my head back against the headrest, I hold on to the armrests again and wait for the landing, wondering if it will be an Air Force or Navy one.
When David covers my hand with his again, I feel all the fear and tension release from me.
How can one small touch affect me this deeply?
I don’t move my hand, and neither does he. Instead, I let myself sink into the quiet protection he offers.
Knowing he’s right there next to me if anything were to go wrong comforts me in ways I didn’t know were possible. I’veheard others talk about the security a man can offer, but I’ve never understood it until now.
I close my eyes just as we touch down in the smoothest manner, the tires only skidding once before the brakes are applied and we slow down, hearing the force of the plane fighting against the wind on the ground.
I turn to David, who gives me a crooked grin.
“Air Force,” is all he says, and I can’t help but laugh.
Thank God for the Air Force.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
David
To my surprise, so far, this trip isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. We’ve made it through getting to the airport and flying to Montana without killing each other, so I’d say that’s a win.
After we exit the plane, we head straight for the car rental counter, where I offer to put her on the rental as well, but she declines.
“It’s okay. I don’t need to drive.” She waves me off.
“Are you sure? What if you want to grab something real quick? It’s no big deal to add you.”
“Well, it’s kind of a big deal because I don’t have my license.”
“Seriously?” I laugh in surprise.
She playfully hits my arm, making me smile. I like that we’ve gotten to a more playful vibe between us.
“Don’t laugh. Do you own a car?” she asks.
“Well, no, but I still know how to drive one.”
