Page 10 of The Billionaire's Gamble

Chapter Five

Dean

“Oh my God, we’re flying in that?” Hannah asks, blinking at my helicopter as if she can’t believe her eyes.

I chuckle, glancing at her with amusement. “Yeah, I figured it’d be the quickest way to get to the cabin.”

“This is amazing!” She says with an excited laugh. “Are you flying it?”

I nod, feeling a thrill at her enthusiasm. “I am.”

“Wow, that's incredible! I've never flown in a helicopter before, let alone with someone I know at the controls,” she says, practically bouncing on her feet. I like how excited she always is about the littlest things.

“Glad I can be your first,” I say with a wink, and her cheeks flush with a delicate pink that I find utterly captivating. I like her adorable blush and how easy it is to tease her.

God, I'm beginning to like a lot of things about her.

Once we're inside and secured, I go through the pre-flight checks. Hannah watches with wide-eyed awe, gasping in excitement when the rotor blades begin to spin.

As we lift off, she gasps, gripping the edge of her seat. “This is amazing!” she shouts over the noise.

I smile, my heart swelling at her joy. “Wait until you see the view.”

As we soar above the city, I point out landmarks and interesting sights. "There's the strip," I say, gesturing toward the dazzling lights. "And over there is Red Rock Canyon."

She leans closer, her eyes shining. “It's so beautiful from up here.”

We fly over the city, and I point out a few more places of interest. After a while, she asks, “So, when did you learn to fly?”

“It was a few years back,” I begin, glancing at her. “I was going through a rough patch. A friend suggested I try something new, something that would challenge me and get my mind off things. I took a few lessons and found that I really enjoyed it. It gave me a sense of control and freedom I hadn't felt in a long time.”

She looks at me with admiration. “That’s amazing. It must have taken a lot of dedication to get certified.”

“It did,” I admit. “But it was worth it. Flying is a kind of therapy for me. It’s like dancing for you, I guess. It’s something that makes me feel alive.”

Soon, we approach a clearing near the mountains, and I begin our descent. A car is already there waiting for us, and a bald man in a dark suit stands nearby.

“Who's that?” Hannah asks, nodding towards the man.

“That’s Robert,” I explain as I land the chopper smoothly. “He’s the pilot who will fly the helicopter back.”

Once we're on the ground, I help Hannah out of the helicopter. Robert gives me a nod as he approaches. “Everything ready, Mr. Sterling?”

“Yes, thanks, Robert,” I reply, shaking his hand. “We’ll see you in a few days.”

Robert climbs into the helicopter, and I take Hannah’s hand, leading her towards the car. “The cabin is located up a mountain nearby. It’s really beautiful. I think you’ll like it.”

I open the passenger door for her, and she gets in, muttering a soft thank you. And because I can’t resist, I lean and kiss her softly on the lips. “Have I told you that you look gorgeous in that dress, Honey?”

Her dress is floral print and stops at her calf, she’s paired it with tennis shoes and pair of ruffly socks. The green of the dress perfectly matches her eyes, she looks perfect.

As much as I like her outfit, I can’t help imagining her in nothing at all.

She blushes at my compliment, her cheeks turning the same shade of pink that makes her look even more beautiful. “I think that’s the third time you’ve told me that,” she says with a shy smile.

“Can’t help it,” I reply with a grin. “It bears repeating.”

I close the passenger side door and walk over to the driver’s side, settling into my seat. The drive to the cabin is peaceful, the scenery shifting from urban sprawl to lush greenery. The road winds through dense forests, and the air becomes fresher and crisper as we ascend the mountain.

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