Chapter281 The Helicopter Club

Chapter281 The Helicopter Club
Leila's POV

A few days later, the weekend arrived with perfect blue skies and gentle winds. I was up early, getting ready for our outing to Zack's helicopter club when my phone buzzed.

I quickly typed a message to Adam and Sophia: [Hey guys, don't be late! Zack's helicopter club at 10!]

Theron and I were already on our way. The helicopter club was located in the outskirts of the city, and it wasn't just any flying facility. It was a sprawling private helicopter base frequented by affluent young heirs looking for adventure and adrenaline. I'd heard about it from Jude but had never visited before.

When we arrived, I spotted Zack chatting animatedly with Jude near the main building. Both looked casual yet unmistakably expensive in their designer weekend wear.

"I thought that was your Range Rover," Theron commented as we pulled up beside Zack's black Porsche.

Within minutes, another car arrived, and Sophia and Adam stepped out together. Adam looked surprised when he spotted Jude.

"What are you doing here?" Adam asked, approaching Jude with raised eyebrows. "I thought you were swamped with work?"

Jude flashed his trademark grin, sunglasses perched on his perfect hair. "I was, but I just wrapped up filming a movie. Now I'm in San Francisco for a magazine photoshoot and have two days off. When Laylie mentioned you guys were coming here, I thought I'd join the fun."

I noticed Adam's skeptical look as he eyed Jude, who kept glancing between him and Sophia with poorly disguised interest. Adam clearly suspected Jude had a "watching the drama unfold" agenda, and honestly, he wasn't wrong. Jude had always enjoyed playing matchmaker.

Zack led us toward the main building, explaining the day's arrangements. "So, do you want to fly yourselves, or should we group up in helicopters?" he asked, gesturing toward the gleaming aircraft lined up on the tarmac. "Each helicopter will have a co-pilot for safety, of course."

Before anyone could answer, I jumped in with my own suggestion. "Adam should take one!" I said enthusiastically. "He can go with Sophia. She mentioned wanting to see his flying skills!"

Sophia's head snapped toward me, her eyes wide with betrayal. I avoided her gaze, pretending to adjust my sunglasses.

Adam turned to Sophia, his expression unreadable. "Is that right?"

Sophia couldn't deny it. I knew she'd been curious about Adam's piloting abilities ever since he'd casually mentioned his license at dinner last week. She nodded slightly, her cheeks flushing.

"In that case, I'll arrange a helicopter just for you two," Zack said, grinning at the pair. "And Theron, you can take one with Laylie."

Zack glanced at me reassuringly. "Don't worry, Laylie. Theron's flying skills are excellent—even better than mine, and I do this regularly."

I turned to Theron in surprise. "Really? You know how to fly helicopters?"

Theron's lips curved into that half-smile that still made my heart skip. "I do. Brave enough to fly with me?"

"Of course!" I replied without hesitation. "Besides, there'll be a co-pilot on board, right?"

Theron gently took my hand, his fingers warm against mine. "That's right. I'll take you up."

Jude and Zack decided to pair up for the third helicopter, and we all headed to the preparation area.

The men disappeared to change into their pilot attire while Sophia and I waited in the lounge. When they emerged, I nearly dropped my phone. All three looked devastatingly handsome in their black vests and crisp white shirts, the uniform accentuating their tall, lean frames.

Theron particularly caught my eye—the black vest contrasted perfectly with his white shirt, highlighting his broad shoulders and trim waist. I immediately pulled out my phone to capture the moment.

Beside me, Sophia stood transfixed, her gaze locked on Adam. I could practically hear her heart pounding as she whispered, "My God, that man is unfairly attractive."

She caught herself and laughed softly. "I'm such a sucker for a handsome face."

I leaned closer and whispered, "I'll send you the photos later."

Though she started to decline, she quickly relented. "Yes, please!"

Jude approached us, striking a dramatic pose. "Well, how do I look? Dashing enough?"

"You look amazing! Absolutely stunning!" I gushed genuinely. "Come on, let me take some photos for your social media. Your fans will go crazy!"

"Sure thing!" Jude agreed, moving to a better position with the helicopters as backdrop.

He knew exactly how to pose—sunglasses perched on his nose, his vest unbuttoned just enough to be fashionable without appearing sloppy, long legs accentuated by the fitted uniform pants.

I snapped several photos as he changed angles, each shot more captivating than the last.

Jude immediately uploaded one to his Instagram, and within minutes, his phone was buzzing continuously. He showed me the screen with a smirk—#Jude Randall, Hottest Pilot# was already trending. The comments from his adoring fans were flooding in, most declaring him "husband material" and begging for more photos.

Soon, we were ready for our flights. Theron helped me into our helicopter, carefully adjusting my headphones and securing my safety belt with gentle precision.

"We'll take it slow today, just giving you the experience," he said, his voice coming through the headset with perfect clarity. "Safety first, okay?"

"Sounds perfect!" I agreed.

As he started the engine, his expression transformed, his focus absolute as he communicated with the control tower. His hands moved confidently over the controls, and I found myself captivated by his profile. This man was endlessly fascinating. Every new facet I discovered made my heart flutter like a teenager's.

Once we reached a stable altitude, Theron glanced at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Laylie, look outside at the view, not at me."