Chapter 464

A Collision

Arabella turned and headed toward her training aircraft. Since she had already begun her solo flight training, Lucas didn’t join her in the cockpit.

Soon, the plane lifted into the air with Arabella at the controls.

“Good, keep it steady… hold the yoke just like that–nice job!” Lucas watched from the ground, calling out encouragement as she maneuvered.

Meanwhile, Naomi was still flying with an instructor. Seeing Arabella already flying solo darkened her mood.

Damn it. She’s ahead again. This sucks.

“Stay fosed!” Kyle’s voice cut through her thoughts.

ched. “Sorry.”

t the skills–just concentrate. You’ll get there with practice,” he reassured her.

odded. “Okay.”

But as she took the controls again, restlessness set in. She didn’t want to fall behind Arabella. She wanted to finish dual instruction fast and move on to flying alone.

Her mind swirled with competition, and her focus slipped.

“Watch out!” Kyle shouted, grabbing the yoke. He fought to pull the plane out of a sudden dive.

Once they leveled off, he wiped his forehead. “That was way too close.”

Naomi sat pale and shaking, chilled with adrenaline.

“Let’s bring it down. You’re not in the right headspace today.” Otherwise, things could’ve ended badly.

Naomi complied, landing the plane on shaky legs.

“Go home and rest. We’ll try another day,” Kyle told her.

“Alright,” she replied quietly. Even though she was frustrated, she knew she’d crossed a line- pushing now would only make it worse.

Kyle gave her a look. “Sit awhile before you drive. You’re in no shape to get behind the wheel.”

“Got it. Thanks,” Naomi said, forcing politeness.

With a grunt, Kyle walked off.

Naomi made her way to the lounge and sank into a seat, legs still trembling. The close call replayed in her mind, leaving her rattled.

Not long after, Arabella and Lucas returned, chatting lightly as they walked over.

Naomi’s gaze turned sharp and brooding.

“Practic

are you still here?” Lucas asked casually.

nst it?” Naomi sna ed, irritation clear.

ed. “Suit yourself.” H
Arabella said, and they

Whatever,” Naomi mutter

In the parking lot, Luca

Naomi slid into her should you always

She hit the gas

d to Arabella. “Ready to go?”

ut together.

her breath, then stood up and followed.

ella were already getting into their cars.

s seat, eyes narrowing. “I’m going to beat you, Arabella. Why on top?”

ply out of her spot.

her engine and didn’t have time to react–her car rolled forward right

Arabella

into Na

A lo

1, followed by a heavy silence.

unned. What just happened?

as that?” Lucas rushed over from his car.

Now,” Naomi said, genuinely thrown. She’d only meant to pull out first–she hadn’t ollision.

know? Looked pretty intentional to me,” Lucas shot back, anger rising. It was

if they’d been going any faster, someone could’ve been hurt.

Arabella got out and inspected the damage. “Thankfully we weren’t moving fast. Just some scrapes.”

She glanced at Naomi. “No one’s hurt, so let’s just handle our own repairs.”

“She should cover yours,” Lucas insisted, clearly annoyed.

“It’s not worth the hassle,” Arabella said with a dismissive wave. She met Naomi’s eyes. “We good?”

Naomi had little choice. “Fine.”

“You go ahead, then,” Arabella said, returning to her car. With Naomi’s car blocking her, she couldn’t move anyway.

She reversed slightly, watching Naomi drive off, her expression cooling once the other car was

gone.

“Why let her off like that?” Lucas vented. “She’s had an attitude toward you all morning. I think she meant to hit you–I don’t get her problem.”

“She just wanted to leave first. It’s fine, nobody got hurt,” Arabella said, waving it off. “I’m heading out.”

With that, she started her car and drove away.

Lucas sighed. “She really scared me back there.”

Well, at least she was okay.

Instead of leaving, he got in his car and followed her.

Arabella dropped her car at a body shop. As she stepped out to call a ride, Lucas pulled up right beside her.

“Knew you’d need a lift once your car was in the shop,” he said with a satisfied grin.

“Pretty smooth,” Arabella replied, rolling her eyes but smiling.

“Hop in. I’ll drop you at your office,” he offered.

“Thanks. I appreciate it,” Arabella said, sliding into the passenger seat.

“No problem at all,” Lucas said cheerfully, pulling back onto the road.