Chapter Fourteen: A Very Vivid Dream

Evelyn's POV 

The constant drone of the plane’s engines was beginning to feel like a hammer against my skull. I rubbed my temples, trying to soothe the headache creeping in. The vibrations and hums, though muted, reverberated through the cabin, making it impossible to fully relax. 

With a sigh, I pulled out my headphones and scrolled through my playlist, settling on something soft and melodic to drown out the noise. As the music filled my ears, I closed my eyes and leaned back in my seat, allowing myself a moment of peace. Gradually, the ache began to subside, and I felt my body giving in to the fatigue. 

Sleep came in fragments at first, disrupted by the occasional turbulence. Each time, I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, trying to find a position that wouldn’t strain my neck.

Noticing my struggle, Dad glanced over. “You okay, sweetheart?” I nodded weakly, trying not to sound as frustrated as I felt. “I just can’t get comfortable.” With a small chuckle, he patted his shoulder. “Come on. Rest here. I promise not to move too much.” Reluctantly, I accepted his offer, leaning against him. 

The warmth and stability of his presence helped calm my restless mind. I mumbled a soft “thank you” before closing my eyes again. Somewhere between the vibrations of the plane and the melody still faintly playing in my ears, I drifted off completely.

The dream came unbidden, vivid and too good to be true. I found myself walking down the narrow aisle of the plane, my gaze locked on Leonard, who sat in the back. His eyes met mine, and there was something siting in his expression, daring me closer. 

Without hesitation, I reached for his shirt, pulling him up and leading him toward the men’s restroom. The door clicked shut behind us, and before he could say a word, my hands were on him, tugging at his shirt and running over the hard planes of his chest. 

He responded in kind, his fingers deftly undoing the buttons of my blouse as our breaths mingled in the tight space. When there was nothing left between us but heated skin, I pushed him down onto the closed toilet seat. His eyes burned with desire, and I climbed onto his lap, straddling him without a second thought. Every movement, every touch, sent a thrill through me, and I felt his hands grip my hips as I began to move—

“Evelyn.” The sound of Dad’s voice jolted me awake. My heart raced as I blinked rapidly, trying to orient myself. The vivid images of the dream still lingered, making my cheeks burn. “Are you okay?” Dad asked, concern lacing his tone. 

“Y-yeah,” I stammered, brushing my hair back. 

“What’s going on?” “The plane’s making an emergency landing,” he explained, glancing toward the aisle where the flight attendants were ushering passengers to prepare for descent. “Weather disturbances. We’ll be stopping for the night and continuing tomorrow.” 

“An emergency landing?” I repeated, the haze of sleep and the remnants of the dream still clouding my mind. “It’s nothing serious,” he assured me. 

“Just routine precautions.” I nodded, trying to shake off the embarrassment and focus on the present. The plane descended while busied myself gathering my things, avoiding the temptation to glance toward the back of the plane where I knew Leonard was seated.

The airport we landed at was small and unfamiliar, the waiting hall crowded with disgruntled passengers. I clung close to Dad as we shuffled along, doing my best to ignore the nagging sensation that someone was watching me. I knew he was behind me, but I could risk turning to stare at those glaring eyes he had fixed on my ass. 

“Evelyn, stay close,” Dad said, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder as we maneuvered through the chaos. “I’m not going anywhere,” I replied, forcing a smile. We finally found a quieter corner to wait in, and I let out a breath of relief. My brief reprieve didn’t last long, however, as a familiar voice cut through the din.

“Mr. Wyatt,” Leonard greeted, his tone smooth and professional. Dad turned, a polite smile on his face. “Leonard, wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon.” I bit the inside of my cheek, staying a step behind Dad as they exchanged pleasantries. 

I didn’t want to meet Leonard’s gaze, knowing the dream would flash in my mind the moment I did. “I believe with this new challenge, you may need arrangements for the night,” Leonard said, his voice calm yet deliberate. “If I may, I have an apartment in the city that’s vacant. It would be my pleasure to host you both.”

Before I could interject, Dad nodded thoughtfully. “That’s very kind of you, Leonard. It’s better than scrambling for a hotel at this hour.” “Dad, we can—” I started, but he raised a hand to silence me. “It’s settled then,” Dad said decisively.

Leonard gave me a knowing look, one that made my stomach churn of annoyance. He must think he had started his path of redemption. 

“I’ll arrange a ride for the three of us,” he said before walking off. 

“Great. Now, let's find somewhere to sit down, baby girl,” my Dad picked up his hand luggage and I carried mine, following him step by step. 

I was furious, but careful not to show it. I didn't want to seem ungrateful. A gentleman had offered help at the very least. 

We found a perfect spot and waited for the ‘supposed’ ride patiently on an unoccupied row in the waiting room. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being trapped in some elaborate game Leonard was playing. 

Dad, oblivious to what was going on, chatted casually about the presentation we’d be giving the next day. “Make sure you get some rest tonight, Evelyn,” he said, patting my hand. 

Frustrated, I pulled out my phone and quickly typed out a message

Evelyn: I see what you’re doing, but it’s never going to work. 

Moments later, my phone buzzed with his reply. 

Leonard: We’ll see about that. 

I clenched my jaw, already dreading what the rest of the night might hold.

“You’ll need to be sharp tomorrow, Evelyn.” I forgot my Dad wasn't done talking. 

“I’ll be fine, Dad,” I replied hastily, though my voice lacked conviction.