Page 96 of Wilde Hearts

“Thank you,” I said quietly.

She reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. “Is this your first time on a private jet?”

“How can you tell?” I asked with a laugh.

Winking, she replied, “Because it’s not my first time. My husband hates flying, and when he accompanies us on the jet, he usually has to take a little something to help him calm down. If you change your mind about a drink, you’ve still got time to take the edge off.”

“You’re married?” I wasn’t sure why I needed that clarification.

Lori beamed. “Going on three years. He works on my father’s ranch.” Motioning with her head toward Colt, she added, “Colt was his boss the last couple of years.”

I nodded, taking a sip of water.

Lori took a few steps back. “I’ll be prepping for the flight, but if you need anything, just give me a call.”

Colt knelt in front of me, cupping my face with his hands. “Are you going to be okay, Pip?”

Closing my eyes, I drew in a few deep breaths. “I think so. I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”

“I promise we’ll be fine.”

Nodding, I replied, “I know we will. I just need a few minutes. Once we get into the air, I’ll be okay.” I leaned my head back against the seat and closed my eyes.

The next thing I knew, Lori was gently shaking me. I opened my eyes and quickly looked around. Colt was in the chair across from me, his head buried in his laptop. When I looked back at Lori, she was smiling.

“We’re going to be pushing back from the gate, so I need you to buckle up.”

I quickly fumbled to get my seat belt. “Yes, of course. I’m so sorry.”

“No worries. I’ll be right up front if you need anything.”

“Thank you, Lori.”

I watched as she headed toward the cockpit. She said something to her father, turned and sat in a small seat, and buckled herself in.

Judd came over the speakers, and Colt shut his laptop.

“Okay, kids, sit back and enjoy the flight.”

“How many times have you flown on this plane?”

Colt smiled. “Over a dozen times.”

“No issues?”

He tilted his head and regarded me. “Pip, do you really think I’d put you in danger?”

I chewed nervously on my lower lip. “No, but I can’t help but be nervous.”

Reaching across the narrow aisle, he motioned for me to take his hand. I laced my fingers with his.

“I promise you, everything will be fine.”

The plane jerked forward, and I looked out the window to see that we were taxiing toward the runway. I closed my eyes, dropped my head against the back of the seat, and prayed like I’d never prayed before.

I’d always been a nervous flyer, so I wasn’t surprised by what I was feeling. Colt started talking, but I kept my eyes tightly closed.

“Do you want me to tell you where we’re staying?”