fifty-shades-of-grey

“You want me to put my hair up?”“Yes.”I quickly do as I’m asked.“In you go,” Christian commands. He’s still so bossy. I go to climb into the back.“No, front. Pilot sits at the back.”“But won’t you be able to see.”“I’ll see plenty.” He grins.I don’t think I have ever seen him so happy, bossy, but happy. I clamber in, settlingdown into the leather seat. It is surprisingly comfortable. Christian leans over, pulls theharness over my shoulders, reaches between my legs for the lower belt, and slots it into thefastener that rests against my belly. He tightens all the restraining straps.“Hmm, twice in one morning, I am a lucky man,” he whispers and kisses me quickly.“This won’t take long – twenty, thirty minutes at most. Thermals aren’t great this time ofthe morning, but it’s so breathtaking up there at this hour. I hope you’re not nervous.”“Excited.” I beam.Where did this ridiculous grin come from? Actually, part of me is terrified. My innergoddess – she’s under a blanket behind the sofa.“Good.” He grins back, stroking my face, then disappears from view.I hear and feel his movements as he climbs in behind me. Of course he’s strapped mein so tightly I can’t move round to see him… typical! We are very low on the ground. Infront of me is a panel of dials and levers and a big stick thing. I leave well alone.Mark Benson appears with a cheerful grin as he checks my straps and leans in andchecks the cockpit floor. I think it’s the ballast.“Yep, that’s secure. First time?” he asks me.“Yes.”“You’ll love it.”“Thanks, Mr. Benson.”“Call me Mark.” He turns to Christian. “Okay?”“Yep. Let’s go.”I am so glad I haven’t eaten anything. I am beyond excited, and I don’t think my stomachwould be game for food, excitement, and leaving the ground. Once again, I am puttingmyself into this beautiful man’s skilled hands. Mark shuts the cockpit lid, strolls over tothe plane in front, and climbs in.The Piper’s single propeller starts, and my nervous stomach relocates itself to mythroat. Jeez… I’m really doing this. Mark taxis slowly down the runway, and as the cabletakes the strain, we suddenly jolt forward. We’re off. I hear chatter over the radio setbehind me. I think it’s Mark talking to the tower – but I can’t make out what he’s saying.As the Piper picks up speed, so do we. It’s very bumpy, and in front of us, the single propplane is still on the ground. Jeez, will we ever get up? And suddenly, my stomach disappearsfrom my throat and free-falls through my body to the ground – we’re airborne.“Here we go, baby!” Christian shouts from behind me. And we are in our own bubble,just us two. All I hear is the sound of the wind ripping past and the distant hum of thePiper’s engine.