Page 11 of One Timer With A Wingman

When the plane starts shaking harder, the seat belt sign turns on and the pilot comes on the intercom and asks everyone to take a seat. There is apparently a freak storm.

“We’re going to die,” I inform.

“That’s dark, Briar. Think positive,” Aaron encourages.

The plane is shaking so much I feel like my insides are in a blender.

“OMG, I shouldn’t have come on this trip. It’s just that a beach vacation was on my bucket list and my list is so long. I said to myself, just check one thing off,” I rant.

“What else is on your bucket list?” Aaron inquires calmly, despite our impending doom.

The plane drops. I squeeze my eyes shut. “Going to the Olympics, having an orgasm, going to grad school, watching the sunrise,” I blurt quickly. My eyes are still shut. I don’t even think I am breathing right now.

“Hey.” Aaron takes hold of my hand. “I’ve flown many times. This is normal. It’s a little shakier than usual, but I’m sure our pilot has everything under control.” His thumb is now rubbing circles on my hand. It’s feels nice. Comforting.

The plane stops shaking, so I open my eyes. “Is it safe to breathe?”

Aaron laughs like maybe he thinks my comment was cute. “We probably got past the turbulence.”

Not a moment later, the pilot’s voice rings on the intercom. “Sorry for the bumpy ride. It should be smooth sailing from here.”

I let out a long breath. “Okay, this is fine.” I also realize Aaron is still holding my hand, making delicious circles on my skin with his thumb.

“Having an orgasm is on your bucket list. Maybe you need to check off more than one item,” he suggests.

Oh shit.

I bite my lip. “I thought I was going to die. Now that I see we’re going to live, I’m not talking about this.”

“Oh, come on,” he whines. Why does he have to be interested in my sex life, or lack thereof?

“Can we move on?” I ask.

“But I’m trying to understand. Are you a virgin? Like you’ve never been touched?” he asks.

“That’s intrusive,” I chide.

He winces. “Sorry, I just don’t understand how a pretty girl like you has never gone over the edge.”

Taylor comes up to us. “Are you okay?” she asks. “I thought you may be freaked out with all the turbulence.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve been taking care of her,” Aaron informs.

“I’m okay,” I assure.

Taylor gives Aaron a curious look and then raises her brows to me.

I just shrug. “I’m never going to fly again.”

“Oh, come on, you get used to the turbulence. It isn’t that bad,” Aaron says. “And how will you check things off your bucket list if you don’t fly?”

“I can check off watching the sunrise and finishing my degree from Michigan,” I state.

“How long is this list?” Aaron asks.

“Okay, well, I see you’re doing okay. I’m going to use the restroom,” Taylor says with a singsong voice. She’s probably wondering why Aaron is being so attentive. I’m kind of wondering the same thing.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Aaron says to me.

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