Page 10 of The Awakening
He pointed to one of the chairs at the table. “Have a seat over there and buckle up.”
A man in what I assumed was a pilot’s uniform walked over to Gavin and shook his hand. “Mr. Morton, it’s always a pleasure to have you aboard.”
“Thank you for making this unscheduled trip, Tony. At least there won’t be a return flight any time soon.” The men laughed.
“Ellie, this is Tony. He’s our family pilot,” Gavin said.
I nodded at him, and he gave me a warm smile.
Gavin stretched an arm in my direction, then introduced me. “Tony, this is Ellie. My wife.”
Tony’s smile disappeared, and he blinked, a look of shock, or maybe disbelief, descending on his face.
He schooled his expression so quickly I didn’t think Gavin had even noticed it. “Ellie, it’s nice to meet you.” He stuck his hand out and I shook it.
“And you Tony.”
“It’s her first flight, so make sure it’s a good one.” Gavin patted Tony on the back, and they shared another laugh before the pilot walked away. Was there anyone my husband couldn’t charm?
“You have a family pilot?” I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to keep the smirk off my face.
He shrugged. “Of course, don’t you?”
I shook my head and sat in my seat, trying to hide a moan of pleasure as I melted into the soft leather, and fumbled with my belt. He rounded the table and slid into the seat next to me before taking the belt from my hands. He clicked it closed and tightened it around my hips. “I know how to buckle a seat belt, Gavin.”
“You could’ve fooled me.” He smirked, then, instead of returning to his seat, he buckled up next to me. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. I tried to convince myself it was because I was about to fly for the first time, and that it had nothing to do with how close Gavin was. The kiss we’d shared at the courthouse replayed in my mind, as I sat back and triedto calm myself with a few deep breaths. I’d always envisioned being allowed to travel once I was a married woman, but I never imagined I’d be doing so with my fake husband while carrying a baby that wasn’t his.
The plane rolled forward, and I jumped in my seat. Gavin reached over and took my hand in his and held it while the aircraft hurtled down the runway and lifted off into the air. My stomach flip-flopped, whether from the takeoff or the touch of Gavin’s hand, I wasn’t sure. It was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.
“We could join the mile high club once the seat belt signs are off. Consummate this marriage before we get to Texas.” Gavin wiggled his eyebrows and gave me a sly grin.
“No.” I rolled my lips inward and bit down on them, suppressing a smile. There was something mischievous about this man, and I suspected he’d only given me small glimpses of it so far. I wondered what it would be like if he turned his full boyish charm on me. On the exterior, he was a worldly man: rugged and handsome. But inside there was a youthful spirit waiting for any opportunity to come out and play.
The plane shuddered.
Bile rose in my throat, catching me off guard.
I broke out into a cold sweat as nausea overtook me.
Gavin reached down beside his chair and pulled out a small paper bag. “You’re pale. Do you need some ginger ale?”
I unfolded the bag and shook my head, too afraid to open my mouth for fear that more than words might come out.
“I’ll be right back.” Gavin got up and left his seat.
Resting my head back, I took long, slow breaths, hoping to calm the storm churning in my gut.
“Okay, let’s get you covered up.”
At the sound of Gavin’s voice, I opened my eyes, still cautious of making any fast movements. There was an open can of gingerale on the table in front of me, and he and he was covering me with a blanket.
“Here, lift your head, but do it slowly. Don’t make any sudden movements.”
He slid a small pillow between me and the seatback, then he sat down and took my free hand in his once again. “There, you might be more comfortable now.”
I chanced a quiet “thank you” before shutting my eyes. Keeping them closed made the nausea almost bearable. There was so much we needed to discuss if we were going to convince his family that we were a married couple, but I couldn’t think of anything other than my stomach.
Soon after, I must have nodded off. When I woke, the nausea was gone, and I had unconsciously given up the pillow for the comfort of Gavin’s shoulder.
