She grinned. “What an exciting date already. I can’t wait until we’re in the air.”
“Maybe next time I can fly us.”
“You are a pilot, too?” Her gorgeous eyes widened.
“I am, but I’m not certified for this fast of a plane. Josh has been helping me to complete my training. Now that I have such a beautiful passenger to please, I have all the motivation I need to finish.”
She grinned. “I don’t even know if I’ll like flying. I really do have the jitters.”
“Maybe a little more champagne will help with that.”
“Either way, it tastes so good I wouldn’t mind another glass.” She held out the flute and he filled it.
“We’re all set to take off,” Josh said, walking into the cabin. “Come here, pretty lady. You’re going to be my copilot.”
“You’ve got to be kidding. This is my first time on a plane.”
“Of course, I’m kidding. All you have to do is sit there, be beautiful and enjoy the flight.”
“Can you hold my hand?” She stood, moving to face his cousin.
Jacob laughed, and stepped next to her. “She’s nervous, Josh.”
“I can see that.” Josh smiled and pulled her in for a hug. “I’ll be a little busy, sweetheart, but I know how to keep your mind occupied and off of worry. You’re like anyone else, Carrie. The unknown is difficult, but once you get the feel of things you’ll do just great. Now, let me show you.” Josh led her into the cockpit.
Carrie’s eyes were wide. “This looks more like the controls for a spaceship than a plane.”
“State of the art,” Josh said, helping her get into the copilot’s seat and buckling her in.
“I’m going to be right behind you in the navigator’s seat. So if you need me, I’m right here,” he said, fastening his seat belt.
“That does make me feel better, Jacob. Thanks.”
He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Take deep breaths, nice and slow. That’s it. You’re going to love it I’m sure.”
Once they all had their headphones on, Josh turned to Carrie. “Now listen carefully, sweetheart. This is your job.”
“I have a jo
b?”
“I want you to keep your eyes on the outside.” Josh was clearly giving her a task to keep her mind busy and her worries at bay. Smart guy. “Tell me any landmarks you see. Lakes. Mountains. Roads. Got it?”
“I’ll try,” she said softly.
Josh grabbed her hand. “You’ll do just fine.”
When Josh revved the engines for takeoff, Jacob placed both his hands on Carrie’s shoulders. “How are you doing?”
“Pretty good.”
Josh got on the radio. “Walden-Jackson Ground, Learjet TBK73, at terminal ramp taxi for an IFR departure south to Red River, New Mexico, with information Delta.”
The tower gave the clearance for takeoff and Josh taxied to the runway.
He revved the engines, and Carrie gasped and held on tight to the armrest.
“Here we go, sweetheart,” Josh said. The jet shot down the runway and in no time at all was aloft.