Private Pilot

by Karen Deen

  “Franco,” I chastise him. “Ugly is harsh, distinguished is better. Tyson, please allow him access to anything he needs while he’s around. Nothing is off limits. Also, get on with our day like he’s not here.” Tyson nods in acknowledgement, and Bent’s eyes look up into the rearview mirror, telling me he’s in on this conversation too.

  “Wow, is distinguished the word used to mean ugly when you’re old? I never knew.” I shake my head at him but he’s still chuckling for a few more minutes to himself.

  My phone vibrates with a message from the secretary of the gentleman I’m meeting today, just confirming the time and place. My day starts falling into its normal routine. In the car working, focusing, planning, and looking forward to seeing Mason.

  This morning’s hello might not be as pleasant as normal, though. Keep it professional. That’s what I’ll do. Let’s hope he does too. Who am I kidding? Of course, he will! He always has. Well, except for that moment in my father’s house. That was far from professional, but hands down the best orgasm of my life.

  Squirming in my seat, I’m feeling that night all over again. His fingers, his lips on my skin. The hot smooth voice that just seeps deep in my soul. Shit, I shouldn’t be thinking about it. Pulling up to the plane, my heart flutters. All hot and bothered. I can’t get out like this. He’ll know.

  Faking a call coming in, I pretend to answer my phone, rambling about some ridiculous nonsense on an order. Slowly, I’m getting myself under control. Until I look up.

  Jesus. Can he get any hotter? I’ve never seen him in his full uniform.

  Holy shit. The dark navy pilot jacket really shows off his broad shoulders. The gold strips on the sleeve look official, but what really does it for me is the hat.

  Fuck me dead. Pilot’s hat, aviator shades. I’m a goner.

  Imagining just those and nothing else. I’m done for. There is no way I’m getting out of here without wet pants and panting like a puppy.

  “Paige, are we getting out sometime today?” Franco’s touching my arm trying to gain my attention.

  “Sorry. I was just thinking about, um… anyway, it doesn’t matter.” I glance at my watch. Perfect.

  “Just give me two minutes, Bent, and then I’m right.” All the men in the car are looking at me strangely. Bad luck, boys. I need this point in the game.

  It’s time.

  “Okay,” is all I say.

  Bent opens my door. I step out as usual, straightening my outfit, which may be just a little shorter and tighter today. Behind my glasses, I’m watching him intently. His chest’s rising harder now, lips tight and body standing rigid. Oh yeah, he might be mad at me, but he can’t stop wanting me. His body is showing me all the signs. Just like mine is. Nothing I do can turn it off.

  His lip curls up at the sides as I stride towards him. He sees me too. There is no denying we desperately want each other.

  “Morning, Captain White, eight forty-five am, exactly as requested.” I smile, continuing up the stairs. Ass swaying just for him. This time it’s him that just gives me the nod. Rendering him speechless is perfect. Hearing the men talking, I take my seat and start preparing for the trip. I’m not giving him an inch of what I’m thinking. Franco and Tyson take their seats and Holly’s chatting to them.

  Mason enters the cabin with his hat tucked under his arm.

  “Enjoy your flight, all. I’ll get you there safely.” Nodding, he turns and heads for the cockpit, without stopping to look me in the eyes like he normally would. Disappointed at not having that moment with him, I put my head down and get stuck into work. His words repeating in my head. ‘I’ll get you there safely.’ That was all for me.

  Hearing Tyson mumbling about Mason, Franco takes over talking to him, changing the subject. Asking all sorts of questions on the company and what his role is. Ignoring them, I make it look as normal as possible that Franco’s here.

  The whole flight I struggle to concentrate on work. No guessing why that is. Every time I push him, he pushes back harder. Thinking being perfectly on time would let him know what I thought of his email, then he replies with the comment about keeping me safe. He knows that’s important to me. It also pisses him off that it looks like that’s all I need him for.

  He’s wrong.

  I need him to take away the ache he’s created. The one I’m desperately trying to ignore.

  ~

  Landing in Washington, I know it’s time to put my business face on. This meeting is important to confirm that I run a company that can be trusted, and more importantly, that I can be trusted.

  I almost make it to the car and the nerves are kicking in.

  “I think I’ll just use the bathroom on the plane before we leave. Won’t be a moment.” I turn away from the boys who both nod and take a seat in the town car to wait for me. I don’t normally get nervous, but this morning something just seems different. Plus, seeing Mason just complicates my emotions.

  Aaron and Holly are heading down the stairs as I get there.

  “Oh, Ms. Ellen, did you need anything?” Holly stops to ask.

  “I’m fine, thank you. Just using the bathroom before we leave. You continue on,” I say, wanting to get up into the plane as I get more desperate to pee. I make it into the cabin as Mason is leaving the cockpit.

  “Paige,” he says, looking at me with concern.

  “Can’t stop, need the bathroom.” I hope he’ll just continue off the plane while I’m in here.

  Closing the bathroom door in my bedroom, I breathe a little easier.

  Washing my hands and checking myself in the mirror, I feel my confidence returning. It’s always difficult to be a hard-ass bitch if you’re busting to pee.

  Opening the door, I stop dead.

  The door to the bedroom is closed and Mason is right in front of me.

  “Mason,” my voice stumbles out.

  “You say you don’t want me, yet everything you say and do is telling me different.” Taking the steps needed, he’s so close now there’s nothing separating us.

  “This short, tight skirt.” His hands land on my backside as he pulls me into him. “You can’t tell me it’s not for me. The way you walked, making sure I looked. Fuck, Paige. Feel what you do to me.” Leaning down, his lips kiss softly on my neck.

  My body shivering, I should be pushing him away. But I’m not. I can’t. He’s right. I want him desperately.

  “Flirting is cruel, Tiger. You bring your uncle to keep me away, yet you draw me to you. I’m done with the games.” His hand on my cheek now tilts my head up. “I want you, Paige. So. Fucking. Bad.” Our lips clash together hard. Every kiss is intense. We’ve both been fighting to stay away, so when we connect everything explodes.

  He doesn’t ask, he’s taking every emotion he can from me. His tongue invading my mouth. He has control, and I’m happy to let him take it.

  Pulling back, looking into my eyes, I can see he’s at the end of his patience with me.

  “Okay,” I whisper.

  “Okay what?” The deep growl vibrates through me.

  “Okay, you’re right. I want you. I can’t stop thinking about you. Your taste, your touch, all of it.” My voice isn’t much more than a whisper, still wary of all the people who are with us.

  Groaning, Mason kisses me hard but short, pulling back with a beautiful smile. “Thank fuck.”

  “Just not here, not now. They can’t know.” My heart is beating so fast. I can’t believe I’m doing this. It just feels right, like I can’t fight it anymore.

  “Tonight. I’m not waiting for you to change your mind. You message me the details.” Placing his forehead on mine, we’re breathing heavily.

  “Just know,” he says, “after tonight there’s no going back. This is not a one-time thing.” Shivering overtakes my whole body at the soft whisper from him.

  Taking a deep breath, I give him the answer my head tells me I shouldn’t. “It better not be.” A little giggle escapes. I don’t know the last time I giggled like a schoo
lgirl.

  “Today’s going to suck. Can you cancel the meeting? I’ll turn this plane around right at once.” Mason stands taller now and his arms wrap around my waist.

  “We haven’t even fucked yet and already he’s getting needy. I’ve got work to do. I can’t be your daytime booty call.”

  His hand slaps my ass. “Make no mistake, this booty will be mine day and night. You’ll be the one begging for more. Now run along to your meeting. I’ll just stay here with my blue balls and try not to think about you all day.” He leans back and slides the door open for me.

  I start to move past him, palming his cock and planting a kiss on his lips as I walk past, containing his groan from escaping. “Let me know how you do with that.”

  Ass swaying with emphasis, I’m walking through the plane when I hear his mumble, “Fucking prick tease. You’ll pay for that, Tiger.”

  Oh, I hope so, Captain. I desperately want to pay for it.

  I’m walking out of the plane now, like I didn’t just agree to break every rule I convinced myself to follow.

  For the first time ever. I don’t even care.

  Mason

  Well, that went better than expected.

  Except for my cock, who’s currently in a world of pain.

  Now I just need to get through today, dreaming of everything tonight will be. Hope she doesn’t plan on sleeping.

  Spending a few minutes getting myself under control, it’s time to do my checks and file my flight logs.

  “Did you look after the boss when she came back on board?” Aaron asks while passing me on the tarmac. Deciding it’s not even worth an answer, I just keep walking. Smiling to myself.

  Today’s a good day. Back in the cabin, listening to Aaron and Holly arguing over movies isn’t annoying me for once. Flicking through my social media, I jump slightly as my phone starts ringing.

  “Leroy, what’s up, buddy?” I ask, shocked to be receiving the call. All the kids who have my number usually text. Apparently, it’s not the ‘done’ thing, using a phone to talk to people. Who knew?

  “Hi, Mason. Sorry to call you at work. My teacher said you probably wouldn’t mind. Are you busy, like, flying or something?” Nerves in his voice are coming through the phone.

  “No, I’m on the ground in Washington. I’ll be grounded for a few hours yet. Everything okay?” I’m feeling worried.

  “Yes. Actually, really good. I just need some help if you can. You know the websites we checked out? One had a scholarship application for the flight school in California. I did what you said. I filled it in and applied.”

  “Good for you, man. You need to chase that dream. So how can I help?” Sitting up straighter now, I’m listening intently.

  “I got an interview.” His nerves have changed to excitement he’s having trouble containing.

  “That’s awesome, Leroy. I’m so frigging proud of you. When is it? I can help you prepare.” Today’s turning out to be full of surprises.

  “That’s my problem, it’s in California. I can’t get there. Do you think the foundation will help? I’ll pay them back, I promise. I don’t want to ask my parents. I know they don’t have the money and it’ll make them feel bad.”

  “Buddy, I’m sure they will. Even if they don’t, I will. There is no way you’re missing this interview. Now, let’s chat about all the details. Tell me everything.” I walk into the cockpit to get away from the two arguing children, and Leroy starts rattling off the whole email. He’s not guaranteed anything, but this is more than he ever imagined. Now to get him to believe in himself. That’s the hardest part.

  Sitting thinking after we hang up of ways I can help Leroy, I’m making a mental note of different questions he’ll be asked. Taking the fear of the unknown out of the interview will help him. I remember how intimidating it can be in front of a panel of people. For me, who grew up in that environment of private schooling, lots of public speaking and debating, it still freaked me out. Leroy has the capability and intelligence to hold his own in the interview, it’ll just be nerves.

  Finally, the message I’m patiently—well, maybe not so patiently—waiting for comes through.

  Tyson: Paige, Franco, and I are on route to the airport. Please have the plane ready to depart.

  Mason: That’s Ms. Ellen to you, I believe. Plane ready and awaiting arrival.

  Tyson: Fuck off, fly boy.

  Finally, he’s growing some balls and standing up for himself. About time.

  Mason: Appropriate language in the workplace, Tyson. I’ll let this one go, but don’t let it happen again.

  Picturing his face holding in his anger has me almost wetting myself with laughter.

  By the time they arrive back, I’m at the base of the stairs as always. They’re all walking towards me, Paige’s head’s down, shoulders slumped. I’m guessing the meeting didn’t go well. My body wants to wrap her in my arms and make it better. This is going to be torture.

  I don’t even get a hello, just the nod. Totally forgetting my games with Tyson on the phone, his comment catches me out. “You’re such an asshole. Give up, she’s never going to fuck a lowly pilot like you.” Worried about Paige, I see red. Grabbing him by the throat, I push him under the plane and out of sight.

  “You ever speak about Paige with such disrespect again, I’ll hurt you, so badly. I don’t give a shit what you think of me, but that woman inside deserves your respect. She’s your boss, for god’s sake. This isn’t high school. Get on the fucking plane before I do something I’ll regret.”

  His eyes are popping out of his head with fear.

  “That’s right, dickhead, years in the army mean I’m much more than a ‘lowly pilot.’” The hairs on my neck are up, sweat pouring off me under my shirt. My pulse is running a marathon, yet I walk away holding my composure. Never let the enemy see your weaknesses.

  By the time I’m coming on board, my aggression is seeping through. Aaron glares at me across the cockpit knowing I’m pissed about something. The straps on my harness are getting pulled aggressively. I need to do one more thing before we go.

  Mason: Are you okay?

  Paige: Not really, shit day.

  Mason: I’ll make it better, make you forget.

  Paige: I’m counting on it. Now take me home, I’ve got a hot date I don’t want to miss.

  Mason: Yes, ma’am. Relax, so do I. Nothing is keeping me from my girl.

  Paige: Far from a girl.

  Mason: I’m counting on it. Show me the tiger. Got to go, the boss gets mad if I’m late.

  Paige: She should. Coming late is bad manners.

  Mason: Coming too early is even worse. Now stop. I’ve got to work.

  Paige: Thank you, Mason. Just what I needed.

  Mason: Always

  “Can we get moving, Captain? Or are we going to sit here all day while you sort your shit out?” Seconds earlier I would’ve ripped into Aaron. A new calm is settling over me and instead I laugh and get the plane moving.

  “Alright, since when’ve you been concerned with being on time?”

  “Since the boss is anal about it and you’ve started following her around like a puppy dog. Now the pressure’s on me to keep you both happy.”

  “Such a dick.” Laughing, we both click into our roles and start taxiing to the runway while checking in with the tower. Paige might not want to tell them, but I’m guessing everyone on this plane can see what’s going on. To be honest, I don’t care. I just want to make sure Tyson gets the hint. Maybe then he’ll stop with all the jealous shit. Then again, it could just get worse.

  Landing back in Chicago safely, we go through our post-flight routine. I can still hear voices in the cabin, and I wonder why it’s taking a while for them to leave today. Not that I’m complaining as I rush through my job so I can see Paige before she leaves. Aaron has already exited the cockpit and is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. I’m at the edge of the cockpit as they start departing. Franco reaches his hand out, shaking mine and thanking me
for a steady flight. Not once has the other douchebag ever said a word. Instead, he’s already left, even before Paige.

  Approaching me, her head lowers a little, with a hint of a smile on her face. Thrusting her hand to me to shake. I take it firmly, even though she’s never offered before.

  “Thank you, Captain White.” Our hands touching, paper slips between them. Before I’ve got time to say anything, she’s gone, my hand clasping her note while her perfume’s filling my senses. Stepping back into the privacy of the cockpit, I open the note to her handwriting so neat and beautiful.

  Mason,

  My apartment - 7 pm

  Bring dinner

  I know you don’t need an address or code.

  Some drunk lady already gave that away.

  Paige

  Even if she said be there in twenty minutes, I would’ve agreed. This gives me time to do a gym session, shower, order food, and still be early. If she thinks I’m waiting till seven then she’s mistaken.

  Paige might be a punctual person, but I’m worse. I’m impatient. She’ll get used to it. Bad luck if she doesn’t, because it won’t change.

  I didn’t get a chance to ask how her father is, but if she left him today and plans to go home tonight, he must be improving.

  I don’t think I’ve ever pushed as hard through a gym session to finish early, before today. Leaving, I run into Bent who’s just arriving.