He has her held securely to his body, with one arm around her mid-section and his other around her chest. His fingertips trace excited patterns on her skin as he 'cheats' and lifts them both off the sand without even beating his wings, just hovering marginally (to test his grip on her, of course) for a few breaths.

Once he is satisfied, he kisses her neck again, obviously pleased. Hugging her close (just because he can) he allows his wings to beat, sending them both skyward.

He will not let her fall.