Chapter Thirty-Seven
“Hey, sweetheart. We’re here. Wake up.”
I must have fallen asleep. After I blinked a few times, I worked on getting my bearings. At some point, I’d moved to the couch to read. “What time is it?”
“A little after eight.” Garrick touched my cheek. “Camille, would you bring me our coats, please?”
“Coats?” I hadn’t brought a coat. Wait. That meant it had to be cooler where we were. A little shot of adrenaline flowed through my body.
Garrick winked. “I had them arranged to be on the plane.”
I sat up, excited. “Where are we?”
“Brighton, Utah.”
My heart sped up with excitement. “Utah? I’ve never been. Is there snow?”
It was the beginning of November. That’s late enough for it to snow, right? I hoped so. Snow. I had so many things on my bucket list revolving around snow.
Touch snow.
Taste the snow.
Snow angels.
Build a snowman.
And secretly, I wanted to make love while the snow fell outside the window.
“There is. Several inches.”
I squealed and spun around to open the window shade. Past the runway, illuminated by the lights, was a beautiful blanket of white. It was gorgeous. I touched the window, mesmerized.
Flakes of all sizes filled the air. It was beautiful. “It’s snowing!” I stood and leapt into Garrick’s arms. “Oh my gosh! Garrick! It’s snowing! Like real-life snow. This is perfect. Beyond perfect.”
Like a child, I squirmed out of his arms and dashed to the front of the plane where the door had opened. “Knoah, it’s freezing out there. Let me get our coats.”
It didn’t matter. I’d never felt snow before. At the door, I stopped to watch the flakes fall with nothing to obstruct my view. I was anxious to feel it, but I waited and savored the moment. Time stood still. I felt Garrick behind me. He took my hands in his and stretched them out into the flurry. The flakes landed on my skin and melted almost instantaneously. Each one was unique in size and shape.
I’ve checked off an item. The adrenaline from accomplishing something on my list for the first time in a long while raced through me.
Lips pressed against my neck. “No tasting the snow until we get to the cabin. I want that experience for me and you only.”
“You remembered.” I closed my eyes and pressed further against him, the chill becoming more apparent.
“I want my first dance in the snow to be with you.” His voice was deep, serious, and full of emotions. The heat of Garrick’s body helped chase away the cold. “I want to be there when you make your first snow angel.”
“I want nothing more.” Another kiss. Snowflakes fell around us as I turned to look into his eyes.
“Let’s get to our cabin.” His smile was bright and his eyes focused on me, sending little shivers down my spine.
“I can’t wait. Do we need to get our bags?”
“No, it’s already handled.”
The frigid wind blew. “I’ll race you to the car.”
I took off for the car, and Garrick called, “Knoah, your coat!”
I dashed down the stairs. Throwing my arms out, I ran across the lot to the car. The asphalt was clear of snow, but I loved feeling it rush around me. “Oh my gosh, it’s freezing!”
Joe, along with his team, waited at the car. The car door was opened. As I was about to slide in, Garrick picked me up and twirled me around in the falling snow. We laughed. When we were out of breath, he stopped, slid in, and pulled me onto his lap. “You’re going to get sick if you don’t wear your coat.”
I snuggled against Garrick. “I’ll wear it next time.” I paused. “Thank you for the coat. But I don’t think I packed warm enough clothes, either. I’m not sure I own clothes for these temperatures.”
“I had it arranged. We have clothes waiting for us at the cabin.”
A cabin. Snuggling next to the fire in a cozy cabin during a snowstorm sounded amazing. Maybe we’d have a loft that overlooked the living room. That would be heavenly. The two of us. Alone. I wondered where security would be. Hopefully far enough away I could lose myself in Garrick. “Thank you. I’m glad I won’t become a Knoahsicle.”
“You’re welcome.” He held me closer. “Having you frostbitten would be counterproductive to what I have in mind.”
I nipped his lip. “Oh? I’m intrigued. What will it involve?”
“You and me… naked.” His lips almost touched mine, heightening the anticipation.
Joe’s voice came over the intercom. “The roads are a bit slick. I would suggest buckling up if you haven’t already.”
Garrick helped me off his lap and grabbed my seat belt. “Soon, nothing is going to stop me from sinking into you.”
“I hope so.”
His words and the images of what was to come had my clit pulsing for attention. Each time after we made love, I just wanted to do it all over again. My body ached for his when he wasn’t with me. The need became acute at times.
We were on slick roads, an hour away from the cabin. Think about something else. Anything else. I focused on the scenery as we drove. Anything I could find, I focused on: the tree shadows, the rise and fall of Garrick’s chest, counting the number of headlights we met—none of it worked. I let out a deep breath.
“We’re almost to the cabin.” He leaned closer to me. “Then I’m going to worship every inch of your body.”
My reply was breathy. “I can’t wait.” I wanted off this road, out of this car.
My phone vibrated, and I welcomed the distraction. More comments from Garrick would lead to me begging him to make me come in the car, regardless of the audience. I wasn’t sure how soundproof the flimsy barrier kept the back seat, but Joe or the other man riding with him hearing my orgasm did not sound like a good time.
I smiled when I saw Kurt’s name on my phone.
Kurt: Let me know when you land.
Me: Just landed. I got to feel snow for the first time.
Kurt: Remember yellow snow is bad. It’s not lemon flavored.
Me: You’re so funny. Any other colors I should avoid?
Kurt: Anything but white.
I chuckled.
Me: Will do.
Kurt: Stay safe, squirt. If you need anything, call me.
Me: I will. Are you moved in yet?
Kurt: Almost. Putting the finishing touches on the place. I have a few surprises for Sawyer.
Me: Oh no. Remember, she’s a bit of a neat freak. If you want to make a good impression, put your shoes in your room and close the door. No jackets on the chairs. Keys go in a container by the door and not thrown on the counter. And do not drink from the milk jug.
“What are you typing so vigorously?” Garrick chuckled.
I shook my head. “Sawyer and Kurt are a train wreck waiting to happen. They’re opposite in every way. I fear for my best friend.”
Clearly confused, Garrick asked, “Kurt would hurt Sawyer?”
“No, no, no. Sawyer will cut off his balls and serve them to him on a platter. It’s Kurt I fear for.”
He shook his head, laughing. “I think he’ll manage just fine.”
I hoped so. My phone pinged back.
Kurt: I’ve got this. Don’t worry. Pizza is here. I’ll talk to you later. Have fun.
Me: Take my advice. I can tell you’re ignoring it.
Kurt: Night, Knoah. Quit being a worrywart.
Me: Night.
Kurt: Be safe. And keep me updated if something happens. You mean the world to me.
Me: I will. Promise. Right back at you.
For periods of time, I was able to push away what we were facing with Hastings and Navarro. But in the pit of my stomach, I knew we were missing something. I had no idea what it was—it lingered just out of reach. At least Kurt and Garrick were in a good place again.
Apprehension began to creep in. “Are you sure this is safe, Garrick?”
I’d been so happy to get out of the apartment I hadn’t asked many questions. And I knew Garrick would never put me in harm’s way. But what if they’ve followed us? What if they come here? What if this is the opening they’re looking for?
With a shake of my head, I stopped myself. No what-ifs.
Rubbing my arm, he answered, “Yes, sweetheart. It’s completely safe. Security is in place, and all the necessary precautions have been taken. Would you feel better if you knew the details?”
“Will anyone be staying in the cabin with us?”
“Yes. The security team will be there.” I deflated a little. How in the world would we have alone time with each other if we had people in the cabin? My concern must have been obvious as he continued, “The rest will be in the guesthouse. But it’s a big enough place; we’ll have our own space.”
What kind of cabin are we going to? I couldn’t wait to see what his definition of a cabin looked like. I leaned my head against his shoulder. “If I forget to tell you, thank you. This is one of the best vacations I’ve ever had.”
“It’s only just begun.”