Page 12 of Killer Honeymoon

Royce planned to do just that, but their visitor rang the bell again. With a growl, Royce rolled over and grabbed his cell phone, typing out a quick message to Topher.If you’re the one ringing our doorbell, I need you to circle the block a few times. Newlyweds, you know.

Topher’s response was immediate.Not me. Carry on.

“It’s not Topher,” Royce said when Sawyer’s cell phone chimed with an incoming text.

Sawyer growled too and yanked it hard enough that the charging cord came with the phone. He bolted upright and said, “It’s my mother.”

Royce sat up and pulled the covers to his neck before realizing how ridiculous his behavior was.

Sawyer laughed and said, “Not at the door. She texted to say our surprise breakfast should arrive any minute. That’s probably the delivery guy.”

Royce threw back the covers and hastily dressed in sleep pants and a T-shirt. “I’ll get the door. You thank your mom from both of us.”

Sawyer snorted. “I’m not thanking her for coitus interruptus.”

“Yes, you are,” Royce called over his shoulder.

A mumbled “Fine” reached his ears before he reached the end of the hallway. The delivery guy had given up and was halfway to his car when Royce opened the front door. He called out his thanks and received a brief wave before Royce hefted the three big bags that had been left on the porch.

Sawyer shuffled out of the hallway, looking sleep-ruffled and delectable in a pair of boxers and nothing else. Royce missed the corset vest already, but it wasn’t practical for him to wear it all the time. Sawyer’s eyes widened when he saw the bounty Royce carried in his hands.

“How hungry did she think we’d be?” Royce asked.

“Some of that is our brunch, but the rest is road-trip snacks,” Sawyer replied. “She said we’ll need to pack a cooler.”

Evangeline’s thoughtfulness never failed to warm Royce’s heart. “She thinks of everything.”

“Always,” Sawyer said.

Royce tried to peer inside the bags, but the food was packed in individual containers. He carried their bounty to the kitchen and set it on the island. “What do Evangeline’s road-trip snacks look like? Brie and fresh fruit?”

Sawyer chuckled and reached for one of the bags. “Depends on her mood.” He inhaled deeply as he unpacked the containers. “I smell bacon and maple syrup.”

The declaration spurred Royce into helping him. Their brunch consisted of crispy bacon, blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, oatmeal, fluffy biscuits, and sausage gravy. Their road-trip “snacks” were deli sandwiches wrapped in paper and various chips and cookies.

“Is that what your packed lunches looked like?” Royce asked.

Sawyer laughed. “Pretty much. Smaller portions, though.”

Royce opened another container and groaned when he caught sight of the dill pickle spears. “This one is for you.”

Sawyer rubbed his hands together gleefully. “Best road trip ever.”

After their delicious breakfast, they called Evangeline to thank her for the thoughtful gifts.

“Anything for my boys,” she said. “Call me when you get to the cabin in Tennessee.”

They could make the trip to South Bass Island on Lake Erie in one day, but Sawyer’s sister and brother-in-law offered their cabin in Gatlinburg, and they’d gladly accepted it. They’d stayed there a few times over the years, and Royce was already looking forward to relaxing in the hot tub and soaking in the stunning mountain view.

“Will do, Mom. Love you.”

“Love you too. Bye, boys.”

Royce tugged Sawyer into his arms. “I like you best right here.”

Sawyer nuzzled his nose against Royce’s throat. “It is my favorite place to be.” He began a trail of kisses up toward Royce’s jaw.

“Lazy Sunday sex was interrupted, but I have an idea,” Royce said.