Page 5 of Too Sweet
Nicky mutters something about getting the bags from the trunk and leaves us to it.
I peer up at K, inhaling deeply, savoring the scent of fresh mountain air combined with the hints of musk and vanilla that are uniquely him.
“Sure you don’t want to clue me in to these surprises?” I lick my lips, craning up so I’m just inches from his face.
Grinning, he pulls me in tighter and buries his face in my neck. “You’re trouble,” he repeats. “But you’re also my favorite fucking prize. I love you, Jojo. I love you so goddamn much.”
His lips find my neck, the stubble on his face tickling me until I’m squirming in his arms.
“But you better go make nice with your husband before we have an extra grumpy Cap on our hands.” He pulls back and swats my ass playfully, then heads around the side of the vehicle to help unload.
K’s right. Riling up Decker is my favorite pastime, but I don’t want there to be an ounce of tension or grouchiness this weekend. It’s rare we all get to be alone together nowadays. We have to make the most of it while we can.
It’s been an adjustment having Hunter and her guys at the house. I’m so damn grateful Decker insisted they stay all semester, but I can’t pretend it’s all rainbows and sunshine on the Crusade Isle.
I thought living with my bestie would mean uninterrupted girl time and nonstop fun. I was very, very wrong.
Our school schedules and Hunter’s class load make it hard to find time to just hang. Add in the eight moody, overprotective men we’re also sharing space with. Not to mention the still evolving dynamic of Hunter’s group as her guys get to know each other and figure out how to work together. Then there’s the Bad Mood Brit to consider.
It feels like there’s always something going on at home nowadays. I don’t mind the full house, and I relish knowing that my best friend is as safe as she can be given the circumstances.But this weekend brings with it a highly anticipated break for me and my guys. I intend to make the most of it.
I catch up to Decker on the porch where he’s punching the code into the keypad. A quick shiver rolls through me as we wait.
He side-eyes me and sighs as the lock unlatches. “It’s too cold out here to not be wearing a jacket, Siren.”
I wrap both hands around his sweatshirt-clad arm—we’re all wearing sweats and hoodies, but I don’t bother pointing that out to him—and pop up onto my toes to kiss his cheek.
“Then I guess you better get me inside and warm me up, Cap.”
The slightest hint of a smile teases at one side of his mouth. In the next second, he’s scooping me up, bridal-style, and carrying me over the threshold.
“I’ll crank up the heat and turn on the fireplace,” he promises, flicking lights on with his elbow as we journey farther into the cabin. “Then I have to get dinner started.” He sets me down on one of the oversized leather couches in the middle of the great room.
Grinning, I shift forward to hop up and help him, but his signature Decker scowl freezes me in place.
“Sit and let me take care of you, woman.” He waits for me to obey.
I make him sweat it out for a few seconds, then with a cheeky grin, I settle back against the couch and cross my legs underneath me.
Settling into the cushions, I inhale deeply, taking it all in. The cabin has become such a special place for me… for all of us, really.
Although my first trip here was under duress, we’ve come back a few times since. Those stays have easily made up for the visit when Decker and I weren’t together (his choice) and I unexpectedly found myself agreeing to marry him (my choice).
This place isn’t just peaceful, it’s significant to each of us in lots of ways. Kylian is less connected to the outside world out here. We both sleep so soundly and deeply in the Den. Kendrick finds peace walking quietly through the woods. Decker makes a concerted effort not to let work and school and all his other obligations get in the way when we’re here. Even Nicky says he physically feels better at the cabin: something about the fresh air and the barometric pressure.
Above all else, we all feel safe in this place. This cabin feels more like home than any place I’ve ever resided. Even more so than our house on the isle. I love that we came up here for Valentine’s Day weekend. I can’t wait to spend more holidays in our own private sanctuary.
I watch as Decker moves around the room, adjusting the thermostat and using a remote to set the gas fireplace blazing.
He snags two blankets off the ottoman before making his way back to me. Then he takes a knee, covers my lap with both blankets, and takes my hands in his, interlacing our fingers.
His gaze settles on the rings on our left hands for a moment. Then his dark, steely eyes travel up to meet mine.
“One minute,” he requests on a shaky breath.
Heart stuttering, I quickly nod.
One minute, when it’s just him and me…