Chapter 8

Ashleigh smiled leisurely on Christmas morning, Slate wrapped around her in bed. They’d had a cozy dinner together in front of the fire the night before, sharing a bottle of champagne, and then reading a few chapters of the book she’d written for him. Afterwards, they’d made love in front of the fire before turning in for the night, Slate promising another surprise today.

“Merry Christmas,” he said, kissing her bare shoulder.

“Mmmm. Merry Christmas,” she replied. “Is that your north pole I feel?” she joked as Slate’s erection pressed against her bottom.

He chuckled. “Those damn condoms,” he mumbled, referring to the stocking gifts from Anna. He let his hands roam, one palming her breast as the other slid beneath her hip, holding her more tightly to him. “After I make you breakfast in bed and we open the rest of the presents, I thought we could head into Seattle.”

“You want to drive to the city now? On Christmas morning?”

“We’ll leave later. Humor me,” he murmured.

She twisted around so she was facing him. A slow smile slid across his face as his gaze dipped to her bare breasts and then back up to meet her eyes. “What do you want to do today in Seattle?” she asked. “I thought the plan was to head there later this week.”

“I booked us a nice hotel room. We’ll have dinner there tonight. Enjoy the hot tub. Spend some time in the city tomorrow. I told you I can be very persuasive,” he said huskily.

“Wait, is this why Anna flew in to Seattle?”

He pressed his lips together, trying not to smile. “It’s a surprise. We’ll pack a bag after breakfast and drive up there.”

“And you won’t give me any hints at all about whatever is going on?”

“Nope.”

He kissed away her frown, covering her body with his own, and soon making her forget about her questions as he made love to her, their bodies moving together as one until she was crying out his name in ecstasy.

***

The next morning, Ashleigh padded across their luxurious hotel room in only a robe and was surprised to open the door to see Anna standing there. “Surprise!” she declared, handing Ashleigh a to-go cup of coffee with a huge grin on her face. “And hello to you, too, brother-in-law,” she teased.

Slate scrubbed a hand over his face. “I thought we were meeting later?”

“Change of plans!” she trilled. “Jett will fill you in. Ash—take a quick shower and get dressed. I’m taking you to the spa this morning. We’ll get our hair done, too,” she added, flashing a knowing look at Slate.

“But Slate and I—”

“All taken care of,” Anna said with a wave of her hand. “Did you really think I’d let him plan this surprise without me?”

“Go,” he said gently, a smile playing about his lips.

She searched his eyes, her gaze suddenly catching on his garment bag hanging in the open closet as she turned to get ready. “And where did that come from? You only had a duffle bag when we flew up here from San Diego the other day.”

He lifted a shoulder, looking smug. “All part of the plan.”

“Hurry up,” Anna chastised, looking amused. “We don’t want to be late. I’m sure you’re all sexed up from a romantic night with your man, but get a move on, bestie. Coffee, shower, and get dressed.”

Shaking her head, Ashleigh quickly grabbed a change of clothes and carried her coffee into the bathroom. She showered, Anna’s and Slate’s quiet voices coming from the other side of the door. She heard another knock a few minutes later, and then Jett’s deep voice mixed in with theirs.

“The boys are with the nanny,” he was saying as she came out of the bathroom, fully dressed. The men stood side-by-side in the spacious hotel room, both managing to look equally alert and commanding, despite the early hour. Jett was a few years older than Slate, perhaps slightly rougher around the edges, but both men could be an intimidating presence. They were both dressed in dark clothes that showed off their muscular physiques.

Anna stood beside them dressed stylishly, sipping on her gourmet coffee, her blonde hair loose like Ashleigh’s. “You’re ready!” she squealed excitedly. “This is going to be so much fun.” Her bracelets jangled as she moved, and she looked almost ready to burst with excitement.

“Ashleigh,” Jett said in a low voice, sounding so much like Slate that she nearly did a double take. “Merry Christmas. I trust Slate is treating you well on your vacation?” he asked, his lips quirking.

Ashleigh flushed as she realized her clothes and lingerie were still strewn across the bed. Slate had fun undressing her last night, and they hadn’t gotten things picked up yet. “Merry Christmas,” she said, giving Jett a quick hug and shooting Slate a look. “Don’t tell me you knew about this surprise, too.”

“But of course,” Jett said, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Anna told me all about her part in the plan, didn’t you, sweetness?”

“Indeed, I did. And trust me, Ashleigh, this will be a day to remember. To think just a few short years ago we didn’t know either of the Hutchinson boys,” Anna said, coyly eyeing her husband. “Remember when I put you on the phone with Ashleigh the night we first met?”

“I seem to remember she threatened me,” Jett said dryly.

Slate’s eyebrows raised. “Threatened? Now this I’ve got to hear.”

“My girls were just looking out for me,” Anna said breezily. “We’ve got to get going so we won’t be late to our spa appointment. Grab your purse and phone since I’m not sure when we’ll be back. You’ve got everything else under control?” she asked, eyeing Slate.

“I do,” he said, ducking to give Ashleigh a kiss as Jett’s bark of laughter filled the room.

“What’s so funny?” Ashleigh asked. The rest of them seemed amused, and her suspicions began to grow. She looked from one of them to the other, noting each had a smile on their face.

“Never mind them. See you later, boys!” Anna called out. “We’re off to get ready.”

“Ready for what?”

“You’ll find out everything when it’s time, promise!”