Craving You (The Donovans #5)

Chapter 5

Chapter Five

“So, there I was, in front of a class of twenty, with a massive leg cramp! I was twisted up like a pretzel and it took three people to help me untwist! I was mortified!” They were talking about their most embarrassing moments, and this was definitely her top one.

They were walking along one of the many paths at Summit Ridge. The sun was shining, the temperature was a bit cool, and she was thoroughly enjoying herself—not that she was surprised. Max Calloway was charming and funny and he never ran out of things to talk about.

“Now it’s your turn,” she prompted.

“Hmm…most embarrassing moment,” he began. “That would have to be the time I was on a softball league and tried to slide into home plate and ended up about three feet short.” Laughing, he shook his head. “I really thought I had enough momentum, but I barely slid two feet and ended up costing our team the winning run. The guys never let me live that down.”

“Oh no! Do you still play?”

“No. Once I had to start spending more time here in Sweetbriar Ridge for my dad, I just couldn’t commit. Not that anyone was overly upset about it,” he murmured, playfully nudging her shoulder with his. “I miss it though.”

“So why not start up a league here?” she suggested. “No one has to know about your…your um…”

“Short slide?”

Laughing, she nodded. “Sure. Why not? No one has to know about your short slide. And with all the new businesses here, I’ll bet there are lots of people who would love to play.”

“Do you play?”

Another laugh. “Me? Uh…no. Sports are definitely not my forte. I can dance—ballet, tap, jazz, you name it—but I cannot catch a ball to save my life. Probably because I flinch when something is being thrown at my face.”

“That can definitely be an issue with sports. Although it’s not really being thrown at your face.”

“It feels like it,” she told him. “Okay, so what are we going on now?”

“You’re not afraid of heights, are you?”

“Nope! I’m a roller coaster girl.” Then she glanced around. “But I don’t see what we’re going on that is high.”

“It’s an Alpine slide. Very fast and it goes down the mountain. When we hit the bottom, there’s a path to the ski lift that will take us on an aerial tour of the entire resort.”

“Oh, wow! That sounds amazing! Where’s the line?” Looking around excitedly, Hailey jumped when Max took her hand in his. He did that a lot—touched her—and while it startled her this time, she genuinely enjoyed it. Clearly he was a toucher, and she found it incredibly attractive.

Just like everything else about him.

Earlier, when he suggested packing an overnight bag, she almost said yes. After all, it wasn’t like they hadn’t slept together. Plus, she was already pregnant, so it wasn’t like she could get knocked up twice.

But she didn’t want to seem overly anxious.

And that’s why she sneaked a bag into the backseat of Max’s car before he came back down to meet her.

Pushing sexy thoughts aside, Hailey forced herself to focus on the here and now. They were having a great time. Max had driven her all around town before heading up to the resort. She saw where he went to school and all the places that were part of his life growing up in Sweetbriar Ridge. He’d even shown her places that he knew her cousins were a part of—even though she was familiar with most of them. They’d enjoyed lunch at the café inside the resort—which was very yummy—but she had to admit, the larger restaurant looked very inviting too. Hopefully, they’d stay and have dinner here as well after they were done exploring all the amenities.

But first, the Alpine slide!

Since it was a weekday, there weren’t many people around. They walked right up to the platform and were immediately at the front. They couldn’t ride together, but Hailey was okay with it because the ride down was completely exhilarating! The view, the speed, the wind in her hair…she hadn’t felt this much pure joy since…

Billie’s wedding and her weekend with Max.

Why was she fighting it? Why was she trying to pretend that she didn’t want him? That she wasn’t wildly attracted to him?

She hit the bottom of the slide first and by the time she was off of her toboggan, Max was coming to a stop. Turning, she looked at him and her heart ached. His hair was all windblown and he was smiling, and when he looked at her, a million butterflies took flight in her belly. He stood and slowly sauntered her way, and all she wanted to do was walk up to him and kiss him senseless.

And then beg him to get them a room so they could spend the rest of the day naked and tangled up together.

“That was fun, right?” he asked with a dazzling smile.

Ugh…I just want to climb him like a tree…

“It was! So much fun,” she told him. “And now there’s a ski lift that takes us sightseeing?”

Nodding, he took her hand in his and led her toward yet another path. “Once it starts to snow, this will open up again as a full-time ski resort, but I thought I heard that they might do some holiday overlays around the property and still do some dates where you can do some activities without having to ski.”

“Do you ski?”

“Absolutely. The resort was open back then—it had closed for several years and only reopened less than two years ago—and my parents were both avid skiers. I was five the first time they put skis on me, and I’ve loved it ever since. What about you?”

That made her laugh softly. “Like I said, I’ve only seen snow once and it wasn’t while I was skiing.”

“Oh, yeah. Right. Sorry.” His boyish grin was just one more point in his favor. “Okay, so winter sports and activities aren’t your thing—yet—but what about summer activities? Do you swim? Surf? Water ski?”

“Yes, yes, and yes! We’ve always had a pool, so I took swimming lessons before I could even walk. I don’t surf very often, but back in high school, I did it all the time. And I love water skiing. I had to work during my summer breaks all through college and then started working full time once I graduated, so I haven’t had a lot of time to do some of the fun stuff. Except swimming. I do that practically year-round.” Pausing, she smiled at him. “Do you swim?”

“Yup. Just not very often.” They reached the entrance to the ski lift. “You swear you’re okay with heights? This goes pretty high and sometimes it stops for a minute and you’re just sort of hanging there.”

“Max, I’ll be fine. I swear. Just because I never skied before doesn’t mean I can’t handle the lift.”

And she was fine.

For the first three minutes.

Once they started the steep climb, Hailey started to second-guess all of her decisions. Their seat swung a little more than she was prepared for, and it didn’t feel quite as sturdy as she thought it would. She felt herself tremble and she wished she’d thought to ask how long of a ride this was.

Max must have sensed the change in her because he took her hand in his again and softly whispered her name. “Hailey, look at me,” he quietly urged. “It’s a little high and there’s not a whole lot of room to move around, but it’s going to be fine.” Releasing her hand, he carefully wrapped his arm around her and held her close. “Just breathe and keep your focus on my face if the view is freaking you out.”

“It’s just…it’s not the height that’s getting me; it’s the rest of it.” She let out a shaky breath. “Sorry. I don’t mean to be such a baby. I just thought it would be sturdier and roomier than this.”

If anything, he held her closer. “Don’t apologize. It’s going to be okay. Just rest your head on my shoulder, close your eyes, and breathe. I’ve got you.”

Swallowing hard, Hailey let herself do exactly as he suggested, and for the next few minutes, she was fine. Slowly, she opened her eyes and the sight in front of her was truly breathtaking. “Oh, wow…Max, I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“You can’t appreciate the true beauty of it all from the ground. With the leaves changing colors, it’s magnificent. And when it snows, it’s beauty on a whole other level.”

“I’m sure, but I doubt I’ll experience that. I’m not sure skiing is in my future considering I’m preg…” She cut off her words because they’d agreed not to talk about it today. “Considering I’m not as great with heights as I thought I was.”

Beside her, his laugh was low and deep and thoroughly masculine. “Nice save,” he murmured against her ear, causing a shiver of delight to course down her spine.

And he smelled good too.

Damn him.

And for the next several minutes, Hailey watched the scenery go by before they started to approach the top platform. “Do we get off here? How do we get down?”

Another masculine chuckle. “We can definitely get off here and walk down, or we can ride it back to the bottom. Whichever you prefer.”

After a long breath, she said, “Let’s ride it back down. I think I can handle that a bit easier.”

“Good girl,” he whispered before placing a soft kiss on her cheek, and that one little thing sort of sealed the deal for her.

At least for today.

Once they were back at the bottom, Hailey was going to suggest they stay at Summit Ridge for dinner, dessert, and…the night.

As they made their descent, Max told her stories about some of his skiing exploits over the years. The man certainly was entertaining, and he exuded joy in everything he did. Plus, he didn’t shy away from stories that didn’t make him look his best.

She liked that.

“What’s the worst thing that ever happened to you while surfing?” he asked.

“I don’t think there’s a worst thing, but I wasn’t exactly great at it. Just a basic surfer who never caught a big wave.” Giggling, she shook her head. “I mostly enjoyed just sitting on the board out in the water.”

“Well, maybe someday you can teach me how to surf. I’ve always wanted to try it, but never took a lot of beach trips.”

“Where’s your favorite place to visit when you’re on vacation?”

“I’m drawn to winter sports, so I’ve gone to some of the best ski resorts in the country just to experience their trails. I went on a cruise once, but it wasn’t really my thing. Then I’ve done all the usual destinations—Manhattan, Vegas, San Francisco… I’m a big fan of any place that has good food.”

“Me too! I come from a family that loves to cook, so we’re very picky about where we eat. We’ve gone to Ireland several times and that’s the only place where I can say the traditional dishes are better than anything my mom or family can make.”

“Are you Irish on both sides?”

She nodded. “Those trips were like a pilgrimage for my family. It’s beautiful and I always enjoyed it, but I used to wish we could go someplace like Alaska or Canada where we could play in the snow.”

“Have you done all the Florida theme parks?”

“Oh yeah. We had annual passes and any time we had relatives visit, we would take them.”

They talked about some of their favorite rides and theme parks and before she knew it, they were almost down to the bottom.

“If you could go anywhere right now,” he asked, “where would you go?”

There it was—the perfect opening.

“Um…if I could go anywhere, I would…” Pausing, she took a steadying breath. “I would go back to the hotel, eat dinner in that fabulous restaurant, get a room, and spend the night there.”

Then she held her breath and waited for Max’s response.

Luckily, he did not disappoint.

Leaning in close, resting his forehead against hers, he murmured, “What a coincidence. That’s exactly where I want to go too. Except I’d order room service.”

Oh my…

“That could be arranged,” she boldly replied. “After all, we can come back and eat at the restaurant another time, right?”

“Damn, Hales, I love the way you think.”

Twisting slightly, Max’s hands framed her face right before he claimed her lips in a kiss full of promise. There was a need and intensity there that probably wasn’t great since they were stuck on this tiny ski lift chair for another minute or two, but she didn’t care. She clutched the front of his sweater and held on for dear life as he plundered and seduced and made her ache with need.

“Please tell me there’s a shortcut back up to the hotel,” she murmured against his lips.

“Not as short as I’d like it to be,” he breathlessly replied, before claiming her lips again.

When they reached the bottom, they quickly moved the restraint bar aside and jumped off, giggling the entire time. Hailey looked around to get her bearings, but had no idea which way they should go.

“If y’all want, there’s a shuttle up to the hotel,” the ride attendant told them. “If you take the path over there to your right, there’s a stop right there. It will have you up to the hotel in less than five minutes.”

“Thanks!” Max said with a grin. “You’re a real lifesaver!”

And sure enough, they found the path and there was an eight-passenger golf cart waiting there. Fortunately, there were others coming up behind them who also needed a ride, so there wasn’t a long wait to leave. The only downside was that they had to keep their hands to themselves until they were alone.

Five minutes never felt so long.

When the shuttle dropped them off at the front entrance to the hotel, Max took her hand and surprised her by casually strolling up to the registration desk.

“Um…Max?”

Glancing at her with a wicked grin, he murmured, “Patience. Remember how we calmly left the wedding reception? We were both completely chill as we made our way across the lobby and up to my room. And then…” Leaning in, he gently nipped at her earlobe. “It was all worth it as soon as we were alone, wasn’t it?”

A low moan escaped before she could stop it.

“Do you trust me?” he whispered, and all Hailey could do was nod.

They stepped up to the front desk and Max asked for a room, while Hailey was practically squirming beside him because she knew it must look odd for them to be checking in without luggage. “My bag’s out in the car,” she said quietly, and had to stifle a laugh at the shocked look on his face.

But he quickly turned the tables when he said, “So is mine.” He gave her a quick kiss on the lips. “We’ll get them later.”

Nodding, she was more than okay with it as they grabbed their key and headed for the elevator.

This wasn’t the way he thought the day was going to go, but he certainly didn’t hate it.

When he’d mentioned this possibility to Hailey over breakfast and she didn’t say yes, he was disappointed. So, hearing her admit that she’d put her bag in his car had been a total shock, and he had never been so eager to get someplace in his life.

As soon as the elevator doors closed behind them, Max hauled her into his arms and kissed her. Hailey wrapped herself around him and kissed him back with equal abandon, and it all happened so fast that he never even bothered to notice if they were alone or not.

“Hales, wait,” he said, panting. A quick look showed they were indeed alone, and he dove right back in for another taste of her. She was just as sweet as he remembered, and he couldn’t wait to get to their room so he could see if his memory was just as good on everything else.

It was madness of the best kind, and when the doors slid open onto their floor, they both quickly made their way out. Naturally, their room was at the end of the hall, and they were both laughing like naughty kids by the time they got there. He got the door open even though his hands were shaking, but as soon as they were in the room and the door slammed shut, they both seemed to stop.

Then, as if of one mind, they slowly moved across the room like in an orchestrated dance. When they were beside the bed, Max slid his hands under her sweater, gently cupping her breasts. Hailey hissed out a breath as she did the same to him. Her smooth hands felt so good on his skin, but he couldn’t fully focus on it because he needed to kiss her again. Breaking apart, they breathlessly smiled like a couple sharing a sexy secret—which they kind of were—before she whipped her sweater off and over her head.

“Damn,” Max whispered reverently. “Look at you.” Mimicking her move, he quickly pulled his sweatshirt off and threw it on the floor. Hailey was the sexiest woman he had ever seen—all smooth skin and soft curves—and he couldn’t wait to touch every inch of her.

Closing the miniscule distance between them, he caressed her from her waist to her jaw, marveling the entire time. For a month he’d been dreaming about the way he touched her, kissed her, loved her, and now that it was all within his reach, he was desperate to have all of it again.

“Max. Please.”

That was all she had to say. He gently lifted her into his arms and placed her on the bed before tugging her shoes, socks, and jeans off. Then he quickly got rid of the rest of his clothes. As soon as his body covered hers, Max swore he was going to memorize every second because they couldn’t let this part of their relationship interfere with all the things they needed to focus on. He wasn’t foolish enough to believe this was going to happen again anytime soon. They had hit pause on reality, so he was going to enjoy the hell out of it.

“I’ve thought about this—about you—so many times, I almost can’t believe this is happening. Or that you’re really here. Do you have any idea how much I want you?”

Big blue eyes stared up at him. “It’s the same for me. I never thought…I mean…I wanted to, but…”

Bracing himself above her, it was his turn to shake his head. “I know,” he whispered. “Me too. But we’re here now and we have all night to make up for lost time.”

She blushed as she nodded. “I want it all, Max. Please. Make me feel all the things I felt that weekend. Please.”

And for some reason, that was like hitting the launch button. Groaning, he lowered himself and claimed her lips in a brutal kiss that just went on and on until they were both breathless and panting. Her hands raked through his hair as he began to slowly move down her body—stopping in random spots to simply linger and savor the taste and feel of her before moving on to his next favorite spot. He had her writhing beneath him in no time, and Max realized just how much he enjoyed getting her so wild with need.

Hailey moaned his name as she gently tugged on his hair, as if telling him she wanted more—which was fine with him because he wasn’t sure he could wait much longer.

Moving back up until they were face to face, he grinned. “This one’s going to be fast, but I promise to make it up to you the second, third, and fourth time.”

Her smile was pure temptation. “Mighty confident, aren’t you?”

“You know it.” After that, he didn’t say another word—he couldn’t—because all he could do was feel.

And he already couldn’t wait to feel this way all through the night.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go down to the restaurant? It’s still relatively early.”

Hailey was lying all tousled in the bed with a very satisfied smile on her face. “I know it is, but I don’t think I could possibly get myself together enough to go down there. Besides, I’ve never ordered room service before. I’m kind of looking forward to it. And having you to myself.”

That was a serious ego boost.

“Then room service it is,” he said before leaning in and kissing her. Reluctantly, he pulled back and went to find his phone so he could scan the QR code for the room service menu. Once he had it pulled up, he sat back down beside her. “So, what are you in the mood for?”

“That’s a loaded question,” she said sweetly, even though she looked like a total vixen.

“Behave,” he teased, forcing himself to read the menu. “I’m thinking of the surf and turf.”

“Ooh…that sounds good. I was going to go for the glazed salmon, but I’m a sucker for a good steak.”

“A woman after my own heart.” And without thinking, he turned and gave her a quick kiss before he started entering their order. They discussed drinks and desserts before finally submitting the order. “Thirty minutes. That’s not too bad.” Another kiss. “Why don’t I run down to the car and grab our bags?”

“That would be great, but don’t be mad if I happily stay here in this enormous bed and take a quick nap.”

That made him chuckle. “I would actually prefer that you did just that. This way, when we’re done eating, I know you’ll be ready for round three.”

She hummed sexily. “Rounds one and two were definitely satisfying. Got any tricks up your sleeve for round three?”

Still laughing, Max got up and got dressed. “You’ll have to wait and see.” And with one last kiss, he grabbed the room key and left the room. He felt happy and energized when he knew he should be at least a little exhausted. He hated leaving Hailey alone in the room and did his best to be as fast as possible. She might need a nap, but he needed to be with her. Tomorrow they were going to have to deal with their families again and…

Crap.

He needed to text Marcus so no one was worried about where they were. Pulling out his phone, he tapped out a quick message.

Max: Hailey and I are up at Summit Ridge and spending the night.

He figured his brother was probably busy and wouldn’t respond right away, but the three dancing dots on the screen said otherwise.

Marcus: You move fast.

Marcus: I hope you didn’t pressure Hailey into spending the night away.

Max: It was a mutual decision and a way for us to get to know each other without anyone hovering.

Marcus: There are so many things I want to say, but I won’t.

Max: Color me surprised.

Marcus: What can I say? I’m growing.

Max: We’ll be back sometime tomorrow. Tell Billie not to worry.

Marcus: LOL! Good one. My wife is a worrier by nature.

Marcus: As long as Hailey’s okay, we’re all going to be fine.

Max: Hailey is fine.

Max: We’ll talk tomorrow. Goodnight!

And before his brother could comment again, Max turned his phone off and slid it back into his pocket. At his car, he laughed at how he hadn’t noticed Hailey’s bag when he’d thrown his own in the backseat earlier. It was crazy how they were both on the same page without even knowing it. That thought kept him smiling all the way back up to the room. When he walked in, she was still in the bed, but sitting up and scrolling on her phone.

Holding up her bag, he asked, “Do you want to change before we eat?”

“I thought about it, but I’m feeling a little too lazy to get dressed again. Would it be wrong to just wear my robe?

“You can do whatever you want. I’d rather you be comfortable so you can relax and enjoy the meal.”

When she kicked off the blankets and stood up, Max felt like maybe his jaw hit the floor. She was naked and stretching and it took every ounce of strength he had not to tackle her back onto the bed.

“I’m going to just freshen up a bit before the food gets here,” she told him, taking her bag from his hands and walking to the bathroom. As soon as the door shut, he collapsed onto the corner of the bed. It was great that she was comfortable with him, but he really had to work on his own self-control.

When she stepped out a few minutes later wearing a navy blue robe, her hair was up in a messy bun, and she was smiling serenely. “That bathroom is amazing. That shower could fit four people!” Shaking her head, she added, “Not that I’m looking to test that theory out, but it’s like a spa in there.”

“Maybe after we eat, we can see how well two people fit. What do you say?”

Padding over to him, Hailey wrapped her arms around him. “I think that sounds amazing. But food first.”

As if on cue, there was a knock on the door and Max went to answer it. A server was there with a cloth-covered cart and within minutes, their dinner was set up at the small table by the window. Their entrees looked perfect, and the cheesecake with bowls of strawberries and cream on the side looked beyond decadent. He tipped the server and closed the door behind him. When he turned, Hailey was sitting and waiting for him.

They had ordered sparkling grape juice, and he poured them each a glass before sitting and holding his up. “To us,” he said. “And the amazing day we’re having.”

Nodding, she tapped her glass to his. “To us.”

Dinner was delicious and he had to admit, the more they both relaxed, the better the conversation got. There were so many things they needed to learn about each other—other than how sexually compatible they were—and this intimate dinner was the perfect continuation of what they started earlier today.

“The yoga studio I’m currently working at has been my favorite,” she was telling him. “The owners have mentioned making it a total wellness center—which would have totally worked for me because I could have continued to teach yoga, along with taking on clients to teach nutrition. They’ve put their plans on hold time and time again, but…it doesn’t really matter since I’m leaving. It’s too bad there’s nothing like that here either. I was hoping to present that kind of option here to the resort, but after walking around today, I don’t think it would fit.”

“Why not? I don’t know if they’d require a nutritionist—unless they did it as part of a program for athletes who are training at their facility. Either way, it can’t hurt to pitch the idea to them.”

“It would be a lot easier if there was a place that I could just apply to that already has all the things I do in place. And preferably right in downtown by Books & Beans and Ash’s salon. This whole move is going to be scary enough without the job hunt.”

It was the closest they came to talking about real life, but he didn’t want to ruin the little bubble they were currently in. “It’s going to work out. And you know that you have a huge support network around you.”

“I know, but I don’t want to be a burden on anyone. I enjoy taking care of myself and don’t want to lean on anyone for long.”

“That’s admirable. And it’s exactly how I feel, too. I appreciate Marcus and Billie letting me live in their apartment, but I’d much rather have a place of my own.” He finished the last bite of his steak. “But that’s all a problem for another day.”

Fortunately, she must have realized they were treading into reality territory too.

“What’s your favorite holiday?” she asked.

“Oh, that’s an easy one. Thanksgiving. I am all about the food! My mom used to make the best Thanksgiving meal. She’s been gone a long time, but I’ve never had a dinner like the one she made every year.”

Hailey reached across the table, taking his hand in hers. “I’m so sorry, Max. I can’t even imagine how you feel. Losing a parent has got to be one of the hardest things to experience.”

“She would hate how far apart we drifted for all those years, but I like to think she’s smiling down on us now that we’re all back together.” He took a sip of his drink. “What about you? What’s your favorite holiday?”

“Christmas,” she said without hesitation. “I love to decorate and make my apartment feel like a winter wonderland.” Pausing, she gasped. “This year is going to be so awesome because I’ll be here and there will actually be snow! It will be my first white Christmas!”

He didn’t have the heart to tell her they didn’t always get snow for the holidays.

Hopefully they would this year.

“What do you say, are you ready for dessert?” he asked when she finished talking about all the things she was looking forward to when it snowed.

“I think I am, but…I have one condition.”

That wasn’t what he was expecting.

Leaning forward, her robe gaped open, exposing a tantalizing view of her breasts. “I think we should eat the strawberries and cream in bed.”

Max was instantly on his feet and holding out his hand to her. “Sweetheart, I love the way you think!”

Hailey placed her hand in his, and once she was standing, she held his gaze and undid the sash on her robe.

This girl…

“Dinner was very nice,” she said, her voice taking on a sultry tone. “But I thought that maybe dessert could be sexier. Remember the sundaes we shared that weekend?”

He was pretty sure he had never gotten this hard so fast and immediately began to undress. “I do, and I think of you every time I have ice cream.” He kicked his shoes off. “And I am seriously overdressed for a sexy dessert.”

She hummed with appreciation as she helped him undress. In the blink of an eye, they were back in the bed with the bowls of strawberries and fresh cream sitting between them, and honestly, he wasn’t sure what to do first—kiss her? Feed her? Place some of the whipped cream on some of his favorite spots on her body and then lick it off?

The decision was taken from him when Hailey dipped her finger in the cream and then softly spread it over the tip of her breast. Everything about her—every move, every touch, every smile—made him fall harder and harder for her. She was like his every fantasy come to life.

Her name was a whispered plea as he leaned in and licked some of the cream off of her, and her hands raked through his hair to hold him closer. He was so close to losing control, but he swore this time would last.

Straightening, Max looked at her as he licked his lips. “Delicious.” Then he lifted both bowls and placed them on the bedside table. “Lie back,” he said gruffly. “That first time was too fast, and the second time wasn’t nearly as long as I wanted it to be.”

She squirmed as she got comfortable against the pillows. “I can’t help that I was impatient. That first round just took the edge off.” Reaching out, she ran her hand up over his abs before resting on his chest. “And I wanted more. Just like I do now.”

Taking her hand, he kissed her palm. “Sweetheart, this time, I’m in control.” Another kiss. “And I promise to take my time.” Running his tongue along her palm, he grinned at the way she started to pant. “And you’re going to love every minute of it.”

“I know I said it earlier, but you’re mighty confident.”

“Have I let you down yet?”

She shook her head.

Max moved so he was lying over her. “Let me love you Hailey,” he whispered against her lips, and when she nodded, he touched his lips to hers. Together, they sank into it, and he swore nothing could ever be more perfect than this.