Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
“The Honeymoon Suite?” Willa stood at the reception desk, her clothes plastered to her cold skin.
“That’s it. That’s all we have left.” The glow of the computer screen cast a bluish hue over the lodge owner’s craggy features.
“To be honest, you lucked out. The cancellation came in right when you walked up to the desk.” She glanced at the door, where her husband stood, turning travelers away.
“But if you don’t want it, I’ll give it to the next in line. ”
“Grab the room,” Decker muttered, tugging his ball cap low.
“We’ll take it. Thank you.” What else could they do? The hunting lodge was worn and smelled of wet stone from the damp hearth. Mounted animal heads took up every square inch of wall space: elk, bison, grizzly bear, and deer.
As she glanced around, she noticed a coffee and tea station in the lobby with a note affixed to the wall that said, Fresh baked! Help yourself.
But the plate was empty save for a few crumbs.
“No cookies?” She didn’t know why it made her so sad except that she’d had a rough day.
The woman patted her hand. “There’ll be more tomorrow. Now, let’s get you checked in.”
Decker stepped forward and slapped his credit card on the counter.
Knowing he didn’t want to be recognized, she slid hers over it. “I’ve got this, honey buns. Yours is maxed out.”
Through gritted teeth, he said, “Thanks.”
She turned all the way around so she was facing him and gave a mischievous smile. “I can’t wait to use that heart-shaped Jacuzzi.”
“That’s located outside the unit,” the owner said. “You sure won’t be using it tonight.”
“What a shame,” Decker said. “I had plans for you, baby cakes.” He cupped her cheek, his thumb idly caressing.
He was only playing, so why did her pulse jump? She wished her gaze hadn’t drifted to his mouth because it made her wonder what a kiss from him would feel like—would he be aggressive, claiming her, or soft, gentle, a slow exploration?
She’d like to find out.
Desire sent a flood of heat through her body.
Flustered, she whipped back around. “No worries. I’ll take a hot bath instead. It’s been a long day.” For all her efforts to get to Calamity, she’d fallen short by ninety miles.
Dammit.
After checking them in, the owner handed her a map and showed her how to get to the remote cabin. “Thanks so much.” Willa tucked her credit card back into its slot.
As they walked out, Decker’s body was tight with tension, and she knew he was in pain.
Once inside the car, he used his phone’s flashlight to read the map and guide them down the muddy lane.
Her wheels spun in the muck, and when the headlights flashed on the sign for their cabin, she blew out a breath of relief.
She parked right in front. “Go on inside, and I’ll bring the luggage.”
“I can carry a damn suitcase.” Apparently, he was back to his ornery, growly self.
“And risk making your ankle worse?” When he didn’t answer, she nudged his granite shoulder. “Go. I’ve got this.”
He reached into the back seat, grabbed as many plastic bags as he could carry, and got out of the car. As he hobbled up the walkway, lightning lit up the sky, making his tall, muscular body stand out in high relief.
She imagined him naked, his sculpted body lit by firelight, and lust grabbed hold of her body and squeezed.
The man turned her feral.
Yeah, well, get over it. You’re not banging the grumpy jock.
She got out of the car, popped the trunk, and pulled out their luggage. It was fine to appreciate him. With that chiseled jaw, high cheekbones, broad shoulders, and perfectly hard, round ass, he was a work of art. She could look all she wanted, but she couldn’t touch.
Well, she could. A quick roll in the hay might be fun. But then she’d have that awkward drive in the morning. Not to mention the entire wedding.
No, thanks.
He’d left the door ajar, so she dashed through the rain and entered the tiny cabin.
Candles flickered on the dresser and nightstands, casting the room in a warm, yellow glow.
Sweet.
Strung across the room, a banner in sparkly gold read, “Congratulations!” And a trail of rose petals led to—
Oh, no.
“What the hell is that?” She dropped the luggage handles.
“It’s a bed.” Decker sat on the edge of it, taking off his sneaker.
“It’s in the shape of a heart.”
“Yep.” He pulled a quarter out of his pants pocket and dropped it into a slot. A motor roared to life.
“It’s vibrating.”
He stretched out, that flat belly shaking with the bed’s motion. With a wicked smile, he folded his hands under his head. “Oh, yeah.”
He didn’t know how tempted she was to get in that bed with him. And not for sex, but just to be held in his arms. She really needed a hug. “I’ll pass.” She turned to go back out.
“Where you going?” He jackknifed up.
“To get the rest of the stuff.”
“What else is there?” In one swift motion, he was on his feet.
“Your ice.”
“I can do it.”
“The ground’s uneven and muddy, but if you want to risk falling and making things worse, that’s your choice. I was just trying to help.”
“No, you’re right. I feel like shit making you do all the work.”
“If I minded, I’d sit my ass down and tear open that bag of chips. That queso’s calling my name.” She smiled at his look of disgust. “Oh, come on. As a kid, I know you pigged out.”
“Been an athlete since middle school.” He lifted the hem of his shirt, running a hand across his abs. “Why do you think I look like this?” He shrugged his eyebrows, making her laugh.
“I’ll be right back.”
“Willa—”
She stopped on the threshold and turned back.
“Thank you.” He said it with such sincerity, it made her want to move mountains for him—or, at least, barricades.
But she couldn’t do that, so she hurried out the door. A crack of thunder hit right overhead, followed by lightning so powerful it lit up the night. Trees, cabins, trucks flashed in and out.
Wet hair plastered her cheeks, and she was soaked through her clothes. All she wanted was a hot bath and room service. But that wasn’t in the cards, so she’d just eat and go to sleep early.
As she pulled the cooler, her tote, and the rest of the bags out of the car, she wondered about sleeping arrangements. There was only one bed and no pull-out couch, so she supposed she’d have to make a nest for herself on the floor. It wouldn’t be right to compromise his ankle.
By the time she got back inside, she found him sitting up in bed, a gift basket in front of him.
He lifted it. “Look, baby cakes. A romantic dinner.”
“That makes me so sad.” It might not be her idea of a dream honeymoon, but it was someone’s. And they’d missed out on it. “I hope their wedding wasn’t canceled.”
“Okay if I shower first?” He got out of bed and limped to the two luggage racks he’d set up with their carry-ons.
“Go for it.”
Without a hat, his wet, tangled hair clung to the back of his neck, and the raindrops in his scruff glittered in the candlelight. He looked dangerous. And the T-shirt molded to his body fit like a second skin. She wanted to peel it off and lick him from his neck all the way down to his cock.
A shudder ran through her, and desire streamed through her so fast, she went jittery.
“After I pop the champagne, I’ll slip into my wedding night lingerie.” She was just joking.
But the way he ignored her and focused on digging his black leather toiletry kit out of his suitcase felt like rejection. Without a second glance, he stepped into the bathroom and shut the door. Water rushed through the pipes a second later.
Was she really that undesirable? Okay, sure, she looked like something dragged from the bottom of the ocean. Her makeup had to be smeared. And she’d spewed her sad story all over him, so maybe she wasn’t the sexiest woman alive.
But he wasn’t at his best either and yet, she still wanted to rip his clothes off.
You have to stop this.
He’s not attracted to you.
She busied herself by dumping the water out of his cooler and refilling it with ice.
Then, she dug a quarter out of her wallet and dropped it into the slot. As the bed vibrated, she turned on her camera and took a video of herself shaking on the bed.
“Hi, from the honeymoon suite.” She waved. “So, I guess I should let you know, Decker and I eloped. We’re spending our first night together in a hunting lodge. It’ll be such a cute story to tell the grandkids.” Laughing, she sent it to Finlay.
Finlay: Tell me you’re joking. You did not elope with The Machine!
Willa: The what? And no, this weekend is about you. I’d never steal your thunder.
Finlay: That’s what they call him in the football world. He’s not a normal human. He’s all football and no heart.
She thought about the way he’d listened to her in the gift shop.
Willa: That’s not true at all.
Finlay: No, you’re right. He’s incredibly loyal to his family. Hey, how soon will you be here?
She sat up.
Willa: I’ve got bad news.
Finlay: Are you okay? It’s the weather, isn’t it? Did you get into an accident?
Willa: We’re fine, but we won’t be there for dinner. The roads are washed out, and we’re stuck in Afton. They're not letting anyone through until tomorrow morning.
Finlay: Nooooo!!
Willa: I know. We’re so sad. You know we’d be there if we could.
Finlay: I do know that.
Willa: But least we have the vibrating bed.
Finlay: Be careful with that one. Like I said, he’s super loyal to his family, but he has a reputation for discarding women.
Finlay: He’s very… How do I say this with my future father-in-law sitting right next to me? He just oozes sex, you know? And he uses it. He’ll charm the pants right off you. Mark my words.
I had my heart broken this morning. Trust me, I won’t be sleeping with anybody tonight.
And also, he’s not even slightly attracted to me.
Which is awesome.
That feels good.
Willa: Well, they did put us in the honeymoon suite, so you never know. There’s champagne and rose petals. Lube and condoms. Shame to let it all go to waste.
She took a few pictures of the rose petals and champagne.