Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
BLAKE
S he’s a sight for sore eyes. Christ, how does she get more beautiful every time I look at her? Those eyes get me right in the heart every single fucking time.
Harper and I have had stolen moments here and there over the past three days.
I pop into her work, or she stops by mine, but those moments are fleeting because we’re both so fucking busy.
But now, she’s rolling a small suitcase behind her as she walks out of Xander’s house.
She grins at me as I climb the stairs to help her.
“Thanks,” she says when I take the handle from her. “Also, hold on.”
She props her hands on her hips and frowns up at me.
“Really?” She looks … I don’t even know.
“What? What did I do? I haven’t even seen you.”
She shakes her head and points at my head, where I’m wearing a hat .
“Blake, you’re in a backward baseball hat.”
“Is that a crime? If so, handcuff me, sugar.” I wink at her, and she presses her lips together so she doesn’t burst out laughing.
“It absolutely should be illegal for you to look like that. Are you trying to make my ovaries explode? Because it’s working. I’m pretty sure they’re doing a happy dance right now.”
“Your ovaries are dancing? That’s talent.”
I stow her bag in the back of the car with mine, then pull my girl into my arms and lean down to kiss her. She even smells like sugar. So sweet and tempting.
And I love that she likes what she sees when she looks at me. Because God knows that I’m obsessed with every fucking inch of this woman.
“I’ve missed you,” I murmur against her lips. “A few minutes here and there is almost torture.”
She runs her hands over my stomach, up to my chest, and that perfect smile slips over her mouth.
“I know. But we get three whole days again now, so let’s make the most of them.”
I open the door for her, and we’re on our way up the mountain to the ski resort.
“So when the fire happened, was it a total loss?” Harper asks.
“Yeah, the arsonist set fire to every commercial structure. So the main lodge, the condos, restaurants. Even the ski rental hut. The only thing he didn’t torch were the private homes. Connor had it all cleaned out and is starting fresh. ”
She nods, watching the scenery as I turn off the highway onto the winding road that leads up to the ski resort.
Harper fists her hands in her lap and blows out a slow breath, making me frown over at her.
“Hey, are you okay?”
She nods, but her smile is a little shaky when she looks over at me. “Yeah, sorry. I’m nervous.”
“Why are you nervous?” I take one of her hands and kiss her fingers, then press the back of her hand against my chest. “Talk to me, baby.”
“All of your people will be there, and it’s different from book club. It’s … all of your people.” She winces. “And now we’re in this thing, and I’m nervous I’ll screw something up. What if they don’t like me? It sucks when that happens, Blake.”
“You’re my people, too,” I remind her and set her hand on my thigh so I can use both hands on the wheel as I take a sharp turn.
She starts to pull away, but I snag her hand and press it back to my leg.
“Stay. Also, everyone coming is kind. Sometimes my brothers are goofy, but we’re all nice people.
Yes, it’s our first gathering as a couple, but I’m right here.
I’m right next to you. If you feel shy or unsure, tell me, and I’ll help. ”
“I don’t want to seem too needy or clingy.”
“Please, cling to me, sweetheart. That’s what I’m here for. Because I’m definitely needy as fuck.”
That makes her snort, and her smile is relaxed.
“Okay then.”
“Okay. ”
Twenty minutes later, I pull up in front of the entrance where a valet waits to park my car for us.
“This really is full service,” Harper says in surprise.
“Yeah, he said it’s running at full capacity, and we get to enjoy it for a few days to help work out any early kinks.”
I step out of the car and hand the young man my fob, then walk to the back of the car to open the hatch and retrieve our bags. Another valet opens the door for Harper.
“We can have those delivered to your room, sir,” Valet One says. “Your name?”
“Blake Blackwell,” I reply and slip him a tip. “Thank you.”
“Thank you,” Harper echoes as we walk into the lobby. The Lodge is a log mountain retreat theme, with huge, dark logs running along the cathedral ceiling. There’s a taxidermic grizzly standing nearby to greet us. The whole space looks opulent but still feels cozy and welcoming.
I grin at the sight of Connor and Billie, who come over to welcome us. “Thanks for having us,” I reply as my sister gives me a big hug.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Billie says, hugging my girl. Harper smiles shyly, but I can tell that the warm reception has calmed her nerves a little. “Usually, you would check in at the desk, but we took the liberty already so we can give you a tour.”
“Is everyone else already here?” I ask.
“Aye,” Connor says with a nod. “Brooks got here just thirty minutes ago. Once you two are settled, we’ll have dinner.”
Harper and I weren’t able to come up until we were both finished with work, but we’ll be up here now for two nights and three days.
A mini vacation is just what I need with my girl.
“So this is the lobby,” Billie says, gesturing to the space with a huge rock fireplace in the center, then cringes at her husband. “Sorry, I won’t take over this tour.”
“Go ahead, angel,” Connor says with a grin and kisses my sister on the head. “I love the way you tell it.”
“But it’s your hotel,” she reminds her husband.
“Last I checked, we’re married,” he says. “So it’s ours. Tell your brother all about it.”
“I’m feeling nauseous,” I say, giving them both a hard time.
Billie glares at me.
“Okay, so there’s a coffee shop right over there. They also serve breakfast sandwiches and pastries, and during lunchtime, they’ll have grab-and-go selections from Sage and Salt.”
I lift an eyebrow at Billie, and she nods.
Harper does a little dance.
“That’s my new favorite,” Harper tells Billie.
“It’s so good. It’s okay,” Billie assures me. “It’s just business.”
I nod, and we’re led to the far end of the lobby, where the entrance to the restaurant is .
“To the left is the bar area, where guests can order off a pub-style menu,” Billie continues.
“And to the right is the formal dining room,” Connor adds.
“With a killer view of the ski area,” Harper says, gesturing to the floor-to-ceiling windows that give a spectacular view of the mountain and down to the town below. “Wow. This is a huge selling point. Even though I live thirty minutes from here, I’d come up here just to eat for that view.”
Connor grins at my girl. “Aye, I agree. I’m glad you think so because that was the goal.”
We’re shown to the outdoor pool area, where some are already swimming, and when they catch sight of us, they wave.
“Hey, friends!” Millie yells out.
“Hey there,” Harper yells back.
God, she fits in so well.
And then, as Harper takes in more of the crowd, she freezes, and her hand tightens around mine.
“Wait.”
Billie grins at me. Connor shoves his hands in his pockets, giving Harper a chance to take it in.
“Is that Ava and the boys?” Harper’s gaze flies up to mine and shifts to Connor. “You invited them?”
“I wanted to fill the entire resort,” he says, smiling at her. “And they’re your people. I thought it would be fun for you and make you more at ease.”
Harper blinks. “You don’t even know me, and you did this for me? ”
“We know you.” Billie tucks her hair behind her ear. “And Ava’s one of the girls now. Plus, your brothers totally get along with everyone. They’re already having a lot of fun.”
“No one even told me!” Harper yells out at them, earning a laugh.
“Surprise, baby sis,” Xander yells back, diving into the deep end of the pool.
“I want to dive,” Birdie yells. Xander pops up and holds his arms up for my niece, and she jumps to him, totally trusting him.
“Thank you,” Harper whispers before letting go of my hand to hug Billie tight. She pulls back and smiles at Connor. “I’d hug you, too, but you’re her man, and I have a man, and that crosses a line for me.”
“I can respect that,” Connor replies. “And you’re welcome. Now, let’s show you to your suite.”
“We get a suite ?” Harper asks.
“Everyone does,” Billie says. “The hotel is only suites. Because my man is bougie as hell.”
“I’m not the one wearing Chanel from head to toe, bumble,” Connor reminds her, and Billie just grins.
“No, you’re in Armani. Don’t deny being bougie, billionaire. Okay, you’re on the second floor, and I love this room so much.” Billie unlocks the door, and we follow her inside. I have to admit, I’m impressed.
A balcony overlooks the pool and the woods, along with one ski run. The bed is beautiful, the decor is all about bears, and the finishings are top of the line.
“This tub might be bigger than yours,” Harper says as she climbs inside the copper tub and sits. “Definitely is. I could swim in here.”
Connor chuckles at her, and I can only stare at her because she takes my breath away.
“You have it so bad,” Billie whispers to me.
“Guilty,” I reply, not bothering to whisper in return. “We can be ready for dinner in thirty.”
“Perfect,” Connor says. “Take your time. Everyone will order off the menu, so everyone can come down as they please.”
“I’m so excited,” Harper says as she climbs out of the tub. “Thanks again. Also, can I call you out on something, Connor?”
My brother-in-law lifts an eyebrow. “Aye, you can.”
“I don’t believe for a second that you need us here to help you iron out any kinks. You’re a master at what you do.”
A slow smile spreads over his lips. “I’m proud of this property, and I wanted to share it with those I care about the most. Need? No. But I can. So I am. Welcome, Harper. Enjoy your stay.”
Billie claps her hands, kisses me on the cheek, and they’re gone.
“Did you know that they invited my family?” Harper asks as soon as the door is closed behind my sister and Connor.
“Yes.”
She wraps her arms around me and rests her head against my chest, holding on tight.
“You didn’t have to do that. ”
“There’s room, it’s nothing to Connor, and it makes you feel more at ease. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable, sugar. Always. Plus, this way, I get to know them a little better, too.”
“True.” She grins up at me. “I just have to freshen up, and then we can go to dinner.”
“Let’s do it.”