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I laugh and take a seat. For a shining moment, I don’t worry. It seems so absurd to drive to a ski resort in a convertible, but then, last week, I would have said being tied up by dark, handsome men was crazy.
I’m starting to think that being on a real vacation will mean embracing the sort of things I would have once written off as entirely irrational.
Derek tucks a tartan wool blanket around my legs, his hands lingering on my upper thighs, and hands me a thermos.
“Tea. Good English tea, none of that green bullocks Xane was serving you,” he says, smiling at me and tossing Xane a wink. Then he continues in a stage whisper, “The whiskey is in the glove compartment.”
I giggle again.
“I’ll see you at the lodge,” Xane calls out from his sleek motorcycle, which had been brought around.
He revs the engine once, then races off. I watch the black shape disappear into the frosty hills. I’m sure he caught the underhanded jibe from Derek.
The drive to the lodge is quick. Lucy hugs the curves in the road, and Derek pushes the limits of safety as he speeds up. I find myself not caring.
For reasons that escape me, I trust him entirely. The rushing wind is cold, but Lucy’s heater works fantastically. Between the blanket and the thermos of tea, I stay warm and cozy.
As we pull up to the resort, I can’t help being amazed at how stunning it is. The main lodge looks like a children’s toy in front of the imposing mountains, but when we reach the circular drive in front of it, the enormity of the building becomes clearer.
Huge windows glow with warmth from the inside. A handsome valet steps forward to take Lucy’s keys from Derek, while the latter escorts me out of the car.
“Take care of her, Tom. She’s older than your gran,” Derek teases the valet with a smile, tossing him the keys. “And keep her warm. We might want to head out again.”
We step into the lodge and are enveloped in the warmth of the crackling fire dominating the center of the open space.
Xane greets us and hands me a mug of mulled wine. I take a warm sip and thank him.
Derek shows me around the main lodge, explaining that most of the guests are in private cabins ranging from cozy A-frames to giant family lodges complete with playrooms and a direct line to the bonded nanny services provided by the resort.
“Of course, we will be staying in my private lodge. The natural hot spring certainly can heat up an evening, and I can’t wait to see you in the bathing suit Spencer picked out,” Derek winks as we finish our tour of the main lodge. “Now, dinner. What do you say, love? Fancy some fish and chips?”
I realize my wine is gone, and I am starving. “Actually, after all that sushi, I could really use a good old-fashioned steak.”
Xane laughs. It’s a nice sound…I hope I’ll get to hear it more.
“I know just the place then,” Derek says.
The sun is down, so we leave Lucy to her heated garage. Derek calls for a sleek limo, and the three of us pile in the back.
Derek pops the champagne, and I have a second glass on an empty stomach. I feel warm and mellow, but I’m ready for my steak.
The restaurant is modern and dark but warm with its rich colors and leather. We’re seated in a cozy booth towards the back of the restaurant. It’s angled so we have a gorgeous view of the snowy landscape, yet no one can really see us.
“The usual, sir?” The perky waitress in the tiny skirt asks when she recognizes Derek.
“Of course, love. For three, unless Micky has worked out how to make a decent cottage pie,” Derek answers with a teasing smile.
“Not yet,” the girl says with a grin. “He keeps adding too much flavor.” She turns around and heads back to the kitchen to place our order.
A tall man in a black suit comes over to the table and brings a bottle of Bordeaux; he fills our glasses before disappearing.
“You come here often?” I ask Derek.
“On and off. I like to explore my surroundings.” His hand under the table slides along my upper thigh. “You never know what jewels you might find.”
I feel myself blushing. I know no one can see us at our secluded table, but Xane has joined Derek in caressing me under the table.
I feel like my reddened face is shouting to the entire restaurant that I’m itching to get plowed by the two men right here.
I shift in my seat and take a sip of wine. When did I become so wanton?
“Is something bothering you, my Gem?” Xane whispers in my ear.
“I think the lovely lass is shy, Xane, ol’ chap. Can you think of any way we can help her get over that?” Derek says. “Maybe if we keep her hands busy, she won’t be so nervous.”
