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“Are you alright?” he asked firmly.
I met his gaze and then registered that I was in his lap, my hands wound into his shirt, and his arm still firm around my waist. This close, he was even more beautiful.
“Yes,” I gasped, “I’m alright. Scared the shit out of me, though.”
“They can be intense if you’re not used to them,” Theo said softly, and his eyes skimmed over me from top to bottom. Maybe it was my imagination, but I was sure they lingered on my lips. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Yes,” I said breathlessly. “Although now Idefinitelyhave to pee.”
“Oh!” Theo laughed and immediately released me.
I climbed out of his lap and skirted past the steward who had come to check on us. My legs were like jelly as I headed toward the bathroom, but as Theo’s touch lingered over my body and his voice rang in my ears, I wasn’t sure it was entirely fear that had my body quivering.
Being so close to him was exhilarating. Spending the holidays with him and the others? How was I supposed to keep my hands to myself the entire time? It was too bold to even entertain such a thought, but then again… I was on holiday and far away from everything.
If an opportunity arose, who was I to say no?
7
SUMMER
The drive from the airport to the resort was a long one, and conversation between Theo and me died as exhaustion took hold of us both. By the time we had switched cars and been driven up to the private chalet by security, it was a struggle to keep my eyes open, but I pushed through right until the chalet itself came into view.
Nestled into the side of the mountain and surrounded by crisp white snow that twinkled like a thousand stars wherever the light touch it, was the single most stunning building I had ever seen. Rolling log walls and a high-arched roof swept up toward the sky, catching the stars themselves as the snow glistened on the rafters. The carved wooden pillars of the porch shone brightly, wrapped in multicolored lights highlighting the cleared driveway and the other cars already parked there. Solid wood railings draped across the porch and surrounding balcony, and the large bay windows bled warmth from the cozy light within. The snow-covered pine trees finished off the effect of this Christmas card come to life , and I couldn’t hide the awe on my face even if I wanted to.
“Beautiful, right?” Theo grinned at me as we climbed out of the car.
“Why not stay here all year round?” I said softly. “I feel like my soul will be cleansed just by breathing this air.” Sharp and cold, it filled my lungs like shards of glass, but I welcomed the sensation. It was thrilling.
“I would if I could,” Theo grinned, and he patted my shoulder. “I don’t know about you, but I’m dying for my bed.”
Leaving the guards to bring in the cases, Theo led the way up the wooden staircase and knocked twice on the gigantic front door. It was an ornate, dark wood with colorful stained glass in the window. A large festive wreath hung from the bottom of the window, and what little snow had gathered on the leaves drifted off when Theo pushed the door open.
We were hit with a wall of heat and light as Christmas music drifted through the air, mingling with the laughter and cheers of the children. Stepping inside, we both stamped our feet to rid our boots of lingering snow and walked into the large lounge. To my right sat an incredible stone fireplace that was lit and blazing away behind several layers of protective glass and frame. A gigantic fir Christmas tree took up most of the left corner. It was covered in a thousand colorful twinkling lights, tinsel, and more decorations than I could count.
At its base sat Luke, kneeling with Ava in his lap as they placed another decoration on the tree together. Jax was nearby with Kane on his shoulders, helping him place a decoration further up while Bonnie danced around Tabitha’s legs with a roll of tinsel and tiny reindeer antlers on her head.
“Daddy!” Kane yelled the moment he caught sight of Theo. Everyone turned to look at us, and Theo threw himself forward, catching Kane as he toppled from Jax’s shoulders. He immediately bundled his son up in his arms with a happy groan.
“Kane! God, I missed you!”
“Hi, Uncle Theo,” Bonnie and Ava cheered in unison, then Bonnie caught sight of me and fell silent, hiding behind Tabitha’s skirt.
“Summer!” Jax flashed me a brilliant smile, and my heart leaped. “I trust the journey wasn’t too terrible?”
“Theo is an awful traveling companion,” Luke chuckled. As he climbed to his feet, I noticed that he seemed to be having trouble with his right leg, but I quickly realized it was probably a cramp from kneeling on the ground.
“Shut up,” Theo groaned, his voice muffled as he tickled and hugged Kane.
“He was perfectly pleasant,” I smiled. Suddenly, Ava came running toward me with her arms outstretched.
“Hi there,” I said as I crouched down to accept her hug.
“Hi!” Ava declared loudly, “Would—would you be able to read to me again? Please? Daddy tried, but he doesn’t do it right!”
“You ruined her with those voices,” Luke chuckled. “How can I compete?”
My instinct was to agree despite how tired I was, but just as I opened my mouth to say so, Tabitha appeared in a whirlwind of skirts, pulling her cardigan tight over her shoulders.
