Page 78 of Lock 'em Down

And it’s more than magic.

The following morning, I wake bright and early. I open the blinds and look out over the glistening lake. “I could get used to this.”

“You and me both,” Leif replies, coming up behind me and dropping a kiss to my shoulder.

“I can’t believe you already went for a run.” I wrinkle my nose at him. I was certain I’d wake up before him but, in true Leif fashion, he was already working out by the time I opened my eyes.

He shrugs and pinches my ass. “I was hoping you’d still be in bed.”

“I’m sure you were.”

Leif grins. “You sure you’ll be okay on your own today? I know you hit it off with Piper but?—”

“Don’t worry about me,” I cut him off. “I know you have groomsmen duties to attend to. And honestly? I’m looking forward to enjoying the sunshine and the lake. Maybe even checking out the town.”

“Okay.” He kisses my cheek. “But call me if you need anything.”

“First thing I need is coffee,” I admit.

Leif taps my ass. “Hudson already put a fresh pot on the stove.”

“No wonder Piper’s in love with him,” I tease, entering our closet to pull out some clothes.

Leif laughs. “Yeah, I’m sure it’s the coffee.”

I snort and change into a sundress. Leif rinses off quickly in the shower and when he’s dressed, we head downstairs together.

The house is already bustling. Piper, Hudson, James, and Ray huddle around the kitchen table, drinking coffee and eating eggs and pancakes.

“Seriously? I thought I woke up so early!” I tell them.

Ray chuckles. “Not with this crowd.” He gestures toward the table. “This crew subscribes to the five AM club.”

I wrinkle my nose. “Sounds awful.”

“I’m with you, Cam,” Piper says, glancing at me. “I woke up about five minutes ago.”

Ray laughs. “More like two.”

Piper flips him the bird. “Help yourself to some coffee and breakfast,” Piper advises, pointing her fork toward the stove.

“Thanks,” I say, grabbing a plate. Then, I look at Ray. “You went running too?”

“Five miles,” he quips.

“Show-off,” Piper mutters.

Hudson, James, and Leif laugh.

Ray scowls.

I fix a plate for Leif and pass it to him.

He kisses me softly. “Thank you, babe.”

“Oh, God,” Ray moans. “First them”—he gestures toward Piper and Hudson—“and now y’all?” He glares at me and Leif.

I grin. “Can’t help myself, Ray. My man’s got moves.”

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