Page 152 of Some Like It Hot

I’m home.

CHAPTER 38

Blake

“Oh, my God!” Elise says emphatically, nearly jerking my arm out of the socket.

I wish it was mid-orgasm from pure ecstasy, but for once, it’s because she’s terrified.

We’re flying in a single-engine plane chartered by Simon over the frozen lake to the landing strip on the south end of the island, en route to a cozy and intimate Valentine’s Day weekend and my lake house—yes, mine.

Or rather, ours.

My wife and I both have our names on the title thanks to my grandmother—who, by the way, claimed she knew our engagement was fake the entire time when I finally confessed. In my mind, Aidan and Simon have a stake in it too, so I plan to add both of their names to the title, just in case.

This is the first time any of them are seeing the cabin and I’m excited as hell.

Elise is excited about the house and the time away from work for the four of us.

Not so excited about the flying part.

“Don’t worry, in the summer, we just take the boat over,” I assure her, wrapping my arm around her shoulder and pulling her in tightly against my chest.

“Are we almost there?” Aidan asks.

To my surprise, he doesn’t look entirely thrilled with this flight, either. He’s gripping the armrests with white knuckles.

Simon, on the other hand, is used to a lifetime of private jets and aviation hobbies. He’s sitting back, totally relaxed, sipping a bourbon.

“There’s the landing strip right there,” I point out, gesturing out the window.

“Thank you, Jesus,” Elise breathes.

We flew from O’Hare to Duluth, then hopped on this charter plane to head out to the island the house is on. I’ve arranged for everything we need for the weekend to be dropped off at the house ahead of time, and a surprise for Elise is packed in my duffle bag. Well, one of her surprises.

I kiss Elise’s temple and squeeze her reassuringly. “We’ll be on the ground in five minutes.”

“Not soon enough,” Aidan mutters.

Simon puts his hand on Aidan’s knee and squeezes. “I’m sorry this is making you nervous, yet at the same time I’m delighting in finding one way I’m actually tougher than you.”

Aidan shoots his boyfriend a look of disbelief. “Seriously? I just have a sensitive stomach.”

“I’ve watched you eat a twelve ounce steak and drink a six-pack of beer. You do not have a sensitive stomach.” Simon gives him a smile. “But I find you very endearing right now.”

“You’re just lucky I love you,” Aidan grumbles.

“You’re going to love me even more later on tonight.”

Aidan’s eyes darken, but he doesn’t respond. He just glances back out the window to check our flight status.

I assume Simon’s comment was a sexual innuendo but Elise giggles and covers her mouth immediately to stop herself. Simon shoots her a sharp look.

Huh.

Why do I feel like those two are cooking something up for Aidan?

Maybe I’m not the only one planning a surprise this weekend.

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