Page 17 of Holiday Hijinks

“How’s Anna feel about that?” Slate joked.

“She’s damn happy. How’s my future sister-in-law?” Jett asked, and Slate could picture his smile.

Slate shook his head, pacing back and forth in the bedroom. “She realizes I’m planning something but is in the dark as to the specifics. She’s asked for hints a few times, but I’ve refused to give in.”

Jett chuckled.

“What’s so funny? Your own wife surprised you with a wedding.”

“That she did,” Jett agreed. “And it was fucking spectacular.”

Slate muttered under his breath as Jett barked out a laugh. After speaking for a few moments, they ended the call. Slate still hadn’t heard back from West but figured he’d give him some more time to respond. West had already hacked into the hotel’s security feed where Slate had originally made reservations. In addition, Jett had men staying there tonight, and they’d all be watching for the men tracking Slate.

Tomorrow was the day the terror cell expected him to arrive in Seattle. How they were specifically connected to the men after him last year was anyone’s guess. Slate didn’t have a name or photo of who’d been monitoring him. He didn’t know what specifically they wanted retaliation for. Slate had run hundredsof missions over the years. Those seeking revenge could be mad at him for a multitude of reasons.

He had other details to worry about as well—namely, getting Ashleigh to Seattle tomorrow so he could marry the woman of his dreams. She’d spoken of baking Christmas cookies, and he felt a twinge of regret that they’d have to postpone that plan. Not that he’d ordered baking ingredients anyway, but she was already asking him if they could head to the small store in the nearby town.

Slate wasn’t used to deceiving her. He could never share details of his classified, military work, but that was different. He should probably tell her tonight that he wanted to whisk her off to Seattle in the morning. Cursing, he saw the reply from West.

West:Nothing suspicious on the security feed. Jett already has men in place. We’ll alert you ASAP if any trouble arises.

Slate:Appreciate it.

West:And congratulations on the upcoming wedding. Anna is quite excited about it.

Shaking his head, Slate pocketed the phone.

“Guess what?” Ashleigh asked, poking her head into the bedroom. Slate did a double take as she moved into the room wearing nothing but a sexy, red satin robe. It crossed over her breasts, and her shapely legs peeked out beneath. “Anna finally texted to say that they’re flying out here. You knew before me!”

Slate’s lips quirked. “I’m glad Jett’s not planning to stay here with us,” he joked. “With you looking like that, I want you all to myself.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively, and she giggled.

“Then it’s a good thing they have a hotel in the city. Also, Anna told me to check the stockings. According to her, there’s no needto wait until Christmas because whatever’s inside will be fun tonight.”

“Do we even want to know what she put in them?” Slate hedged.

Ashleigh gleefully took his hand and tugged him into the living room. “Knowing her, it could literally be anything. We’ll peek in the stockings, I’ll give you my gift, and then you can unwrap my robe,” she teased.

Slate smirked. Usually, he was the one giving orders, but it was cute as hell to see Ashleigh so excited about her present. He watched as she took the “Bride” stocking off the mantle. She pursed her lips together as she pulled out several strips of condoms, each with a naughty sticker placed on the wrapper. Ashleigh read one, her cheeks turning pink. “Lick me like a candy cane.”

Slate raised his eyebrows, trying not to laugh. He nodded toward the “Groom” stocking. “Can’t wait to see what’s in the other one,” he said dryly.

She reached up to remove it and peered inside. “This one has…flavored condoms. And edible massage oil?” she questioned, looking doubtful as she read over the description.

“Huh. That explains it,” he said as he shook his head.

“Explains what?”

“When Anna texted me the other day, she told me the stockings were foreplay.”

“At least now we know why she and Jett have so many kids,” Ashleigh joked. “They keep all their condoms here at the cabin.”

“Ha ha,” Slate said, but his lips quirked as he remembered the groceries Anna had delivered for them last year. The brown bags on the front porch had been filled with food, wine…and a box of condoms. Quite unexpected given that he and Ashleigh hadknown each other for about ten minutes, and he’d been planning on sending her to a hotel for the night.

“Oh! Wait here,” Ashleigh said, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she set down the stocking. “I want to get your present.”

“Can I come, too?” he asked huskily, moving to follow her.

“I know you’re not good at taking orders, but humor me this time?” she pleaded.

---