Page 13 of Holiday Hijinks

“We are—oh my gosh, it really snowed!” she said excitedly, opening the blinds to look through the kitchen windows. “There must be a couple of inches out there.”

“We’re in the mountains, Ash. It snowed here last year, too.”

Ashleigh shot him a look.

“What?” he asked, his lips curling in a smile. “There was already snow on the ground when we arrived yesterday, and we knew it was in the forecast.” Slate pulled his phone from his pocket as the coffee began to brew, briefly glancing at it before turning his attention back to her.

“It just feels so magical here,” she finally said. “Like anything could happen.”

“It is only a couple days until Christmas,” he pointed out.

“Why do I have a feeling you have something up your sleeve?” Ashleigh asked, tilting her head as she looked at him.

Slate’s laughter filled the room “Because I surprised you with a Christmas tree, presents, and cabin completely decked out for the holidays?”

“And you were just checking your phone again.”

The smile slid off his face. “Unfortunately, that was some work issues.”

“But everything’s okay?” she questioned.

“For now.”

She frowned, and he crossed the room toward her, brushing back some of her hair. “Hey,” he said, looking into her eyes. “Everything’s okay. You know I have to keep apprised of multiple situations. Even when I’m off-duty, I’m not. I’m just making sure things are as they should be.”

“I know. I love how dedicated you are to your job. It’s a scary world out there,” she added with a shudder.

“That it is,” he agreed, his face darkening. Ashleigh reached up, lightly cupping his cheek. Slate hadn’t shaved yet, but the stubble on his jaw looked masculine and sexy. His eyes softened as he looked at her. “I have another Christmas present for you to open today.”

“I’m still recovering from the last one,” she quipped.

His eyes smoldered. “I rather liked that gift, too. But this one is purely for your enjoyment.”

“You bought me a vibrator?” she deadpanned.

Slate looked surprised for a beat then burst into laughter, playfully collecting her in his embrace. Ashleigh squealed in surprise, and he maneuvered her against the counter, caging her in with his muscular arms. “If I did ever buy you one, it’d be for both of us to enjoy—because I love making you come, Ash,” he said, his voice deep and husky. “Although I much prefer it to be on my mouth or cock.”

She flushed, and he lightly caressed her cheek, running his thumb over her lips. “I love how I can still make you blush. I’ve already explored every single inch of you. Thoroughly.” Herbreath caught, and he ducked lower, their breaths intermingling. She could smell his clean, masculine scent and feel the warmth radiating off his muscular body. Slate hovered there for a beat as Ashleigh’s heart thundered in her chest, and she felt pinned in place by the scorching look he gave her. Slate moved infinitesimally closer, the moment making it feel like they were suspended in time, and then his mouth finally met hers in a seductive kiss.

Ashleigh whimpered and yielded to him as Slate took his time tasting her lips, sliding his tongue against hers. He was already growing hard between them but gave her one more slow kiss before pulling back.

“We should take vacations together more often,” she said breathlessly when they finally came up for air.

He licked his lips, smirking. “That we should. But don’t worry, aside from today’s present, I still have a few more surprises for this trip.” Her eyes lit up, but he chuckled. “That’s for later, sweetheart. Now, what do you want for breakfast?”

“You’re teasing me,” she said.

“Yep.” He looked darn proud of himself, his green eyes dancing with amusement. Slate was stern and serious around the men he commanded but almost a different person entirely with her. She still recalled how shocked his men had been last year when he’d shown up with her in San Diego. She imagined it was somewhat the same with Jett and Anna. Jett’s team was all former military, running black ops. The two of them were opposites in every way.

“You’re no fun,” Ashleigh playfully pouted.

“What if I promise it’ll be worth the wait?” he questioned, his eyes sparking with mischief. “And I’ll even make you breakfast in the meantime.”

Ashleigh smiled as he turned to pour them both cups of coffee. The scent of the dark roast brew had filled the kitchen, and her stomach rumbled. “I guess I’ll have to be patient. And how about omelets for breakfast?” she asked hopefully.

“Omelets it is,” he said. “And thank God you didn’t ask for homemade waffles, because the one time I attempted those, it was a disaster.”

She giggled. “I think I remember that. You were really grumpy afterward.”

---