Page 44 of Anything For This Love

“Better get started,” he instructs with a mischievous grin.

“Ugh,” I groan and start pulling clothes from my drawer and tossing them into my suitcase. Once I have everything I want, I practically sprint to the bathroom and jump in the shower, washing as quickly as I can. I toss my toiletries and makeup into a bag and go to throw it on my bed. When I enter my room, Jacob is packing a stack of Chloe’s clothes into my suitcase.

“These look okay?” he asks as I approach the bed.

I peer inside and give my nod of approval. “Good job,” I praise, rather impressed. “You even grabbed her Christmas dress and the shoes that go with it. Maybe I should’ve let you pack for me,” I joke, bumping my shoulder against his.

“Oh, I’ve already packed a few things for you,” he responds. “Did I mention I had one last present to give you? I didn’t think you’d want to open it in front of everyone else, so I saved it for when we’re alone.” His eyes flare and my entire body heats, my skin tingling with anticipation.

“I can’t wait.” I expect him to lean in for a kiss, but instead he steps back, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Better finish up. We gotta leave soon.” His crooked grin disappears out of my sight as he leaves my room. It takes a moment for me to blink away the fog and reel in the lust that has overcome me from his teasing.

“You know,I’ve never been in an airplane like this before,” I offer as we settle into our seats. “I’ve only ever been in a helicopter one time. That’s the extent of my flying experience.” I smile warmly, remembering the date we had where he treated me like royalty.

“I’m glad I get to experience these firsts with you.”

“Are you going to tell me what you’re doing? I mean, I already know we’re going to Asheville since it was on the boarding sign. It’s not like you could hidethatpart from me,” I prod. Admittedly, I don’t know much about the town, but I’m anxious to know more about this trip. I love surprises, but the suspense is killing me.

“Nice try.” He smirks and I cross my arms, pretending to pout.

“Fine.” He laughs, amused at my faux chagrin.

Jacob closes his eyes and takes several deep breaths as the plane takes off. He’s not a fan of heights but manages to keep himself calm during the flight. Chloe dozes off shortly after the plane is in the air. Our flight coincides perfectly with nap time, so our toddler sleeps through two-thirds of our trip. It gives Jacob and me time to talk, a nice change from the typical noise and chaos during our usual visits. Plus this time, we don’t have the option of resorting to sex just because we have a little time to ourselves.

Once we land and Jacob secures our rental, an SUV similar to what he drives back home, he clips Chloe's car seat into place and I help him load the luggage before driving away.

“Here, put this on,” he instructs, handing me a blindfold.

“Seriously?” I ask, holding it up.

“Yes, seriously. I don’t want you to see where we’re going until we get there or it’ll ruin the surprise.”

“Fine,” I huff, bringing the black silk to my eyes and tying it around the back of my head.

“Good girl,” he croons, his voice low and tantalizing. “If you leave that on until I tell you to take it off, I’ll let you wear it later while I explore your entire body with my tongue.”

His big, strong hand lands on my thigh and squeezes. I suck in a sharp breath as goosebumps prickle my skin. My nipples pucker at the thought of him circling each one with his hot tongue. I press my thighs together, trying to soothe the ache that’s settled between them and he lets out a low curse.

“Damn, did you like that idea?”

“Yes.”

“I’m gonna run off the road if you don’t stop looking so sexy and aroused over there. You already look good enough to eat, but with your chest rising and falling like that and your thighs clamped over my fingers, it’s more than I can handle.”

I force my legs to relax and calm my breathing. A moment later, we slow to a stop and Jacob rolls his window down. He gives someone his name and a man says, “Enjoy your stay,” with a chuckle in his voice. My face flames with embarrassment, certain he saw me sitting in the passenger seat wearing a silk blindfold.

The SUV pulls forward slowly. “Take it off,” Jacob says as we roll to a stop. I slip the silk down my eyes and gaze up at a sprawling mansion, the edifice bathed in buttery light against the backdrop of the setting sun. A massive tree adorned with bright, twinkling lights glows from the front courtyard.

“What is this place?” I ask, my voice filled with wonder.

“This is the Biltmore.”

I can’t disguise the awe in my voice. “I’ve heard of this place but have never seen it before. It’s beautiful.”

He gives a satisfied smile. “They go all out for Christmas. Just wait until you see the inside.”

“How did you pull this off on such short notice? I bet it has to be booked a year in advance.”

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