Page 62 of Hexes and Exes

“Kidnapping. Freezing to death. Chipping a tooth. Do you know how expensive dental work is?” Ava starts ticking things off on fingers that are covered by her mitten.

“Where do you think I’m taking you? No trust. I swear.”

Ava laughs and relaxes back into her seat, making it clear she doesn’t care where we’re going. Her trust is a shock I’m not sure how to deal with.

The Grand Mystic Resort sprawls over a hundred acres of land. There’s a swimming pool in the main hotel, but there are also several rec buildings scattered throughout the property. Thebuilding farthest from the main lodge has been closed for the past month while a crack in the pool was fixed.

I received word earlier today that the work was done, and the building is ready to be opened to guests again. For now, it’s still closed.

“What’s this?” Ava asks when I park in front of the building. There’s a gym, sauna, pool and a hot tub inside. The section of the building with the pool and hot tub is completely encased in glass. There are only a few safety lights on inside, so it’s impossible to see through the windows.

“I know you like to go swimming in the frozen river with all your clothes on, but I thought we could try a climate-controlled pool this time.”

Ava glares at me, but that quickly morphs into a grin. “Is there a hot tub in there?”

“Yes.”

She squeals and jumps out of the car so fast, I’m left scrambling to catch up.

I use a code to open the door while she bounces back and forth on her toes. Ava darts inside first. Since she doesn’t know which way to go, she hovers just inside the door, waiting for me to lead the way.

I keep the lights off, grabbing her hand and guiding her through the hall that leads to the pool. The faint smell of chlorine hits my nose and the warmth from the heated pool instantly makes my coat too heavy.

“Is it warm? Can we turn on the hot tub?”

I fiddle with the switches on the wall. The hot tub is already heated, but with a press of a button, the bubbles thunder to life.

Ava kicks off her shoes and begins peeling off her layers of clothing.

“I imagined this being more seductive.” I can’t help but grin when her shirt gets stuck on her head. She squirms to free herarms, wiggling around while also trying to yank her socks off by stepping on the toes with one foot and pulling back with the other. She topples over, but I catch her before she falls into the pool.

“You really like swimming with your clothes on.” I tug her shirt, freeing her face and toss it on a nearby chair.

“Sorry, but the thought of sitting in the hot tub sounds so damn good.”

Now free of her shirt, Ava shucks the rest of her clothing in less than a minute. She’s down to her underwear before she finally pauses. “Are there cameras in here? Is some elderly couple staying at the resort going to come in for a late-night swim?

“It’s out of commission for another night. And no cameras. Feel free to keep your panties dry.”

“No hope of that around you.” Ava quips offhandedly and then freezes when she apparently realizes what she’s just said. She shrugs and then strips off her bra and underwear with no qualms.

I can’t take my eyes from her as she slowly dips a toe in the water, her groan echoing around the empty room. I love how she’s not covering herself or trying to deny me the view of her tempting as fuck body. There’s not a lot of light in here, but enough to see the shape of her sexy curves and her fucking perfect tits.

“Are you going to stay fully clothed and watch me like a creeper? Or are you coming in?”

“Yeah, I’m coming.” My clothes join hers on the chair and I slip into the water with a groan of my own. I reach out and grab her, pulling her onto my lap, her back to my chest. Her head falls back to rest on my shoulder as the water bubbles around us. My hands slide up her ribs and cup her breasts.

“Fuck, I want to devour you.” I nuzzle her neck and drop a kiss beneath her ear.

“Not bad for someone attractive enough.”

I freeze, wracking my brain. What is she talking about? “Did I say that?”

She angles her head to look at me, narrowing her eyes. “Maybe.”

I squeeze her breasts, pinching her nipples. I don’t doubt I said something that stupid. ”You’re beautiful. I was an idiot trying to hide how hard my dick was every time you walked by.”

“Romantic.” Ava shakes her head, but a low rumble of a laugh slips past her lips.

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