Page 23 of Connected By Christmas
“I love camping…in warmer weather. We are going to freeze to death.”
“I’ll keep you warm with my body heat.” She looks so confused, and I have to fight to keep a straight face. I start seeing numbers listed on signs that lead to private campsites.
When I see number eleven, I pull off into the narrow path and follow it further into the woods. We eventually come to a clearing with a white dome tent nestled back on a ledge overlooking the mountains. The sun has long set, so the onlylight comes from the flickering flames of the fire in the tent. I asked them to prep our tent and have the fire going ahead of time. I wanted Bell to get the full beauty of the place when we arrived.
“We’re glamping?” She stares in awe at the beautiful lit-up dome. She jumps out of the truck, and I follow her as she takes in the place. “I’ve always wanted to do this,” she whispers.
“I know. It’s on your bucket list, and you’ve been working so hard on planning our wedding that I wanted to do something special for y..” My last word is cut off as she leaps into my arms. Chuckling, I hold her as she wraps her arms around me and grasps my face with her hands.
“I love you so much, Maverick Alexander Lane.”
“I love you too, Isabella Maya Bennett.”
She leans down to kiss me, and I immediately welcome her beautiful lips. If I could feel one thing for the rest of my life, it would be the feel of her in my arms. Nothing has ever felt so right. She feels like home and everything good in life at the same time. I’m a better person just being in her presence.
Pulling back, she beams at me. “Let’s go see the inside. I can’t wait to see what it looks like. I’ve only seen these in pictures.” I set her down and chuckle at her enthusiasm as I get our bag out of the truck.
The snow is crisp under our feet as we make our way to the entrance. We pass two Adirondack chairs next to a firepit as we walk the lighted walkway to the door. I press in the keycode that the owner gave and follow her inside.
I hear her gasp as she stares wide-eyed at our surroundings. The pictures on the website don’t do it justice. White fur rugs are scattered throughout the wooden floor. There is a small kitchen in the far back corner with a small island and two bar stools for eating meals. Most of the dome is covered in white curtains,allowing privacy when needed, but also allows the curtains to be tied back for a three-sixty view when desired.
A big king-size bed sits in the middle, facing the front of the dome. I was told this dome had the best view of the sunrise in the morning, and that’s why I wanted it. Sunrises have always been our special thing together. The curtains are pulled back in this area, and I can’t imagine how beautiful the view will be with the first rays of light hitting the mountains in the morning.
A small fireplace sits next to the bed, and beyond that is a big standing tub, allowing the heat from the fireplace to warm you in both areas.
“Mav, look.” I glance back at Bell and see her lying on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. “Stars,” she whispers in awe.
I lie down next to her and realize the entire top of the dome is clear, giving us a full view of the night sky. Smiling, I reach for her hand and stare at all the constellations. I immediately see ours, and I can tell she saw it, too, by the way she is grinning.
“It’s beautiful,” she breathes. “This whole place is absolutely breathtaking.” She squeals excitedly and straddles me.
“This view is even more breathtaking.” I see the red appear on her cheeks at my compliment. My hands run along her black leggings, covering her thighs before landing on her perfect ass.
“So is mine,” she says softly. “Why don’t you pour us a glass of that Prosecco I saw chilling on the countertop while I freshen up a bit?” Her breath caresses my skin, sending a wave of heat through my body. Feeling her lips touch my neck, I dig my fingers deeper into her flesh, pressing her against me further. “I need to get out of these ski clothes and into something more comfortable,” she whispers in my ear.
“As much as I love this sexy ski bunny look you have going on, I agree with you. You are wearing entirely too many layers.”
“Let’s see what the girls packed for me,” she grins, kicking her leg over me before getting off the bed. I throw my arm overmy eyes and hear her giggle when she sees the state my body is in. I’m straining hard against my black pants, and there is no mistaking how much my body wants her right now.
“I may need a minute before I can move,” I mumble, willing my body to relax. She giggles again, and the sound makes me harder.
“You have two seconds to get that gorgeous ass of yours in the bathroom before I haul you back in bed and start ripping all those clothes off.” My voice is low and dangerously close to giving in to what my body wants.
Another small giggle escapes as she grabs the bag from the floor and runs to the bathroom. I hear the water turn on and listen to her move around in there. I have no clue what she’s about to change into, but knowing the girls, they probably bought her something that will undoubtedly bring me to my knees.
Chapter Nine
Maverick and Bella
BELLA
My cheeks are flushedas I look at my reflection in the mirror. It took everything in me not to let him haul me back into bed, but I really want to wow him tonight. I toss my beanie on the floor and comb through my long blond hair.
Grabbing the bag, I start looking through Mav and I’s packed clothes, hoping my friends didn’t disappoint. I spot the Christmas bag and pull it out. I peek inside and grin, pulling out the red lingerie. They definitely did not disappoint. I stare at the one-piece outfit that leaves little to the imagination. White fur trims the deep V down the front, giving you a sexy Santa feel.
I look in the bag again and see a short red satin robe and my red high heels that Maverick loves so much. One of the girls must have grabbed them from my closet back home because I didn’t pack them for this trip. I bounce with excitement as I take off my boots and peel off my fleece-lined leggings and sweater.
Grinning, I stand and look at my reflection in the full-length mirror attached to the back of the door. Mav is going to love this. The V barely covers the front of my breasts before dipping low below my belly button. It sits high on my hips with an open back and thong. Pulling on the robe, I feel something in the pocket and reach inside, revealing a pair of red satin-covered handcuffs with matching white fur. Laughing, I put them back in my pocket. That has Sophia written all over it.
