Page 116 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
“It seems like a great place for a family vacation,” Clark agreed, leaning over to look at my phone.
His closeness was comforting and not only because I liked cuddles. Being with him made me feel like myself. That real self that I’d been trying to poke out.
We drove through the gates of the wilderness park. As soon as I saw the sign, the memories hit me like a puck to the face. The place was beautiful, filled with trails, deer, wolves, rabbits, foxes, bison, and many other animals. There was a drive-through path, a learning barn, hiking trails, a tree top adventure place, picnic areas, a lake, and streams.
By the time we pulled up to the sprawling wooden lodge, I knew exactly where we were. Dread lumped in my belly.
“Are you okay, Ladybug?” Dean asked as we got off the bus.
“What happens if the park doesn't let me stay?” I’d had a different name, but I’d be mortified if I had to go back to New York in disgrace.
“What did you do?” Dean laughed.
“My brother’s mating ceremony was here. I tried to take home an arctic fox that I’d befriended.” If it wasn’t for my sister Maricella, I’d have succeeded. I’d had a plan. My nonna was a vet. My aunt ran an animal refuge. It wasn’t like I was going to keep the fox in my room.
Okay, much or often.
Clark draped an arm around my shoulders. “It’ll be okay, Gweny.”
He went over to check in. I used the bathroom, then returned to the lobby. The opulent wooden lodge was as I remembered.
Clark bounded over to me. “I have our key code and schedules. Dimitri booked a wolf villa that you, me, him, Carlos, and Valya are sharing. Like it’s in the wolf area and you can watch them through enormous windows.”
“Oooh. That sounds amazing.” I remembered the wolves.
We set off in golf carts, and I looked over my schedule. Everyone’s was a little different; like I had goalie dance practice shortly. We passed the opulent chalets where I was pretty sure I’d stayed as a kid.
Not that the villas were dumpy. No, they were adorable three-bedroom suites with balconies and full kitchens.
Valya got her own room, Carlos and Dimitri were sharing one, and Clark and I had the other.
“Oh no, there is only one bed. Whatever will you do?” Carlos laughed as he showed us a room with a wolf view and one enormous bed.
“Fuck you, Carlos.” I laughed, giving him a playful shove.
“What? Not me.” Carlos knocked me with his hip.
It was a lovely room, with a fireplace and a couch. Obviously, these villas were meant for families, and this was the parents’ room. Carlos and Dimitri hadbunk beds.
“Are you going to be okay?” Clark asked me as we brought in our suitcases.
“I’m okay sharing a bed with you, Clark.” I began hanging up my dresses.
It had been a few days since he’d eaten me out on his motorcycle and I think I was ready for more. Okay, my head was ready for more. My lady parts had been wanting more, since the moment I’d gotten off the motorcycle.
“I won’t make any moves unless you ask.” Clark put his arms around me.
“What if I ask?” My chest shook a little. “We’re in Canada and this is a big step for me. I might need all the snuggles?” I mightneed some full body snuggles later. Not to mention I liked the two times we’d been together.
“My snuggles are all yours, including the full body naked ones.” He scooped me up and spun me around, and I could feel the heat between us.
There was only one bed. Poor me.
“Non, non, turn faster,” JP scolded, as we practiced the goalie dance, in a ballroom, in the main lodge.
This was thesilliestthing I’d ever experienced. It was just what you’d expect at a goalie wedding–a bunch of goalies dancing around to a medley of sexy club songs. The choreography wasfantastic, and we had custom jerseys that saidTeam Trembleyon them.
We also seemed to be short a dancer. I never had figured out who everyone was on the group chat. It wasn’t only me, Dean, and JP. Coach Kirov was there, as were other goalie friends of JP’s.
