Page 64 of The Doctor's Twins

“Okay. I have two surprises for you.”

Peyton opened her eyes and rolled onto her back.

“Good morning, handsome,” she smiled and stretched out lazily.

“Hello, beautiful. Did you sleep well?”

“Like a log, thanks. What’s this about a surprise?”

“I’m taking you away for the weekend.”

“What about work?”

“All taken care of.”

“Ooh, that sounds like fun. Where are we going?”

“That’s the surprise part.”

“You’re not going to make me fish again, are you?”

“What? Do you mean to tell me you aren’t a fishing convert? And after I spent all that time cleaning your catch. How rude,” I teased and bent down to kiss her beautiful lips.

“Hey, I’m happy that you have your passions. But I’m happy to send you off with a picnic basket and some beer.”

“Oh, well. Can’t blame a guy for trying. Anyway, no, it’s not a fishing trip.”

“In that case…yay!” she said, yawned, and grinned.

“It’s a good thing you’re so cute. Otherwise, I’d dump your fishing-hating butt right now,” I said and climbed into bed with her.

“I do have other qualities you may find enjoyable,” she purred and reached into my shorts.

“Oh, who cares about fish, anyway?” I smiled and proceeded to ravage my gorgeous lover.

Making love to Peyton was an experience I’d always treasure. Since she shared her past with me, our intimacy had taken on a whole new dimension. She’s given herself to me fully, and that made all the difference. It wasn’t that sex was bad before, on the contrary. But there was a tenderness and a vulnerability now that was spellbinding. I was deeply and completely in love with her.

Peyton’s arm was healed, and she no longer flinched when she laughed, so I assumed that the bruising around her ribs had also subsided. Unfortunately, her psyche was still a little spooked.

I noticed small things that she did when she didn’t know I was watching. For instance, she would check the rearview mirror way too often while we drove somewhere. Sure, New York was a crazy place to drive, but even so, I knew she was looking for Mateo.

Also, she chewed her lip whenever we left the house or the hospital. I couldn’t imagine what she must have been going through, but I thought I’d give her a break for a few days and take her away to a mountain retreat where it would be just the two of us.

“Do you ski?” I asked her after we’d made love.

“Water, ice, or snow?”

“Snow.”

“A little. I’m not exactly James Bond, but I get by. Why?”

“Because, my delectable sexpot, I’ve booked us into a mountain lodge where all we’ll be doing is skiing, drinking red wine, and bonking like rabbits on a fur rug in front of a fireplace for three whole days and nights. What do you think about that?”

“I think you’re the perfect man,” Peyton said excitedly. “When do we go?”

“How quickly can you pack?”

“Pack? What for? Sounds like we’re going to be naked most of the time. Who needs clothes?”

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