Page 24 of An Undisputed Christmas
When we finally emerged from the warming hut, the cold air hit us like a gentle sting, but Jax's arm immediately wrapped around my waist, pulling me against the solid warmth of his side.
My cheeks were still flushed from more than just the cold, and I caught the knowing looks from Sierra and Isla—smug little smiles that said they knew exactly what had transpired behind that closed door.
The guys pressed steaming cups of hot chocolate into our hands without comment, but Connor looked at Jax in amusement while Adrian's eyes danced with mischief.
"My feet are absolutely killing me," Sierra announced, shifting her weight from one foot to another. "These rental skates are torture devices disguised as winter fun."
"Same," I groaned, suddenly very aware of the ache spreading through my ankles. "I think I've lost all feeling in my toes."
"Can we please go home before we lose any actual digits to frostbite?" Isla added, laughing. "I'm thinking we should stop for something on the way. Maybe that little bistro we passed?"
"Oooh, yes," Sierra perked up immediately. "Something hot and yummy.”
Connor made a sound that was equal parts grunt and sigh. "Because apparently my cooking isn't good enough."
"Your cooking is amazing," we assured him quickly. "We're just feeling indulgent after pretending to be Olympic athletes all day."
"Speak for yourself," Adrian interjected with a grin. "Some of us actually have natural grace on ice.”
"Some of us are natural show-offs," Jax corrected.
The drive back to the cabin was filled with gentle teasing and comfortable chatter, Christmas music drifting softly from the radio while snow continued to dust the windshield.
By the time we pulled up to the cabin, warm golden light was spillingfrom every window, and I could see the twinkling fairy lights that adorned the wraparound porch like a holiday movie.
Inside, the atmosphere was pure Christmas magic. A fire crackled merrily in the stone hearth, casting shadows across walls adorned with garlands of fresh pine and holly.
The air was redolent with the scent of cinnamon and cloves, something indefinably festive that made my chest warm with contentment.
"Hot tub," Isla declared the moment we shed our coats and scarves. "I need to soak these poor muscles before they seize up completely."
"Best idea all day," Sierra agreed, already heading toward the stairs to change into her swimsuit.
Twenty minutes later, we were making our way out to the covered patio, where steam was already rising invitingly from the massive hot tub.
The deck was a winter paradise with Christmas lights strung around the support beams, garland wrapped around the railings, and even a small evergreen tree in the corner decorated with waterproof ornaments that sparkled in the light.
The contrast between the heated deck and the cold night air made my skin prickle with anticipation.
Snow was falling steadily beyond the covered area, flakes drifting down like confetti in the glow of the string lights, accumulating on the deck furniture and creating a pristine white carpet that stretched into the darkness.
I slipped into the bubbling water with a sigh of pure bliss, the heat immediately penetrating muscles I hadn't even realized were tense.
The water was perfectly heated, hot enough to make my skin flush pink but not uncomfortably so. Steam rose around us in lazy spirals, creating an intimate cocoon that felt separate from the rest of the world.
"Oh my god," Sierra breathed, wading deeper into the water until only her shoulders were visible. "This is heaven. Actual heaven."
"I could live in here," Isla agreed, sinking down to her chin, letting her hair fan out around her like a halo.
Jax settled behind me, his strong arms circling my waist as he pulled me back against his bare chest. The skin-to-skin contactwith his muscles made me shiver despite the heat, and I could feel his satisfied smile against my hair.
His hands were warm and possessive on my skin, thumbs tracing idle patterns down my torso that made my stomach flutter.
Across from us, Connor had claimed a corner of the tub with Sierra curled sideways on his lap, her head resting on his shoulder.
His frame dwarfed her completely, one large hand holding her while the other trailed through the water absently. He looked more relaxed than I'd seen him all day, the tension finally leaving his shoulders.
Isla was nearly submerged nearby, her head tipped back to gaze at the snowy scenery and stars above.
