Page 41 of Next in Line
I drop the bags in the kitchen and turn to head back out to the truck again, but she stands her ground in the hallway, refusing to let me pass.
“Maggie, let me through. There are still a couple of things I need to grab.”
I move to walk past her, and she presses her hands into my abs and pushes me back. “Not until you agree to take the bedroom.”
“Maggie, I’m not that kind of guy,” I reply, dropping my gaze to where her hands are still on my stomach.
She immediately rips her hands away, embarrassed to be caught touching me. “Well, I’m not that kind of girl.”
I exhale heavily. “I go camping with Miles all the time, and we sleep on the ground. Trust me, that couch is probably nicer than my bed!”
“It is not. I’ve seen your bed,” she barks, crossing her arms and staring back at me.
I step back, my brows furrowing at that response. “When did you see my bed?”
Her face goes white, her blue eyes wide and panicky. “Never mind. Just…when I was using your bathroom,” she stammers. “You won’t take my money, so you at least have to take the bed. You’re the one who raced up that silo like an Olympian, so I’m afraid I must insist.” She braces her hands on the hallway. It’s so cute that she thinks she can form an immovable barrier between me and the rest of our gear outside.
I prop my hands on my hips as I try to stare her into silent submission.
It doesn’t work.
“You know I can pick you up and move you, right? I’ve done it before.”
Her eyes narrow in challenge. “But you won’t.”
Oh, but I’d like to. Instead, I pull my lips into my mouth, rubbing them together in frustration before finally shaking my head. “Fine, I’ll take the bedroom.”
She squeals in victory, and her arms wrap tightly around my waist for a quick hug. I stare up at the ceiling, doing my best to ignore the fact that her celebratory hugs are making me wonder what she looks like naked.
We head back outside and unload the rest of our gear, then get to work unpacking and putting everything where it belongs. I begrudgingly plop my duffle bag on the bedroom floor and come striding out to find Maggie standing in front of the back door slider off the living room. She’s turned off all the lights in the great room to get a better view of the outdoors, so all that glows in the small space is the crackling fire inside the hearth.
I take a moment, not to check out the view of the mountains, but to appreciate the sight of Maggie with her back turned. Her long, dark hair hangs down her back, and my eyes fall to the curve of her supple ass on full display in her tight leggings. Her feet are bare and dainty looking as her toes wiggle into the gray fur rug. I have a strange desire to touch them, rub them, feel some sort of skin-on-skin contact with her again because it’s been too long since I’ve touched her lips. Her gray knit sweater hangs off one shoulder, and I reflexively lick my lips at the idea of touching them to her flesh right by her black bra strap.
Goddamn, she’s sexy. Even when she’s not even trying to be.
“Some view,” I state, stepping up beside her and shoving my hands into my pockets. Sweeping views of mountains paint the far distance, and a hot tub is nestled at the end of the property. Beyond that are the snowy ski hills with rows of bright lights illuminating everything. The lifts are full of boarders and skiers alike, all out late enjoying the fresh powder.
“Have you skied out here before?” Maggie asks, peering over at me.
I nod. “Yes, a lot actually.”
I look over and see her shaking her head at me. “Is there anything you haven’t done?”
I chuckle and raise my eyebrows. “I’ve never sat in a hot spring, to be honest, so if we find that, it’ll be a new experience for me as well.”
Maggie’s eyes light up. “That’s right. Where is it? I only saw the hot tub out there.”
I point at a small wooden bridge to the left that disappears into the woods on the east side of the house. Dimly lit with snow-covered outdoor lanterns, it leads back into this apparent oasis. “I was reading the cabin’s note in the kitchen, and it said it’s just down that way. Totally private, I guess. We’re supposed to call security if we catch anyone else in it.”
“Awesome,” Maggie replies with a wide-eyed look of excitement. “Let’s go.”
“Now?” I ask, amazed that she’s up for it already.
“Yes, now! Let’s put on our swimsuits, pour some of that wine you packed, and go check it out!”
“Okay,” I reply, trying to hide my pleased smile from her because I can feel her staring at me. “Let’s do it.”
Moments later, I’m trying to keep my tongue in my mouth as I walk into the kitchen to find Maggie in nothing but a little black bikini. And I mean…little. If her brother caught her wearing that, he’d freak the fuck out.
