Page 63 of That Thing You Brew
“I love you, too, Zavey.Baronvon Schwann.” He patted me on the back. “Now get out of here.”
I laced my fingers through Penny’s and brought her hand to my lips. “Yes, sir!”
CHAPTER22
Penny
The Honeymoon Treehouse above Elk Creek Falls was everything I imagined it’d be.
Even in winter, the views were stunning, the sunset was magical, and the company … perfect. Cuddled up under a heavy blanket in the cozy window seat in my fleece leggings, oversize turtleneck sweater and fuzzy socks, I wanted to take in every detail, minor to major, and imprint it in my memory.
We’d had a lovely afternoon smooching over board games, and a surf and turf dinner of steak and lobster had been delivered after sunset. I’d destroyed Xavier at Scrabble, and he’d sunk all five of my battleships before I could get one hit on his. We were pretty evenly matched at Scattergories and abandoned the game when we tied it up over a music category that led to a slow dancing marathon that led to an even longer kissing marathon.
A storm was coming in overnight. The resort manager had delivered personal-size premade breakfast casseroles we could warm on the gas stovetop, in case the power went out or the four stories of steps to the road below were buried.
While Xavier stoked the fire, I waited for him to return to me. The side wall had temporarily replaced him as my lean-to in the window seat. Snowflakes fell from the patchy cloud cover, gliding down into the darkness, catching light from the moon and stars as they disappeared into the water and treetops. It was chilly in the window, but I wasn’t ready to lose the view—or the moment.
I leaned forward to allow Xavier to retake his spot behind me. I relaxed into him, secure in the snuggle and wishing this night could last forever.
“They’ve altered the forecast. Twelve to eighteen inches up here,” he said.
I shifted to look up at him. “Do we need to leave? What if we can’t get out tomorrow? You’ll miss practice.”
I was sure he’d thought of that, but just in case.
“Not a chance. I’ll pay the fine.” He kissed the top of my head. “You are my only focus right now, and I intend to spend every moment here until we get shoveled out fulfilling that promise I made to break our longest kiss record.”
“Oh really?” A thought occurred to me. In the regalest Renaissance-y accent I could summon, I challenged him. “Sir Zavey … Baron von Schwann …Milord,”I emphasized, knowing it would kick up his heart rate a bit. I kissed the pulse in his neck to confirm my hypothesis and leaned back to lock my eyes on his. “The Lady Lucky Penny wishes thou to cease speaking and bestow upon her lips all the promised kisses, at once.”
I’d never heard a primal growl such as the one that left Xavier’s mouth before it covered mine. I submitted to his kisses until all of my energy was expended.
Contented, I closed my eyes and welcomed the ascension into dreamland. In the window, in his arms, to the harmony of the waterfall’s serenade and the steady breathing of my equally contented husband.
Beds were overrated. This window seat was where all the magic was.
* * *
“Penny?”Xavier shifted underneath me. “Penny?” Nope, I wasn’t answering. “Penny?”
I pressed my lips together and fought to keep my eyes closed. I didn’t want to wake up from the coziest, most perfect dream I’d ever dreamed and face the day of going back to real life.
My next thought was fleeting, but for a few seconds I legit couldn’t wait for the end of hockey season.
No no no, you don’t mean that! Xavier could win the trophy for best defensive forward this year!
I know, I know! And once my classes end, I will be at EVERY game, including some away games, with a toffee coffee to ensure he breaks his away game scoring drought.
Atta girl! And then when his beautiful body is broken and battered from playoff hockey, you can nurse him back to health as you travel to all the pretty places!
Staaahp. You make her sound like an opportunist.
Only stating the reality. He travels every summer to Canada, and he said he’d take you to the chateau.
Truuuuuue.
“Penny? You’re missing the sunrise.”
“Mmmm.” I briefly opened my eyes to catch the sun rising over the falls as I twisted to bury my face in his … coat? The soft team-branded hoodie had been replaced by the scratchy wool overcoat.
