Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 152064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 760(@200wpm)___ 608(@250wpm)___ 507(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 152064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 760(@200wpm)___ 608(@250wpm)___ 507(@300wpm)
I shiver and wrap my arms around myself. “Uh, I’m probably heading in.” My pants are wet, there’s snow in my boots, and I’m pretty sure I have ice inside my shirt.
“Might be better to save that for tomorrow if the weather looks more promising.” Dred pats his chest.
“I thought the snow was coming later,” Connor grumbles.
“It is later.” Quinn holds out his phone. “It’s almost four, the sun is setting soon.”
We tromp back to the lodge as fat flakes make everything harder to see.
“Hot tub might be a good idea,” Quinn suggests.
“Yes!” Hammer agrees.
“I’m in,” Flip adds.
I say nothing. I’m not sure I can handle Flip in a bathing suit after what happened in the snow, but I don’t want to miss the opportunity either.
I hang my jacket on the heated drying rack in the mudroom, along with my gloves, toque, and scarf—all of which are soaked. Everyone who wasn’t outside building a snowman heads to the kitchen for drinks, while the rest of us climb the stairs.
“See you in a bit,” Quinn calls over his shoulder.
I disappear into my room, peeling off layers of wet clothes. I was right about the ice down my back. I cross to the dresser and grab my bikini, but I don’t make a move to go downstairs yet.
The hot tub would feel nice, but there’s new tension with Flip. A blanket by the fire might be the better option. Or I could just go talk to him. I pull on a pair of thermal leggings and an extra sweater, grab the book and step into the hall. I stop outside his door and summon my courage to knock. Bringing him a new book is a good icebreaker.
I raise my hand, but before I can knock, I find myself being tossed over a broad shoulder.
I shriek and drop the book on the floor. “What are you doing?” My cheek bounces twice against Quinn’s freckled back.
“It’s hot tub time!” Quinn shouts.
Flip pokes his head into the hall and frowns.
I give him a help me look.
“Romero! Hold up!” Flip shouts.
“Race you to the hot tub!” Quinn calls over his shoulder.
“My bathing suit is on my bed!”
Quinn darts into my room, grabs my bikini, and hustles back into the hall, Flip on our heels.
“Do not run down those stairs with Tally on your shoulder, Romero!” Flip snaps.
Quinn stops ten feet from the top of the stairs and gently sets my feet back on the ground. I’m lightheaded from being upside down, so when Flip moves in I brace my hand on his shoulder for balance.
“You okay, kitten?” His hand settles on my hip.
“I’m fine.” I don’t know if that’s entirely true. The whole vibe so far is wonky, and I’m pretty sure it’s all because I can’t get over my stupid mouth.
“Ease up, man. We’re just having some fun.” Quinn winks and heads for the stairs. “Let’s get some drinks!”
I smile at Flip—I’m sure it’s slightly manic—and keep my eyes on his chin so I don’t accidentally ogle his bare chest. “Seriously, I’m good.” I give him the thumbs-up. If Cammie could see me now.
By the time Flip and I make it to the kitchen, Quinn already has a cooler.
“Tally likes cider and margaritas,” Flip says.
“Got them right here.” Quinn holds up one of each.
“Thanks.” I didn’t realize Quinn paid attention to that kind of stuff, but then we do have fajita night a lot at Rix and Tristan’s.
The three of us head down the hall to the pool and hot tub. “Is Kellan coming?” I ask.
“Yeah, he just had to make a phone call, he’ll be down in a bit,” Quinn confirms.
I duck into the change room to put on my bikini, which is when I realize I packed the wrong bottoms. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.” I stare at the pale blue thong, trying to manifest more fabric. Obviously I fail. “Just cover up with a towel. It’ll be fine.” I grab one of the huge blue towels, wrap it around my body, and leave the safety of the change room.
Quinn and Flip are sitting on opposite sides of the hot tub. Both heads turn my way. Oh Charles and Arya, if only you could see me now. I’m literally living their fantasy.
“You can hang your towel right there.” Quinn helpfully points to the nearby hooks.
“Cool, thanks.” I try to angle my body so my entire ass, which Flip has already seen, isn’t facing them as I unwrap the terry and drape it over the hook. I quick-walk to the hot tub and step in. “Oh, this feels nice.”
“Sure does,” Quinn replies, eyes moving over me briefly before shifting away.
I glance at Flip, who doesn’t look particularly happy. I wish the vibe wasn’t so tense. Or maybe it’s me making it that way. I position myself between Quinn and Flip.