“Because I just realized something. When we talked outside the bar, I never actually told you,” I whispered, moving just the tiniest bit, trying to hold on until I said what I needed to say.
“Told me what?” She rocked into me, trying to spur me on.
I grabbed her hips to still her so I could think. “We danced around it, but I didn’t say it, not exactly. And I need you to know, once and for all, that I do, without a doubt, love you.”
“Oh! Well, not that it’s a contest, but I’ve loved you for ten years.” She leaned up and grabbed my lower lip between her teeth and lightly tugged, sending a shock of pleasure straight to my dick. “Now, finish what you started Gardner.”
“I just might like you giving me orders,” I told her, obliging.
“Good. Now, shut up and do me,” she ordered, laughing.
And then I started moving in earnest, leaving no room or breath for talking.
EPILOGUE
April
Our boots crunched against the snow as we walked towards the door. Ryan had both of our duffel bags in his arms, but I was only carrying the grocery bag so I could unlock the door. Before I could put the key in, though, I saw something white taped to the glass pane.
“Huh, someone left us a note,” I said absently. I lifted the paper with one hand and read it out loud.
We thought you two might want a night alone up here. See you tomorrow afternoon! Love Mom, Dad, and Jeremy.
I met Ryan’s equally stunned expression with my own. “Alright then, weird, but I’m not going to argue. Maybe they’re hoping that if we get it all out of our system tonight, we’ll behave the rest of the week.”
Giggling, I let us in, and we dropped off of all of our bags and shucked our coats and shoes. As we walked around, we found even more surprises. The heat was on and the place was oddly immaculate. It even smelled clean. There was also a plate of cookies and several bottles of wine on the table. The fireplace was fully stocked, and the tree up and decorated, the lights twinkling brightly. They had gone all out, prepping the cabin for us. It was wonderful. And so sweet. I’d never doubted that my parents would embrace me and Ryan being together, they already loved him.
“Ok...I guess this weekiskind of our anniversary week after all.” I appreciated their effort, I really did, but it was unnecessary.
We’d been together almost exactly a year, and things were surprisingly great between us. There were normal growing pains, of course, but compared to my other relationships it had felt effortless. I’d been living at Ryan’s for several months now, and we had plenty of alone time together. Not that the cabin didn’t have excellent memories for us.
“I think it’s nice. We owe this cabin everything, and your parents owe it for ending a decade of hostility between us. We should get to celebrate. Maybe re-create some the highlights,” Ryan said, echoing my thoughts as he waggled his eyebrows suggestively, making me laugh.
“Umm, maybe. Definitely the ones in my bedroom, but maybe not, uhm, the others,” I replied, gesturing around the living room. “This time when they get here, they’ll all know exactly what we were up to.”
“I bet I can get you to change your mind.” Ryan grinned.
“Oh yeah? Another bet? I’m up for that,” I told him, my mind already turning.
“Perfect, but later,” he said, dropping a quick kiss on my lips. “We have all night, so there’s no hurry. Let’s unpack and have some dinner first.”
I pouted, but agreed. A year hadn’t stopped me from wanting him constantly, that was for sure. Likely, nothing ever would. But at least I’d gotten more patient with time.
We spent a few hours getting settled in. Ryan made us some dinner, or heated it up at least, while I lit some candles and put on some music. After we ate, we relaxed on the couch for a while, reminiscing about last Christmas. The Christmas that changed everything. It felt like a million years ago, and yet like just a few weeks ago. Ryan never let me live down some of the stuff I’d pulled, but I knew that he loved my antics. It was part of what worked between us.
“Ok, ready for that bet now?” Ryan asked, during a lull.
“Sure, what do you have in mind?” I asked, already humming with anticipation.
“Well, we never did finish that Scrabble game. Why not do it now? If I win, you end up butt-ass naked on the couch,” he suggested.
“Oh, you want to get your ass kicked already. Works for me,” I answered with a laugh. I had so many more words to try out this time. Although, even if I lost, the result would be the same, and we both knew it.
“We need hot cocoa if I recall. I’ll set up the game, you make it. Just like last time,” he told me, unconsciously licking his lips at the memory.
“I can do that.” I jumped to my feet and headed for the kitchen.
While I was heating the water, I snuck a look into the living room, and saw Ryan opening the game box, his back to me. With him busy, I snuck into our room and pulled out my surprise. I’d been debating when I wanted to use it, but now seemed oddly perfect. It was the tiny pajamas, but something even better in my opinion. And perfect for distracting him during the game.