Joker narrowed his eyes. “Your point,Anston?”
Ace shrugged. “Not sure whether I’m more surprised you’ve seen the movie or that you referred to Warbucks as Daddy.” He waggled his eyebrows at Gio. “Daddy Warbucks, huh?”
“I’m about to tell Chip to make a hole in the snow so I can bury you,” Joker warned.
“Ouch. Where’s your holiday spirit?” Ace climbed into the SUV, and Joker called out after him as he climbed in.
“I’d be more worried about where my foot is about to be.”
Those two. Colton climbed in, and soon, they were on their way back to the cabin. Colton was lost in thought the entire ride, planning ahead to all the calls he needed to make. He had many connections in the shipping industry, not to mention favors he could call in.
“You okay?” Ace asked quietly as he leaned in.
“Just thinking.” Colton remained quiet the entire ride. He could do this. Couldn’t he? Oh boy.
When they reached the cabin, he was momentarily distracted by the beauty inside. It was a luxury home with multiple rooms, an expansive marble kitchen, and living areas with plush seating. The ambient lighting was warm, and the colossal stone fireplaces were perfect for guests to snuggle up. The ceilings were high, and there were plenty of windows and glass doors to admire the scenery.
“The kitchen is fully stocked,” Colton told Red, who grinned widely and hurried off to his favorite room. Laz happily followed, laughing at Red’s gasp.
“Look at the size of that stove! And the counters! So much space.”
Colton chuckled. The rest of their crew spread out, exploring the cabin. Jack was impressed by the security system, while Joker threw himself on the couch and released a deep sigh of approval at its obvious comfortableness. Fitz had gone off to unpack, and Colton was sure his friend would be excited by the vast amount of closet space. Leo was off exploring with King close behind should Leo get lost in his head again and wander. They were so used to it that it had become second nature for whoever was closest to keep an eye on Leo.
Gio sat on the plush gray couch and pulled Joker close, kissing him sweetly. It still amazed Colton to see Joker melt and get lost in Gio. For all his gruffness and growliness, Joker was utterly head over heels in love with Gio, and it showed.
“We’ll see you downstairs for breakfast,” Ace said, taking Colton’s hand and leading him toward the beautiful log staircase.
Everyone said their goodnights, and Colton followed Ace upstairs, surprised his husband didn’t want to stay downstairs with the rest of the Kings. When they reached their bedroom, Ace closed the door behind them and turned, his expression soft.
“What are you worried about most?”
Colton let out a heavy sigh and chuckled. “How did you know?”
Ace pulled Colton into his arms. “Because you grow quiet and get this far-off look in your eyes. Kind of like Leo, except you don’t jump and scare the crap out of everyone when it all clicks.”
“True.” Colton walked backward toward the bed, Ace following. He sat, and Ace stepped between his legs. He brushed his fingers through Colton’s hair. “What if I can’t pull this off? I’ll be letting down my familyandan entire town. You heard Clara. Winterhaven depends on this being a successful Christmas season.”
Ace brushed his lips over Colton’s. “Sounds like maybe you need a little encouragement.”
“You think so?” Colton shivered, and it had nothing to do with the cold. It happened every time his husband used his sexy bedroom voice. “I wouldn’t say no to a little encouragement.” When Ace got on his knees, Colton groaned. “I definitely need encouragement. Lots of it.”
Ace chuckled and reached for Colton’s belt.
CHAPTERFOUR
Colton Connolly was a man of his word. He was well-respected and a force to be reckoned with in the boardroom. He had to be to run his family’s worldwide shipping company, Connolly Maritime.
Only those closest to him knew of his generosity and the tender heart beneath his expensive designer suits. He was a good man who hated disappointing the people he cared about. Ace never had to be reminded of how lucky he was to have Colton. That was why when his husband got lost in his head, Ace took it upon himself to ease some of his worry.
“You’re an amazing man,” Ace said, sliding his hands up Colton’s thighs, his erection strained against his pants when Colton leaned back, his gaze filled with want for Ace.
“I’m a lucky man,” Colton corrected.
“That too. I mean, you’re married to this.” Ace motioned at himself, then flexed his right bicep. “Go ahead, touch it. You know you want to. I’ll chop some wood for you later, all lumberjack-like.”
Colton threw his head back with a laugh. Ace loved Colton’s laugh and how his smile formed little creases at the corners of his blue-gray eyes. He was such a beautiful man.
“Please don’t.” Colton met Ace’s gaze, his eyes filled with so much love. “Also, the logs are precut, but I appreciate the gesture.”
