And definitely not as she was about to climb into a hot tub with no clothes on.
Ugh…
“Hey,” she said softly, almost hating to disturb him. “Is the water ready?”
Turning, Axel nodded. “All we need to do is climb in and enjoy it.”
Easy for you to say…
In the blink of an eye, his robe was off and placed on one of the benches in their private area. He climbed in and then held out his hand to her. There were steps, so it wasn’t like she had to just swing her legs over, but…
“I can turn my back if that would make you feel better,” he said casually. “Or I can climb out and hold up my robe like an additional wall. Whatever you need, I’ll do it.”
Damn the man. He always knew exactly what she was thinking and what she needed. It was incredibly sweet, but it was crazy how well he knew her.
“I’m being silly. I know that,” she said. “Just…give me a minute.”
If she didn’t want to be in the tub with him so badly, she would have said screw it and gone back into the tent. But she really wanted to soak with him and have this time where they were just relaxing and being comfortable with each other.
“Screw it.” Yanking at the tie on her robe, she slid it off and tossed it on top of his before climbing the steps. Axel held his hand out to her and carefully guided her into the tub. As soon as she sat and was fully submerged, the tension in her body slowly ebbed.
“Worth it, right?” he said softly, his breath warm against her ear.
“Mmhmm…”
They sat in companionable silence for several minutes, but they were sitting so close and she was wildly aware of him. When she felt his hand on her thigh, it felt nice. But when it ventured a little higher, she felt some of her inhibitions fading. Slowly, she let her legs open and nearly cried out when Axel’s very talented hand began to do all the things she loved for him to do. He silenced her with a kiss that was just as carnal and naughty as what his hand was doing, and Maisie couldn’t believe she was doing this—and loving it—out in the open.
But she didn’t let that thought take hold; instead, she focused on Axel and how good he was making her feel and how she was seriously the luckiest girl in the world.
Their mini-vacation ended far too soon, but they both knew that it was time to head back to the resort after being gone for an entire week. They both had gotten daily updates on the work, but she felt bad about getting preferential treatment because of her relationship with Axel.
They were about forty minutes away from the resort when Axel’s phone started going off with a bunch of incoming texts. He was driving and asked her to see who it was and to read the messages to him.
Picking up his phone, she tapped the screen and laughed softly.
“What? Who is it?”
“Um…everyone?”
“Ah, it’s the group chat. Okay. What’s going on?”
So, she started reading the thread even as it was still being updated.
Walker: Hey! Hope you guys are on your way back. Harlow and I have big news, and we want to celebrate with everyone tonight!
Walker: And no, it’s not an engagement, so don’t ask.
Connor: I’m already working on an amazing menu for dinner, so everyone better bring their appetites!
Slater: We’re not dressing up or anything, right? Because right now I’m covered in paint and varnish, and I can’t guarantee it will all come off by dinner. LOL!
Milo: Axel and Maisie, if you’re reading this, please let us know you’re on your way because otherwise I’m heading out.
Walker: What the hell? You said you were staying!
Slater: Aren’t you all up in the lodge? Why are you communicating with each other by text? Just talk, for crying out loud.
Maisie looked over at him. “Should I let them know that we’re on our way?”
