Rydog:Fourth of July party at the lake this year.
Cartman:Yeah, we know
Rydog:How the fuck do you know? I just told you.
Cartman:We’ve known for like a week dude. Roman and I already hired jet-skis. It’s going to be sick as fuck.
Ryan lifts his head and looks at me “Hey, don’t look at me, I have no idea what's going on, I spoke to Gavin and made sure your clients on that Friday were covered, I didn’t say anything about them joining us though.” The phone buzzing in his hand draws our attention back to the chat.
Bossman:How do I leave this chat? Stop adding me to group chats. I see enough of you assholes.
Peteypie:Oh I think this is my fault. I told everybody we should go up Sunday to celebrate Independence day with you guys… Surprise?.
I roll my eyes because, of course, this was my brother’s doing.
Chapter 4
Ryan
Fourth of July at the lake might need to be the new tradition. Carter and Roman are out on the Jet Skis, Pete has dragged Gavin out on a boat he charmed from a group of college kids staying at the cabin next door. Drew is manning the grill wearing a “kiss the chef” apron over his bare chest and board shorts.His broad back is glistening in the sun. Bronze skin highlighting his lean muscles. I can’t wait to see his face lit up under the fireworks later tonight.
We’ve spent the last few days enjoying the scenery, going for hikes and swimming in the lake. With no work calls disturbing us or laptop in sight. I have had his undivided attention. Absolute bliss. Getting to reconnect with my husband like this, seeing, feeling, and hearing how much he loves me is always all I have ever needed.
Drew and I might not have had the smoothest sail, but everything we went through strengthened our relationship. It makes us appreciate each other and prioritize our time together. Drew still loses himself in work on occasion, but he will call and let me know he’s going to be late. Not once in the last five years has he slept at the office.
“Like what you see?” Drew asks, a smirk on his handsome face as he glances at me nursing a beer on a sun lounger.
“How do you know I’m looking at you? I might have been admiring the craftsman shift of the grill.” I joke, tapping my sunglasses and making him chuckle.
“Wow, who knew it was possible to be jealous of an inanimate object.”
Jumping up I walk up behind my man, sliding my arms around his waist under the apron to tease his skin with light strokes. Idrop soft, open mouth kisses along his shoulder. He smells like sunscreen and mine.
“Thank you for this weekend, Cap.” I whisper, feeling him shiver as my breath kisses his neck.
“Hmm, you’re welcome, sweetheart. Happy Birthday.” Drew leans his body back against my chest, head resting on my shoulder.
“Wait, happy birthday?” I ask, confusion painting my face.
“This is your birthday present, that was the whole point of us getting away. Are you telling me I managed to surprise you?” He asks, turning to face me, eyes scanning my face for any signs of deception.
I can’t help the laugh that bursts from me. “Yeah Cap, I think you did. I had no idea this was my birthday trip.” In a very unexpected move Drew steps back and fist pumps into the air.
“Fuck yes! I got you. Finally! I thought you knew what I was planning.” He crows loudly before doing the running man in my face.
“I fucking love you.” I laugh, grabbing his face between my hands and kissing him.
“I love you, too, Ryan. Happy surprise birthday.”
The End
