Everyone eagerly returns to eating, taking stabs at guessing what’s next. After we’ve had our fill of the amazing spread, we follow Co-Co’s lead and start prepping for our evening activities.
“When did you even have time to plan a surprise?” Morgan asks with a laugh.
“While you were busy showing off on the snowmobile.” I wink at her, helping her up from the table and leading her toward the door of the lodge. There, I slip a warm jacket over her slim shoulders to protect her from the chilly winter weather.
She shakes her head admirably. “You didn’t have to go all out, Eric. Just being here with you is enough.”
I shake my head and snatch the puffy front of her jacket, pulling her close. “We’ve only got this one Christmas here; I wanted to make it perfect. You deserve that, babe.”
“Eric, that’s what I’m saying. Each moment I’m with you is perfect. I don’t need anything more.”
She kisses me so passionately for a moment I lose myself. The only thing that matters is her . . . us . . . here . . . now.
Morgan just has this way of consuming me, and I never want it to end. Her kiss makes me forget where I am, but Jake has no problem reminding me. He clears his throat gruffly and Morgan pulls back, giggling, her cheeks full of a rosy glow that’s taken over my entire being.
My god! Will I ever get enough of this woman?
“So where are you taking me?” she asks.
“Out there,” I say, nodding to the blustery winter wonderland outside.
Morgan glances out the windows, eyeing the snowy scene for a moment. “We’re going out in the cold?” she asks, sounding slightly hesitant.
I lean closer so that I can murmur in her ear, “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you warm.”
She grins, squealing when I sweep her off her feet and carry her outside.
When we step over the threshold to the outdoors, the cold air hits us like a wave. I grunt, caught off guard by how much chillier it is at night than it was during the day. Even I have to admit that this idea sounded a whole lot more exciting from inside the cozy lodge.
That being said, I'm not about to let my adventurous, wild woman down. Morgan’s the type of girl who needs constant thrills and excitement. It’s why she loves our lifestyle of constant travel and adventure.
Setting her down, I take her gloved hand in mine and lead her down the side of the lodge toward where Ethan has prepared my surprise.
Two pairs of snowshoes wait for us, ski poles next to them, and of course the appropriate snow gear we’ll need to survive this weather.
“What are we doing?” Morgan asks through chattering teeth.
She rubs her arms hard, shifting back and forth to get some warmth in her. Every now and then, she casts a look over her shoulder back toward the glowing, cheerful windows of the warm lodge.
I hold up one of the snowshoes enthusiastically. “A late-night hike! We’re going to trek up one of the biggest hills they’ve got. Ethan says the views are spectacular. We’ll be able to see all of Pine Island—nothing but stars and Christmas lights for miles. It’s supposed to be awesome.” The more I talk, the less excited I am about this idea, but again, I don’t want to let Morgan down when it comes to making memories.
“Listen . . . Eric . . .” Morgan sighs and slips her arms around my neck, pulling me against her. “I know how much you’re probably looking forward to this and I really hate to disappoint you after you planned such a thoughtful surprise, but I'm kind of worn out. We’ve spent so much time traveling lately, going to your shows and my shoots . . .” She pauses and bites her lip. “We spend so much time chasing our passions, and I love that. But what I want more than anything this Christmas is to stop running. I really just want to curl up by the fire with the man I love and enjoy being still for a moment. Is that okay?”
Without hesitation, I lift her back into my arms so I can gaze into those gorgeous eyes of hers. “If you think you could ever disappoint me, you are out of your mind, Morgan May. If a quiet night in is what you want, it’s what I want, too.”
I hold her against me, kissing her deeply, the fire between us reigniting immediately. Suddenly I feel like I’m back in the lodge standing next to the roaring hearth. This icy winter wind has nothing on our spark. With Morgan by my side, how could I ever be cold?
Though I could stand here and kiss her all night, the idea of doing even more in our suite has me moving. I sweep her off her feet again and head back the way we came.
It’s true that I would do anything for Morgan, but I'm more than a little relieved that we decided to scrap my crazy night hike idea. A quiet night with her is just perfect in my book.
“I really did like your hiking idea, Eric,” she murmurs, stroking my cheek with her soft fingertips. “But, if you really want to get me the perfect gift, all I ever want is a romantic night to ourselves.”
“Now you’re speaking my language.” I laugh, marching us right back into the cheery warmth of the lodge.
Now, more than ever, I know I truly hit the jackpot when I met Morgan. There’s no one else who would make a quiet night in just as exhilarating as a midnight snowshoe hike through a
