We exit my car, and I walk to the truck, where I pull out a bag containing clothes and things for both of us.
“I guess you had this all planned out, didn’t you?” We take the two small steps to the door, and I slide in the key. The door opens to showcase a rustic yet cozy cabin with a fireplace, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, and a gorgeous view of the mountain. On the table sits a birthday cake in the shape of a hockey stick, and balloons are tied to the chair. He turns to me.
“Is this what all those secret phone calls were about?”
I shrug one shoulder. “Maybe.”
“Get over here.” He pulls me to him, and my body meshes against his as he gives me a very passionate kiss that tells me just how much he likes his surprise. He breaks the kiss and pushes my hair from my shoulders. “I can’t believe you arranged all this. It must have been a lot of trouble.”
“No trouble at all. Just a few, or many, phone calls.” I chuckle. “How about a slice of cake?”
“Sounds good, as long as I can follow it with a taste of you.”
“Come on, let’s light the candle and you…” I tap him on the nose. “can make a birthday wish.” We step up to the cake, and I fish a lighter from my purse.
He laughs. “You really thought of everything. Wait, how come there’s only one candle?”
“Because this is a log cabin, and we don’t want to burn it down. You’re not a teenager anymore, Liam.”
He laughs. “I’m only thirty, and you’re not too far behind.”
I light the candle, stand behind him and wrap my arms around his waist. “Don’t forget to make a wish when you blow it out.” I hold him tight, and put my head on his strong back, closing my eyes and making my own wish and hoping his is the same. His back expands as he takes in a big breath and lets it out in a puff.
I let him go, and he throws his arm around me. “What did you wish for?” I ask.
“Come on, you know as well as I do that I can’t tell you. It won’t come true if I do.”
“You’re right, don’t tell me.” I step away and find two plates and a knife. “I want all your wishes to come true.” I set the plates on the table, and glance at Liam. His head is angled, and his eyes are a darker shade of brown as he looks at me.
“You really do, don’t you?”
“Of course, I do.”
He shakes his head. “I’ve never met a woman quite like you.” I open my mouth, but he holds his hand up to stop me. “That’s a good thing.”
“You know what else is a good thing?”
“What?”
“This double chocolate cake. I’ve been salivating since ordering it last week.”
He takes the knife from me. “Then let’s not keep you waiting another second.” He cuts a generous piece, and I grab the champagne from my bag.
I hold it up. “How about some bubbly on the deck? The view is too good not to enjoy.”
“It might be a bit cold.”
“I’m a single mom, Liam. I’m tough.”
He laughs. “Yeah, you’re tough. I won’t even deny that.”
“But I’d still like for you to open this bottle.”
He chuckles as I hand it over, and he pops it open. A few minutes later, with our plates of cake and champagne, we head out onto the back deck which has a glass railing, so nothing hampers the view. The cooler night air wisps over our skin in the breeze and a sense of contentment curls around me. When was the last time I felt so safe, and so happy. We sit in the Adirondack chairs, and I exhale as peace fills my soul.
“I hope I’m the reason for that smile on your face, and not that big-ass piece of cake.”
I laugh at that. “Would you be upset if I said both?”
“Nah, I could never be mad at you.” He cuts into a big chunk of cake and slides it into his mouth. “Jesus,” he says, the word coming out mumbled. “This is amazing. I mean, it’s not your lava cake, nothing can compare to that, but it’s delicious.”
“I couldn’t make a lava cake and get it here without you knowing. But I know this baker, her shop is right beside the pet store, and this is her creation, made just for you.”
I take a big bite, and my eyes roll back into my head as a moan crawls out of my throat. “This is almost as good as sex,” I tease.
“Hey…”
“Almost,” I say as an idea forms. “I just had an idea for the best mind-blowing orgasm.”
He perks up, his shoulders squaring as he sits a little straighter. “I’m listening.”
I laugh, and it feels light and airy. “I thought you would be.” I set my cake on the table beside me, stand, and glance around to ensure we’re alone and that no one can see us from our deck. The cabins are spaced apart, and only the forest creatures can see the show, so I reach behind my back to unzip my dress. I shimmy, and Liam’s chest expands with his deep intake of breath as the fabric falls to my feet.
“You are so beautiful,” he says as light from inside spills out and falls over my nakedness. He makes a move to stand, but I shake my head. His brow arches as he stays put, and I’m not sure why, but I feel like putting on a show for him. I wiggle my hips, and a smile tugs at his lips.
“What are you doing, Harper?”
“Trying something new to make things interesting?”
He adjusts his pants, and I’d imagine he’s very uncomfortable sitting there with an erection. “I’m already interested.”
God, I love his enthusiasm. I reach behind my back, unhook my bra and slide it off my arms. As my breasts spill free, his groan of encouragement
