I pushed back so I could look at him. “You don’t want me to stay at your parents’ house?”
“I’ll be ready for a break from them, I can only handle small doses. We can celebrate your birthday and hang out in downtown Park City and then go stay at my house for New Year’s. Trust me, two nights with the Winslows will be plenty.”
“Okay. That sounds amazing. Yes. I would love to. My dad goes back to work the day after Christmas, so this will be great.”
“Okay, I’ll set it up.”
Cruz’s body tensed when he spoke of his parents. I met his dad the one time, and his disdain for his father was impossible to miss. I wanted to meet his mother and see them together. I wanted to know them. They were a part of him whether he liked them or not. He kissed the top of my head, and that was the last thing I remembered before sleep took me.
“Pull in right up here,” I said to Dad as he pulled into the parking lot in front of the hangar. Something had changed between Dad and Sara, and I was happy about it. He wouldn’t admit they were dating, but they were spending a lot of time together, and I knew she was crazy about him. She’d spent Christmas with us, and it made leaving him easier because I knew Sara would look after him. And I was excited to spend a few days with my boyfriend.
“You’re pretty serious about this boy, huh?”
Where did that come from? “Um, sure. Yeah.”
Sara laughed. “Smooth, Jack.”
“What? I like Cruz. He’s a good kid. But it seems to be getting really serious. Just want to make sure you’re being safe,” he said.
“Oh, God, are you seriously giving me the birds and the bees talk now?”
Sara and I laughed, but Dad remained dead serious. This couldn’t get any more awkward.
“Jady bug, you need to be safe, okay? I’ll leave it at that.”
I put my hand on his shoulder from the back seat. “Dad, I’ve got this. You’re jumping the gun. I’m not even there yet.”
Not that I didn’t want to be, but it was actually my boyfriend who didn’t think we were ready to take the next step. I’d spare my father the gory details. Relief spread across his face at my words.
“Ah, good to know. Well, I’m here if you need any, er, any advice on safety.”
“This is painful to watch,” Sara said, and we broke out in a fit of giggles again.
“It really is, Dad.”
“Listen, I know you don’t have your mom to go to, and I just want to make sure you know how all of this works.”
Sara and I gasped at the same time. “I’m begging you to stop. I’ll talk to Sara if I need any advice on how it all works, okay? Do you guys want to come in and meet Ponch?”
“Sure,” Dad said, and we all stepped out of the car.
I introduced Dad and Sara to Ponch, and they checked out the plane before I hugged them goodbye. Dad had a wrinkle between his brows where they pinched together.
“Stop worrying. That’s my job, remember?” I said, and my tone was all tease.
“Call me when you land. Love you.”
I waved and accepted Ponch’s invitation to ride copilot the whole way. Seeing as I was the only passenger and I had no homework for the first time since school started—I was all about riding shotgun.
The hotel was massive and beautiful. I’d never stayed at anything remotely close to this. The dark wood on the floors matched the wood on the ceiling, and there were beams forming triangles every few feet. Large chandeliers hung above, and the oversized space was warmed with cozy couches, chairs, and fireplaces that decorated the lobby. It looked like something straight out of a magazine. We made our way to our room, and the views were breathtaking. Snow covered mountains sat like a photograph outside our window. The gray sky hovered above the towering evergreens with white tips covering the high peaks. The fresh snow lay like powder white carpeting as far as I could see. Icicles hung outside our window and reflections of pink and blue danced around where the sun peeked through the clouds. Cruz turned on the fireplace in our room, and I sat back and took it all in. It was almost overwhelming to be staying here.
“You okay?” he asked, studying my face.
“Yeah. Of course. This is just—wow. It’s amazing. I’m a little awe-struck.”
He kissed me and I melted into him. “I missed you.”
“Me too. So how was Christmas with your parents?” I asked.
“A shit show. So, typical holiday with the Winslows,” he said with a laugh. But I saw the disappointment in his gaze.
I fell onto the bed and he stretched out next to me. He closed his eyes when I ran my fingers through his disheveled hair. I traced the line along his chiseled cheekbones with my finger and made my way down his nose, stopping at his lips. I brought my mouth to his and kissed him. I felt so complete when I was with him. It wasn’t logical. But he made me feel—complete. Like this was where I belonged. With him.
He took control of the kiss and rolled me on my back, propping himself above me. We were both panting, and he pulled away. Like he always did when things got too heated. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held his body close to me. His desire was impossible to miss, and it stirred something in me I’d never felt before.
“I should give you your birthday gift,” he said.
“I have everything I want right here.” I lifted up and kissed him again.
“Baby, I’m not going to be able to stop if we don’t cool things off now.”
“I don’t want you to stop,” I said, and the desperation in my voice surprised me.
He studied me, searching my face for something, I don’t know what. He didn’t speak.
“Please.” It’s all I said before his mouth covered mine again.
His hands slipped beneath my T-shirt and he reached around and unclasped my bra. I couldn’t get my shirt off quick enough, and he yanked his sweater over his head with one hand. He kissed my neck and made his way down my body. I was on fire. The overwhelming sensation left me breathless. The desire so strong I’d die if he stopped now. He reached the waistband of my jeans and pulled them down my legs, and my pink panties followed. Yes, he’d seen me naked before. But this felt more intimate somehow. I wanted to take the next step. The last step. The only step left between us. I reached for his waistband and pushed his joggers and briefs down his legs. He stood and kicked everything off, baring himself to me again. This time I wasn’t nervous. Wasn’t afraid to look. I wanted to memorize every beautiful inch of his body. I sat forward and watched him as he climbed back on the bed.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked. His voice was gruff.
Sexy and needy.
“I’m positive. I want to be with you, Cruz. No more waiting.”
His mouth moved over mine again, and he kissed me for what felt like forever. I writhed beneath him because I needed more. He pulled away, and I reached for his shoulders and pulled him back.
The sexiest smile spread across his face. “I need to get a condom, baby. I’ll be right back.”
I laughed because how desperate was I?
Sheesh, Jade. Get a handle on yourself.
He climbed back over me and sat up on his knees. He rolled the condom on, and I couldn’t look away until he settled between my thighs.
“I love you more,” he whispered.
My whole body started to shake. I couldn’t speak. I was nervous, excited, turned on, and desperate. Not a good combo when trying to appear cool and confident.
“Relax, baby. There’s no pressure,” he said, whispering the words against my ear.
“I know. I’m just—I’m ready. I’m so ready,” I said.
He chuckled. “Me too.”
He kissed me again. Slower. Softer. My fingers ran through his hair, and he teased my entrance. I stopped breathing as he pressed forward.
“Breathe, Jade,” he said as h
e moved slowly.
He pulled back and watched my face as he continued to move inch by inch. I gripped his shoulders and bit down on my bottom lip. It was both painful and amazing at the same time.
“Okay,” I whispered.
“Am I hurting you?” He was so focused, I could see the restraint in his gaze, as he took his time.
“No. Maybe a little. I don’t know.” I arched into him because I wanted more. I wanted everything. Even the painful part.
“Oh my god, baby. You feel so good,” he whispered against my ear.
All the discomfort dissipated, and he started to move in a rhythmic motion. I followed his lead, and his hand moved between us, touching me just where I needed to be touched, and my eyes squeezed shut with the sensation.
“Cruz,” I said as my hips moved of their own volition.
His mouth moved over mine, and I exploded into a million little pieces. He followed me and called out my name. It was the only thing I heard.
We were the only two people that existed in this moment.
And I never wanted it to end.
Chapter Eighteen
Cruz
“How do you feel?” I asked as she stretched her arms above her head.
I’d been awake for a while wondering if she’d wake up pissed that she lost her virginity to an unworthy asshole.
“I feel amazing.” She pushed the hair back from her pretty face and looked up at me.
I relaxed at her words. “No regrets?”
“No. Why would I have regrets? You exceeded my expectations, Cruz Winslow,” she said, wriggling her eyebrows.
I laughed. “I’m not concerned about my performance, because, well, that’s self-explanatory.” I winked before continuing, “I’m just making sure you’re okay with everything.”
“I’m the one that pushed for it. Of course, I’m okay. I’ve been ready for a while, but my boyfriend is secretly chivalrous and protective of my virtue.” Her cheeks pinked and a grin spread across her gorgeous face.
“Only chivalrous when it comes to you. I don’t really give a fuck about anyone else,” I said. And it was the truth.
She laughed. “Yes, you do. You love your brother and Adam. And your mom.”
“Sure, but I don’t worry about their virtue.”
“Well, I hope not. That would be weird,” she said with a chuckle.
I pulled her against my body as I lie on my side. God, I couldn’t get enough of her. She lost her fucking virginity twelve hours ago, and I wanted more, like the selfish prick I was. I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that she’d saved herself for nineteen years, and she’d chosen me. I didn’t deserve her. But I sure as shit wanted to be that guy. The guy she needed me to be. I wanted to give her—everything.
“What do you want to do today? Do you like to ski?”
“I love skiing,” she said.
“Okay, I brought you some ski clothes from the house because I thought you might want to hit the slopes.”
She ran her fingers through my hair, and chill bumps covered my arms. Like a fucking eager middle school boy who watched porn, I was completely turned on just by her touch.
“So, do I look different?”
I pulled back and took in her face. She wasn’t kidding. She was dead fucking serious.
“Different how?”
“I don’t know? More womanly maybe?” she said.
“You know, when you first woke up, I was thinking, ‘wow, she looks so womanly this morning.’”
She slaps my chest. “Shut up. I’m serious. They say people get an after-sex glow.”
“You had an after-sex glow before you even had sex,” I said.
“Thanks, I think?”
“Let’s get dressed, grab some breakfast, and hit the slopes.” I sat up, but Jade reached for me and pulled me back down.
“Maybe we could work on my glow before we get ready.”
I rolled her on her back. “You don’t need to ask me twice. I just thought you might be sore. You know I always want more, Jade.”
She laughed and wrapped her hands around my neck, and my mouth covered hers. If Jade wanted some extra after-sex glow, who was I to deprive her.
I handed her a package before we stepped out the door.
“Every time we’re in this room, you distract me, and I forget to give you your birthday gift.”
“I thought you gave me my gift last night.” She quirked her brow.
I laughed. “That’s the gift that keeps on giving.”
She pulled the box from the bag. “Tiffany’s? So swanky, Winslow.”
“Nothing but the best for my girl,” I said, wrapping my arms around her from behind and resting my chin on her shoulder.
She opened the box. “Oh my gosh. It’s gorgeous. I love the two little hearts. One is yours and one is mine.”
I chuckled. “You already have mine.”
She spent five minutes studying the two hearts before she held her hair up for me to help her clasp it behind her neck, and she admired it in the mirror. “I love this so much.”
I kissed her quickly and hustled her out the door, or I’d have her undressed and beneath me if we didn’t leave now. We walked downstairs, as the resort sat directly on the slopes.
Jade couldn’t ski for shit. She was a self-proclaimed excellent skier. My girl was a lot of things, the best at most—but skiing was not one of them.
“Shoot. Why do I keep falling? This hill is too steep.” She wore white bibs, a white ski jacket and a black hat and gloves. Her hair fell around her shoulders, and her cheeks and nose were pink. Her jade eyes stood out in contrast to the white snow that her ass was currently sitting in.
“We’re on the bunny hill. They don’t get any flatter.”
“Well, it didn’t feel all that flat when we hiked up to the top, did it?” She was flustered, and I fucking loved flustered Jade.
Yes, we hiked up the bunny hill because she informed me that she would never dream of getting on a chairlift because they aren’t trustworthy. It made no fucking sense, but I followed her ass up the hill. I definitely needed to quit smoking because between the altitude and the exercise, I was ready to call it a day. I’d rather go back to how I started my day—in bed with my girl.
“It sure as shit didn’t. I thought you said you’ve skied before? You walk up the big hills too?”
“No. Dad and I don’t ski on hills,” she said, like I should just know this.
“No hills? You cross country ski?”
“Call it whatever you want. It’s much better than this. There’re no miserable chairlifts, and you don’t fall down much at all.” She reached for my hand and I pulled her to her feet.
“Yeah, that’s a completely different sport.”
“A better sport,” she whispered, and her words were barely audible. But I heard them.
I laughed. “You want to go back to our room and practice the new sport I taught you last night? Go for a little more glow?”
Her head fell back, and she chuckled. “Not a bad idea. But I’m no quitter. Come on, let’s hike up one big hill and give it a shot,” she said.
I reach for her arm. “We can’t hike up that hill. What if you just try the chairlift, I promise I’ll hold on to you.”
She studied me. “Fine. But no goofing around on it. Don’t swing it or mess around.”
We made our way to the chairlift and she stayed quiet. But she did it. I was impressed. We made our way up, and she gripped the side rail with one gloved hand. I had my arm around her, and I scooched closer when we approached the top.
“Be careful. We’re tipping to the side,” she said, panic in her voice.
“We’re fine. I promise.”
“Okay.” She relaxed beside me.
She sat forward as we approached the top
of the hill. We pushed off the chairlift, and she squealed as she glided down the small slope.
“Not too bad, right?” I said and kissed her.
But now how in the hell was I going to get her down this big ass hill? The chairlift was hardly the most challenging part of this endeavor.
“It wasn’t awful. Let’s do this.”
“Slow down. This is a lot steeper than the bunny hill, baby. Remember how I showed you to slant the top of your skis together to slow down?”
“Yep. The snow plow thing. Got it.”
I told her to go first and I’d follow close behind her. She surprised the shit out of me when she took off and bent her knees and swooshed from side to side. Like she’d been doing this for years. She came to a stop about halfway down the hill.
“Holy shit. How the hell did you do that?”
“I don’t know, but I still kind of hate it,” she said with a laugh.
“I couldn’t tell. You were hauling ass.”
“That’s because I’m freezing and I want some hot cocoa, and maybe we can head back to the room for a little bit.” She wriggled her brows and it was cute as hell.
“You don’t have to ask me twice. Let’s go,” I said.
I followed her hot little ass down the hill, and we decided to head to the room before getting hot chocolate. I had other ways to warm her up that were much more effective.
We loaded the SUV and got on the highway to head to my parents’ house. I was dreading it. I didn’t know what Jade would think of them. We had a fun couple days at the resort and I wasn’t looking forward to leaving our bubble. And it was New Year’s fucking Eve at the Winslow’s. That was the equivalent of porn night at the playboy mansion. My parents took ringing in the New Year to a whole new level.
“So how many people do you think will be there tonight?” she asked.
“Who knows. A hundred or more.”
Jade laughed. “A hundred people at their home? I don’t even know a hundred people.”
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