Running late, they checked out and grabbed breakfast to go. When they arrived at the youth center, their overanxious applicants were waiting by the door. Sally had been on a dead run ever since. Unfortunately, every time she had a break, Gage was tied up, and she barely had a minute to connect with him. She was used to him being on her mind, but how could things change so much that she actually missed him when they were apart for only a few hours?
Later that afternoon, Sally was wrapping up her interview with Haylie Hudson, a petite blonde with serious blue eyes and a wealth of experience. She had been the administrator for a recreation center and had also run an elite travel agency. She was by far the strongest candidate for the administrator position, and she had the take-charge personality needed to run the facility.
“What do you think is the greatest asset you’ll bring to the position?” Sally asked.
“In addition to my administrative experience, handling off-site events has given me firsthand knowledge of the flip side of the business. I know what complications can occur for customers who are renting space or holding events at the center, and I will be able to anticipate and work around them before they occur.” She smiled and added, “Personally speaking, I think being a single parent is my biggest asset.”
That piqued Sally’s interest. “Why is that?”
“Because as a single parent, work is a priority and a necessity, but I also really enjoy being productive. Working makes me a stronger parent, and caring for my son has made me even more efficient and organized, which carries over to the workplace. I don’t know if you have kids, but once you’ve stayed up all night with a colicky baby and had to function the next day, you learn what you’re made of.”
Sally laughed. “I remember those days.”
“Excuses don’t cut the muster for kids or for clients. I’ve become a master at multitasking, sifting through nonsense to get to the heart of the matter and find solutions to problems before they escalate. And”—she held up her index finger—“I have a backup sitter for my backup sitter and a wonderfully supportive family who is always willing to pitch in if I need to work late.”
She reminded Sally of herself, even though she’d been married to Dave when Rusty was younger. Dave had worked seventy hours a week to get his business off the ground, and she’d often felt like a single parent.
“And why do you want to leave the company you’re currently working for?” Sally asked. “I have to be honest, the salary potential here probably won’t be as high as you might receive there in the long run.”
Haylie’s gaze softened. “Because while I need financial security, I also need to love what I’m doing for eight hours a day, or what I said about work making me a stronger parent will no longer be true. Working for the travel agency is interesting, but if I can be honest with you…?”
“Yes, please. Whatever you say here will remain confidential.”
“Thank you. Working with wealthy clients has many advantages, but it’s not as fulfilling as working with the rec center was. I love the look on people’s faces when they find a place, and people, that resonate with them and make them feel like they belong. In the rec center, I felt fulfilled every day. Nothing compares to the gratification that comes from a child learning to play basketball, or dance, or find a tutor that gets them. I’ve read up on No Limitz in Allure, Colorado, and I know these are things you hope to do with this location. It would be an honor to be considered for the position. Money isn’t my top priority. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to follow your heart and trust that the rest will fall into place.”
She could have been speaking about Sally’s situation with Gage and Rusty. “Yes, I think there’s truth in that statement.”
Gage knocked on the door and poked his head into the office. “Sorry to interrupt—”
“That’s okay. Come in, please.” Sally rose to her feet. “Haylie Hudson, this is Gage Ryder, the sports director for our Allure location.” And my incredible husband. It surprised her how easily that thought followed, and it must have shone in her expression, because Gage had a warm look in his eyes, like he noticed the change, too. “Haylie is interviewing for the administrator position.” And opening my eyes to what’s right in front of me.
AFTER HAYLIE LEFT, Gage and Sally locked up and headed for the gym to clean up their decorations. Sally was in a great mood, smiling endlessly and talking nonstop about Haylie, and Gage couldn’t help stealing kisses as she spoke.
“She’s experienced, professional, and smart, and definitely my number one candidate,” she said as he kissed her cheek, but she refused to be distracted. “How did your interviews go?”
“I made an offer to Sin, and he’s accepted it.” He touched his lips to hers.
“We’re on a timeline here, Mr. Kissy Face.”
“I’ll try to behave, but that’s asking a lot.” He chuckled. “You won’t believe the stories I heard today. I never knew so many people overinflated their experience. One guy said he had four years of sports-team management. It turned out it was with fantasy football leagues.”
Sally rolled her eyes. “At least I don’t have to deal with that. I get the, ‘Sure, I managed the office. I made the coffee and ensured there was ample creamer in the fridge.’”
“Maybe it’s a generational thing. We’ll have to give Rusty lessons in interviewing before he graduates.” Gage reached for the gym door, and Sally touched his arm, stopping him with a thoughtful expression.
“Thank you for thinking of him. I know I’ve been on the fence because of Rusty, but that’s not because I don’t love you. I’m just scared of handling things in the wrong way.”
“I know, babe. I’m worried, too, but I have faith in all of us.”
“I think we should tell him the night he comes home and explain everything at once. You’re right, he’s not a moody teenager anymore. Hopefully he’ll understand and be happy for us.”
Her beautiful eyes brimmed with love and hope. “The only thing that will make me happier than hearing you say that is when Rusty knows about us and that shadow of worry that’s following you around disappears.”
“I’m hoping for the best. I don’t want to hurt him, but I can’t imagine not being with you this way every day. I still don’t know how to handle it all, but I don’t think we should tell anyone before Rusty hears it from us in person.”
“I agree with you.”
She glanced at the door to the gym. “And I really don’t want to clean up the lovely decorations you put up for us, or leave Oak Falls. This time alone with you has been life changing. We’re married, Gage. Married! I can say that now without totally flipping out, and I don’t want to go back to our real lives where we have to be careful about what we say and do.”
“I promise, bird, every day of the rest of our lives will be just as wonderful. With the exception of the times I irritate you, or leave the toilet seat up, or forget to bring home milk, or—”
Her arms circled his neck and she pressed her lips to his in a sweet kiss that quickly turned fierce and demanding. He lifted her into his arms and her legs wound around his hips. Her effervescent smile cut straight to his heart.
“I want all of that with you. Except maybe the toilet seat thing.” She tightened her legs around his waist. “What are you going to do now that you have complete control of me?”
“What I should have done the first night we were here.”
He pulled open the door to the gym, kicking the partially deflating balloons out of his way as they kissed.
“Oh, no, you’re not,” she said with a laugh. “We’re traveling all evening, and I don’t have time to shower.”
“See? You’ll do great having more kids. You’ve got the practical mommy thing down pat.” He stole another kiss and set her on her feet. “Why do I find that so hot?”
She began picking up balloons and shoving them into a garbage bag. “Because of that steel rod in your pants. You’re thinking about making babies.” She narrowed her eye
s, giving him the challenging look he loved so much—the one that made him want to test her resolve about no sex before traveling.
He shook his head, chuckling. “That’s your fault, baby doll.”
“Good. I like having that power over you.”
They gathered the balloons, and he copped a few feels and stole a few kisses while Sally futilely tried to pretend she wasn’t affected. The flush on her skin and the hitch in her breathing gave her away.
“You know you want me,” he teased as he unwound the peach and white silk drapes from the canopy.
“How do you carry around that ego without hurting your back?”
He twisted the drape and snapped her ass with it, reveling in her wild laughter. “I’ll lay you down on this floor and show you what a hurt back feels like.”
“Sorry, horny husband, but you’ll have to wait. Two hours to flight time.” She bent down and picked up a bunch of balloons.
“You keep flashing that gorgeous ass of yours and I’ll take what I want.”
Crimson crawled up her cheeks.
After dismantling and stowing their decorations in the storage room, they went to work picking up the remaining balloons.
Gage rubbed against Sally like a cat and whispered, “We have showers here.”
She wiggled her butt and he smacked it.
“Hey!” She spun around with an armful of balloons.
He took a step toward her and she squealed and ran, sending balloons flying in all directions. He caught her from behind and let his hands wander.
“You can’t run from me, wifey.” He sank his teeth into her neck, earning a lusty whimper.
“Gage,” came out with a laugh. “I can’t be the skanky ho who smells like sex on the plane.”
“You couldn’t be a skanky ho if you tried.” He dragged his tongue over the frantic pulse at the base of her neck. “Does that mean joining the mile-high club is out?”
She rested her head against his chest, sighing wantonly, and he snuck a few more delicious kisses.
“Do people really do that?” she asked. “In those tiny bathrooms?”
“We could do our own research. See if it can be done?”
She turned toward him, pressing her hands flat against his chest. Did she know how much he loved when she touched him like that? He covered one hand with his own and heat filled her baby blues.
“God, baby. That look…”
He lowered his mouth to hers, tasting the sugary drink she’d had earlier. He delved deeper, unable to tamp down the desire that had been building every time he heard the heels of her boots outside his office door, her laughter floating down the hall, and when he caught sight of her walking an applicant into her office. Maybe she was right to worry about their relationship having an impact on their jobs. How would he ever hold back when all he wanted was more of her? His hands were unstoppable, groping her ass, her breasts, tangling in her silky hair.
“Gage,” she said breathlessly. “I want you, but I don’t want to be uncomfortable on the plane.”
“So, no skanky ho?” he teased, and she shook her head, flashing the shy smile that made him hold her tighter. “How would you feel about being the gorgeous wife in a car, on the way to her honeymoon?”
Her brow furrowed. “Honeymoon?”
“I can’t take my new wife home without first treating her to a proper cheesy honeymoon.”
“But…? Danica expects us back.”
“No buts, baby. We’ll be back in time for work Monday morning. I didn’t have much time to plan, and I promise, when we have our real wedding, I’ll take you on the honeymoon of your dreams.”
Her eyes teared up. “I’ve never had a honeymoon.”
“What a coincidence. Neither have I. But I have to warn you. I literally looked for the cheesiest place to match our cheesy Elvis wedding.”
She laughed, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. “I don’t care if it’s cheesy or extravagant, or if we spend the night in a tent. Just knowing you went to the effort to plan a honeymoon is more than I could have ever hoped for.”
Chapter Ten
IT STARTED SNOWING four hours into Gage and Sally’s drive to the Poconos, reminding Sally of last year at this time, when they were at the Christmas tree lighting in Allure and it had snowed like crazy. She realized they were going to miss the tree lighting this year. She and Gage had gone together every year since they’d met. Maybe it was time for new traditions. She felt a pang of longing at the idea of missing it but pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the wonderful man driving her oh so carefully to their secret destination. Our cheesy honeymoon.
She felt herself smiling and rested her head back, watching her hubby. Two big hands gripped the steering wheel, and his serious eyes concentrated on the road. When the snow had started, he’d checked her seat belt and told her not to worry; he’d checked the weather before they left and had anticipated snow. He had extra blankets and other provisions in the trunk just in case they got stuck on the side of the road. She wondered what those other provisions were. His brother Cash would be proud of Gage’s preparations. Cash was a firefighter and was always harassing everyone about being prepared for anything. It dawned on her that Cash was now her brother-in-law. In fact, she had several brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law.
And a mother- and father-in-law.
A flurry of emotions swamped her. She was close to Gage’s family, but to actually become a part of it? She gazed out the window, warming with the idea of his loving parents welcoming her and Rusty into their family. She was gaining an entire family, every member of which she already loved. Rusty would have even more people to watch over him if anything ever happened to her. She worried about that, though she knew Gage would always be there for him, as would Danica and Blake, and likely, Gage’s whole family whether they were married or not. Dave’s parents had moved away after his death, and they’d made only one attempt to see Sally and Rusty since. Knowing Rusty would be part of a larger family comforted her.
By the time they pulled up in front of the resort, there were at least six inches of fresh snow on the ground, but Sally was toasty warm with loving thoughts. The cedar lodge stood three stories tall, with a turret anchoring the left side and balconies on the upper two floors. Twinkling holiday lights lined the railings and hung around enormous windows in a scalloped pattern. Against the backdrop of the illuminated ski slopes, the lodge looked enchanting, as if they’d driven into a dream. She’d lived in Colorado her whole life, had seen snow thousands of times, but somehow it has never looked quite as beautiful as this.
Gage reached across the console and slid his hand to the nape of her neck. “What do you think, bird?”
“I thought you said it was cheesy. This is magnificent. It’s more beautiful than the resorts back home, and we live in a resort town.”
“Ah, don’t underestimate my ability to seek out cheesiness. ‘Welcome to Lovers’ Lodge, where customers come often and leave happy.’”
She laughed. “Did you just make that up?”
“I’m not that clever. That’s their tagline. It’s right across the middle of their website in big red letters.” He leaned in and kissed her. “As much as I’d like to sit here and make out with you, the snow slowed us down and we’ll miss the Christmas tree lighting if we don’t hurry.”
“Christmas tree lighting?” she said excitedly, but he was already out of the car, retrieving their bags from the trunk.
Gage opened her door and helped her out. “You didn’t think I’d let you miss this year’s tree lighting, did you? Priorities, little bird.”
She melted at his thoughtfulness. “I was a little bummed that we were going to miss it.” She tugged him down by his collar and kissed him again. “Thank you.”
“Man, I love your kisses. Come on, sweet one, before I decide to forgo the tree lighting and light you up instead.”
That didn’t sound like a bad idea to her.
The inside of the lodge was just as
gorgeous as the outside, with roaring fires in stone fireplaces at either end of the luxurious lobby, plush leather sofas, soft-looking recliners, and crystal chandeliers. Beyond the large reception desk was a wall of glass overlooking a patio with a fire pit. Red and orange flames danced against boulders that lined the pit like rebellious taunts to the cold, and the mountains stood sentinel in the distance.
Sally snuggled in close as they waited to check in. “This is gorgeous. Maybe after the tree lighting we could sit out by the fire?”
“Baby, we have two nights to do whatever you’d like.” Gage stepped up to the desk. “Hi. We have a reservation for Mr. and Mrs. Ryder.”
Hearing him introduce them that way made Sally’s head spin. Mr. and Mrs. Ryder. Sally Tuft-Ryder. She really liked the sound of that.
The blonde behind the desk took care of the paperwork and handed Gage a keycard hanging from a heart-shaped key ring. “You’re in our best honeymoon suite.” She smiled brightly, tapped a little bell on the desk, and said, “The Boomchicawowow Suite.”
Two muscular, tanned men wearing loincloths appeared out of nowhere, beating drums, and two gorgeous women wearing slinky sparkly outfits danced their way out of a door to their right singing, “Boomchica, boomchica, boomchicawowow—”
Gage put his arm around Sally, eyes wide, as the foursome danced around them singing a song about bumps in the night and fireworks going off. The women twirled and the men flexed, circling Sally and Gage like they were ready to pounce, or give lap dances. Sally covered her mouth to hide her laughter as one of the men did a dramatic pelvic thrust in front of her. Gage tightened his hold on her, glowering at the man. Oh, how she loved his jealous side!
Swept Into Love: Gage Ryder (Love in Bloom: The Ryders Book 5) Page 11