“I know.” Ryder nodded in agreement. “It’s paradise.”
I always thought paradise for me would be a beach—a clear blue ocean and piping hot weather—but an open forest, endless shades of green, drizzling rain, a cool breeze, and the promise of a river and lake nearby had me giddy with excitement.
“I’ll grab me case and you—”
“Let me stop you right there, gorgeous,” Ryder said as we got out of the car. “I’ll get the bags while you carefully walk onto the porch of the cabin while we wait for the park ranger to come by and give us our key to get in.”
I stared at my husband over the bonnet of our car.
“You do realise you’re bein’ crazy protective of me, right?”
“I’m aware of it.”
I laughed. “Okay, as long as you know.”
He winked and went to the back of the car to get our stuff, while I walked carefully to the front porch. I felt Ryder’s eyes watching me as I walked, so I shouted, “Stop lookin’ at me arse.”
“How the hell did you know I was looking at your ass?”
“I can feel your eyes on it.”
“You’ll feel something else in it if you shake your hips one more time.”
I shook them twice.
“You’re gonna get it, Sweetness.”
I climbed the steps off the porch and laughed when I turned and saw Ryder grab my suitcase, his duffle bag, and my side bag, and then struggled with them as he strode towards the cabin. I held my breath when he missed a step as he climbed the stairs but released it when he regained his footing.
“You do know there’s a much easier way of doin’ that, right?”
“Yes,” my husband huffed, dropping the bags next to the cabin door, “but that involved two trips.”
“So?”
“So the quicker I get you inside this cabin, the quicker your thighs spread like butter.”
I slapped his shoulder. “Naughty.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
I chuckled then turned my head to the right and watched a roughed-up Ford Kuga with mud splashed all over it drive up the roadway.
“Who is that?” I asked and pointed at the car.
“That’d be the park ranger, I assume.”
Ryder moved away from me, jogged down the steps of the porch, and headed over to greet the ranger. I leaned against the door for a few minutes and only stood up straight when Ryder shook hands with the ranger in farewell. I waved at him as he got into his car and drove off down the road, getting lost in the bush only seconds later.
“We’re all set,” Ryder said as he wiggled the key to the cabin in my direction.
I smiled and moved aside as he claimed the steps once more. I gestured to the door and waited patiently for him to open it. When he did, he allowed me to walk in first, and I did so with a spring in my step. I felt like the wind was knocked out of me only seconds later.
“Ryder,” I gasped. “This is beautiful.”
“Only the best for you, darling.”
I stared at the entryway with wide eyes. Stunning didn’t cover it. It was incredible. The décor was like something out of an interior magazine. Everything was crafted with wood—all different shades, shapes, and varnishes stood out and got my immediate attention. I didn’t feel a lick of heat, but the décor gave off a warm winter’s home vibe, and I was totally digging it.
Without waiting for my husband, I ventured down the lengthy hallway and entered the first door on my left. It was the kitchen and sitting room combo, and it nearly knocked me off my feet. The ceilings were incredibly high with wooden beams zig-zagging from wall to wall. The paintings of breathlessly beautiful landscapes hung on the wall opposite a ten foot, in both height and width, glass window that overlooked the serene forest.
I felt like my mouth was agape from the moment I entered the cabin, but it definitely hung open when I looked to my right. The fireplace had to be the best part of what I’d seen of the house so far. It was tall, at least six foot in height, and made of solid cobblestones. The different shades of grey and navy on the stones complimented each other greatly as they scaled up the wall. Logs and blocks of coal lined the inside of the fireplace, and I couldn’t wait to cuddle up next to my husband on the suede sofa that sat a metre or two away from the mouth of the fireplace.
“You like it?” my husband asked as I felt his arms come around my waist.
“Like doesn’t cover it.” I hummed as I placed my hands over his on my stomach. “I love it. This place is beautiful, Ry.”
Ryder kissed my head. “I’m glad you feel that way, sweetheart. Put your feet up on the couch, and I’ll get a fire going. I bet it will look great with this fireplace.”