“Wondering if I have room for one more book…” She looks through three large books and hums.
“You plan to read on this date?” I tease, walking in and spinning her around. “Because I’m thinking you’re going to be a little too busy.”
Sophie wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me in for a kiss. “Haven’t you learned by now that I’m quite good at multitasking?”
“You think that’s funny, but…”
She cuts me off with another kiss.
“It’s funny because it’s true.” She winks. “Plus, I don’t even know where we’re going, so maybe I can read in the car. I don’t even know what type of clothes to pack.” She turns around, facing the empty suitcase. “Sweater weather?”
I tighten my grip on her stomach as my chest presses against her back. “You’re going to be naked, so you don’t even need clothes.”
She smirks at me over her shoulder. “Well, I’m not going to go out to eat naked, so tell me what to bring.”
It’s in the sixties this time of year, so I tell her to take some sweaters and mostly comfortable clothes. That seems to be helpful enough for her to grab things out of her closet.
An hour later, we’re zipping our suitcases, and once I finish loading up my truck, I walk inside to grab my wallet and phone. “I better not come back to a trashed house,” I warn Liam who’s sitting on the couch eating a huge bowl of cereal. He’s practically naked and already acting like we aren’t home.
“I’ll have my dates clean it up. Don’t worry.” He snickers.
“Don’t burn the house down,” Sophie adds. “Towels don’t belong on the stovetop.”
“That was one time!” Liam defends, but neither of us laughs at his stupidity from a couple of weeks ago.
“We’re coming home to ashes, aren’t we?” Sophie deadpans.
“You two act like I’ve never been home alone before…” Liam finally glances at us over the couch. “If I promise not to cook, will you two finally leave?”
Sophie laughs, then leans down to give him a hug. “Be good, Hulk. Stay out of my room.”
“Mine too,” I add for fun.
“Yeah, yeah. Go have a bangin’ weekend. Ha! Get it?” Liam laughs at his own joke while Sophie rolls her eyes.
“So what’re you going to do for the next few days?” Sophie asks. At first, she felt bad leaving him behind on a holiday weekend, but I doubt it’s going to be a hardship for him, considering how much he travels alone. He’s used to it and probably prefers it.
“Eat chocolate and watch PornHub,” Liam answers without a beat.
“And that’s our cue to go.”
“What? There are some good videos on there!” Liam calls over his shoulder as we make a beeline for the door.
“Sadly, he’s not joking,” I mock with a laugh.
“Bye, Liam!” Sophie calls out before we shut the door and walk to the truck.
I open her door and kiss her before she gets inside. I can’t wait to surprise her. This date has been months in the making, and there have been some holdups, but it’s finally happening. If all goes right, it’s going to be the most magical weekend of her life.
Over two hours later, we arrive at Tahoe City, and the look on Sophie’s face is worth every moment of planning it took. “Oh my God. It’s beautiful here!”
I booked three nights at a lodge resort where we’ll be able to do some hiking, eat at a romantic restaurant overlooking the water and mountains, and enjoy the cozy fireplace inside our suite. I have a couple’s massage schedule for tomorrow, and then we’ll go on an afternoon boat ride.
“Have you been here before?” I ask, taking our locked hands and kissing her knuckles.
“No,” she answers with a smile.
“Good. I wanted to take you somewhere super special for our first date.” I flash her a wink, then cup her face and slant my mouth over hers.
“I have a feeling it’s going to be the best first date I’ve ever had.”
“Well, I hope it’s your last first date.” I smirk and waggle my brows at her.
Sophie blushes, then grins. “Maybe, if you play your cards right.”
Chuckling, I bring her lips back to mine. “That sweet mouth sure turns sassy.”
Once I grab our luggage and we check in, we’re led to a large suite. As soon as we enter, Sophie gasps. “It’s beautiful! Oh my God, it’s perfect!” I look around and see the large bouquet of roses I requested, then drop our suitcases. “You did good, Mason Holt.”
She looks at me before launching herself into my arms. I catch her and hold her to my chest, inhaling the sweet scent of her strawberry shampoo. “I want everything to be perfect for you,” I tell her. “You deserve it, baby.”
“It’s been one hell of a year, hasn’t it?” she asks earnestly, and I know exactly what she’s talking about.