Page 95 of Mountain Dreams

He woke her in the morning with a sweet kiss and his rendition of “Happy Birthday” with an exaggerated country twang.

“Okay, up and at ’em,” he said, throwing off the covers. “Otherwise, we’ll be waiting forever for a table.”

She wasn’t the only one who loved Pancake Pantry. Locals and tourists alike flocked there, especially on the weekends, and they’d probably end up waiting no matter what. It was always worth it, though.

He rolled out of bed in his black briefs and nothing else, and she gazed at him longingly. They’d stayed up late the night before, making love, but that didn’t prevent her from wanting him again this morning.

“Are you sure we have to rush?” she said.

He was standing in front of his dresser, pulling out clothes, and he turned to face her. “Yes, I’m sure. We need to eat so we have the energy for everything else I have planned.”

“So, there’s nothing I can do to lure you back to bed?” She was wearing his T-shirt and nothing else, and she started to slide the shirt up her legs.

He spun around. “Nope. I’m staying strong,” he said more to himself than her.

She laughed and pulled the T-shirt back down. “Okay, so you’re choosing pancakes over me,” she teased.

“No. I’m choosing you and pancakes.” He pulled on a fresh T-shirt and jeans and ran his fingers through his hair. Then he turned to face her, looking like a million bucks.

“Do I have time to shower?”

He shook his head. “We’ll shower tonight, or better yet, use the hot tub.”

The idea of them in the hot tub later, preferably naked, perked her up. “Okay, just give me a few minutes to get dressed and put on some makeup.”

He came closer and cupped her face. “No makeup. We don’t have time. Plus, you’re beautiful just the way you are.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I haven’t looked in the mirror yet, but I’m guessing you’re exaggerating to get me to hurry.”

He gave her a quick kiss and then playfully swatted her bottom. “I love you, birthday girl. Now, go get ready.”

Ten minutes later, they were driving on the main road into downtown Gatlinburg. It was a Saturday morning in May, and there was already a lot of traffic. Visitors flocked to Smoky Mountain National Park all year long, but it became especially busy during the warmer months. Soon schools would let out, and the resort was already completely booked for the summer.

As they entered the charming town of Gatlinburg, she admired the gorgeous mountain views. Spring rains had brought out all the magnificent colors of the region, and the colors popped beneath the clear skies and early morning sun.

“Thinking about which pancakes to order?” he asked.

“No. I was just thinking about how much I love it here.”

“Me too.”

“We’re so lucky we get to enjoy it year-round versus the visitors who only come for a week or two.”

“Um-hmm. And we’re even luckier we get to enjoy it together.”

She gave him a wide smile, loving the sentiment. He might have been the Biggest Flirt in high school, but he had a deeper, more sensitive side to him too. Lucky her, she got to enjoy every side of him.

After waiting at a couple of long traffic lights in town, they finally pulled into the parking lot near Pancake Pantry. After a short walk down the city sidewalk, they joined the line that snaked out of the entrance and wrapped around the building.

“See, this is why I didn’t climb back in bed with you,” he whispered. “Otherwise, we’d have an even longer wait.”

“It’s not so bad.” She leaned into his side and squeezed his hand. She recalled when he’d said he wasn’t a fan of PDA, but now everybody teased them that they were constantly touching, especially Jax, who often told them to “Get a room!”

Avery usually said something like, “Don’t listen to him. I think it’s sweet.”

Jax wasn’t fooling anybody. Maddie had witnessed plenty of affection between him and Avery when he thought nobody was looking. He might not be as demonstrative as Cody, but the love between the couple was obvious.

During her time at Sawyer’s Ridge, Maddie had come to understand and appreciate Jax more, and she couldn’t wait for Dakota to join them this summer. It would be nice for the siblings to be together, and Maddie was anxious to spend more time with her too.