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Chapter 23

December

Shane

“First your parents, and now way too many days with a bunch of models.” Ruben ran his nose along my neck. His breath tickled along my skin. “Who else do I have to share you with?”

I spun around and hugged him enthusiastically. “You don’t have to share me at all. Only a little of my time. You know, there’s this thing with work and money. Maybe we should get a third person in our relationship. A sugar daddy who’ll cough up the cash so we can manage our time better.”

“An excellent idea!” Ruben beamed at me with a slightly manic expression. “Why didn’t we think of that sooner? Do you think we can find someone else here?”

I winked at him. “I’ll keep my eyes open and let you know.”

He let out a hearty laugh. “Now I feel much better.”

Sighing, he handed me the last shirts, which I stuffed into my backpack. “Have your parents been in touch yet?”

I glanced at him over my shoulder. “Of course. My mom is thrilled about what a great catch I’ve made.”

“Pfft.” He snorted, but his cheeks still turned red.

“The invitation to visit them still stands when we’re in Ocean View.”

Ruben nodded. “I’m glad we’ve made a decision. And for what I have planned, the Cape is the perfect starting point.”

I zipped up my jacket, sat on my bed, and opened my arms. “Come here!”

Ruben willingly sank down onto me. “I’m looking forward to everything that’s coming. And if you need a break from me, the peninsula is big enough for us to get out of each other’s way for a while.”

He gently pressed his lips to mine. “I can’t imagine that ever being the case.”

I ran my fingers through his curly locks, letting the velvety black hair flow through my fingers. “I can. There’s nothing we can’t handle. As my dad always says, communication is everything!”

“He’s probably right.” Sighing, Ruben stretched out on top of me and looked around our room. “Maybe I’ll get some Christmas decorations before you come back. It’s already December. It certainly won’t hurt the ambience of the cabin.”

“Yeah.” I cupped his ass with one hand and pressed my pelvis against him.

When he obviously noticed that I was getting hard, he glanced back at me and raised an eyebrow.

“Do I have your attention again?” I asked.

He pushed my shoulder into the mattress. “For what? You have to leave soon.”

“For a little romp . . . ”

Laughing, Ruben rolled off me and turned onto his side to face me. I put one hand under my cheek and the other on his hip.

He kissed the tip of my nose. “Are you looking forward to the ski safari?”

I shrugged. “It’s the longest one we offer. It’s also completely booked up. Most of the instructors are going. In addition to the regular safari, there will be a photo shoot. The whole thing is a small bonus for this modeling group. An incentive and business trip.”

Ruben ran his hand along my cheek. “Maybe you’ll be discovered.”

I feigned surprise and widened my eyes. “Yes, maybe! How exciting.” I wiggled my eyebrows, and we burst out laughing. “Did I tell you that I was once on the cover of a surfing magazine?”

“Really?” Now Ruben’s surprise was genuine. His mouth opened slightly, and he stared at me.

I ran my finger over his lower lip, stroking his dark stubble. “Yes. A few years ago. A stylist had a huge shoot at the Cape and the surf school. My mom still has a copy if you want to see it.”