Colton threw his head back and laughed. He loved this man so damned much. “Come here.” Colton pulled Ace close and kissed him, his heart filled with so much adoration. He was so fortunate, something he would never take for granted.

  Ace moaned and melted into Colton, who was already hard, his stiff length pressed against Ace’s. Their kisses quickly went from sweet and slow to hot and heavy. Ace leaned over and opened the nightstand drawer, grabbing the bottle of lube. He removed his sleep shirt and tossed it to the side. Colton groaned. Fuck, his man was hot. He ran his hand up Ace’s torso, fingers sliding over beautifully sculpted muscle. For all their teasing, Ace was just as fit as he had been when they’d met, his body solid and muscles defined. The way he moved his body was sinful.

  Ace lifted himself and pushed his pajama bottoms down past his ass. He flicked open the cap of the lube and poured some on Colton’s hand, then tossed the bottle back on the bed. Leaning forward, he brought their mouths together, their tongues tangling as Colton prepped him, their breaths panting as Ace pulled Colton’s bottoms down enough to palm his leaking cock.

  “Oh god.” Ace groaned as he started to move on Colton’s fingers. “Please, baby.”

  Colton lined himself up and slowly guided Ace down onto him, his teeth gritted and toes curling as Ace lowered himself until he sat against Colton’s groin. They both stilled, Ace cursing quietly under his breath.

  “You okay?” Colton asked.

  Ace nodded. He let out a breath and started moving, his fingers digging into Colton’s shoulders. Colton moved his hands to Ace’s waist as Ace pulled up, then lowered himself down, setting a steady pace until Colton thought he would lose it. Being inside his husband’s tight heat was incredible, and Colton thrummed with explosive need.

  Then Ace picked up his pace, and Colton stifled a loud moan. He thrust up to meet Ace’s movement, his groin slamming into Ace’s ass. His full lips were parted, the sound of his moans and pleas filling the room as Colton fucked him, driving himself deep over and over. Ace leaned forward, burying his face against Colton’s neck as he jerked himself off, and Colton chased his orgasm.

  Colton cried out, calling Ace’s name as he punched his hips and emptied himself inside his husband, the feel of Ace’s hole tightening around his cock as he came made Colton jump.

  “Oh fuck,” Colton wrapped his arms tight around Ace as his husband came. Sweat dripped down Colton’s brow, and they were both hot and sticky. They stayed locked together for the longest time, even after Colton slipped out of Ace. His eyes closed, Colton kissed Ace’s shoulder and ran a hand down his back. It was time. He’d been thinking about it long enough. He wanted more time with his husband, wanted to have more moments like this. Not just the sex, but holding the man he loved, the man he would do anything for.

  “I love you so incredibly much,” Ace murmured against Colton’s skin.

  “I love you so very much, too,” Colton replied.

  When they started to get chilly, Colton tapped Ace’s flank, and Ace groaned, forcing himself to get up. He took Colton’s hand, and Colton didn’t even ask. He followed Ace into the bathroom. They took their time in the shower, the warm water felt amazing against his skin. When they finished, they dressed in their pajamas and robes and headed downstairs. Neither of them was feeling particularly sleepy, and it wasn’t even ten yet.

  Downstairs, Fitz and Jack had fallen asleep on one side of the expansive couches. It was sweet. Fitz was wrapped up in one of his super soft blankets, his head on Jack’s lap and Jack’s hand in Fitz’s hair. Duchess was curled up in front of the fireplace. She popped her head up and wagged her poufy tail. Ace put his hand out, motioning for her to lay back down, and she lowered her head and went back to sleep. Ace was so good with dogs.

  Joker might be the expert and a certified trainer, but Ace just had a way with dogs. The same couldn’t be said for small furry creatures, but Ace had never met a dog he didn’t love or that didn’t love him back.

  They went into the other sitting room where they could watch the snow falling outside as they cuddled together on the comfy sofa.

  “Are you okay helping Clara with some of the deliveries tomorrow for the Ice Castle?” Colton asked quietly. “I promised Dotty I would go to her mother’s shop and let her pick out ornaments for our tree. I was supposed to have gone this afternoon, but I didn’t get the chance with everything going on, so I told her mom I’d pop by as soon as I could.”

  “Sure. No problem. I’ll help Lucky and Mason with the roof in the meantime.”

  Colton eyed Ace, making him laugh.

  “I won’t go on the roof, I promise.”

  “Okay.” Not that Colton didn’t have faith in Ace or his abilities, but considering his recent track record, it was probably best his husband avoid high altitudes for the time being.

  Something seemed to occur to Ace. “Let’s say everything arrives in time, Jack gets the Ice Castle up and running, Lucky and Mason get the roof fixed, and all the halls are decked. Winterhaven is restored to its holiday glory. What then?”

  Colton blinked at him. “What do you mean?”

  Ace turned to face him, his expression one of concern. “Babe, we’re the only guests.”

  “Shit.” Colton had been so busy trying to get everything the town needed to be ready for the holiday season that he hadn’t thought about the fact that all the guests had canceled. “Maybe Clara can call them once everything is ready? Let them know Winterhaven is back in business?”

  “She could. But what if guests have made other plans by the time everything is ready? We’re getting close to Christmas. That’s a lot of last-minute travel.”

  Colton sighed. “You’re right.”

  “Maybe talk to Gio about it.”

  “That’s a great idea,” Colton said, kissing Ace. If anyone could help him bring people to Winterhaven, it was Gio. His best friend had travel connections all over the world, as well as numerous wealthy contacts. Colton drew his legs up onto the couch and snuggled up to Ace. He pulled one of the plush blankets over their laps. He loved how the cabin was littered with countless soft, warm blankets.

  Tomorrow was going to be a busy day with so much to do, and he had something special he wanted to talk to Clara about, which meant making certain Ace was busy elsewhere. For months, he’d been thinking about what to get Ace for Christmas. Just because he was wealthy didn’t mean he could gift his husband something frivolous. Obviously, he could, and had in the past, but not for a special holiday or occasion. He wanted his gifts to have meaning. Ace, of course, was no help because his response was always the same, that he had everything he needed.

  The more Colton thought about it, the more excited he became. He hoped Clara would be able to help. Whatever happened, Ace was right. This was already turning out to be one of his most memorable Christmases. Now, to pull off what he’d promised Clara. It was time to get Winterhaven ready for an amazing Christmas season.

  CHAPTER TEN

  When Colton said shipments would start arriving over the next few days, he hadn’t been kidding. As soon as the new panels or whatever nerd stuff Jack had ordered arrived, they’d gotten it all down to the Ice Castle. There were many, many boxes.

  “Don’t worry, baby,” Fitz said, picking up one of the boxes. “You’ve got this. And I’m going to be with you every step of the way. I’ll be your assistant.”

  It was sweet, considering Fitz had no idea what that would entail, but he was determined to be there for Jack. Ace was so happy for his friend. Fitz adored Jack, and it was obvious in so many ways. On occasion, when Jack’s confidence wavered, Fitz was always there to pick him up and show him how loved he was.

  “No pressure,” Ace said, placing one of the boxes on the table inside the small control room. “But the success of the town’s entire holiday season depends on you getting the Ice Castle fixed.”

  Jack stared at him, eyes going huge.

  “What is wrong with you?” Fitz hissed, smacking Ace’s shoulder.

  “Ouch! I said no pressure!” Hm. Maybe he should have phrased that differently.

  “Unless you want me to smother you in sixty-five percent acetate, thirty-five percent modacrylic Italian Saint Laurent faux fur, I suggest you zip it.”

  “That sounds expensive,” Ace muttered, rubbing his arm. “Damn, Fitz. Have you taken up boxing or something?”

  “People underestimate the kind of muscle and strength needed to blow dry people’s hair for hours on end, and I’ve been doing it for years. And yes, that coat is expensive. It was gifted to me during Paris Fashion Week several years ago.”

  “Which means it’s out of style, but he won’t let me buy him a new one,” Jack said, lining up the boxes near the far wall.

  Fitz blew Jack a kiss. “As sweet as the sentiment is, darling, I’m no longer in that industry, which means I don’t need to keep up with current fashion trends, and neither of us needs to spend that kind of money on clothing, especially a fur coat. We live in Florida.”

  “Says the guy who wears sweaters all the time. In Florida,” Ace teased. He was pretty sure the entirety of Fitz’s wardrobe consisted of designer labels, but he also knew that Fitz never paid full price for any of it. The man had a talent for finding a good bargain. He also wasn’t afraid to go to battle for his wardrobe. Watching a couple of former models face off during a designer clearance sale had been terrifying. Ace would rather face an army of squirrels on steroids.

  Fitz tugged at Jack’s shirt and, with a sinful smile, pulled him close. Jack didn’t hesitate. He walked right into Fitz’s arms and smiled as Fitz kissed him.

  That was Ace’s cue to head out. Mason and Lucky were already on the roof. Ace had helped carry everything they needed as soon as the truck pulled in, and as he’d promised Colton, he handed things off to them without climbing onto the roof.

  Speaking of his beautiful, amazing husband. It was time for Ace’s surprise. He sent off a text for Colton to meet him as soon as he was done at the café. Clara and several of the town residents would be gathering deliveries and putting everything inside the main ballroom of the Ice Castle. As the shipments came in, with the help of Ace’s family, they’d put together a plan of action and start decorating.

  As Ace had hoped, everyone was getting into the holiday spirit, and all his family members were having a great time. They still didn’t know what Leo was up to, but they weren’t worried. Leo would share with them soon enough.

  Ace took a sip of hot cocoa and hummed. Damn, this was good. He needed to find out the recipe. The mounds of whipped cream and marshmallows, and the chocolate stirrer probably did a little something to enhance the taste.

  The door above the café jungled, and Ace’s heart swelled. He marveled at how Colton’s smile still had the power to light Ace up inside. Colton pulled off his gloves and joined Ace at the small table near the window.

  “Hey, I got your message. Everything okay?”

  “Yep. Can you take a break for a bit?”

  Colton plucked off a marshmallow and popped it into his mouth. “For you, my love, anything.”

  “Aw. And I thought this drink was sweet.”

  “No, that drink is a cavity waiting to happen,” Colton teased. He ordered himself a less impressive hot cocoa and some cookies to go. They left the café, and Colton followed Ace down the street toward the Christmas tree farm. By now, they knew their way around town pretty well.

  “Why are we heading to the Christmas tree farm? We already have a tree.”

  “You’ll see,” Ace replied, taking another sip of his hot drink. It started to snow, light and fluffy flakes landing softly on the snowy ground. Talk about perfect timing. They greeted Jovie in the lot and walked toward the back where the lot opened up into an expansive snowy field that led to the woods.

  Colton eyed him. “Why are you being so secretive?”

  “Why are you being so nosy?”

  Colton laughed. “Okay. Hint taken.”

  “That’s more like it.” Ace received a swat to the arm, making him laugh.

  “There won’t be any squirrels involved, will there?”

  “I knew it. That will haunt me for the rest of my days.”

  Colton nodded. “Yes, it will.”

  The sound of jingling bells suddenly filled the air, growing louder as Ace’s surprise grew closer. Colton stared at Ace.

  “What is that?”

  Two huge reindeer with enormous antlers rounded the bend, pulling a big red and gold sleigh. Unlike a carriage pulled by horses where the driver sat in the front, with a sleigh, the driver—Noel—stood on a small platform at the back, his butt against a raised, red tufted bench of sorts.

  Next to Ace, Colton gasped. “You didn’t.”

  “I did. I talked to Leo, and he put in a good word with Santa. He let Noel borrow one of the sleighs and a couple of reindeer so we could take a romantic sleigh ride.” The reindeer stopped before them, snorting loudly as they shook their heads. “This is Cupid and Vixen.”

  “Of course,” Colton said with a laugh. He tentatively reached out, then stopped, glancing at Noel. “Can I touch them?”

  “Of course. They like to be petted,” Noel said.

  Colton petted the reindeer closest to them. “Leo was right. They are big. I wasn’t expecting that.”

  “Ready?” Noel asked.

  Ace bowed and motioned toward the sleigh. “After you.” He helped Colton up, waiting for Colton to get under the layers of blankets before joining him. As soon as they were settled, Noel got them moving, the cheerful sounds of the sleigh bells filling the air. It was a beautiful day, the sun warm despite the falling flurry. Ace wrapped his arm around Colton, and Colton snuggled against him.

  “This is magical,” Colton said, the awe in his voice making Ace smile. He turned and kissed Ace. “Thank you, love.”

  “I know it’s not Christmas yet, but Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”

  “Merry Christmas, Ace.”

  They kissed, then went back to simply enjoying each other’s company, snuggled together. The scenery was breathtaking, and Ace could see them coming back to Winterhaven. There was definitely something enchanting about it, and he couldn’t wait to see it once it was all decked out. He hoped the rest of their family was loving it as much as he and Colton were. Something told him they were. After all, his family was doing what they did best: helping others and spending time with those they loved. Man, he was feeling sappy, and he was one hundred percent there for it.

  The sleigh ride was everything Ace had hoped it would be. Colton had been in love, and Noel took many photos so Laz could find the perfect shots to print and frame for their home. When the temperature started to drop, Noel turned them around, and they headed back to town. Their cheeks were rosy from the cold by then, but the smile on Colton’s face when Ace helped him out of the sleigh was everything.

  “I think it’s time for some more hot cocoa,” Colton said, laughing at Ace throwing his arms up.

  “Yes! There’s a polar bear wearing a scarf cookie with my name on it.”

  “How did you know?” Colton asked as they walked down the sidewalk, the snow crunching beneath their boots. A fresh new layer of snow had fallen since they’d returned.

  “That you wanted a romantic sleigh ride in the snow?”

  “Yes.”

  “You think I didn’t see you that night in the kitchen staring at that sleigh cookie? Also, whenever someone in one of your Christmas movies went for a sleigh ride, you’d sigh a kind of dreamy sigh that said you wished that was you.”

  “Really?”

  “Yep.”

  Colton kissed Ace’s cheek and then opened the café door for him. His phone dinged, and Colton pulled it out, checking his message. “Love, would you mind getting us a table? I’ll be right back.”

  “Is everything okay?” Ace asked.

  “Yes. I just need to pick something up from Clara really quick. I’ll be right back.”

  “Okay.” Now who was being secretive? It seemed to be catching. Ace snagged the cozy couch at the back of the café near the fireplace. Christmas music played softly in the background. Ace checked his messages in case he’d missed anything from any of the guys, but nope, everything was quiet.

  Colton took longer than Ace expected, so he started reading a book on his phone. He’d been so wrapped up in the story that he didn’t hear the café door jingle. He knew it was Colton because of his soft cologne. He smiled and held a finger up.

  “Just finishing this paragraph.”

  Something whined, and Ace lifted his gaze. “What. Is. That.” Ace’s heart exploded. Or at least it felt like it.

  Colton beamed at him. “This is Cocoa. He’s a two-month-old sable German Shepherd puppy. And he’s yours if you want him.”

  Ace moved his gaze from the puppy to Colton and back. “He’s mine?”

  “Merry Christmas, love.”

  Ace sat there, staring at the puppy.

  “Did I break you? Or do you not want a puppy? Should I have talked to you about it first?”

  Cocoa let out a little whine, and Ace made grabby hands. “Give me my puppy.”

  Colton laughed. “Is that a yes?”

  “Baby, I love you, but if you don’t hand me that puppy right now, I just might cry.”

  Colton handed him the small fluffball, and Ace took him, holding him against his chest. Ace had only brought it up a couple of times because he didn’t want to get his hopes up. He’d wanted a dog for years, but the timing had never been right. With his work schedule the way it had been, plus Colton’s work schedule, it wouldn’t have been fair to any of them, but now….