Unexpected Gifts: (The Steamy Version) (A Castle Mountain Lodge Romance Series Book 1) by Elena Aitken Page A

That’s way too simple. I have a great idea and I know where we can get some costumes last minute.”
    “Like, really last minute,” Andi said. “You know you need to be here in a few hours.”
    “Don’t you want to hear the idea?”
    Andi’s eyes tracked Colin’s movements across the room to the dresser, where he pulled out a pair of jeans and a clean shirt. She sat up in bed, letting the covers fall to her waist. For one delicious moment, she thought he might drop his towel right in front of her. Instead, he bundled up the clothes, and with a smirk in her direction, made his way back to the bathroom.
    “Tell me the idea,” Andi said with a small sigh.
    “I think we should go with the Night Before Christmas,” Eva announced. “I can get some mouse costumes, and sugar plum fairies. We can even have the staff break into small skits throughout the night. And, wait for it,” Eva said. “I found the best soundtrack to play at the end of the night. It’s the sound of reindeer hooves and then we get a Santa to call out, ‘Merry Christmas to all—‘“
    “‘And to all a good night,’” Andi finished for her. “I’m familiar with it. It sounds great. Let’s do it.” Andi kept her eyes on the bathroom door, waiting for Colin to reappear. “How did you think of that?”
    “Well,” Eva paused, “it came to me when I saw that invitation on your desk last night. You know, the one from the Porters.”
    Andi’s stomach clenched the way it always did when she remembered the family she’d once thought of as her own. The same family who’d dropped her the minute their son did.
    “Are you okay, Andi? I’m sorry. I really need to learn when to shut up, but I—“
    “It’s fine,” she said and then realized that it, in fact, was fine. The feeling in her stomach was gone as quickly as it came. “I actually kind of forgot all about the party.”
    “For real? That must be some guy you’ve got there,” Eva said with a laugh. “Well, I guess I’ll get to meet him tonight anyway. I’m looking forward to it. Anyone who could convince you that not only is Christmas okay, but inspire you to throw an actual Christmas party, well, he’s got to be amazing.”
    “He is pretty amazing,” Andi said with a laugh and then added, “Now stop talking to me and get in the car. We have so much to do.”
    “Hey,” Eva said. “I’m on it. You get out of bed with Mr. Wonderful and get your butt moving.”
    “I am not in bed with Mr. Wonderful,” Andi protested. It was remarkable how well her friend knew her. More often than not, Eva knew her better than she knew herself.
    “Whatever. I’m out,” Eva said. Andi heard her laughter come through the line before she disconnected.
    Tossing her cell to the pillow next to her, she leaned her head back against the headboard and sighed.
    “So, I’m Mr. Wonderful, am I?”
    Colin’s voice spooked her and she sat up sharply to find him standing at the end of the bed with a big smile on his face.
    “That was Eva,” she said. “She’s on her way.”
    “You didn’t answer my question.”
    “Eva thinks she’s funny.”
    “So, it’s just your friend who thinks I’m wonderful? Not you?”
    “Stop it.” Andi threw a pillow at him, which he caught with one hand. “I have a million things to do.” She pushed the quilt off her legs and started to climb out of the bed.
    Colin moved around the side of the bed and wrapped his arms around her, pushing her gently back into the mattress. He kissed her soft and sweet on the lips and said, “Well, for what it’s worth, I think you’re pretty wonderful too.”
    Andi murmured her appreciation against his mouth and then firmly pushed him off her and to the side. She straddled his waist and planted a quick kiss on Colin’s forehead. “Save it,” she said. “We have a million things to do.”
    He smiled a wicked smile and said, “Oh, I can wait. Because tonight will be our second official date.”
    “I suppose it will