Part 39 ( Ellie )

The morning light filters through the curtains.

The warmth beside me is missing, and that's what pulls me from sleep. I blink blearily, reaching out instinctively, but my hand meets cool sheets instead of Juliet.

That wakes me up a little more.

I push myself up on one elbow, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I glance around. It doesn't take long to find her.

She's out on the balcony, her silhouette framed by the early morning sky, wrapped in one of my hoodies, the sleeves too long on her arms. Her hair is slightly messy from sleep, cascading over her shoulders as she leans against the railing, staring out at the mountains.

Juliet always did love views.

I watch her for a moment, taking her in, the peacefulness in her posture, the way the morning air brushes against her skin, how utterly breathtaking she looks without even trying.

Then, reluctantly, I pull myself out of bed. I head to the bathroom and grab my toothbrush, running through my usual routine, splashing cold water on my face to shake off the last remnants of sleep.

Once I'm done, I head straight for her.

She doesn't react when I step onto the balcony, but I know she hears me. She always does.

Without a word, I slip my arms around her from behind, pressing my chest to her back and burying my face into the crook of her neck. "Morning, beautiful." My voice is still rough with sleep, but the affection in it is unmistakable.

She hums softly, her hands coming up to rest over mine where they lay against her stomach. "Morning."

I press a lazy kiss against her shoulder, then another at the base of her neck, letting my lips linger. "You're up early."

She exhales, tilting her head slightly to allow me better access. "Couldn't sleep."

I frown, tightening my hold on her, my thumbs brushing absentminded circles over her hips. "Something on your mind?"

She shakes her head. "Nothing bad. Just... thinking."

I kiss the spot behind her ear, my lips curling into a small smile against her skin. "Dangerous."

She lets out a breathy chuckle, finally turning in my arms so she can face me. Her hands slide up my chest, resting just over my heart. "I was just admiring the view."

I glance over her shoulder at the breathtaking expanse of snow-covered mountains, the sky a soft wash of blue and pink as the sun starts to rise. "It's nice." Then I look back at her, my hands sliding down to grip her waist. "But I'd rather admire you."

She rolls her eyes, but there's no hiding the small, pleased smile that tugs at her lips. "You're such a sap."

I smirk, leaning in to press a lingering kiss to the corner of her mouth. "Talk dirty to me more."

She laughs, her fingers tighten against my hoodie. "Shut up."

I hum against her lips, stealing another slow, lazy kiss. "Lucky me."

She exhales softly, leaning into me, her body molding perfectly against mine. My fingers slip under the hem of the hoodie she stole, finding warm, bare skin beneath, and I take my time running my hands up her sides, tracing every familiar dip and curve.

Juliet's arms looping around my neck as she kisses me deeper, slower.

I murmur against her lips, my hands sliding lower, pressing her closer. "How do you always manage to look so damn good first thing in the morning?"

She chuckles, her breath warm against my skin. "It's a gift."

I grin, dragging my lips along her jaw, down the side of her neck. "Mmm. A very unfair one."

She tilts her head back slightly, giving me more room, her fingers tangling in my hair. "I thought we were just admiring the view."

I hum, pressing another kiss against the sensitive spot just below her ear. "I am."

Juliet exhales a soft, contented sigh, her fingers tracing lightly at the nape of my neck. I press one last lingering kiss against her jaw before pulling back just enough to meet her gaze.

Her eyes are warm, still laced with sleep, and I can tell she's in no rush to move.

"Wanna head down for breakfast?" I murmur, even though I don't really want to. "The others are probably already up."

Juliet hums, but she doesn't move just yet. Instead, she drags her hands slowly down my chest, her touch light and teasing. "Do we have to?"

I brush my lips against hers once more before pulling away completely, earning an exaggerated sigh from her. "Probably."

She pouts slightly but lets me take her hand as I tug her gently back inside. "Fine," she huffs. "Let's go eat the breakfast Mia probably burned for us."

I chuckle, shaking my head as we walk toward the bedroom door. "You love her cooking."

She scoffs. "I tolerate her cooking."

"Mmm. Sure."

She flicks me a look but doesn't argue, slipping her fingers between mine as we step into the hallway. The house is quiet, save for the faint sounds of movement downstairs. The scent of coffee and something sweet drifts through the air, and I can already hear Luke and Aiden bickering about something.

"Just in time," Mia says, flipping a pancake onto a plate with a flourish. "I was about to send a search party."

I smirk, sliding onto one of the counter stools while Juliet settles beside me. "You mean you were about to yell up the stairs until we came down."

Mia gasps dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. "How dare you? I would never."

Aiden snorts, stirring something in a pan. "She absolutely would."

Luke, already seated beside Olivia, sips his coffee and mutters, "Yeah, we had a bet on how long she'd last before storming up there."

Olivia tilts her head at Mia. "You lasted about five minutes longer than I expected."

Mia points her spatula at them. "Have some faith in me."

Aiden just chuckles, setting a pan of eggs onto the stove before turning toward us. "Hope you two are hungry. We went all out."

I glance at the spread on the counter—stacks of golden pancakes, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, a bowl of fresh fruit, and a pot of steaming coffee. Damn. "Looks amazing."

Juliet hums in agreement, reaching for a mug as she eyes the food. "Okay, I'll admit, I expected way worse."

Mia scoffs, dramatically offended. "Excuse me? I am an excellent chef."

Luke scoffs. "You almost set a kitchen towel on fire five minutes ago."

Mia waves a dismissive hand. "That was Aiden's fault."

Aiden raises a brow. "How exactly was that my fault?"

"You distracted me."

Olivia snickers. "By telling you the stove was too high?"

"Exactly!"

Aiden just sighs, shaking his head as he starts plating food. "Anyway. Eat before it gets cold."

Mia hands me a plate, then Juliet. "And you, little mama, you get the biggest portion. For the baby."

Juliet rolls her eyes but accepts the plate. "Mia, I'm not starving. Plus, you're pregnant too."

Mia shrugs. "Don't care. Eat."

I chuckle, nudging Juliet's knee under the counter. "Just let her have this."

Juliet sighs, but I see the amused glint in her eyes as she digs into her food.

Luke watches us over his coffee. "So, any exciting plans for today? Or are we just letting Mia drag us through her ridiculous itinerary?"

Mia glares at him. "It's not ridiculous. It's a perfectly structured balance of fun and relaxation."

Juliet hums. "That's suspiciously vague."

Aiden grins. "Which means it's gonna be absolute chaos."

Mia grins. "Obviously."

-

The moment breakfast is over, Mia raises her voice, eyes practically glowing with excitement. "Alright, people. Time for the first official activity of the day."

Luke groans, already slumping back in his chair. "Here we go."

We all finish up and we head outside, the snow is thick beneath our boots, its cold in a way that wakes me up fully.

Mia practically vibrates with excitement, gesturing dramatically toward the van. "Alright, skiers! Your gear awaits!"

I raise a brow. "You actually packed everything in advance?"

Aiden chuckles, opening the back of the van. "She made me do it last night."

Mia rolls her eyes. "You're still alive, so I don't see the issue."

Luke sighs dramatically, already grabbing his jacket. "Let's just get this over with before you start another speech about 'embracing adventure.'"

Mia glares. "One of these days, you will appreciate my speeches, Luke."

Juliet, standing beside me, shakes her head, tucking her hands into my hoodie pockets—my hoodie that she stole this morning. She looks ridiculously cozy, her cheeks slightly pink from the cold. "I can't wait to watch all of you wipe out."

I smirk, wrapping an arm around her waist. "You have so much faith in me, babe."

She tilts her head up, eyes full of amusement. "Mmm. So much."

I lean down, pressing a kiss to her nose. "Just wait. I'm about to impress you."

Luke snorts. "The only thing you're impressing is the ground when you face-plant."

Mia gasps, pointing at him. "See? That's the energy I need! This is why we're twins."

Olivia laughs, wrapping an arm around Luke's. "Babe, you do realize you're just as likely to fall, right?"

Luke grins. "Nah. I'm a natural."

Aiden shakes his head, adjusting his gloves. "Okay, okay. Let's get moving before we all freeze."

Mia and Juliet wave us off as we start heading toward the ski lift, their smug expressions making it very clear they're looking forward to judging us from a safe, warm distance.

I glance back at Juliet one last time, winking. "Enjoy the view, baby."

She smirks. "Oh, I plan to."

With that, I turn and follow the others toward what is either going to be a very fun morning or an absolute disaster.

Probably both.

-

We make our way up the ski lift, the cold biting against my face as I glance at the landscape stretching below us. The snow-covered mountains are gorgeous, but all I can think about is Juliet, warm and smug back at the lodge, probably sipping hot chocolate while waiting to watch me wipe out.

Luke leans back in his seat, arms crossed. "Alright, place your bets now, who's eating snow first?"

Olivia grins. "You."

Luke glares at her. "Wow. So much faith in me, babe."

Aiden chuckles. "I'd say it's a toss-up between Luke and Ellie."

I scoff. "Excuse me?"

Aiden smirks. "You talk a big game, Crawford. Let's see if you can back it up."

I roll my shoulders. "I was a pro at this in high school."

Luke smirks. "That was years ago."

Mia's voice crackles through the walkie-talkie she insisted we take with us. "Hey, dumbasses, if you don't move soon, I will start heckling from the lodge."

I roll my eyes. "Thanks for the support, Mia."

Juliet's voice comes through next, soft but laced with amusement. "Have fun, baby. Try not to break anything."

I grin. "You're gonna owe me an apology when I nail this."

Mia snorts. "Sure, sure. Now go before I make a sign that says Ellie Crawford: Future Olympic Ski Failure and wave it from the balcony."

Luke groans. "Let's just go before she gets any more ideas."

We reach the top, adjusting our gear. The wind is sharp, the slope stretching wide in front of us. Olivia and Aiden seem confident, but Luke and I exchange a glance, a silent understanding passing between us.

One of us is definitely going down.

"Alright," Aiden says, moving toward the edge. "See you losers at the bottom."

And then he pushes off, carving through the snow with way too much ease.

Olivia follows smoothly behind him, barely hesitating.

Luke exhales. "Well, here goes nothing."

I smirk, nudging him. "Don't embarrass yourself, Luke."

"Right back at you, Ellie."

Before I can reply, he launches himself forward.

I take a breath, adjust my stance, and—go.

The cold rushes against my face as I pick up speed, my muscles remembering just enough to keep me steady. For a second, I feel it, the thrill of it, the control, the way the world blurs just enough to make everything else disappear.

I carve through the snow, catching up to Olivia and Aiden, a grin stretching across my face.

Maybe I do still have it.

Then, from the corner of my eye, I see Luke.

He's not skiing. He's falling.

Full-speed, limbs flailing, a string of expletives trailing behind him.

I barely have time to laugh before his trajectory starts aiming directly toward me.

"Luke—"

"Oh, shit—"

Impact.

We crash into each other, tumbling into the snow in a blur of flailing arms and muffled curses.

When I finally come to a stop, I'm lying on my back, snow down my jacket, winded and half-laughing, half-wheezing.

Luke groans beside me. "Fucking hell."

The walkie-talkie crackles. "Did Luke just take Ellie down with him?" Mia's laughter is loud, echoing through the speaker.

I groan, dragging a hand down my face. "Unbelievable."

Luke exhales. "Okay. Maybe I didn't have this."

I roll over and shove a handful of snow onto his face. "No shit."

Aiden and Olivia slide to a stop beside us, both out of breath from laughing.

"Okay," Aiden manages. "That was definitely worth coming up here for."

Olivia nods. "I think that was my favorite part of the trip so far."

Luke groans, still sprawled in the snow. "I am never skiing again."

I sit up, brushing snow from my hair. "You really shouldn't."

The walkie-talkie crackles again. "Get down here. I made hot chocolate, and I might share if you don't take forever."

Juliet's voice comes through next, teasing, "And Ellie? Try not to take out anyone else on the way down."

I sigh, but there's a smile tugging at my lips. "Yeah, yeah. We're coming."

Luke and I finally drag ourselves up, groaning in protest.

As we start making our way, slowly, this time, toward the bottom, I shake my head.

"Next time," I mutter, "I'm staying inside with Juliet."

Luke nods. "Best idea you've ever had."

We make it back to the lodge, the warmth immediately hitting my face as we step inside. The scent of hot chocolate and something sweet lingers in the air, and the sound of a crackling fire makes the whole place feel even cozier.

Mia smirks from where she's leaning against the counter, a mug in her hands. "Well, well, look who survived."

Juliet is perched comfortably in one of the oversized chairs by the fireplace, her legs crossed, looking as effortlessly perfect as ever. She eyes me, amusement flickering in her gaze. "How'd it go, pro skier?"

I sigh dramatically, dropping into the chair beside her. "Luke tackled me."

Luke groans, collapsing onto the couch. "It was not on purpose."

Mia snickers.

Aiden hands me a steaming mug, shaking his head. "At least you made it down in one piece."

"Barely," I mutter, taking a sip of the hot chocolate. It's perfect, rich and sweet, warming me instantly. "Damn. Alright, Mia, I'll give you this one—this is good."

Mia grins. "Obviously."

Juliet watches me for a moment before setting her own mug down and pushing herself up from her seat. Without a word, she moves toward me, and before I can process it, she's settling herself onto my lap, curling up like she belongs there.

Which, she does.

I smirk, my hands automatically finding her waist. "Missed me that much, huh?"

She rolls her eyes, but the small, contented hum she lets out as she settles against me says otherwise. "You were gone forever."

I chuckle, brushing my nose against the side of her head. "Forever, huh? Pretty sure it was, like, an hour."

She sighs dramatically, looping her arms around my neck. "An eternity."

Luke groans. "Oh my God. You two."

Mia snickers, taking a sip of her drink. "Just let them have their moment."

I tilt my head, grinning against Juliet's hair. "You know, if I had gotten hurt, you'd have to take care of me."

Juliet leans back just enough to look at me, her brow arching. "And?"

I smirk. "And you'd have to wait on me hand and foot."

She scoffs. "That's funny."

I grin, fingers playing with the hem of her sweater. "Mmm. I don't know, baby, I think you like taking care of me."

She huffs, clearly unimpressed, but she doesn't move. In fact, she presses closer, her fingers toying absently with the hair at the nape of my neck.

I chuckle, murmuring against her skin, "Admit it."

Juliet exhales, tilting her head slightly, lips brushing against my jaw. "You're an idiot."

I grin. "You're literally on my lap. Clinging to me."

She lets out a soft, amused hum, dragging her nails lightly along the back of my neck. "You're warm."

I smirk. "So that's why you're here."

She shrugs. "Among other reasons."

I press a slow, lazy kiss to her shoulder, my fingers tracing gentle circles against her lower back. "Mmm. I like those reasons."

Mia coughs loudly. "Hey, lovebirds? Some of us are trying to enjoy our drinks without third-wheeling this aggressively."

Juliet rolls her eyes but doesn't move, her fingers still idly playing with my hoodie strings.

Aiden grins. "Let 'em be. It's kind of entertaining."

Luke groans. "It's disgusting."

I smirk, turning my head slightly to meet Juliet's gaze. "Wanna really gross him out?"

She grins, eyes sparkling with mischief. "What do you have in mind?"

Luke groans louder. "Nope. Nope. I'm leaving." He grabs his mug and marches toward the other side of the room.

Mia cackles. "Weak."

-

The fire crackles, the warmth of the room settling over all of us like a comforting blanket. Everyone is relaxed, mugs in hand, laughter filling the space as we unwind from the morning's events. Luke being the dumbass he is, stumbles back to the room and of course, is still bitter about his disastrous skiing attempt. "I swear, that slope was rigged," he mutters, taking a sip of his hot chocolate.

Mia snorts. "Oh yeah? The mountain itself had a personal vendetta against you?"

Luke points at her. "Exactly."

Olivia shakes her head, amused. "Babe, you fell twice before you even started moving."

Luke scowls at her. "Traitor."

She grins, nudging him with her elbow. "Just keeping you humble."

Aiden chuckles, stretching his legs out in front of him. "Honestly, I was expecting more carnage. That was tame compared to what I had in mind."

Luke groans, slumping back against the couch. "Great. Next time, just push me off the lift."

I smirk, tightening my grip around Juliet as she shifts slightly in my lap, getting more comfortable. "Don't tempt him."

Luke glares. "I will throw a snowball at you."

I grin. "You'd miss."

Mia grins mischievously, leaning forward. "Actually, that reminds me. Snowball fight later."

Juliet hums, her fingers lazily tracing patterns along my arm. "I'll watch."

Mia gasps dramatically. "No participation?"

Juliet gives her a flat look. "I'm pregnant, Mia."

Mia gestures wildly. "So am I!"

Juliet tilts her head. "Exactly. You shouldn't participate either."

Mia scoffs. "I refuse to be left out. Aiden and I will be a two-person army."

Aiden sighs. "Here we go."

Luke lifts a brow. "If we're teaming up, Olivia and I will take you down."

Olivia sips her hot chocolate, unbothered. "Oh, I didn't agree to that."

Luke dramatically clutches his chest. "Babe. My own girlfriend is betraying me."

She rolls her eyes, but there's a small smile tugging at her lips as she leans into him, their dynamic as easy as ever.

Juliet watches them with mild amusement before resting her head against my shoulder, exhaling softly. I press a kiss to the top of her head, letting the warmth of the fire and the soft hum of conversation settle around us.

"Alright, alright. We've got a very exciting afternoon ahead. Snowball war and sled racing." Mia beams.

Aiden sighs, shaking his head. "I already know this is gonna end in someone getting tackled."

Luke perks up. "I volunteer Ellie."

I scoff. "Not a chance. You're the one getting tackled."

Luke smirks. "We'll see about that."

Juliet hums, amusement flickering in her gaze as she tilts her head up at me. "You sure you can handle that, baby?"

I grin, fingers trailing along her waist. "For you? I'll win."

She chuckles. "I'll hold you to that."

Mia grins, standing up dramatically. "Alright. Finish your drinks. We've got a war to prepare for."

Aiden groans. "I regret this already."

Luke smirks, stretching his arms. "Oh, this is gonna be fun."

I shake my head, chuckling as Juliet shifts in my lap, sighing. "Enjoy your chaos, baby."

I press another kiss to her temple, my fingers lacing with hers. "Always."

God i'm so in-love with her.

-

The warmth of the cabin is a sharp contrast to the freezing cold outside, and the moment we step inside, exhaustion settles over all of us like a heavy blanket.

Luke collapses onto the couch first, groaning dramatically. Mia, still giggling to herself, plops onto Aiden's lap, her face flushed from the cold and the sheer joy of chaos. "Worth it."

Aiden grunts but doesn't complain, simply wrapping an arm around her. "You say that because you didn't get tackled into a snowbank."

Juliet, sitting beside me, hums. "I thoroughly enjoyed watching that happen, though."

I chuckle, throwing an arm over the back of the couch. "Best part of the day."

Luke glares at me.

The fire fills the room with warmth, and for a moment, we all just sit there in comfortable silence, bodies heavy from the mix of cold air and pure adrenaline.

Then, one by one, everyone starts dragging themselves upstairs.

Luke and Olivia go first, Olivia mumbling something about needing a hot shower to recover from Luke's terrible sled driving.

Mia stretches, yawning. "I'm taking a nap before dinner."

Aiden groans but follows her upstairs. "Wake me up when it's time for food."

And just like that, Juliet and I are alone.

The cabin is quiet now, the only sounds left are the faint crackling of the fire and the slow, steady rhythm of our breathing.

Juliet leans into the couch, exhaling deeply, her eyes half-lidded, her fingers idly playing with the edge of the throw blanket draped over her legs.

I watch her for a moment, then shift, sliding closer, nudging her knee with mine. "Tired?"

She hums, tilting her head to look at me. "Exhausted."

I smirk. "You still look flawless."

She rolls her eyes, but a faint smile tugs at her lips. "Flattery won't get you anywhere, Crawford."

I grin, lifting a hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You sure about that?"

Her gaze flickers to my lips for the briefest second before she schools her expression. "Positive."

I lean in a fraction, my voice dropping. "Not even a little bit?"

Juliet doesn't answer, at least, not with words. Instead, she shifts, turning fully toward me, one knee bent on the couch, closing the space between us.

Her fingers slide up my arm, slow, teasing, before they rest lightly against my jaw. "Maybe a little."

That's all the confirmation I need.

I close the distance, pressing a slow, lingering kiss against her lips. She hums softly, her fingers tightening slightly against my skin as she melts into it.

My hand finds her waist, pulling her closer, my thumb grazing against the hem of her sweater, just barely slipping beneath.

Her lips part against mine, and I deepen the kiss, savoring the warmth of her, the way she tastes like the hot chocolate we had earlier, rich and sweet and impossible to resist.

Her nails scratching lightly at the back of my neck, sending a slow shiver down my spine.

I grin against her lips, murmuring between kisses, "We could stay here all night, or—" I nip at her bottom lip, earning a quiet moan, "—we could go do something fun."

Juliet exhales. "Define fun."

I smirk, brushing my lips along her jaw. "Jacuzzi."

She pulls back slightly, arching a brow. "Hot tub?"

I nod. "Just you, me, and perfectly warm water."

She considers it for a second, then tilts her head. "Are you trying to seduce me with a jacuzzi?"

I grin. "Is it working?"

She laughs, shaking her head. "Kind of."

I press another quick kiss to her lips before standing, holding out a hand. "Come on, baby. Let's go relax."

She sighs, dramatically. "Carry me?"

I chuckle, already expecting this. "You are so spoiled."

She smirks, holding out her arms. "Your fault."

I sigh, as if she's really inconveniencing me, but I bend down anyway, slipping my arms beneath her legs and lifting her effortlessly into my arms.

Juliet gasps, wrapping her arms around my neck. "Ellie!"

I grin, adjusting my grip as I start toward the back deck. "You did ask."

She huffs, but she nestles closer, her head resting against my shoulder. "I didn't think you'd actually do it."

I press a kiss to the top of her head. "I'll always carry you, Jules."

She's quiet for a moment, then murmurs, "That was disgustingly sweet."

I smirk. "I can put you down if it's too much for you."

She tightens her grip. "Don't you dare."

I chuckle, pushing the sliding door open with my hip and stepping out onto the deck.

The sky is clear, stars scattered across it like diamonds, the moonlight casting a soft glow over the snow-covered trees surrounding us.

Juliet shifts slightly in my arms, tilting her head up to look at the sky. "Wow."

I hum in agreement, carrying her toward the jacuzzi. "See? I have good ideas sometimes."

She glances at me, amused. "Sometimes."

I roll my eyes but carefully set her down beside the tub. She stretches her arms up, sighing as she glances at the water. "It looks really nice."

I pull my hoodie over my head, tossing it onto one of the chairs. "Told you."

Juliet watches me for a moment before shaking her head with a smirk. "You just wanted an excuse to see me in a swimsuit, didn't you?"

I grin, winking as I tug my shirt off. "Busted."

She laughs, rolling her eyes, but I catch the way her gaze lingers as I undo the button of my jeans.

I smirk. "See something you like?"

She scoffs, crossing her arms. "I literally see you naked all the time."

I step toward her, hands resting on her waist.

She opens her mouth, probably to argue, but I slip my fingers beneath the hem of her sweater, running them lightly along her skin, and whatever she was about to say dies in her throat.

Her lashes lowering as she tilts her head up at me.

I grin, leaning in to press a slow kiss to the corner of her mouth. "You gonna get in, or are you just gonna stand there looking pretty all night?"

She exhales a soft, amused hum. "I am pretty."

I chuckle, nipping playfully at her jaw. "So pretty."

Juliet shakes her head, but there's a warmth in her gaze as she finally pulls away, reaching for the hem of her sweater.

I step back, watching shamelessly as she peels it off, revealing the black swimsuit she must've put on before we came outside.

My eyes drag over her. "Damn."

She smirks, tossing her sweater onto the chair beside mine. "Now who's staring?"

I grin, grabbing her hand and tugging her toward the jacuzzi. "Get in before I change my mind and carry you straight back to bed."

She laughs but lets me help her into the water. The second she sinks in, she lets out a pleased sigh, her head tipping back against the edge.

I slide in beside her, the heat immediately relaxing my muscles.

For a moment, we just sit there, letting the warmth seep into our bones, the sound of the bubbling water and the quiet rustling of trees filling the space between us.

Juliet shifts her leg, brushing against mine under the water as she turns to look at me.

"You were right," she murmurs, her breath warm against my neck. "This is perfect."

I press a kiss to her temple, my hand sliding up and down her arm. "Told you."

She hums, tilting her head to look up at me. The moonlight casts her features in soft relief, her eyes dark and depthless. "You're full of good ideas today."

I smirk. "What can I say? You bring it out in me."

Juliet rolls her eyes but leans into me, her lips brushing against my jaw. "Charmer."

My fingers slip beneath the strap of her swimsuit, tracing the curve of her shoulder. "I so am."

She lets out a soft breath, tilting her head, a clear invitation. I take it, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to the corner of her mouth. Her hand slides up my chest.

I deepen the kiss, savoring the taste of her, the way she melts into me. Her fingers skim along my abs, leaving trails of heat in their wake.

My hand slides down her side, finding the dip of her waist, the curve of her hip, tugging her closer. She shifts, straddling my lap, her legs slipping beneath the water on either side of me. I groan into the kiss, my fingers digging into her hips.

Juliet's nails rake down my chest as she rocks against me, the friction maddening even through the layers of fabric separating us. I nip at her bottom lip, tugging it between my teeth before soothing the sting with my tongue.

She hums, her hips moving faster, seeking more. I let her take what she wants, my hands roaming her body. She feels like heaven against me, warm and soft and perfect.

My fingers find the edge of her swimsuit, dipping beneath the fabric to touch the bare skin of her lower back. Juliet shivers, her breath hitching as she arches into my touch.

I kiss down her throat, tasting salt and the faint hint of her perfume. My hands slide up her sides, cupping her breasts through the thin material of her swimsuit. She moans, her head falling back, giving me better access.

I take it, peppering kisses along her collarbone, down to the swell of her breasts. My thumbs brush over her nipples, feeling them pebble under my touch. Juliet whimpers, her hips rolling faster, more urgently.

I slide one hand down her stomach, slipping beneath the waistband of her bottoms. She gasps, her body going taut as my fingers find her center, already slick with arousal. I rub slow circles around her clit, feeling her pulse beneath my touch.

"Ellie," she breathes, her fingers tangling in my hair, nails scraping against my scalp.

I capture her lips in a bruising kiss, swallowing her moans as I tease her, pushing her closer and closer to the edge. She's so responsive, so perfect, and I love watching her fall apart in my arms.

Juliet rocks against my hand. I add a second finger, thrusting into her slick heat as my thumb presses against her clit.

I keep working her through it, letting her ride my hand. She slumps against me, breathing hard, her heart pounding beneath my palm where it rests against her chest.

I press a kiss to her temple, my arms wrapping around her waist as I hold her close. "You okay?"

She nods, lifting her head to meet my gaze. Her eyes are dark, pupils blown wide with pleasure. "Mm-hmm. You?"

I grin, shifting my hips slightly. "I'm good."

Juliet arches a brow, a slow smirk tugging at her lips as she feels my arousal pressing against her through our suits. "Mmm. I can tell."

I chuckle, nipping at her bottom lip. "You gonna do something about that?"

Her smirk widens as she leans in, brushing her lips against my ear. "Oh, I plan to."

She rocks her hips, grinding against me in a way that makes me groan low in my throat. My hands find her ass, squeezing the firm flesh as I buck up into her.

Juliet grins, doing it again, setting a rhythm that has heat coiling low in my belly. I let her take control, chasing the friction she gives me, desperate for more.

She kisses me deeply, languidly, taking her time. Maybe right here, in this moment, nothing else matters but the feel of her body moving against mine, the taste of her on my tongue.

My hands slip under the waistband of her bottoms, pushing them down her hips and thighs. She lifts up just enough to let them fall away before reaching for the tie of my swim trunks.

I help her tug them down, kicking them off into the water.

Juliet settles back in my lap. "You're taking too long."

I scoff but she sinks down onto me with a low moan. "Fuck."

She sets a slow pace, rolling her hips in a way that has my fingers digging into her skin. I thrust up to meet her, burying myself deep. The water makes everything slick and easy, letting us move together in a rhythm as old as time.

Juliet's head falls back, her hands braced on my shoulders as she rides me. I lean in, catching a nipple between my teeth through the thin material of her suit. She gasps, her hips stuttering before finding the rhythm again.

I lavish attention on her breasts, sucking and biting and soothing with my tongue until she's writhing against me, desperate for more.

"Keep going, baby. Harder." Juliet whispers in my ear.

I thrust harder. The water crashing together, displaying small waves. I hold on to her waist and fuck her with everything in me.

She moans out loud but i quickly muffle her moans with my hand. "Try not to be too loud yeah? We don't want to wake them up."

She replies by biting into my hand. Making me hiss.

I slam into her, hard, for that. She screams into my hand. I smirk, satisfied.

She grinds on my dick. And i let out a groan. "Fuck, Jules."

I muffle my groans by removing my hands and crash my lips with her. We moan into each-other's mouth. My hand finds her clit, rubbing in time with my thrusts, pushing her closer and closer to the edge.

"Yes, baby, I'm so close," she moans, her voice breaking, her body trembling against me.

I thrust harder, deeper, chasing that moment, watching her unravel for me. Her legs tighten around my waist, nails digging into my back as she shudders, a sharp gasp leaving her lips as she clenches around me.

But I'm not done.

I don't stop. I keep going, fucking her through it, through the aftershocks, through the way she's still so tight, so desperate, so mine.

My breathing is ragged, my grip on her firm as I hold her down, my fingers digging into her hips, leaving marks neither of us will forget. She hisses, a sound that's more pleasure than pain, her head falling back as I drive into her harder, faster, every thrust sending a shockwave through both of us.

Then, in one smooth motion, I turn her around, pressing her back against the wall. She barely has time to catch her breath before I slide back inside her, a strangled moan slipping from her lips as I hit deep, so deep.

"Fuck, you feel so good," I breathe out, my forehead pressing against hers for a second before I pull back, watching her, completely wrecked, completely mine.

"I'm close," I pant, my pace stuttering as the heat coils tighter.

She holds onto my back, her nails pressing into my skin, grounding me as I move, as I give her everything. My hands brace against the ground, the warmth of the jacuzzi steam curling around us, the water lapping at our skin, but all I can focus on is her, on the way she clings to me, the way her body pulls me deeper, the way she gasps my name like I'm the only thing keeping her tethered to this moment.

"Fill me up, baby," she whispers, her voice wrecked, pleading, each word dripping with need. "I need to feel all of you, give it to me."

A shudder rolls through me, my pace faltering as my forehead drops to hers, our breaths mingling, until there's nothing left to do but let go. I press my lips to hers, swallowing her moans. I bury myself as deep as I can, giving her exactly what she asked for.

Her body tightens, and for a moment, everything else fades, just us, the heat, the way she grips me like she never wants to let go.

And I never want her to.

The world steadies slowly, our breathing ragged, our bodies still tangled, unwilling to move just yet. I press soft kisses along her shoulder, her collarbone, anywhere I can reach, my hands trailing up her spine, holding her close even as the aftershocks pulse through us.

Juliet sighs, her fingers threading through my damp hair, her touch soothing, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love you."

I smile against her skin, pressing one last lingering kiss to her lips, slow and deep, before murmuring against her mouth, "I love you more."

She hums against my mouth, fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest. We stay like that for a while, letting the heat of the water and the contentment settle over us like a warm blanket.

Until the chill starts to set in and we're forced to break apart.

Juliet sighs as she reaches for her bottoms, tugging them back on with a wince. "I'm gonna be so sore tomorrow."

I chuckle, pulling my trunks up as well. "We can take a long shower when we get back inside."

She perks up at that, giving me a wicked grin. "Ooh, a shower? What do you have planned?"

I grin back, stepping out of the tub and offering her a hand. "Oh, I have a few ideas."

She takes my hand with a laugh, letting me pull her up and into my arms. "Well then, what are we waiting for?"

I press a quick kiss to her lips before pulling away, grabbing our discarded clothes. "Race you?"

Juliet scoffs, and for a second, I think she'll roll her eyes, maybe flip me off, but then she bolts, taking off in a blur of wet skin and laughter, leaving a trail of water in her wake.

I blink, caught off guard, then shake my head with a grin, jogging after her.

With Juliet, life is never predictable.

And i absolutely adore that.