me nothing short of a mischievous grin. “Although, I’m not sure how you’ll make time when you’re already dating those three boys in there.”
That’s when I knew that she had not only caught on to my relationships with the brothers but was offering her approval. And that felt better than I could have imagined.
I grinned at her, feeling happier than I had in a long time. “I’ll figure something out.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Thea
“Wake up,” a low, raspy voice said against my mouth.
“Mmm.” I turned over, happy that my cast was gone and I could sleep on both sides again.
“Thea.”
I shivered as light kisses trailed over the side of my neck. It felt good, but I wasn’t ready to wake up yet. I really wasn’t a morning person. “Too early,” I muttered.
“You can sleep in the car.”
At that, I forced my eyes open to find Tristin hovering over me with a slight grin. The bedside lamp was on, so I had no trouble making out his wet hair and freshly shaven jaw. “What time is it?”
“A few minutes after five.”
I scowled as I burrowed deeper under the covers. We’d only had a few days of our Christmas break so far. There was absolutely no reason to be up at this ungodly hour. “Why?”
“Why is it a few minutes after five?”
Shaking my head around a yawn, I said, “No. Why are you waking me up this early? And what do you mean, sleep in the car?”
He bent down to press a soft kiss on my lips. “We’re taking a trip. Now, get up and get dressed. Your bag is already packed and in the Range Rover.”
At that, I finally pushed past my sleepiness and sat up. “What trip?”
He gave me a small but happy smile in return. “It’s a surprise. Now, get your cute ass out of bed before Leo comes in here and throws it out.”
Still baffled, I threw back the covers and slowly moved to the edge of the mattress. Tristin took my waist in his hands and lifted me up. “Are there any particular drinks or snacks you want for the drive?”
“Water is good, and maybe some of those peach candies, if there are any left.”
In addition to the homemade cookies and various other treats, Susan had sent us off with stockings full of small gifts and candy. The bag of gummy peaches she’d included were possibly my new favorite thing. She’d done it—she’d finally discovered my weakness.
Hayle had his Teddy Grahams, and I had my soft and chewy and ridiculously sweet peach candies.
“Okay.” He headed for the door. “See you downstairs in fifteen?”
I nodded and then called, “Wait. Who packed my bag?”
“Petra. She came over and took care of it while we were at dinner last night.”
That girl. She’d taken time out of her Christmas to pack for me. Her generosity never ceased to amaze me. “Got it.”
Grateful I’d taken a shower last night, I quickly changed into a pair of jeans and several layers, since I didn’t have any idea where we were going. After throwing my phone, charger, and extra cash in my purse, I hurried downstairs. Hayle and Tristin were in the kitchen, and Leo was standing by the front door.
Leo grinned, looking way too awake for this early. “You ready?”
“How the hell would I know?” Yes, I sounded grumpy. But I was barely functioning and had no idea what was going on.
He pulled me into a cozy, warm embrace. “It’s going to be fun, I promise.”
“And you won’t tell me where we’re going?”
“No way,” Hayle replied, walking up behind me. “Some things are better as a surprise.”
And some things aren’t, I couldn’t help but think as my mind wandered to everything that had happened with his mother less than a week ago. Not that I wanted to think about that. The visit was behind us, as was our breakfast with Vincent. Now, we all could relax and not think about any of the crap.
Within a few minutes, we were settled in the SUV. Tristin had lured me into the back seat, offering to let me sleep on him. Since it was still dark outside, and I could barely keep my eyes open, I relented and got as comfortable as possible with my seatbelt on.
His thigh was hard against my cheek, until he balled up his coat and placed it under my head. “Thank you,” I murmured.
He ran his fingers lightly through my hair. “Sleep, angel.”
Smiling, I snuggled deeper into him. As far as terms of endearment