Graduation and Gifts (Untouchable Book 8) by Heather Long (best books to read for beginners TXT) 📕

brightly lit castle. My stomach ached from laughing, my cheeks hurt, and at the same time, I couldn’t count how many moments had been the best because all of them were.

It was the most ridiculously awesome vacation.

“I thought Colorado was the best vacation ever,” Jake murmured against my hair, and I grinned.

“It was. The best winter vacation.”

“Oh, sweet save,” he teased, and I laughed. The guys brought snacks and drinks back with them—it was always a time for ice cream. Even with the blanket to sit on, I stayed in Jake’s lap and leaned back against his chest so I could stare up. The fireworks were a show unto themselves with music, explosions, and even flickering pictures and art from laser lights everywhere.

It was cool.

We all ended up with the most ridiculous light toys that had Archie and Jake talking about how they could improve them. If we didn’t end up with lightsabers before we were done with this trip, I would have to swear I didn’t know these guys. And I had no intention of swearing that.

Jake weaved one of the light necklaces, creating three different length ones that I could wear before he was done. The air cooled as the sun went down, and even though the humidity had kept all of us sweaty, I didn’t care and neither did they. That was what shorts and tank tops were for, although I’d switched to a crop top after the other had gotten soaking wet.

I didn’t care, but Jake got feisty at guys staring at my bra. Coop and Ian had both become roadblocks in front of me—this new possessive side of Coop was a definite turn on—while Archie laughed at all of them.

Though turnabout had proven fair play when we stood in line for one ride and there was a girl who did everything but flash her boobs at Ian to get his attention. Not that he bothered to look at her once. Didn’t stop me from smiling at her, then standing on my tiptoes to give him a very solid kiss, one he returned easily and with a lot of affection. Our audience made a huffing noise, then looked at Jake.

“Taken,” he informed her. “All of us are. Shoo.”

That had me giggling. In fact, I giggled about it all over again when I saw that same girl as we climbed onto the ferry to head back to the parking lots. She stared at us of course. I was riding on Ian’s back because my feet hurt, and as soon as we were onboard, we went up to the top deck.

“Enjoying yourself?” Archie asked, not missing where my gaze went, and I grinned at him.

“Oh yeah, and I promise to show you all just how much when we get back.”

Considering how tired I was, that was an ambitious promise. That said, it was seriously the best day ever.

Until the next day, when Ian stole me out from between Jake and Coop, or later when Archie pulled me into the shower after we got back from a crazy day of play.

And the day after that.

Then the day we spent at the water parks.

On the fifth day, we headed out to the swimming pool after sleeping in. Well, after Jake woke me up with slow kisses and caresses and Coop watched us. Not that he hadn’t been invited, he just waited until I was spent before rolling me over and working me all up again.

To say it was nearly lunchtime before we emerged would’ve been an understatement. Archie just shook his head and said that I was sleeping with him that night so I could get some actual sleep. That just had all of us scoffing.

Still, a day at the pool let me show off another of my suits. I’d worn the mostly one piece—sorta—to the water park. But I’d pulled out a bikini for lounging around the pool. The guys played and I read a book while I sunned myself, but at one point, I moved under an umbrella before I got a burn. The next day was gonna be our last, so we all voted on what would be our last stop.

We went back to the beginning, and the guys indulged me as I got pictures with every single character we could find. In fact, we divided our time between rides and photos and a little shopping.

I found some gifts for Rachel. I was pretty sure the glitter pink and fuzzy crowned mouse ears were going to be a real hit. I even found something distinguished for Jeremy, and the cats all got upgraded food bowls and a new water bowl. I might have had a little panic attack when I realized quite how much I’d been spending, but Archie talked me down with coffee and ice cream.

Then he promised me I could pay for all my purchases, but not the hotel, even if I wanted to. The hotel had been paid for, and it was a present. I wasn’t allowed to pay for presents.

That logic was such bullshit, but his smile was so genuine and his eyes so earnest, I had a hard time saying no, especially when he got me a second round of chocolate chip ice cream.

“Fine, but our next vacation, I better get to split it fifty-fifty,” I told him, and he just grinned.

“Babe, I love you. If you think the guys and I are ever going to let you pay a full half of—”

“Fifty-fifty, Standish. What’s the point of the money if I can’t spoil you guys too?”

At that, he opened his mouth, then snapped it shut as he considered me.

“Sucks to fight your own logic, doesn’t it?” It was a little win, but I’d take it.

“Maybe,” he mused. “I’ll find a way around that.”

“But until then…” We toasted with our ice cream spoons, and then I dove back into mine and Archie laughed. We were still laughing when the guys found us.

The next morning, I really didn’t want to leave. “I don’t