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Merrick was really trying to make things different with Zoe. Granted he wasn’t exactly behaving too much different than he did normally around Zoe. The thing he was trying to be different with though was how physical they got. Which seemed a tad silly probably to limit their physical intimacy to just kissing again. After all they’d done much more than that before Faelan was born. But Merrick had it in his head that if they were going to make that step back to where they'd been physically it’d better end with crossing that old line and if they were going to cross that line and start having sex he wanted at least that first time to be special for her. He hadn’t really gone too public about the relationship as it was still so new. But Zoe was spending more time at the Haven with him and Faelan. So his parents, Sebastian, her sister Gna, and the other Haven members knew they were a couple. He had also told his Nana Hazel who had been thrilled that he finally grew a pair and asked her. He’d held off on telling his sisters or anyone else about the relationship. Emma had kind of made it clear as had Alexander when his great grandmother had her pacemaker put in that they weren’t okay with them being a couple.
He wanted to do something special for her, something probably romantic and definitely memorable. It was coming up on being a month since he asked her out so he figured good time to do something. He put in to take a long weekend from work, and booked a four day trip to a bed and breakfast on central New York that offered horseback riding, winery and brewery tours as part of their packages. He had to fudge her age since she wouldn't be twenty-one till May. Once he got the reservation confirmed he called Zoe up while changing Faelan's diaper, Faelan wiggling around trying to get free. "Hey handsome. How are my two favorite wolves?", Zoe greeted seeing it was Merrick on the caller id. Merrick smiled hearing her voice having her on speaker, Faelan froze too hearing her looking around to find the sound. "We are doing great now that we're talking to you.", he smiled. Faelan made some babbling sounds. Zoe laughed a little hearing Faelan. "Oh I'm speaker I hear. Feeding, changing on impromptu bath?", she questioned. "Changing, just got up from nap with a stinky surprise for me.", Merrick answered. "Ah sweet cucciolo giving daddy's sensitive sense of smell a good test of what he can take?", she spoke which kept Faelan's attention. Merrick rolled his eyes using the advantage of Faelan's distraction to finish cleaning Faelan up and getting a fresh diaper on him. "Thanks for the distraction Zoe.", he said picking Faelan up who instantly barked changing wolf ready to play.
Zoe laughed again leaning against the wall of the break room. "Anytime. So I doubt you called just for me to distract the baby. So what do I owe the pleasure? You know I go on shift in like ten minutes. What did you figure couldn't wait till I come over tomorrow?", she asked. Jada walked into the break room for her break glancing over at Zoe wondering who she was talking to. Zoe had been rather happy the past few weeks but Jada hasn't had time to really find out why. "Well I know it could probably have waited till we are in person. But I wanted to catch you before work so you could put in for next Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday off from work.", Merrick explained carrying the wolf pup down the stairs. Zoe furrowed her brow confused. "What? Um why would I need four days off?", she questioned. "Unless I'm going to central New York to a bed and breakfast for horseback riding, hiking, winery and brewery tours to sleep by my lonesome.", he teased setting Faelan down who raced off to the living room to his toys.
Zoe blinked in shock a smile slowly spreading across her lips. "A four day getaway just us? So you're asking me to spend four days alone with my extremely hot boyfriend?", she questioned not paying attention to Jada being there. Jada raised an eyebrow a bit confused wondering who Zoe was dating. She thought maybe it was Merrick but they'd been rather adamant they weren't and there was that rule Merrick wasn’t willing to break. "Yeah that would be the gist of what I'm asking.", he nodded getting in the floor of the living room playing tug of war with Faelan and a rope chew toy. "Well how can I say no to that. I'll talk to Robin and Uncle Alec about the time off. This is a very sweet and romantic surprise Merrick.", she agreed. Jada fell out of her chair hearing Zoe say Merrick's name. "Good. Let me know and see you tomorrow, have a good shift.", he smiled. "I will. See you tomorrow handsome. Bye.", she sighed hanging up. It was then she noticed Jada and smiled. "Yes I'm dating Merrick. God I love saying that. Now if you'll excuse me I need to put in for days off to go away with my boyfriend.", she smirked leaving Jada with her mouth wide open.
Merrick did his checklist of items to bring, making sure he had his clothes and such and as he was folding another shirt to put into the suitcase he smirked a little. “Well just one thing left I should bring. God it’s been over a year since I last had to buy any of those.”, he commented thinking he was talking to himself. “Buy what?”, Sebastian asked stopping at his brother’s doorway. Merrick glanced over to his little brother. “Nothing you need to be concerned with.”, Merrick said closing the suitcase. Jimmy Howlett peeked around the corner of Merrick’s doorway along with Marco Hamilton, Nash Asher, and Nathan Shadow. “What are you packing for?”, Jimmy asked. Merrick sighed seeing the four mini x-men. His attention went to Jimmy and for a second he felt a sharp pain of guilt that he was going away with Zoe as he looked at those Howlett eyes and was reminded of Rose. “He’s going on a long weekend with his girlfriend….”, Sebastian teased. The boys blinked especially Nathan. “Wait...Uncle Merrick has a girlfriend???? Since when? Who? I thought you were a field player… well I mean before my cousin was born that is.”, Nathan questioned. Merrick sighed. “Yes I have a girlfriend, not the first time in my life. And for the right woman I’m willing to be monogamous, Nate. And who? Zoe DeLuca and we’ve been dating for a month tomorrow.”, Merrick answered. “Whoa...I thought you had some rule about that.”, Marco commented. Merrick chuckled not realizing how many of these kids knew about his rules. “How do you boys know about my rules?”, he questioned. “Bastian. And well I mean a lot of them make serious sense so we kind of use them if that’s okay.”, Nash chimed in.
Merrick shook his head. “Lord help the universe. But guess if you are following the good ones it’s alright. And some of my rules are stupid and for the right woman should be broken.”, he explained. Though looking back at Jimmy’s eyes he was reminded of another woman he’d broken so many of his rules to be with, but shoved that pain back down. “And Zoe is a woman worthy of rule breaking.”, he explained. “They are really rather adorable together. Gina and I have hung out with them a few times.”, Sebastian spoke up. Merrick smirked. “I’m happy for you Uncle Merrick. I know that this summer you’ve been kind of depressed. It’s good to see you smiling.”, Nathan smiled. “Why were you all down in the dumps anyways?”, Jimmy asked. Merrick sighed a little he didn’t want to get into what happened especially with a Howlett. “Thanks Nate. And not really any of your boys’ concern. Go do whatever you five were doing. I’ve gotta head to the store to pick up some last minute items for my trip.”, Merrick said moving past the boys. “Will it be weird buying condoms after so long?”, Nash asked taking a wild guess. Merrick chuckled a little at how precocious the boys were. “No not really weird. But I’m sure it might be for whoever cashes me out at work selling a couple boxes to their boss.”, Merrick smirked giving a wave leaving the boys to themselves.
“So what did happen with Uncle Merrick this summer?”, Nathan asked as he walked with the others to the media room to watch the movie. “Yeah I remember back at the start of summer when we did the zombie movie night he was really in the dumps about something and you seemed to have known what was causing his issue.”, Jimmy commented as he jumped over the back of one of the couches and got settled in for the movie. “I probably shouldn’t talk about it. It’s his life.”, Sebastian sighed looking over at his best friend. He knew every time his brother looked at Jimmy or Rachel thier eyes made him think of Rose. It at least wasn’t often that Rachel was around living in Manhattan with their sister and cousins. But Jimmy was around a lot being his friend. Sebastian also knew that Merrick avoided going to the Draven, not only because he was over twenty-one but that it held the memories and scent of Rose. He also wouldn’t go to club 21 because Rose’s mother owned it, he avoided the Wolverine Pub as it was owned by her parents and Rose had lived upstairs, and well he of course tried to always avoid the Institute. About the only time Merrick went near the institute was to drop him off to hang out with his friends and he dropped him off at the gate so he didn’t have to get closer to the building.
“Come on dude. His generation had all the excitement with freeing Logan and taking down Wanda. We need some kind of excitement.”, Nash encouraged sitting on a sofa. Nathan and Marco took seats and looked to Sebastian wanting to hear this tale. Sebastian sighed and checked out the front window to see that Merrick had pulled out of the driveway. “You need to swear on like your mothers’ lives that if I tell you what happened it does not and I repeat does not leave the five of us. Because he could and would kill all of us.”, Sebastian said looking to each of his friends. “We promise. On our mothers.”, Marco said very intrigued now to know what Merrick would kill over. Sebastian sighed and sat down. “First Jimmy no freaking out.”, he said pointing to his best friend. Jimmy furrowed his brow in confusion but nodded. “Yeah sure no freaking out. What is going on man?”, he assured. “Merrick had been seeing Rose….since she was in high school.”, he explained. All four boys stared in utter shock and Jimmy sort of glared for a moment. “What do you mean by seeing my cousin?”, Jimmy asked. “The only way Merrick used to see girls,before Zoe.”, he answered. “So Rose...our Rose...daughter of Logan and Aurelia was sleeping with your brother?”, Nash said in utter disbelief.
Sebastian nodded. “Yeah. And apparently it was getting serious before my nephew was born. Summer before Faelan they were even going out on dates, Gina and I saw them at Two Brothers, and he was spending lots of overnights away from the Haven. Then of course she went back for school. He went back to his normal ways and ended up getting that girl pregnant. During the pregnancy he started fooling around with Zoe, spending nights at her place but back then he was rather adamant he wasn’t dating her or having sex with her. And part of why he wouldn’t was Rose. He I think was starting to really fall in love with her. But he was actually scared of what would happen when she came back and he had to introduce her to his baby. And well she came back and he told her about Faelan and well he hasn’t seen or heard from her sense. Look I know you all look up to Rose because of what she accomplished at the institute. And Jimmy she’s your blood and Nash and Marco you are related to her via marriage. But I’m going to state my opinion on it Rose is a bitch with no backbone.”, Sebastian explained. All four listened in silence. Jimmy clenched his fits for a moment when Sebastian called his cousin a bitch with no backbone.
“What did you just call my cousin?”, Jimmy asked. “A bitch with no backbone. If she cared about Merrick, if what I saw in her eyes last summer was real and not just a show she was in love with him. You don’t let someone having a kid make you give that up. She knew from the start that my brother wasn’t monogamous so the idea that a condom broke shouldn’t be a shocker. I’m just saying if you love someone you don’t rip their heart out like that.You don’t let a 10 pound, at the time, ball of fluff that is my nephew make you walk away. If anything he’s a damn good reason to stay. My brother has his shit together since Faelan. He has his manager job at Wal-Mart for the sake of insurance, he’s got his own business, and he’s opening that animal sanctuary. He’s an amazing dad to Faelan and he’s doing this on his own the most any of us do is occasionally babysit while he’s at work but otherwise he’s mother and father to Faelan. I mean I get it a little why she’d be scared off… the idea of taking on that kind of role while in college. But I just...I dunno if you love someone you shouldn’t just give them up.”, Sebastian sighed sitting down.
They all sighed a little frowning. “I guess I can see your point Sebastian. Your nephew is a sweet baby and your brother, despite his reputation is really cool. But I can see my cousin’s perspective, if she did love Merrick to find him with a baby and if she found out how close he’d been getting with Zoe...it’d be intimidating. I can’t speak for my cousin though. But he seems happy now that he's with Zoe. And I gotta admit Zoe is really cool. So maybe he’s with who he should be.”, Jimmy shrugged. Nate nodded. “Yeah as long as Uncle Merrick is happy that’s what is important. I hope that Rose is able to find her happiness in Cambridge.”, Nate said. The others agreed. “Well if you ask the new kid Kyle he thinks something is sparking between Rose and Donovan Kearney.”, Marco stated. “Well I’m just glad I don't’ have to deal with that type of messy relationship. I’ve got Gina and couldn't’ and wouldn’t want anyone else.”, Sebastian said. “Yeah you’ve got Gina. I’ve got Lauren, Marco has Aaliyah, and Nash has Aurora. Only one of us without a steady is Nathan.”, Jimmy said nudging Nathan. Nathan shrugged. “What? I’m younger than you guys. I don’t need a girlfriend at the moment.”, Nathan defended. “Alright enough with this let’s watch the movie.”, Nash said hitting play on the video.
While Merrick was getting some last minute ‘supplies’ Zoe was at the mall with her mother and little sister. “So you are going to spend four days and three nights at a bed and breakfast in upstate with Merrick?”, Isadora questioned her voice soft as she walked the corridor of the mall with her daughter and step daughter. “Yeah that’s the general plan. He hasn’t given me full details. But apparently there are winery and brewery tours, horseback riding, and places to go hiking.”, Zoe said sipping her frappuccino as they walked. “This is just way too romantic, I seriously can’t believe that this is the Merrick I grew up knowing..”, Gina sighed a little envious. Zoe shrugged a little. “I’m not about to complain that he’s being romantic. I’m just kind of hoping, that well being away for three nights that…”, Zoe trailed off taking another sip of her frappuccino. She didn't’ exactly feel fully okay with discuss her sex life with her younger sister or her mother in too much detail. “That you’ll finally get to have sex with him?”, Gina asked sipping her soda. Isadora coughed at her stepdaughter’s bluntness. Zoe coughed as well looking at her little sister. Gina just smiled. “What?”, she questioned. “How would you…”, Zoe started to question. “Again I grew up with Merrick. I know his rules. Dating you kind of just killed most of the rules. And I mean you’ve been happy this month but I’ve seen girls after they hooked up with Merrick, you aren’t that kind of happy.”, Gina explained smirking.
Zoe chuckled a little shaking her head at her sister. “Yeah well he said he wanted to take this slow.”, she said. “It’s alright that you haven’t had sex with him yet. And gotta admit taking you away on a long weekend like this is one really romantic gesture to make sure your first time together is special.”, Gina shrugged. Isadora sighed shaking her head a little. “Zoe, I have not seen you so happy before. I am very proud and happy for you.”, Isadora commented. “Merrick is amazing and sweet and gentle and just amazing.”, Zoe smiled. “So are you all packed to go tomorrow?”, Gina asked. “Yeah. I’ve got all my clothes and such packed for him to pick me up in the morning.”, she answered. “Did you pick up condoms? Or any other bedroom items like lingerie?”, Gina asked. “Gina…”, Isadora said with a slightly laugh. “What? They are honest questioned. Granted it’s probably a guarantee that Merrick will bring condoms but always good to be prepared.”, she defended. “You sound like you know a bit too much about this Gina. Dad know you know this much?”, Zoe questioned with a laugh. “Probably not. But really he can’t get mad that I know this kind of stuff. It’s not like I’m having sex with Sebastian. We are only fifteen, and just because Merrick started at fifteen doesn’t mean his brother gets to.”, she laughed. “And why do you say he can’t get mad?”, Zoe questioned.
“Because well I did grow up in the Academy and I did go into his and my mother’s bedroom once or twice and found questionable things. And well unlike you I still live in the house with dad and mom, which no offense mom, they aren’t exactly quiet. But anyways my point here is he’s doing all this to make this first time special you should do something too.”, Gina stated. Isadora felt her face get a little flushed it wasn’t exactly the type of conversation she would have pictured having with her daughter and stepdaughter. But she did like that Gina had on her own started to call her mom while Alexander still called her by her name. She and Damon had agreed they wouldn’t try to push his children to call her anything other than Isadora. “Well what exactly are you suggesting I do?”, Zoe asked with a soft laugh. “At least get lingerie. I know Merrick says you look good in anything but some nice ‘wrapping’ to get through to the really nice gift inside is always good too.”, Gina smirked. Isadora and Zoe laughed a little. “I might pick something up. I’m just excited about this trip.”, she sighed. “As you should be. In the life time I’ve known Merrick he’s never taken a girl anywhere outside of Bayville.”, Gina commented. “He doesn’t travel a lot.”, she shrugged. “True. But he’s not exactly known for romantic gestures either.”, she pointed out. “Like I said I’m excited.”, she said. “It’s nice to know he’s treating my sister different, in a good way different.”, Gina smiled. “Well come on then let’s go see about picking out a couple piece of lingerie for my trip.”, Zoe said. “Just nothing too expensive no reason to waste money on something he might rip apart.”, Gina giggled as the trio went into Victoria’s Secrets.
Bright and early the next morning Merrick did one final check he had everything he needed before saying goodbye to Faelan. This would officially be the longest ever he'd been away from Faelan. "You need to be extra good. I will call when I get to the hotel and beyond that I don't know how often I'll be checking in.", he said giving Faelan kisses on his cheeks handing him to his mother. Kim chuckled. "I'm sure you and Zoe will be having far too much fun to worry about checking in.", Kim smiled. Merrick smirked. "One can hope...", he chuckled picking up his suitcase. "See you Monday.", he said with a wave walking out the door. He had been looking forward to this trip since he got the idea. He'd waited all this time, not just counting the month he'd been officially dating her but back to last September when they'd first kissed, to have sex with her or really anyone at this point. He arrived at Zoe's and used the spare keys he still had to go upstairs and knock on her door. "Hellraiser? You ready to roll?", he called. "It's unlocked just getting out of the shower, sorry!", Zoe yelled. Merrick smirked rolling his eyes as he stepped into the apartment. "Showering without me?", he teased walking to the end of the wall. Zoe stepped out of the bathroom with just a towel wrapped around her. "Well if you got here fifteen minutes ago...", she smiled leaning up giving him a kiss.
Merrick let out a breath almost a growl as she pulled back. In his mind he kept thinking about there was just a towel covering her and they were a matter of feet from her bed. Zoe raised an eyebrow smirking at the little growl. "Something wrong?", she asked. Merrick smiled shaking his head reaching up and holding sides of her face bringing her back in kissing her deeply walking her up against the wall. Zoe blinked a little but returned the kiss moaning a little. That passion he brought to the kiss made her just feel weak in the knees and all she was thinking was how close to the bed they were. Merrick held the kiss for a while before pulling back bringing his hands down. "You should get dressed so we can get on the road.", he finally spoke. Zoe sighed and nodded. "Right..." She said slipping into her bedroom. She didn't bother closing the door just dropped the towel in the hamper and started to get dressed. She was being slow on purpose, as she glanced over to see Merrick leaning in her doorway watching her intently. "Yes?", she questioned coyly hooking her bra. "Mio dios.", he said simply. She smiled as she finished getting dressed in black skinny jeans and dark blue V neck blouse with button front, fold over collar, button tabbed empire waist. "Let's go.", she said slipping into a pair of flats. "Alright let's go then.", he smiled grabbing her suitcase heading to his car. At this point he wanted to just get her to the bed and breakfast more importantly the room because he really wanted to get her naked and on a bed. More than a want at the moment it felt like a need.
It was almost a six hour drive from Bayville to Naples and the Mountain Horse Farm Bed & Breakfast. They arrived just around lunch time. As they drove up the long driveway lined with trees their branches creating a canopy overhead, some leaves just starting to turn as it was autumn now Zoe looked out the window smiling. “This place it beautiful Merrick…”, she commented as they pulled up to the parking area. “Yeah it really is.”, he agreed getting out and grabbing their bags. “Let’s go check in…”, he said holding the bags with his left hand as he put his right around her. Zoe’s eyes were looking all around taking it in. She could see horses off in the distance grazing in a field by a barn, another barn that from the looks of it was converted as sleeping space, and then up the hill the lodge with his wrap around deck. Merrick was looking directly at the lodge since they needed to check in, but his other senses were going in every direction being in a new place. As they walked up one of the horses came closer to the fence and Zoe pulled away from Merrick and went over to see the horse. It was a blonde 17.5 hands Belgian Draft. “Oh look at him Merrick, he’s so beautiful. Didn’t you mention horseback riding?”, she asked looking over her shoulder.
Merrick smiled walking over. “Yeah but not these horses. These ones are pets, there’s a ranch nearby that we’ll go to for the horseback riding. I’ve never actually ridden a horse, I’ve been a horse but never been on one.”, he said looking at the horse. The horse whinnied and stomped his hooves a little. Merrick smiled and reached past her lightly running a hand down the horse's snout. “He likes you. Here pet him..”, Merrick said taking his hand and holding her bringing it up to the horse. “And how are you so sure?”, she said petting the horse. “Because I’m an animal shifter I understand him. It’s not exact words or a language each animal speaks but I just know it. It’s why I’m so good with animals.”, he explained. Zoe nodded. “I’ve never been riding either. I look forward to it.”, she commented. Merrick smirked and leaned a little to her ear. “I know something other than a horse you can ride this weekend. Come on let’s go check in.”, he suggested before kissing her ear. Zoe laughed a little. “Bye…”, she said to the horse as she moved away with Merrick to head for the lodge to check in. “Does that mean I get to put a saddle on you?”, she teased as they walked into the lodge. “You could I suppose, but I think other protective measures are probably needed in regards to riding me.”, he chuckled keeping her close and kissing her cheek as they approached the counter.
The man behind the check in counter smiled at them making his own conclusions about the couple. “Welcome to Mountain Horse Farm Bed and Breakfast Spa. Checking in Mister and Misses….”, he greeted with a smile. “Checking in and it’s under Bryant-Frost however….”, he started to correct the man in regards to calling them mister and misses. Zoe however found it amusing they were being mistaken as husband and wife. “It’s a new title, I’m probably on the registry under DeLuca for the tours and such.”,Zoe smiled. Merrick arched an eyebrow at her. “Oh of course, we are always happy when newlyweds choose to honeymoon here. Let me get you checked in and your room key. I’m sure you are both… eager… to get to your room.”, the man said with a light laugh as he brought them up on the computer. “We..”, Merrick went to explain again that they weren’t married. “Are very eager to get to our room, thank you.”, she interjected. “If I could just see your id and your card for incidentals Mister Bryant-Frost.”, the clerk requested. Merrick took his arm from around Zoe and reached into his back pocket getting out his wallet offering his id and debit card. “Thank you sir. So we have you and your wife in the Friesian room which is located in the carriage house. Our gourmet breakfast is served in the main room of the carriage house starting at 6 and is available till 10. Here is your cards back and your room keys.”, he smiled handing Merrick the cards. “Thanks..”, Merrick said taking the cards putting his id and debit card back before pocketing the room keys. “Enjoy your honeymoon.”, the clerk waved. “Oh we will.”, Zoe called taking Merrick’s arm leading him away from the clerk.
“So why exactly did you keep interrupting me every time I went to correct him about our marital status?”, Merrick asked as they made their way to the carriage house. “Because it’s amusing that he assumed it. And I work in food service and I know that special occasions tend to get special discounts and treatment. So let them think it’s a honeymoon. There’s no harm in it.”, she said heading into the carriage house. “Wow this is beautiful..”, she said looking around the main room with is long farmhouse table and high backed chairs and then the fireplace. “Come on I think our room is this way.”, Merrick said heading following signs to a room with a wooden carved plaque that said ‘Friesian’. He swiped the room key and opened the door setting the suitcases down. Zoe went to step inside but was stopped by his arm going across the doorway. She looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Am I not allowed in our room?”, she asked. “Well if you want to perpetuate the whole myth that this is a honeymoon….”, Merrick smirked before scooping her up into his arms and then crossing the threshold using his foot to shut the door behind them. Zoe giggled a little putting her arms around his neck as she picked her up. It wasn’t expected but she wasn’t about to complain.
“Why darling you certainly know how to sweep a girl off her feet.”, she teased using her best aristocratic accent. Merrick rolled his eyes at the fake accent. “Could just drop you, you know.”, he said. “You wouldn’t..”, Zoe started to say before his arms started to pull out from her under her and she held his neck tighter. Merrick laughed putting his arms back under her before she could actually fall. “You’re right.”, he said setting her down instead. Zoe laughed a little and gave him a kiss on the cheek before letting go of him. Merrick looked around the room with its king size bed, gas fireplace, ensuite private bathroom with tub/shower combination, 42" flat screen tv with Dish Network, free Wifi, air conditioning and its own private porch with private jacuzzi. He hadn’t told her about the private jacuzzi, since well it was strategy if he told her about it she’d pack a bathing suit if he didn’t she couldn’t and instead there would be nudity in the jacuzzi. And yes there was lots to do and see outside of their room, but if he had his way they’d be spending a lot of their time in the room without clothes.
Zoe noticed the patio doors and made a bee line while Merrick opened his suitcase starting to take his clothes out and putting them into the dresser. “The furniture is all well made from the looks. Solid wood. Picked the room specifically for the kin…”, he was starting to say but Zoe cut him. “OH MY GOD! MERRICK! THERE’S A JACUZZI! A PRIVATE JACUZZI!”, she yelled from the patio. Merrick laughed getting up and leaning out the patio doors. “Yes I’m aware beautiful. I booked the room remember.”, he smiled. “You knew but didn’t tell me? Why? I didn’t pack a suit…”, she frowned. Merrick smirked and leaned in the door jam of the patio. “That’s why. If I told you you’d bring a suit. If I didn’t well that means clothes becomes not required in the jacuzzi.”, he explained with a wink before ducking back into the room to finish getting his clothes unpacked. Zoe laughed and followed him back into the room closing the patio. “Ambitious of you.”, she teased leaning on the foot-board of the bed. “So want to test the comfort of the bed?”, she asked.

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Merrick was really trying to make things different with Zoe. Granted he wasn’t exactly behaving too much different than he did normally around Zoe. The thing he was trying to be different with though was how physical they got. Which seemed a tad silly probably to limit their physical intimacy to just kissing again. After all they’d done much more than that before Faelan was born. But Merrick had it in his head that if they were going to make that step back to where they'd been physically it’d better end with crossing that old line and if they were going to cross that line and start having sex he wanted at least that first time to be special for her. He hadn’t really gone too public about the relationship as it was still so new. But Zoe was spending more time at the Haven with him and Faelan. So his parents, Sebastian, her sister Gna, and the other Haven members knew they were a couple. He had also told his Nana Hazel who had been thrilled that he finally grew a pair and asked her. He’d held off on telling his sisters or anyone else about the relationship. Emma had kind of made it clear as had Alexander when his great grandmother had her pacemaker put in that they weren’t okay with them being a couple.
He wanted to do something special for her, something probably romantic and definitely memorable. It was coming up on being a month since he asked her out so he figured good time to do something. He put in to take a long weekend from work, and booked a four day trip to a bed and breakfast on central New York that offered horseback riding, winery and brewery tours as part of their packages. He had to fudge her age since she wouldn't be twenty-one till May. Once he got the reservation confirmed he called Zoe up while changing Faelan's diaper, Faelan wiggling around trying to get free. "Hey handsome. How are my two favorite wolves?", Zoe greeted seeing it was Merrick on the caller id. Merrick smiled hearing her voice having her on speaker, Faelan froze too hearing her looking around to find the sound. "We are doing great now that we're talking to you.", he smiled. Faelan made some babbling sounds. Zoe laughed a little hearing Faelan. "Oh I'm speaker I hear. Feeding, changing on impromptu bath?", she questioned. "Changing, just got up from nap with a stinky surprise for me.", Merrick answered. "Ah sweet cucciolo giving daddy's sensitive sense of smell a good test of what he can take?", she spoke which kept Faelan's attention. Merrick rolled his eyes using the advantage of Faelan's distraction to finish cleaning Faelan up and getting a fresh diaper on him. "Thanks for the distraction Zoe.", he said picking Faelan up who instantly barked changing wolf ready to play.
Zoe laughed again leaning against the wall of the break room. "Anytime. So I doubt you called just for me to distract the baby. So what do I owe the pleasure? You know I go on shift in like ten minutes. What did you figure couldn't wait till I come over tomorrow?", she asked. Jada walked into the break room for her break glancing over at Zoe wondering who she was talking to. Zoe had been rather happy the past few weeks but Jada hasn't had time to really find out why. "Well I know it could probably have waited till we are in person. But I wanted to catch you before work so you could put in for next Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday off from work.", Merrick explained carrying the wolf pup down the stairs. Zoe furrowed her brow confused. "What? Um why would I need four days off?", she questioned. "Unless I'm going to central New York to a bed and breakfast for horseback riding, hiking, winery and brewery tours to sleep by my lonesome.", he teased setting Faelan down who raced off to the living room to his toys.
Zoe blinked in shock a smile slowly spreading across her lips. "A four day getaway just us? So you're asking me to spend four days alone with my extremely hot boyfriend?", she questioned not paying attention to Jada being there. Jada raised an eyebrow a bit confused wondering who Zoe was dating. She thought maybe it was Merrick but they'd been rather adamant they weren't and there was that rule Merrick wasn’t willing to break. "Yeah that would be the gist of what I'm asking.", he nodded getting in the floor of the living room playing tug of war with Faelan and a rope chew toy. "Well how can I say no to that. I'll talk to Robin and Uncle Alec about the time off. This is a very sweet and romantic surprise Merrick.", she agreed. Jada fell out of her chair hearing Zoe say Merrick's name. "Good. Let me know and see you tomorrow, have a good shift.", he smiled. "I will. See you tomorrow handsome. Bye.", she sighed hanging up. It was then she noticed Jada and smiled. "Yes I'm dating Merrick. God I love saying that. Now if you'll excuse me I need to put in for days off to go away with my boyfriend.", she smirked leaving Jada with her mouth wide open.
Merrick did his checklist of items to bring, making sure he had his clothes and such and as he was folding another shirt to put into the suitcase he smirked a little. “Well just one thing left I should bring. God it’s been over a year since I last had to buy any of those.”, he commented thinking he was talking to himself. “Buy what?”, Sebastian asked stopping at his brother’s doorway. Merrick glanced over to his little brother. “Nothing you need to be concerned with.”, Merrick said closing the suitcase. Jimmy Howlett peeked around the corner of Merrick’s doorway along with Marco Hamilton, Nash Asher, and Nathan Shadow. “What are you packing for?”, Jimmy asked. Merrick sighed seeing the four mini x-men. His attention went to Jimmy and for a second he felt a sharp pain of guilt that he was going away with Zoe as he looked at those Howlett eyes and was reminded of Rose. “He’s going on a long weekend with his girlfriend….”, Sebastian teased. The boys blinked especially Nathan. “Wait...Uncle Merrick has a girlfriend???? Since when? Who? I thought you were a field player… well I mean before my cousin was born that is.”, Nathan questioned. Merrick sighed. “Yes I have a girlfriend, not the first time in my life. And for the right woman I’m willing to be monogamous, Nate. And who? Zoe DeLuca and we’ve been dating for a month tomorrow.”, Merrick answered. “Whoa...I thought you had some rule about that.”, Marco commented. Merrick chuckled not realizing how many of these kids knew about his rules. “How do you boys know about my rules?”, he questioned. “Bastian. And well I mean a lot of them make serious sense so we kind of use them if that’s okay.”, Nash chimed in.
Merrick shook his head. “Lord help the universe. But guess if you are following the good ones it’s alright. And some of my rules are stupid and for the right woman should be broken.”, he explained. Though looking back at Jimmy’s eyes he was reminded of another woman he’d broken so many of his rules to be with, but shoved that pain back down. “And Zoe is a woman worthy of rule breaking.”, he explained. “They are really rather adorable together. Gina and I have hung out with them a few times.”, Sebastian spoke up. Merrick smirked. “I’m happy for you Uncle Merrick. I know that this summer you’ve been kind of depressed. It’s good to see you smiling.”, Nathan smiled. “Why were you all down in the dumps anyways?”, Jimmy asked. Merrick sighed a little he didn’t want to get into what happened especially with a Howlett. “Thanks Nate. And not really any of your boys’ concern. Go do whatever you five were doing. I’ve gotta head to the store to pick up some last minute items for my trip.”, Merrick said moving past the boys. “Will it be weird buying condoms after so long?”, Nash asked taking a wild guess. Merrick chuckled a little at how precocious the boys were. “No not really weird. But I’m sure it might be for whoever cashes me out at work selling a couple boxes to their boss.”, Merrick smirked giving a wave leaving the boys to themselves.
“So what did happen with Uncle Merrick this summer?”, Nathan asked as he walked with the others to the media room to watch the movie. “Yeah I remember back at the start of summer when we did the zombie movie night he was really in the dumps about something and you seemed to have known what was causing his issue.”, Jimmy commented as he jumped over the back of one of the couches and got settled in for the movie. “I probably shouldn’t talk about it. It’s his life.”, Sebastian sighed looking over at his best friend. He knew every time his brother looked at Jimmy or Rachel thier eyes made him think of Rose. It at least wasn’t often that Rachel was around living in Manhattan with their sister and cousins. But Jimmy was around a lot being his friend. Sebastian also knew that Merrick avoided going to the Draven, not only because he was over twenty-one but that it held the memories and scent of Rose. He also wouldn’t go to club 21 because Rose’s mother owned it, he avoided the Wolverine Pub as it was owned by her parents and Rose had lived upstairs, and well he of course tried to always avoid the Institute. About the only time Merrick went near the institute was to drop him off to hang out with his friends and he dropped him off at the gate so he didn’t have to get closer to the building.
“Come on dude. His generation had all the excitement with freeing Logan and taking down Wanda. We need some kind of excitement.”, Nash encouraged sitting on a sofa. Nathan and Marco took seats and looked to Sebastian wanting to hear this tale. Sebastian sighed and checked out the front window to see that Merrick had pulled out of the driveway. “You need to swear on like your mothers’ lives that if I tell you what happened it does not and I repeat does not leave the five of us. Because he could and would kill all of us.”, Sebastian said looking to each of his friends. “We promise. On our mothers.”, Marco said very intrigued now to know what Merrick would kill over. Sebastian sighed and sat down. “First Jimmy no freaking out.”, he said pointing to his best friend. Jimmy furrowed his brow in confusion but nodded. “Yeah sure no freaking out. What is going on man?”, he assured. “Merrick had been seeing Rose….since she was in high school.”, he explained. All four boys stared in utter shock and Jimmy sort of glared for a moment. “What do you mean by seeing my cousin?”, Jimmy asked. “The only way Merrick used to see girls,before Zoe.”, he answered. “So Rose...our Rose...daughter of Logan and Aurelia was sleeping with your brother?”, Nash said in utter disbelief.
Sebastian nodded. “Yeah. And apparently it was getting serious before my nephew was born. Summer before Faelan they were even going out on dates, Gina and I saw them at Two Brothers, and he was spending lots of overnights away from the Haven. Then of course she went back for school. He went back to his normal ways and ended up getting that girl pregnant. During the pregnancy he started fooling around with Zoe, spending nights at her place but back then he was rather adamant he wasn’t dating her or having sex with her. And part of why he wouldn’t was Rose. He I think was starting to really fall in love with her. But he was actually scared of what would happen when she came back and he had to introduce her to his baby. And well she came back and he told her about Faelan and well he hasn’t seen or heard from her sense. Look I know you all look up to Rose because of what she accomplished at the institute. And Jimmy she’s your blood and Nash and Marco you are related to her via marriage. But I’m going to state my opinion on it Rose is a bitch with no backbone.”, Sebastian explained. All four listened in silence. Jimmy clenched his fits for a moment when Sebastian called his cousin a bitch with no backbone.
“What did you just call my cousin?”, Jimmy asked. “A bitch with no backbone. If she cared about Merrick, if what I saw in her eyes last summer was real and not just a show she was in love with him. You don’t let someone having a kid make you give that up. She knew from the start that my brother wasn’t monogamous so the idea that a condom broke shouldn’t be a shocker. I’m just saying if you love someone you don’t rip their heart out like that.You don’t let a 10 pound, at the time, ball of fluff that is my nephew make you walk away. If anything he’s a damn good reason to stay. My brother has his shit together since Faelan. He has his manager job at Wal-Mart for the sake of insurance, he’s got his own business, and he’s opening that animal sanctuary. He’s an amazing dad to Faelan and he’s doing this on his own the most any of us do is occasionally babysit while he’s at work but otherwise he’s mother and father to Faelan. I mean I get it a little why she’d be scared off… the idea of taking on that kind of role while in college. But I just...I dunno if you love someone you shouldn’t just give them up.”, Sebastian sighed sitting down.
They all sighed a little frowning. “I guess I can see your point Sebastian. Your nephew is a sweet baby and your brother, despite his reputation is really cool. But I can see my cousin’s perspective, if she did love Merrick to find him with a baby and if she found out how close he’d been getting with Zoe...it’d be intimidating. I can’t speak for my cousin though. But he seems happy now that he's with Zoe. And I gotta admit Zoe is really cool. So maybe he’s with who he should be.”, Jimmy shrugged. Nate nodded. “Yeah as long as Uncle Merrick is happy that’s what is important. I hope that Rose is able to find her happiness in Cambridge.”, Nate said. The others agreed. “Well if you ask the new kid Kyle he thinks something is sparking between Rose and Donovan Kearney.”, Marco stated. “Well I’m just glad I don't’ have to deal with that type of messy relationship. I’ve got Gina and couldn't’ and wouldn’t want anyone else.”, Sebastian said. “Yeah you’ve got Gina. I’ve got Lauren, Marco has Aaliyah, and Nash has Aurora. Only one of us without a steady is Nathan.”, Jimmy said nudging Nathan. Nathan shrugged. “What? I’m younger than you guys. I don’t need a girlfriend at the moment.”, Nathan defended. “Alright enough with this let’s watch the movie.”, Nash said hitting play on the video.
While Merrick was getting some last minute ‘supplies’ Zoe was at the mall with her mother and little sister. “So you are going to spend four days and three nights at a bed and breakfast in upstate with Merrick?”, Isadora questioned her voice soft as she walked the corridor of the mall with her daughter and step daughter. “Yeah that’s the general plan. He hasn’t given me full details. But apparently there are winery and brewery tours, horseback riding, and places to go hiking.”, Zoe said sipping her frappuccino as they walked. “This is just way too romantic, I seriously can’t believe that this is the Merrick I grew up knowing..”, Gina sighed a little envious. Zoe shrugged a little. “I’m not about to complain that he’s being romantic. I’m just kind of hoping, that well being away for three nights that…”, Zoe trailed off taking another sip of her frappuccino. She didn't’ exactly feel fully okay with discuss her sex life with her younger sister or her mother in too much detail. “That you’ll finally get to have sex with him?”, Gina asked sipping her soda. Isadora coughed at her stepdaughter’s bluntness. Zoe coughed as well looking at her little sister. Gina just smiled. “What?”, she questioned. “How would you…”, Zoe started to question. “Again I grew up with Merrick. I know his rules. Dating you kind of just killed most of the rules. And I mean you’ve been happy this month but I’ve seen girls after they hooked up with Merrick, you aren’t that kind of happy.”, Gina explained smirking.
Zoe chuckled a little shaking her head at her sister. “Yeah well he said he wanted to take this slow.”, she said. “It’s alright that you haven’t had sex with him yet. And gotta admit taking you away on a long weekend like this is one really romantic gesture to make sure your first time together is special.”, Gina shrugged. Isadora sighed shaking her head a little. “Zoe, I have not seen you so happy before. I am very proud and happy for you.”, Isadora commented. “Merrick is amazing and sweet and gentle and just amazing.”, Zoe smiled. “So are you all packed to go tomorrow?”, Gina asked. “Yeah. I’ve got all my clothes and such packed for him to pick me up in the morning.”, she answered. “Did you pick up condoms? Or any other bedroom items like lingerie?”, Gina asked. “Gina…”, Isadora said with a slightly laugh. “What? They are honest questioned. Granted it’s probably a guarantee that Merrick will bring condoms but always good to be prepared.”, she defended. “You sound like you know a bit too much about this Gina. Dad know you know this much?”, Zoe questioned with a laugh. “Probably not. But really he can’t get mad that I know this kind of stuff. It’s not like I’m having sex with Sebastian. We are only fifteen, and just because Merrick started at fifteen doesn’t mean his brother gets to.”, she laughed. “And why do you say he can’t get mad?”, Zoe questioned.
“Because well I did grow up in the Academy and I did go into his and my mother’s bedroom once or twice and found questionable things. And well unlike you I still live in the house with dad and mom, which no offense mom, they aren’t exactly quiet. But anyways my point here is he’s doing all this to make this first time special you should do something too.”, Gina stated. Isadora felt her face get a little flushed it wasn’t exactly the type of conversation she would have pictured having with her daughter and stepdaughter. But she did like that Gina had on her own started to call her mom while Alexander still called her by her name. She and Damon had agreed they wouldn’t try to push his children to call her anything other than Isadora. “Well what exactly are you suggesting I do?”, Zoe asked with a soft laugh. “At least get lingerie. I know Merrick says you look good in anything but some nice ‘wrapping’ to get through to the really nice gift inside is always good too.”, Gina smirked. Isadora and Zoe laughed a little. “I might pick something up. I’m just excited about this trip.”, she sighed. “As you should be. In the life time I’ve known Merrick he’s never taken a girl anywhere outside of Bayville.”, Gina commented. “He doesn’t travel a lot.”, she shrugged. “True. But he’s not exactly known for romantic gestures either.”, she pointed out. “Like I said I’m excited.”, she said. “It’s nice to know he’s treating my sister different, in a good way different.”, Gina smiled. “Well come on then let’s go see about picking out a couple piece of lingerie for my trip.”, Zoe said. “Just nothing too expensive no reason to waste money on something he might rip apart.”, Gina giggled as the trio went into Victoria’s Secrets.
Bright and early the next morning Merrick did one final check he had everything he needed before saying goodbye to Faelan. This would officially be the longest ever he'd been away from Faelan. "You need to be extra good. I will call when I get to the hotel and beyond that I don't know how often I'll be checking in.", he said giving Faelan kisses on his cheeks handing him to his mother. Kim chuckled. "I'm sure you and Zoe will be having far too much fun to worry about checking in.", Kim smiled. Merrick smirked. "One can hope...", he chuckled picking up his suitcase. "See you Monday.", he said with a wave walking out the door. He had been looking forward to this trip since he got the idea. He'd waited all this time, not just counting the month he'd been officially dating her but back to last September when they'd first kissed, to have sex with her or really anyone at this point. He arrived at Zoe's and used the spare keys he still had to go upstairs and knock on her door. "Hellraiser? You ready to roll?", he called. "It's unlocked just getting out of the shower, sorry!", Zoe yelled. Merrick smirked rolling his eyes as he stepped into the apartment. "Showering without me?", he teased walking to the end of the wall. Zoe stepped out of the bathroom with just a towel wrapped around her. "Well if you got here fifteen minutes ago...", she smiled leaning up giving him a kiss.
Merrick let out a breath almost a growl as she pulled back. In his mind he kept thinking about there was just a towel covering her and they were a matter of feet from her bed. Zoe raised an eyebrow smirking at the little growl. "Something wrong?", she asked. Merrick smiled shaking his head reaching up and holding sides of her face bringing her back in kissing her deeply walking her up against the wall. Zoe blinked a little but returned the kiss moaning a little. That passion he brought to the kiss made her just feel weak in the knees and all she was thinking was how close to the bed they were. Merrick held the kiss for a while before pulling back bringing his hands down. "You should get dressed so we can get on the road.", he finally spoke. Zoe sighed and nodded. "Right..." She said slipping into her bedroom. She didn't bother closing the door just dropped the towel in the hamper and started to get dressed. She was being slow on purpose, as she glanced over to see Merrick leaning in her doorway watching her intently. "Yes?", she questioned coyly hooking her bra. "Mio dios.", he said simply. She smiled as she finished getting dressed in black skinny jeans and dark blue V neck blouse with button front, fold over collar, button tabbed empire waist. "Let's go.", she said slipping into a pair of flats. "Alright let's go then.", he smiled grabbing her suitcase heading to his car. At this point he wanted to just get her to the bed and breakfast more importantly the room because he really wanted to get her naked and on a bed. More than a want at the moment it felt like a need.
It was almost a six hour drive from Bayville to Naples and the Mountain Horse Farm Bed & Breakfast. They arrived just around lunch time. As they drove up the long driveway lined with trees their branches creating a canopy overhead, some leaves just starting to turn as it was autumn now Zoe looked out the window smiling. “This place it beautiful Merrick…”, she commented as they pulled up to the parking area. “Yeah it really is.”, he agreed getting out and grabbing their bags. “Let’s go check in…”, he said holding the bags with his left hand as he put his right around her. Zoe’s eyes were looking all around taking it in. She could see horses off in the distance grazing in a field by a barn, another barn that from the looks of it was converted as sleeping space, and then up the hill the lodge with his wrap around deck. Merrick was looking directly at the lodge since they needed to check in, but his other senses were going in every direction being in a new place. As they walked up one of the horses came closer to the fence and Zoe pulled away from Merrick and went over to see the horse. It was a blonde 17.5 hands Belgian Draft. “Oh look at him Merrick, he’s so beautiful. Didn’t you mention horseback riding?”, she asked looking over her shoulder.
Merrick smiled walking over. “Yeah but not these horses. These ones are pets, there’s a ranch nearby that we’ll go to for the horseback riding. I’ve never actually ridden a horse, I’ve been a horse but never been on one.”, he said looking at the horse. The horse whinnied and stomped his hooves a little. Merrick smiled and reached past her lightly running a hand down the horse's snout. “He likes you. Here pet him..”, Merrick said taking his hand and holding her bringing it up to the horse. “And how are you so sure?”, she said petting the horse. “Because I’m an animal shifter I understand him. It’s not exact words or a language each animal speaks but I just know it. It’s why I’m so good with animals.”, he explained. Zoe nodded. “I’ve never been riding either. I look forward to it.”, she commented. Merrick smirked and leaned a little to her ear. “I know something other than a horse you can ride this weekend. Come on let’s go check in.”, he suggested before kissing her ear. Zoe laughed a little. “Bye…”, she said to the horse as she moved away with Merrick to head for the lodge to check in. “Does that mean I get to put a saddle on you?”, she teased as they walked into the lodge. “You could I suppose, but I think other protective measures are probably needed in regards to riding me.”, he chuckled keeping her close and kissing her cheek as they approached the counter.
The man behind the check in counter smiled at them making his own conclusions about the couple. “Welcome to Mountain Horse Farm Bed and Breakfast Spa. Checking in Mister and Misses….”, he greeted with a smile. “Checking in and it’s under Bryant-Frost however….”, he started to correct the man in regards to calling them mister and misses. Zoe however found it amusing they were being mistaken as husband and wife. “It’s a new title, I’m probably on the registry under DeLuca for the tours and such.”,Zoe smiled. Merrick arched an eyebrow at her. “Oh of course, we are always happy when newlyweds choose to honeymoon here. Let me get you checked in and your room key. I’m sure you are both… eager… to get to your room.”, the man said with a light laugh as he brought them up on the computer. “We..”, Merrick went to explain again that they weren’t married. “Are very eager to get to our room, thank you.”, she interjected. “If I could just see your id and your card for incidentals Mister Bryant-Frost.”, the clerk requested. Merrick took his arm from around Zoe and reached into his back pocket getting out his wallet offering his id and debit card. “Thank you sir. So we have you and your wife in the Friesian room which is located in the carriage house. Our gourmet breakfast is served in the main room of the carriage house starting at 6 and is available till 10. Here is your cards back and your room keys.”, he smiled handing Merrick the cards. “Thanks..”, Merrick said taking the cards putting his id and debit card back before pocketing the room keys. “Enjoy your honeymoon.”, the clerk waved. “Oh we will.”, Zoe called taking Merrick’s arm leading him away from the clerk.
“So why exactly did you keep interrupting me every time I went to correct him about our marital status?”, Merrick asked as they made their way to the carriage house. “Because it’s amusing that he assumed it. And I work in food service and I know that special occasions tend to get special discounts and treatment. So let them think it’s a honeymoon. There’s no harm in it.”, she said heading into the carriage house. “Wow this is beautiful..”, she said looking around the main room with is long farmhouse table and high backed chairs and then the fireplace. “Come on I think our room is this way.”, Merrick said heading following signs to a room with a wooden carved plaque that said ‘Friesian’. He swiped the room key and opened the door setting the suitcases down. Zoe went to step inside but was stopped by his arm going across the doorway. She looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Am I not allowed in our room?”, she asked. “Well if you want to perpetuate the whole myth that this is a honeymoon….”, Merrick smirked before scooping her up into his arms and then crossing the threshold using his foot to shut the door behind them. Zoe giggled a little putting her arms around his neck as she picked her up. It wasn’t expected but she wasn’t about to complain.
“Why darling you certainly know how to sweep a girl off her feet.”, she teased using her best aristocratic accent. Merrick rolled his eyes at the fake accent. “Could just drop you, you know.”, he said. “You wouldn’t..”, Zoe started to say before his arms started to pull out from her under her and she held his neck tighter. Merrick laughed putting his arms back under her before she could actually fall. “You’re right.”, he said setting her down instead. Zoe laughed a little and gave him a kiss on the cheek before letting go of him. Merrick looked around the room with its king size bed, gas fireplace, ensuite private bathroom with tub/shower combination, 42" flat screen tv with Dish Network, free Wifi, air conditioning and its own private porch with private jacuzzi. He hadn’t told her about the private jacuzzi, since well it was strategy if he told her about it she’d pack a bathing suit if he didn’t she couldn’t and instead there would be nudity in the jacuzzi. And yes there was lots to do and see outside of their room, but if he had his way they’d be spending a lot of their time in the room without clothes.
Zoe noticed the patio doors and made a bee line while Merrick opened his suitcase starting to take his clothes out and putting them into the dresser. “The furniture is all well made from the looks. Solid wood. Picked the room specifically for the kin…”, he was starting to say but Zoe cut him. “OH MY GOD! MERRICK! THERE’S A JACUZZI! A PRIVATE JACUZZI!”, she yelled from the patio. Merrick laughed getting up and leaning out the patio doors. “Yes I’m aware beautiful. I booked the room remember.”, he smiled. “You knew but didn’t tell me? Why? I didn’t pack a suit…”, she frowned. Merrick smirked and leaned in the door jam of the patio. “That’s why. If I told you you’d bring a suit. If I didn’t well that means clothes becomes not required in the jacuzzi.”, he explained with a wink before ducking back into the room to finish getting his clothes unpacked. Zoe laughed and followed him back into the room closing the patio. “Ambitious of you.”, she teased leaning on the foot-board of the bed. “So want to test the comfort of the bed?”, she asked.