That One Summer: A Collection of Steamy Contemporary Romance

Chapter 4

Mason suspected thatsomething was wrong the moment he kissed her after arriving at the entrance. He couldn”t tell exactly what happened, and now, as he watched tears fall, it pulled at his heart, adding a small measure of fright, not knowing why. He brushed the fat pad of his thumb along her cheeks to erase the tears that seemed to flow freely the more he swiped at them.

“Darlin’, what’s wrong? Are you hurt? Did I do something wrong?”

Brook shook her head from side to side but avoided looking directly at him. Cupping the back of her head, Mason gathered her closer without more words. He worried that something happened that might end their interlude sooner than planned, and she couldn”t tell him so. He”d enjoyed their time, and to some degree, Mason”s confession fueled hope that something more could happen, knowing that when she left, what they shared might only become a memory.

Brook lifted up, face still damp with tears, and placed kisses to his throat. He leaned in, captured shaky lips, and kissed her for several moments before releasing her.

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

“I’m just a bit overwhelmed that this weekend is flying by.” She sniffed.

“I know, but I promise to make our remaining time together special. Brook, you need to promise me no more tears, okay?”

They stared before Brook finally agreed. “Okay, I’ll try.”

Her answer made him smile. “Merci beaucoup!”

“What does that mean?” Brook tilted her head to one side.

“Thank you very much.” He rewarded her smile with another peck on the lips.

“You’re welcome.”

”So, are you ready to dance?” Mason attempted to lift the mood again.

“Are you guys playing honky-tonk? “

”A little. Do you have any special requests, Peeshwank?” Mason addressed her as a little girl before kissing her nose.

“Huh?”

”Never mind. I promise you”ll know exactly your dedicated song the moment I play it.”

Brook smiled broadly, and his world was right again. ”Come on, let me get you back to your seat before that crew initiates a search warrant for my behind.”

Mason escorted her back only to find her friends up and dancing to the band on stage. He stood with them for a few minutes before returning backstage to prepare for their set. As soon as they strung the first note, the crowd went mad. The screams, jumping, and rocking from side to side helped fuel the band into the first two songs, which was always the crowd”s favorite, and this is why they started with the same two songs at every event. The violin had been his instrument of choice in school for concert band, but quickly, Mason exchanged it for the fiddle and banjo, especially for this kind of music. He”d learned to play from his grandfather and uncle, catching on early and eventually mastering both instruments.

He looked down into the audience, at Brook and crew, and chuckled as he watched their jovial response. Hands in the air and their swaying from side to side became intoxicating. Once the tempo slowed, he sang lead to one song, something he”d penned years ago, and wanted to dedicate it to Brook. The band had readily agreed to accompany him in this quest even though he”d never sung this particular track before in public. The group had been together for some time and often fulfilled requests for songs not generally in their playlist. So, Mason trusted them enough to do the song justice. He provided the band the key and tempo, knowing that the outcome would turn out as expected, and pulled a mic from the stand.

There were only a few songs in the band”s lineup that Mason soloed and had done so on infrequent occasions. He left the singing to their lead vocalist. And, generally, when Mason decided to sing lead, each time with no particular person in mind. The song and lyrics tonight said everything he”d been feeling about Brook this weekend. Mason walked to the edge of the stage and stared directly at Brook, crooning the lyrics to the song penned so long ago. Tonight, it held a special meaning, and he didn”t acknowledge anyone else in the entire place until the last note.

Brook wrapped arms around her shoulders and gazed up from the song”s beginning until it ended. She blew kisses his way before being swarmed by hugs from Kimber, Christa, and Jasmine. Watching them made adding the song to the rotation well worth his while. The band performed two more tracks before they ended the set. Mason enjoyed all the back slaps from his band members and fellow performers. He hardly, if ever, led a solo. So, to do so tonight meant something different for him and the band. When he finally reached Brook, she squeezed him tightly.

“Oh, darlin’, I hope you like your song.”

Breathless, she responded, ”I loved it. Thank you.” She pressed soft lips into his.

”You”re welcome. It was my way of thanking you for dragging your girls out on your final day in the city.”

Brook didn’t get to respond because all three of her friends stormed him. “That was crazy!” they said in unison.

“Why didn’t you tell us we were mingling with New Orleans celebrities, Mr. LeBlanc?”

“I’m not a celebrity. We play these gigs all over the city.”

”Well, you could have fooled us. The crowd seems to love you.”

”Yeah, we do alright. Come, ladies, let me introduce you to the band.”

They managed to hang out about halfway through the band that followed them. Mason arranged a ride for the ladies, returning to the house an hour later. He and the band had to inventory and store the equipment. He thought about a nice hot shower and some of Brook”s loving. Both had him on high. So when he climbed the stairs and dragged over to the rented side of the house, Mason instantly knew that things would not go as planned. Inside, at least twenty people stood and sat around the front room.

Brook’s greeting reconciled some of the disappointment, and as they cuddled within the group, just being with her added a measure of joy. They drank, listened to music, and shared funny stories. They kissed and touched, ignoring the stares and sometimes conversations. If Brook walked away to a different part of the room, Mason’s eyes followed her every move until they were together again.

In the wee hours of the morning, things began to slow down. Guests shuffled off, and he left through the kitchen and walked to the patio gate that separated the two houses. He kissed Brook passionately before making the move. ”Will I see you this morning, darlin”?”

“Yes, I just need to help straighten up and get the girls packed before I make it over.”

“Okay, sweetness, I’ll be waiting for you.”

“I won’t be long.”

“Promise?”

“Absolutely.”

With one last kiss, Mason unlatched the gate and headed straight for the shower. He pulled back the comforter and dropped naked onto the cool sheets. He considered turning on some music but decided he only wanted to hear the sounds of Brook”s moans for now. After frolicking between the sheets the night before and starting the day exceptionally early, Mason”s body failed him, right into a restless slumber. Busy hands trailing up his body at the same time the mattress dip is what stirred him awake.

“Thought you would wait for me, Mr. LeBlanc.”

”Hey, darlin”, I made a good effort. You kept me busy last night like a naughty girl would.”

“Is that right? Did you enjoy it?”

“You’re kidding, right?”

”Well, let”s see what you have in store for me tonight... rather this morning.”

He glanced at the clock. It was 2:30, almost the same time as their first interlude. They had a few hours before taking Kimber, Christa, and Jasmine to the airport for their early morning flight.

He rolled Brook onto her side and slid anxious hands down the length of her nakedness. Her fragrance filled his nostrils; and skin, smooth to the touch felt like silk. Mason eased her legs open and felt the moisture, signaling that she”d come to him ready. And without formalities, other than to slip on a condom, he climbed aboard and took his first dive without prompting or delay. Like magic, the sweet sounds of her moans filled the room. The pace moved urgently and with passionate intent. He”d been thinking about this interlude all day, making him hard and eager. Her body opened and, at the same time, tightened each time he plunged deeper. ”Aw, mon cher,” he whispered close to his ear. Brook didn’t disappoint. Her nails dug into his back, and one leg lifted to allow him better access.

The delirious orgasm crashed out of control like a volatile bolt of lightning and the roar of thunder together on a stormy day. The squall subsided long enough to allow them to change positions. This time, Brook rolled onto her stomach, and Mason entered from behind. The pocket of her tender vessel accepted him fully. Mason used busy fingers to massage the bud, which kept her moist and excited. He made every effort to not crush her beneath or lose control of the rhythm. Leg strength kept Mason hoovering above Brook. Each stroke, long and deliberate, and her response thickened his erection even more. He could feel the rush coming and tried to hold back.

”Come with, Cher. Please love.” He slipped deeper and faster. The shivers of Brook under him sent Mason over the edge. He grunted the last of his essence before he pulled away and dropped onto his back next to her.

Their ragged breathing and chest heaving took several moments to reconcile. Mason reached over and dragged Brook into his sweat-soaked body. He kissed her damp face and stuck his head into the curve of her neck.

“You’re so addicting, Cher,” he whispered.

“If you’re not careful, I just might pack you in my suitcase and take you with me,” she replied.

Mason stilled. For the second time, Brook verbalized her hesitation about leaving, making him think of his feelings about the situation. He had no plans of getting attached to her, but here they were, catching feelings, falling for one another, that by evening would linger with no solution. She planned on being on a flight headed to a place at least four states away. Long-distance relationships were not his thing. He”d tried it before and failed. Besides, his career has changed his thoughts about committed relationships. This was not a good time for him. Still, something about Brook made this dilemma somehow different. Everything about them together came so effortlessly. Mason took a moment to respond but changed his mind, and when he didn”t, Brook turned into his embrace.

“What happened?”

He peered down into her face. “I guess magic happened, Brook.” He hadn’t meant to say those words, but too late, they slipped. Mason didn’t want to mislead her and hoped she would not read too much in what he said.

“So what do we do?”

He stuttered because he didn’t want to say the wrong thing and possibly make the situation worse. “I’m not sure. We can talk about it after we drop off the ladies.”

His answer seemed to satisfy her for now because Brook turned and rested against his chest. Mason sighed with relief. The conversation could have easily turned bad since they both fell asleep, and the conversation ended at that point. They both stirred at the noise from next door. Brook decided to go back across the house to shower, and he, in turn, showered and dressed quickly. He had to move his vehicle from the parking space around the corner. The chore wouldn”t take long, but Mason felt relieved to leave the house and took his time returning home. He parked in the loading zone near the pathway and climbed the two steps up to the porch. He knocked at the door that was already ajar.

“Are you guys ready?” He peeped through the opening.

”Yes,” Christa announced, rolling her luggage out the door first. Once the trunk was loaded, they all climbed into his vehicle. The ride started out quiet, and Mason couldn”t tell if they were all sleepy or if they dreaded leaving one another. He pulled up to the curb for passenger drop-off, and everyone exchanged hugs and goodbyes.

“Please take care of our friend,” Kimber instructed.

“I promise,” Mason replied before hugging each of the ladies.

He and Brook stood for a moment until they walked through the automatic door. Once out of sight, she hugged him tight.

“I know you’ll miss them, right.”

She didn”t answer. Instead, she held on with a firm grip. Mason walked her to the passenger side, opened the door, and waited until she was entirely in before closing the door.

“Do you want to stop and get something to eat before we head back to the house?” Mason glanced over at Brook’s rigid posture.

He reached over and touched the side of her face. Brook leaned into his hand and, without words, stretched across the short distance and offered a soft kiss. ”I”m not hungry. I just want to be with you right now.”

Mason pulled her close briefly before starting the car. The short journey remained quiet the entire trip. They climbed the stairs hand-in-hand and turned to unlock the door on the rented side of the house. Together, they tidied up, making sure things looked in order. The majority of the cleanup looked like they”d done the night before. Neither talked much; she would peck his lips in passing, but both stayed busy with the task. Brook opened the fridge door and started tossing out leftovers into a garbage bag. When she held up several bottles of wine, she asked, “Would you like these?”

”No, Cher. You could leave them in there since they”re not open. You know I”m a whiskey man, remember?”

“Yeah, I remember.” She smiled sweetly. “Maybe I’ll leave them. Someone else can toss them.”

It took only a short time before the place looked orderly. Together, they dried and put away the washed dishes. Afterward, they locked up again and moved to the other side. Mason left her bag by the door, moved into the studio, and flipped on a recorded playlist.

”Come dance with me, darlin”.” He stretched out his arms and waited.

“I like this song.” Brook eased into his embrace and fell into step.

”I do, too. It”s one of my favorites.” He turned her quickly with a short dip.

Brook squealed with delight; the sweet sound of her laughter made him do it again, only this time, he lifted her up in one swift move and swung her around.

“Put me down, crazy man!”

He did, and they fell in step once again in rhythm to the ballad. Hips swayed, arms encircled, lips touched, and one thing led into the next. After the third song, Brook stopped, pulled away, and looked up at him expectantly. He knew she’d been anxious to talk about what happens next, especially since he’d put her off last night. Giving in, he led Brook to the small couch in the center of the room. Helping her first, Mason took a seat and sighed.

”I guess I”ll start.” He paused. ”I had no idea we would be here, sweetheart.” Brook didn”t respond, and the tension at that moment forced him to look away. She squeezed his hand, and his attention returned.

“I know we said...”

“We’re just having fun. I know.” He kissed her hand. “We have, right?”

Brook started to stand, but Mason pulled her closer instead. ”What do you want, darlin”? What can I do to keep that beautiful smile on your face?”

“Kimber told me that I should just tell you how I feel.” Brook fidget with the tail of her shirt.

“Okay, then tell me. I’m all ears.” Mason pulled her hands away and held them.

”You said it was magic, and for me, Mason, this is between us,” she pulled away a hand and pressed it forcefully against his chest. ”I feel the magic too. I like you a lot.”

Her heated palm burned a hole in his chest, or so it seemed. He revived back, eyes searching for any jest in her expression. Mason noticed the slight tremor in her bottom lip and felt the shaky energy in the one hand still enclosed in his. Careful not to say anything that might alter the exchange, he looked down long enough to collect his thoughts. Her following statement brought his gaze up again.