That One Summer: A Collection of Steamy Contemporary Romance

Chapter 5

”What do we do withthe magic, Mason?” Brook suddenly felt like Mason was trying to pull away. The chill creeping up her back soared until it covered her completely. She turned to move away, but Mason pulled her back. After closing her snuggly without resistance, the chill vanished. His breath kissed her face softly.

”I”ve enjoyed my time with you, and yes, I know we”ve discovered something special.” His deep voice vibrated through her body. ”I”m ready to explore how we can stay connected. I”m willing, darlin”. I”m open.”

Mason”s gaze filled her with a peace that seemed to always come when he spoke. Sighing heavily, she nodded. ”Okay.”

”So let”s get to it.” He pulled away, and Brook instantly felt the chill.

Mason stood and pulled her along. When they reached the kitchen table, he pulled back a chair and waited until she sat before taking a chair on the opposite side. He was unsure why he sat across from her, but Brook watched and waited. Once seated, Mason reached across the table with open palms. She slid her hands across the table and placed them into his. With a light squeeze, he nodded.

They talked for almost an hour before a plan they both agreed upon would be sealed with a light kiss. Brook stood and walked around the table and sat in his lap. Relief shifted the room. The energy flowing between them charged with a surge of desire. But Brook soon learned that their passion would have to hold. With only a light peck on the lips, Mason pushed her up and went to retrieve his laptop.

“We may as well make these plans now. I’ll come to Wisconsin in a couple of weeks. I need about that much time to work out scheduling at work. Is that okay?”

Brook perked up. “Really?”

“Sure, you said I was invited, right?”

”Yes,” she answered gleefully. Her silent clapping and wiggling from side to side aimed to hide her excitement mingled with anxiety. She smiled and sat up straighter to hide her mixed feelings. Okay, girl, this is what you asked for. Don”t trip now.

So, what airport do I use to reach this Little Switzerland, as you call it?”

Brook playfully punched him in the arm. ”Madison, and be ready to spend those pennies, Mister.”

“Money isn’t my problem, lovely.” He winked. “Okay, let’s see what airline dares to fly into Madison.”

“One would think you’re trying to travel to a foreign country.”

“Isn’t it?”

Again, Brook punched his arm. ”And, when you get there, we will keep you. You won”t be able to find your way back.”

”Baby, I”m a Cajun man, remember? Hunting and trapping is our way, yeah.” His thick accent kicked in, reminding Brook that this man was a stranger, no matter the intensities of his back-bending love escapades.

Stranger or not, his deep voice sent sheer passion through her, and in response, Brook eased into his lap once again and slithered arms around his neck. Without words, she tasted the sweetness of his lips. Finding airfare forgotten for the moment and unimportant. Mason seemed happy to grant whatever her heart desired. And right now, she desired him. Lifting her, the bed beneath felt like a buddle of soft cotton once her body touched the cool sheets. Mindlessly, she bent and leaned into Mason”s explosive hands and lips. He hovered above, bringing with him masculine heat and strength that covered her entirely. She wormed beneath him and tried to wrap her legs around his waist, but Mason forced them down.

“Mason,” she crooned.

He covered her lips with an intense kiss, forcing her to still. The overwhelming grind of his shaft at the wet spot between her legs made Brook tremble with need. Tracing lips to her ear, he whispered, ”Slow down, baby. Let me love you.”

He met her gaze, the passion laced in gray eyes, now darker than usual, and said everything she wanted to hear. He kissed each cheek before covering her mouth again. This time, Mason kissed her tenderly before releasing her legs. He journeyed down the rumpled clothing, releasing pieces of clothing as he ventured to the spot that sent her into a frizzy. Brook lifted her hips as the damp panties were eased down, off one foot and then the other. She grabbed fists of the sheets as Mason buried his tongue through the folds of her already wet cove.

She screamed at the top of her voice as the orgasm shook her from head to toe. Somewhere in the haze, as she slowly returned from her trip to ecstasy, Mason had stripped and slipped a condom in place. His entry immediately sent her back to heightened arousal. Long, deep strokes, with little give, propelled Brook back up the organismic rollercoaster. A chorus of moans filled the room, as did the sweet scent of their bodies fused as one. With each dive, Brook met him with eagerness. And before long, Mason”s strokes grew shorter and faster until they both fell into a storm that had them trembling in each other”s arms.

Brook welcomed his weight after he covered her with his sweaty and warm body. Their breathing matched for a long while before he moved to one side and pulled her close. He kissed her damp forehead.

“We were supposed to be making travel plans, darlin’.”

“Your fault.”

”I”ll take the blame for now.” He attempted to move, but Brook circled his waist.

“Just a few more minutes, please.”

They rested for a few more minutes before easing from the bed and heading to the shower. Once done, Mason returned to his laptop and booked airfare to Madison. The thought of him coming to her hometown sent a thrill within. This time, without the anxiety. They ate a small meal before she packed her small bag and put out her clothes for the return flight home. The morning flight required her to be at the airport early. The terminal was practically empty. Mason parked and walked her to the check-in counter. They sat at the entrance to the security checkpoint until thirty minutes before she was to board her flight.

His hold around her waist made it hard to keep the tears at bay. He tried to pull away, only to have her grab a fistful of his shirt.

“Darlin’, I will see you in a few weeks.”

“I know,” she sniffled. “I don’t want to go.”

“You don’t have to, but we both know you have things to do.” He finally pulled her hands away and held them firmly. “Look at me, Brook.”

The fact that he called her by name forced her to capture his gaze. She saw certainty and calmness she lacked. Sucking in a long breath, she nodded. ”I know.” She released the air trapped in her chest. ”I love you.” The words fell from her lips before she could catch them.

His smile reassured her. He leaned in and kissed her sweetly. ”I love you. Be safe.”

“I will.”

”Call me to let me know you made it safely.”

“Okay,” she answered softly.

Mason eased away and turned with hurried steps without looking back. In a way, his retreat released her to pick up her bag and head through the security line.

* * *

The weeks passed quickly. They talked every day, sometimes two or three times each day. She”d reported to the girls what transpired after they left New Orleans. No one seemed surprised at the news. As the day grew closer to his arrival, Brook scrambled around her cottage, making sure everything was in order. They only had a few days, and she wanted to ensure their time was spent well. Even though it was the start of the summer, the temperature remained a bit cool, so she had her brother make sure to stock firewood in the wood bin. Brook planned to take Mason to her parent”s brewery to meet her family, but after that, no one would see them until he left to return to New Orleans.

When he walked through the security doors wearing a gingham shirt tucked into low-riding jeans draped over worn brown cowboy boots, Brook sprinted and leaped into solid arms that instantly wrapped around her waist. He drew her close and snuggly. Brook surrendered into his strong embrace.

“Ah, darlin’, I’ve missed you.” He reached for her lips.

Brook didn”t know where or why tears streamed down her face, but they fell freely. ”I”ve missed you so much.” She held on even tighter than he did.

The bag on his shoulder slipped and banged against them both. He pulled away long enough to drop the leather sack to the floor and capture Brook”s lips again. The brief kiss sent her spiraling and out of breath. He pulled away far too quickly. ”Let me look at you,” he said, holding her out with solid hands. You”re looking absolutely gorgeous!”

Brook blushed in his admiration. She”d spent half the day getting ready for him, pampering her body with a luxurious soak and expensive moisturizer. She knew the new lingerie would last only a few minutes, but still, she wanted to look her best for him. The new linen on the bed and the added amenities in the bathroom were all a part of her ruse to seduce him for the entire weekend. The pillow talk they shared over the last couple of weeks had her reeling and ready for all the things he promised to show her upon his arrival.

He swiped at the tears with the fat tip of his thump. “What’s this, sweetheart. Please don’t cry.” His lips replaced the thumb.

“They’re happy tears, I promise.” She eased back, closing the space between them. “Welcome to Madison.”

”Thank you, darlin”. Are you ready for me?”

She smiled sheepishly and turned away from his probing eyes. “Of course.”

”Don”t tell me that somebody was doing all that trash-talking before today, and now...”

“It wasn’t trash.” She turned and pulled his arm. “Let’s go.”

He reached for his bag as Brook dragged him to the exit; laughter filled the air. She knew she”d done a bunch of talking during their almost all-night Zoom calls. He made promises, so she thought she”d make a few of her own, even if she couldn”t hold up her end of the boosting. It was fun and rather exhilarating. Thinking about his dares helped fuel the passion raging through her veins even now.

During their half-hour drive, Brook explained the sights along the way. She pointed to the farms, woodland pastures, and some of the neighboring breweries. Mason gave her his entire attention, only glancing out the window when she pointed to something.

“You will like it here.”

”It”s a little chillier than home, but honestly, it reminds me a lot of the countryside near my hometown.”

“I thought you were from New Orleans?”

“I am. I’ve lived in Nawlins for quite a while, but my grandparents live on the coast in Grand Isle, to be exact.”

“Really, I didn’t know that.”

“We have much to learn, my love.”

Brook had to agree with that assessment, but at this point, nothing would keep her heart from beating outside of her chest where Mason was concerned. He could live in the middle of the Gulf, and she would follow him there. His endearments always made her blissfully insane about him. She smiled broadly after stealing several glances his way, admiring his handsome features. Long, dreamy lashes seemed to reach his cheeks when looking down. Flickers of light danced in his light eyes whenever he smiled.

”Have I told you how happy I am to be with you, darlin”.” He touched her face with the back of one hand.

Brook reached up and squeezed it. “Thank you for indulging me, babe.”

“What can I say. You put a spell on me, right?”

“I can say the same thing about you.”

”Well, we have all weekend to discover who”s responsible for what.” He pulled her fingers to his lips and kissed them several times.

Five minutes from the house, Brook decided to pull over near a rolling hill, right next to a popular park where she and her brother would ride their bikes. Several families with small children congregated under the overhang, so she pulled over to the opposite side and parked the car. She stalled, knowing that this would be the only quiet time they would get before later in the evening.

“This is one of my favorite spots,” she announced proudly.

Mason turned in the passenger seat to face her. ”It”s beautiful.” He looked out before turning back, reaching over, and kissing her warmly.

”Thank you. I wanted to enjoy time with you for a few minutes before we reached my parent”s house. Would you like to get out for a minute?”

“Sure, love. I don’t mind at all.”

He moved around the car, helped her out, and pulled her into a loose embrace. ”Lead the way,” he said.

Hand in hand, they walked to the edge of the hill and climbed up until they reached the top. The cool breeze and bright sun-kissed their faces. ”This place is absolutely breathtaking in the winter. The snow-covered slope really looks like you”re in Switzerland.” Brook slipped closer to Mason.

He glanced down, a smile reaching his eyes, and offered a genuine reaction to her comment. ”I don”t know about the snow, but even now, it”s rather incredible.” Mason gathered her closer. They admired the view for a few more moments before Brook pulled away.

”Okay, let”s get going. I know my parents are waiting for us.

They spent the remaining portion of the ride in silence. She was deep in thought about later in the evening and hungered with anticipation of his lovemaking. Lost in her thoughts, she almost missed her turn, swerving the car tightly to keep it on the paved road. Mason grabbed the dash and, with wide eyes, stared over at her.

”Sorry, we”re here.” She pointed to the winding road leading to her parents” brewery. A few cars lined up in the circular drive. Brook expected her brother and his wife, but two cars she didn”t recognize were parked behind her father”s black truck.

”Are you sure? For a moment, it didn”t seem like you were certain.”

“I’m certain, silly. Mind was on what happens when I get you behind closed doors.” She smiled broadly.

“Well, let’s get to where we’re going in one piece first, please.”

Brook slipped warm fingers into Mason’s hands as they strolled up the walkway. The door swung open before they stepped up on the platform. “Well, it’s about time, sweetpea. We”ve all been waiting patiently for you two.” Brook”s mother stepped from the door. ”You must be our Mason.” Annabelle went straight for a hug, catching her and Mason by surprise. ”Welcome, dear.”

Brook watched in shock, but Mason took one for the team by returning the embrace with a light pat. ”Thank you, Mrs. Annabelle.”

“Mom, please!”

“Oh, honey, here.” She hugged Brook. “Don’t be jealous. Mason is our guest. Come on inside. The family is waiting.” Annabelle grabbed Mason’s hand and pulled him through the door, leaving Brook to watch. “Everybody!” She lifted his hand. “Say hello to Mason. Mason, this is the family.” Annabelle started introducing him around the room. “Don’t you just love his accent!”

As Brook watched the commotion, she couldn”t help but hang her head. Her mother”s overly nice gestures generally landed her in trouble. Perhaps today, she would be spared. After all, this was her family. Well, almost. As the greeting went around the room, Alex Schmid and his so-called fiancé, Emma, stood by the fireplace, looking as odd as the turkey painting from her first-grade art project. She sucked in a long breath to control a potential outburst. No drama today, she pleaded. Brook saw her mother”s writing all over this little sham. She prayed dearly for a drama-free afternoon.

Everything she told Annabelle about Mason certainly got her tongue wagging, especially since she knew Alex left a tearful Brook her senior year in high school. So many years ago, his betrayal rang fresh as morning breakfast. And now, she watched a pale Alex fumble a handshake as Mason greeted him. Hmph! Look at you. Brook observed the shark comparison of the two men. At that moment, Mason turned and winked at her. She”d already told him about Alex and their situation. She smiled in return.

The lunch Annabelle prepared established the tone for the rest of the afternoon. The buffet setting and the food looked wonderful. Brook sat close to Mason while he ate from a small plate of Swedish meatballs. ”Not your typical Cajun fare, uh?”

“No, but it’s absolutely delicious. Almost as tasty as your lips.” He reached over and pecked her mouth. The move caught the attention of almost everyone in the room, including Alex. Brook blushed, turning her head into his shoulder. “Don’t tell me you’re playing coy in front of your folks, darlin’,” he whispered. His lips touched the edge of her hairline. “I know you don’t want me to tell them about our first night together.”

Brook’s head popped up. “You wouldn’t dare?” She frowned.

His sinister smile made her blush even more. ”What do I get for my silence, sweet lady?”

It was Brook”s turn to grin like she knew a secret. ”You”ll just have to wait and see.” She leaned in and nibbled his bottom lip before sliding her tongue against his mouth. She”d never been so forward in front of other people, let alone her parents.

.