Chapter 8
”My Love,” Mason greeted. His voice was thick with sleep, but the rest of his body was alive, ready, and waiting for her.
She felt like silk against him, soft and tempting. He grabbed Brook by the backside, gliding his hand up the satiny dip of her back and the shoulders. Instantly aroused, he pressed her firmly, pleasing the growth that yearned for gratification. Brook wasted no time appeasing his request by rolling her hips gently. With legs spread apart and her moist center now cupping him, all Mason had to do was push through the wetness but tempered control. He wanted to make sweet love, nothing hurried or rushed. Mason dreamt about this day and fantasized about how erotic it would be. So, he flipped her over and looked down into passionate gaze. Her eyes and parted lips proved to Mason that his work to maintain self-control would be challenging. Ready, he first licked her bottom lip and then nibbled on the top. With measured determination, Mason kissed her with all the energy he could muster. They both moaned as her hands eased up and down his back. She had yet to speak a single word. Her communication stayed strictly physical until he asked, ”How was your flight, darlin”?”
Her eyes danced, and kiss-swollen lips formed a lazy smile. ”I thought I was going to have to fly that plane myself, I swear. The flight took too long for my liking.”
”I just wanted you to get here safely, and now that you”re here, my world is at peace. I love you.”
“Show me how much you love me.”
Mason eased on top and started from the top of her head with wet kisses, then traveled down her entire body, stopping and savoring those spots he knew brought Brook pleasure and, at the same time, helped fuel passion for a full day of loving. He blessed each breast until the nipples firmed. On his journey, Brook arched, twisted, and rolled her body into his hands and lips. Her moans and the outcry of his name elicited even more girth to his already throbbing erection. Her fingers gripped hands full of his hair as she guided his lips to that spot that remained his focus the entire time.
He pleasured Brook until her entire body shook. As intended, the first round of orgasm was solely for her purpose. After that, Mason intended to enjoy complete indulgence to his liking. He”d remember how it felt to love her without a condom. The warmth and smoothness had him thirsty for repeat interludes. He didn”t dare think about what would happen by next weekend. This enjoyment, for now, would have to get him through.
With ease, Mason entered the now-wet sanctuary and nearly lost his rhythm. He paused long enough to regain his composure. Still the pace quickened and they both exploded after a few minutes. So much for slowing the tempo. But the speed didn”t deter him from starting a new cadence, and they did a few more times before he plummeted from exhaustion. With a steady arm and leg around her, Mason fell into a love-sodden slumber. When Brook tried to move, he tightened his encircled arms.
“Where are you going, darlin’?”
“I have to pee.”
He moved his leg but also swung them both to the sides of the bed, stood to his feet, and reached for Brook. He obliged and allowed Mason to carry her to the bathroom. He let her go first and then emptied his own bladder. When done, he towed her back to the bed.
”Wait here, I”ll be right back.” He moved through the house until he reached the kitchen.
Mason pulled two bottles of water and the ham and Swiss Po”boys from the fridge. He”d picked them up at the gas station on his way home from work, figuring neither would have eaten this morning. Pulling several paper towels from the roll on the counter, Mason padded back to the bed. Brook sat in the middle, as bare as he”d left her there. She smiled, which melted his heart. Mason would never tire of seeing her beautiful face or enjoying her sweet kisses. He climbed into the bed and sat facing her.
“Hungry?” He handed her a bottle of water.
“Starved!” She rewarded him with a kiss.
Mason pulled both sandwiches from the bag and handed one to Brook. What he loved the most about her was the easy way they got along and attempted to please one another—the simple pleasure of sharing a sandwich with no drama. He opened his sandwich and tapped it against hers. ”Cheers!”
”Cheers!” she agreed and took a massive bite from the sandwich. ”Hmm, this is delicious.”
They ate the sandwiches, and Mason had to finish Brook”s food. ”Can I eat my own food, please?” She pulled his hand.
“You left some, sweetheart.”
After their meal, they cuddled in bed, slipped into a brief nap, and then made love again. This time, the pace started and ended steadily.
“I have plans for you tomorrow, darlin’.”
“I’m gamed for whatever you have in store for me.” Brook pulled his arm closer around her center.
Mason knew that the last time Brook visited the city, there were several sites she didn”t get to see. As her guide for the next two days, he started with some of the least-known excursions. Mason also took on a legitimate cocktail crawl, not just the walkable watering holes. They visited Arnaud”s French 75, Carousel Bar, and Lafitte”s Blacksmith Shop. Some of the bars he liked because they offered live music. He especially likes the Sazerac whiskey cocktails. They also went to City Park and the Sculpture Garden.
Brook”s excitement at each stop pleased him more than he could possibly explain. He wanted to reciprocate the fabulous time she showed him while visiting her family and hometown. She tried different dishes at dinner, some of which she felt were too spicy. ”Give yourself a couple of times, darlin”. I guarantee your taste buds will change. Down here, we like our food seasoned.”
“We season our food.”
“I don’t dispute that, my love. We just like a little extra, baby.”
”I”ll end up with a hole in my stomach,” she mocked. She wore the most woeful face ever.
Her antics made Mason laugh until tears fell. “Sorry, love. No more spicy food for you.”
The weekdays sped by, making him antsy. The plan to take Brook to Grand Isle in a few days started coming together. He”d already talked to his parents, who planned a fish fry and seafood boil on Friday evening. Brook didn”t know that he had a big surprise for her. His people loved entertaining, and the family would perform the evening they arrived as a favor to him. Unlike the trip to New Glarus, they would not share the same room. There was no way to talk his parents into granting that request. He had yet to share that bit of information as well.
By Thursday, Mason set aside their time to stay home. It would be the last day they might make love before she left. If they had any free time to escape the crew, they would have to make love out under a tree or along the beach. He had a favorite spot he used whenever he wanted to get away to think. A smile curved his lips at the prospect of making love to her in his cove. Still, to be sure he got his last taste, he prepared to have a meal at home, listen to music, and spend the night together. The drive, although not long, he decided to leave early in the morning to be in town to help set up for the evening festivities.
Brook went to the patio to take a call, something she said was important. After about ten minutes, she did not return, so he went in search of her. He found her leaning against the ledge, looking out at the back alley. Serval trucks were there unloading products. She seemed deep in thought, so Mason stood behind Brook, wrapped one arm around her, and closed the space between them.
”Everything okay, I hope.”
She turned and wrapped both arms around his neck. “It is. Just out here enjoying your city. It seems to always be alive.”
“It sleeps sometimes, but not in the summer. It’s always busy.” He kissed her briefly. “What’s on your mind?”
“Sunday.”
The single word struck a chord. Brook also seemed to dread leaving in a few days, but Mason refused to let them wallow in what was to come. ”Let”s not worry about that now. I want to enjoy you now. How about it?”
”So, what do you have planned for me today?”
They shared dinner and afterward enjoyed music from his favorite collection. Their interlude began in the shower like many of them did. Mason faced Brook against the shower”s tile wall and started a ritual of kisses from the neck that trailed down her entire back. She stood at the wall as if put in time out, but her swaying refuted any notion that she was being punished for the bad. When he turned Brook around and completed the same ceremonial, her legs trembled when he met the center.
Not to be outdone, Brook decided to repay him with a gesture of her own. He allowed her to explore until the heat of an orgasm arose. He removed her hands and mouth, lifted her, and dropped her in the middle of the bed, soaked and wet. The entry reminded him of the very first time they made love. Brook rose to meet him at every dive, with hands and legs tangled together, each trying to reach that unreachable spot. He would nearly come to the edge, with only the tip at the entrance of her, before diving deep inside. And, when they finally found that sweet spot, both rode the orgasm that had them both panting and heaving for air for a long moment.
Still entangled, they rested until they went for round two. This time, Mason moved slower and with more focus. Mason kissed the insides of her hands and arms, the back of her knees, and caressed her skin with soft licks. ”I love you so much, Brook. Please be mine,” he whispered into her ears.
“I am yours,” she replied in a raspy voice.
He held his face close as they whispered to each other. “You make my heart happy, love. I adore you.”
Brook closed her eyes briefly, but tears flowed from them when they reopened. ”I”m so full, Mason. What did I do to find you?”
“I’m the fortunate one, love. Please don’t cry.”
“They’re happy tears, love.” She smiled, mocking him.
“Relax, let me love you.”
And until he had no strength, he poured all his energy on her. He pulled a sheet over them and then slept until the alarm sounded. They packed the car for the trip and stopped to pick up beignets and coffee that they ate on the road. Traffic into the city crawled while they had no problem getting out. He took I-310 and, for a little over an hour, followed that route until meeting up with LA1.
“Almost all of the trees here are covered in moss,” she observed.
”We”re about eight to fifteen feet below sea level in some places, which accounts for nearly all the region”s elevated terrain. So, the combination of moisture and humidity allowed the collection of lichens, algae, and moss to grow on the trees here. The moss insulates the trees it grows on and provides a habitat for small animals. It”s an ecosystem of sorts.
“Wow! I just think it’s beautiful.”
Not if you had to clean up behind it, Mason wanted to tell her, but instead, he watched the winding roads. When they finally reached the bridge that connected the island to the mainland, a sense of relief washed over him. He couldn”t account for the last time he”d been home. Weekends and work became few and far between. His parents never hound him about why he didn”t visit more often. However, when he told them about this visit, they were elated. The sun stood high, and the day”s heat set in.
This reminds me of the lakes at home. It”s beautiful.”
”I thought the same thing when we toured your town. It”s hotter here, though. You”ll find out when we arrive at the house.”
When they turned into the long driveway, Brook sat forward and with reason. At least ten of his relatives were on the front porch. He knew they would be there early to set up and build the outdoor pits for cooking. A couple of his uncles stepped onto the gravel road and headed toward the car.
“We’re here, love.” He looked from her to the men approaching the car.
When the car stopped, he placed a hand on her thigh. “Wait until I open the door.”
But Mason didn”t get the chance to get out of the car before his Uncle Jake pulled open the passenger side door. ”Now, what do we have here? She”s a pretty little thing.”
Brook looked over at him as if to ask for instructions, but when Mason’s relative pulled her from the car, she had no choice but to move.
”Good morning,” she tried to smile. Mason knew it wasn”t genuine because it did not reach her eyes.
He quickly exited in the hopes of saving her from possible prying questions. Brook was already surrounded when he made it around the car.
“While, look here. Comma ca va, bae.”
The confusion on Brook”s face made him step within the circle. ”It”s my Uncle Jake. He asked, how are you? Everyone, please meet Brook Meier.” Mason stepped in and wrapped around her shoulder. He hadn”t expected them to crowd her.
Leo”s voice boomed above all the chatter. ”Let the poor girl breathe. Are you trying to scare her to death? Come, make room.” Leo shoved his way to the middle. ”Mas, I”m glad you”re home, son.” The two men hugged. Still, Mason held tightly to Brook”s hand while in his father”s embrace.
“I’m happy to be home. Pops, this is Brook.”
His dad greeted Brook in a bear hug. ”Nice to meet, darlin”. Let”s get inside before the sun cooks us to a crisp.”
Leo took the reins, pulling Brook by the hand. She locked eyes with him but followed his dad without a fuss. Forgotten, everyone else followed Brook.
”Welcome home, Mason; we”re glad to see you,” he murmured after they all dismissed him.
Mason eventually followed the crowd up the steps and through the front door. The red beans” aroma and the crawfish stew”s savory scent filled the air. He took a moment to inhale those familiar smells, knowing that later, he would get his stomach filled. Mason went straight to the kitchen, where he would find his mom. When he arrived, Ethel LeBlanc had both of Brook”s hands, swaying her from side to side. ”Coo wee, she”s beautiful, Mas.”
His mother glanced up, and he walked over to kiss her cheek. ”Morning, Momma.”
“So this is the only way I can get you home, young man?”
Mason looked away before answering. “No, ma’am.”
She touched his face. “It’s alright, baby. Momma loves you.”
Mason glanced at Brook. He would have to repay her for the smirk. “Love you too, Momma.”
He attempted to introduce an overwhelmed Brook to everyone at the house, knowing more would come later. ”Don”t worry, darlin”, if you can”t remember all the names. Sometimes even I get confused. If all else fails, just say Uncle, Aunt, or cousin, and you”ll be good.”
Mason jumped to work, helping set up the pits and pulling the chest of seafood from the back of his dad”s truck. Brook didn”t move far from him. She, too, stepped in with the setup even after his mother told her not to bother.
“Sit and relax, dear. You’re a guest.”
“I’m fine, Mrs. LeBlanc. I want to help.”
And she did, earning brownie points from his mother and aunts.
They erected the bandstand last. Once they completed the stage and set the electric outlets, Mason reached for Brook”s hand and led her down the familiar path to his favorite cove. The trail of sand and rocks narrowed once he neared the coastline. The musty air filled his nostrils, and the recognizable sounds of seagulls and crashing waters filled his ears. A peace warmed over him.
“Where are we going?” Brook broke the silence.
“You’ll see,” he answered with no other explanation.
Even if he wanted to explain it, the explanation wouldn’t do the description justice. He slowed the moment he turned through the path of tall beach grass. A mound he used as a seat remained unchanged. When they reached the prearranged stone created by nature and not man, he offered a seat to Brook.
“Please, sit.”
“Thank you.” Brook sat and looked up at him expectantly.
”This is my place of peace. Whenever I want quiet or need to think things through, I come here. My grandmother brought me here as a boy and told me this was my one special place. I”ve been coming here ever since.”
“It’s peaceful. I see why it worked as a getaway.”
He sat next to Brook, their thighs touched. She tilted her head onto his shoulder. The sun lifted high in the sky and warmed quickly. He knew they could only stay a few minutes because of the heat. ”We”ll come back when the sun descends, if not today, tomorrow. I promise you”ll like this spot better.” He kissed her hair. ”Let”s head back.”
Hand in hand, they talked until they reached the edge of the backyard, now buzzing with people and an erected cover tent. Mason introduced her to even more of his relatives and again tried to assure her that she didn”t have to remember all the names. He walked from one station to the next, explaining the process of a seafood boil, the spokes for the fryers, and even how to peel a crawfish. To his surprise, Brook tried different dishes even though he”d warned her that they might be spicy. She took them like a champ. They shared a dessert.
While some ladies started the clean-up, Mason joined his father, uncles, and cousins on the bandstand. They started the set with one of his grandparents” favorites. He looked for Brook and found her standing, mesmerized by Uncle Jake”s announcement.
”Family and friends, we wanted to do a few music selections to welcome our guest, Brook. If you haven”t already, please give her a huge LeBlanc welcome. Here you go, come on and kick up some dirt.”
People swarmed around Brook, so many so that he couldn’t see her until everyone had hugged her. He tilted his hat when she finally looked up at the stage with a grin as wide as the Gulf.