Chapter Ten
Maria
It’s been a week since the conference, and I haven’t had a chance to see Mason yet. The dinner we were supposed to have got interrupted when I was called away for work. This normally wouldn’t bother me at all. This time it did. I miss him. I’ve never missed a man before. It feels strange to want to be with him so much.
Tonight, finally, I get to see him again. It will be a miracle if I don’t tackle him to the floor. Never have I been this attracted to a man, and this in tune with conversations as well. Though we haven’t seen each other in a week, the text messages have been flowing, and they’ve become flirtier with each message sent.
He’s cashing in on his event tonight, and I’m accompanying him to an engagement party of a friend. It’s a bit awkward, but I’m sure it will be fine. There are often plus ones on invitations. I’m used to entering a room of strangers and walking out with new friends. This is one of the reasons I do so well in my job.
The anticipation of seeing Mason again, especially outside of the conference, has been building all week. When my doorbell rings, I feel a mixture of excitement and nerves rush through me. If he chooses to come in and sweep me off my feet, we might not be going anywhere. I’m good with this.
I open the door to find Mason looking incredible in a fitted suit, holding a large bouquet of flowers. His lips are curved in a smile that makes me want to ravage him. “This has been too long,” he says as he hands over the flowers, then looks at me from the tip of my head to the point of my heels. The happiness in his eyes makes me want to purr like a kitten.
“You’re breathtaking,” he utters, his voice low, the sound vibrating straight through me.
“You aren’t too bad yourself,” I tell him, feeling a slight trembling in my fingers. If he’s feeling even half of what I’m feeling right now, it’s a miracle we’re both still standing. “Thanks for the flowers. They’re stunning.”
“Not nearly as beautiful as you.” He doesn’t step forward, and I look at him questioningly. His smile grows as he steps back. “I can’t come inside. If I do, I’m going to back you into a wall and consume you. If we don’t show up at this party, I have no doubt my friends will hunt us down and interrupt in the worst possible moment.” He clenches his fists together as if he’s having a hard time keeping his hands from me. This pleases me more than words can possibly express.
“Okay then, you can watch me walk away while I put these in water,” I tell him. I turn and make sure to sway my hips as I walk the small space to my kitchen. I hear him groan behind me and my smile grows. Something’s going to happen very soon. I love it.
I quickly put the flowers in water. I have to take a deep breath and force myself not to rush back to Mason. I want to grab him and kiss him, but I love this pressure between us, love the heat and excitement at knowing what’s coming. I’ve read many romance books, but I’ve never lived a romance story. This is exactly what’s happening to me. Even though I’m an editor I don’t know if I would’ve said a month ago there was any reality in romance books. I was wrong. There most certainly is. A girl just has to wait for the right man to come along. That’s hard to do when a person gets lonely.
He escorts me to the car and holds my door. I climb inside, surrounded by his scent. It’s absolutely delicious. When he joins me in the vehicle, even though it’s large, his scent becomes even stronger, and I find myself trying to hold my breath. I gasp and he quizzically looks at me.
“Sorry, lots on my mind,” I say, trying to cover up my tension. I squeeze my thighs together as I try to get comfortable in the seat. It’s not easy to do with how much I’m feeling. Never before has a man made my entire body ache. I’m both in love and hate the feeling all at the same time. The world would have a lot more babies if more people made each other feel this much intensity with nothing more than their presence.
Mason reaches over and takes my hand and I feel sweat break out on my neck. I feel like a damn dog in heat. What the hell! The conversation flows back and forth between us as we make our way to the party. Mason does most of the talking. I share a bit about my week, but it’s been pretty boring and repetitive. I’m far more interested in him talking.
He shares about his latest podcast and new designs for his online store that’s doing exceptionally well. I find myself starting to relax a bit as he gets me laughing.
When we arrive at the party, it’s very clear this is a grand affair. The venue is beautifully decorated, and the guests are all dressed to the nines, dripping in gems and wearing designer clothing.
I smooth out my dress and force my hands to rest at my side. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I have different priorities from others, and designer clothes aren’t one of those priorities. I make good money with my job, and I don’t need five-thousand-dollar dresses to make me feel good about myself.
I could be a billionaire and still not want to spend that much on clothing when I can find beautiful items in the stores. I might shop a little more at Nordstrom’s rather Penny’s if I made more money, but I’m good with my clothing choices. I know what looks flattering on my body. Even though, sometimes it can be hard not to acknowledge the difference between my discount clothing and their luxury items.
We come inside to find hundreds of guests mingling. Mason makes sure my arm stays firmly in his as he introduces me to some of his friends. I blink when I notice Miles standing at the other end of the room, arm wrapped around a petite woman with wild curly hair. It’s surreal to see another man who looks so much like Mason wrapped around another woman.
“You and Miles have a mutual friend who got engaged?” I ask.
“Miles is the one who got engaged,” Mason answers with a smile.
“You said it was your friend,” I respond while smacking his arm. “A twin brother isn’t a friend.”
“I beg to differ,” Mason disagrees.
“I thought your brother’s been engaged for a while now,” I whisper, now wanting to sound like I’m complaining. That wouldn’t be the greatest impression on the most important person in Mason’s life.
“About half a year,” Mason says with a shrug. “But they’re having a long engagement, so they wanted to host a celebration to get everyone together so our families and friends can meet and mingle.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” I mumble with a glare. “I would’ve maybe tried dressing more professionally.”
This makes him laugh. “This isn’t work, it’s a social event,” he says. He leans down and kisses me. I realize I’m being stupid. “Come on.” He leads me straight to Miles and Emily.
“Emily, you haven’t officially met Maria yet. She’s going to be Miles’s best editor ever, and is my beautiful girlfriend,” Mason says, causing my cheeks to pinken.
“It’s wonderful to meet you,” Emily says with a welcoming smile. “I’ve been blessed with entering the publishing world, and I love it so much.”
“I’m so sorry, I wasn’t aware you’re an author,” I say, embarrassed. I should know this.
Emily swipes her hand in the air. “I write poetry which bares my soul to the world, and is hard for me to talk about. I love it, though, more than you can imagine. Miles is trying to talk me into doing a book with him. Maybe someday, but for now I’m focusing on what led me into this world,” Emily says.
“I love poetry. I’m going to buy your book as soon as I leave here,” I tell her. She beams at me.
“It’s so funny because I can write all day and night, but talking about my writing is so difficult. I think because it’s so personal,” she says.
“I understand how you feel. I have a lot of authors who hate talking about their work. It really does feel like an open-heart surgery that’s being aired live.”
“Yes,” Emily says.
“I felt that way in the beginning, but I’ve already shared it all with the world, so I’ve been exposed so much that there’s nothing left to hide,” Miles says.
Mason bursts out laughing. “No one wants to see what you’re exposing, brother.”
“I sure do,” Emily says as she beams up at her fiancé.
“You two are incredibly adorable together,” I tell them.
“I’ve never been happier,” Miles says.
“Me either,” Emily says.
“Thank you for allowing me to be the plus one at your event. It’s beautiful here,” I say.
“I’m glad you’re here. I like my brother more since he’s been dating you. I think we’re going to work well together,” Miles says.
“I think so too,” I tell him. It always makes me nervous when the papers aren’t signed, but I really do think this deal will come through just fine. We continue chatting for a few more moments before Miles and Emily are pulled away from us.
Soon, we’re led to our seats at a table with a lively group of people who all greet us with enthusiasm. Conversation flows, but it’s slightly boring. I’m not nearly as into football, though, in their defense. I like to watch a good game with a fun crowd, but talking plays is pretty far down my list of fun. When I’m watching a game, I like talking plays, but if it’s not currently on, I don’t want to discuss it for hours.
Mason reads me so well, it’s a bit scary. He leans against me. “Want to play a new game?” he asks with a wicked smile, his hot breath brushing across my ear and sending shivers through me.
There’s nothing I like more than this mischievous glint in his eyes. It tells me he’s up to no good . . . and I love it. I also love that he cares about how I’m feeling. He’s clearly having fun with the conversation, but he wants to make sure I’m just as involved. It’s not every man who feels this way.
“What do you have in mind?” I ask. I like playing games with this man. There are many games I wouldn’t mind playing with him that we certainly can’t do in public.
I internally laugh as I think about this. I used to be so prudish, a very vanilla person, but I’ve come to realize that whatever makes people happy is what’s good for them. If a couple wants to dress up, play with toys, or simply lay as one that’s their own business. I think Mason and I both enjoy excitement in our lives. Where this leads us only time will tell.
“Want to shock the table with our best flirting?” he suggests. This makes me laugh which causes several heads to turn our way. He’s incredibly good with pick-up lines, and the way he flirts with me sends my blood to boiling and makes me squeeze my thighs together.
“What are you two whispering about?” one of the women asks. It’s a good thing she isn’t asking me what I’m thinking about. I might just tell her. I wonder if Mason would be horrified or throw me over his shoulder. I could test him and find out. Tempting . . . very tempting.
“Playing games,” I say with a wink. I give her just a hint. Unfortunately, I’m not brave enough to say what sort of games. Then again, Mason didn’t suggest ropes, he said a flirting game.
“I have a feeling it’s not football games,” the woman says. She has a friendly and inviting presence about her. Mason really is surrounded by great people. It’s very impressive. I might not even shock them with the thoughts I’m having. I have a feeling they’ll be able to shock me a lot more, not easy to do when I’m in the world of publishing where everything’s on the table when it comes to books.
“It’s a game we can all play,” Mason says. He then leans back and looks at me. “Maria, did it hurt?” He’s keeping his tone serious but he can’t wipe the twinkle from his eyes. I smile at him as I raise an eyebrow.
“Did what hurt?” I ask as I lift my drink and take a sip.
“When you fell from heaven, because it looks like you landed right on your face,” he finishes with a wink. My mouth drops open in horror as a couple of people around our table gasp. I then burst out laughing. If I didn’t already know how much he desires me I might be offended. I give him my most competitive smile.
“Oh, I see how this is going to go,” I tell him. “And I’m more than ready for you.”
“I like this game,” one of the men says. He looks at me. “Do you have a name, or can I call you mine?” He shows me all of his pearly whites.
“Oh, mine for sure,” I tell him.
“I don’t think so,” Mason says as he wraps his arm around me, pulls me in, and gives me a scorching kiss for all of the people at our table to see. He’s clearly marking me as his . . . and I like it, a lot.
The table gives some catcalls and laughter as we continue on with cheesy, funny, insulting, and corny pickup lines. Some are much better than others.
“Not that one,” I groan as one of the men finish a line to the laugher of the whole table. “Someone tried that one in high school in their valedictorian speech, directed at me. I think I might die if I have to keep reliving that moment.” I cringe at the reminder of that awful day.
“I’ll protect you from the big bad valedictorian,” Mason assures me with a serious nod. I laugh and lean against him, soaking up the camaraderie.
“Oh, Mason,” one of the women says, her boyfriend next to her, clearly loving this game as much as we are.
“Yes, Ellie?” he says, reluctantly pulling from me to give her his attention.
“If you were a vegetable, I’d name you a cute-cumber,” she says. This makes her boyfriend laugh harder.
“You won’t be calling anyone else cute but me,” he says to her, then gives her a kiss that has us all laughing again. These men play hard, and they love hard. It’s clear to see.
We all come up with more lines, laughing so much that other tables are all turning our way. I’m sure many of them wish they were sitting with us. It’s kind of great being at the popular table. I might not be in fancy jewels and expensive clothes, but I do have a way with words, and I know how to make people around me comfortable. I like to have fun and make any events memorable. That’s what’s happening here with Mason.
Once again just being with this man is causing me to have another great night. Amidst the laughter, the sexual tension continues to build. The more I like this man, the more I burn for him. I’ve never been a woman who enjoys one-night-stands. I want to like the person I’m with. My vibrator can give me an orgasm. When I have sex, I want it to be about more than the pleasure at the end.
Each moment I spend with Mason I fall more for him. Instead of sending me over the edge of a cliff in panic, I feel peace at the feeling. The only thing that will sate this burning is to quit fighting what’s been inevitable from the moment he approached me at the bar, when I didn’t want to immediately send him away.
“Mason, are you a magician?” I ask, reaching over and rubbing his thigh. I love the intake of breath this causes. He’s affecting me in far more ways than one, but I’m doing the same to him. I know I must have a smug smirk on my face, because I’m sure he’ll show the world how excited he is if he stands right now.
“I could be. Why do you ask?” he says, his voice husky.
“Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears,” I tell him, my voice dripping with seriousness. It’s a pickup line, but it’s sort of true. As fun as I’m having with his friends, he’s the only person I truly see.
“I might like that line,” he tells me, leaning closer again.
“You two have got to quit undressing each other with your eyes. I’m here alone and ready to find the closest man to me to mount,” one of the women says, making everyone laugh again.
“Sorry, can’t help myself. She’s irresistible,” Mason tells the group, not turning away from me.
“He’s not too bad,” I say. Everyone knows I’m full of it. I’ve been eating him alive as much as, or more, than him with me. We’re clearly hooked on each other. It’s nice that it’s incredibly mutual.
“Mason,” another woman asks.
He reluctantly turns to the single woman. I’m not threatened. She’s clearly a friend and knows he’s taken. “Yes, Betty?”
“Are you a parking ticket?” Mason laughs and waits. “Because you have fine written all over you.” I shake my head. This is one great line.
“Oh, I’m fine alright,” Mason says.
“Don’t get too cocky,” I warn him.
“Oh, I finally thought of my fruit name,” one of the guys says, saving Mason from a lot of groans from the table.
“What is it?” I ask.
“I’m a fineapple,” he proudly states. We laugh some more. I’ve done so much of it tonight my stomach is hurting a bit, and my cheeks are sore.
The music begins and a few people stand to move to the dance floor. Mason looks at me, his eyes still burning though he’s wearing a smile on his lips. He stands up.
“Care to dance?” he asks.
I don’t even hesitate. “I’d love to,” I tell him.
The two of us practically float to the dance floor, the soft light casting a warm glow all around us. Multiple people are already in each other’s arms. Mason doesn’t hesitate to pull me to him, his hand stopping on my lower back as my breasts press against his chest. We begin swaying to the music, our bodies moving in perfect sync. It’s like we’ve been made for this. We’re a perfect fit even though he’s nearly a foot taller than me, well a few inches less with me in heels.
“I haven’t done you the justice of telling you enough how beautiful you look tonight,” Mason whispers in my ear.
“You’ve said it every five minutes, so I think you’re fine,” I tell him with a smile. “Then again, I don’t mind hearing it. You make me feel like the only woman in the room.”
“That’s because you are. The rest of the people here might as well not even exist,” he says.
“You have wonderful friends, Mason,” I tell him. “I’m very glad I came with you. This has been such a fun night, and it lets me know that you have good taste in people.”
“I do have incredible friends, but I’d walk away from all of them for five minutes with you.” The intensity of his words run through my very soul. He means this. It’s just because this is new. It will level out, but I’m beginning to think it might not go away.
“I wouldn’t be a good person to ask you to do that,” I tell him.
“I know you’d never do that. Just as I wouldn’t ever try to come between you and Nikki,” he assures me.
“She’s my rock when I feel like the world’s trying to blow me over,” I admit.
“You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. Scratch that, you’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met,” he says.
“You’ve met superstars so that’s quite the compliment,” I say as a blush creeps into my cheeks. He doesn’t hold back when he speaks, and I love being the recipient of his words. It’s pure heaven.
“I don’t know what you’re doing to me, Maria, but I can’t stop thinking about you. It’s like my head’s floating in the clouds and no matter how much I try to ground myself I can’t find my footing.”
“Are we still working on lines?” I ask, the intensity of his words making me glow.
“No. This is fully how I feel,” he admits.
“Well, you make me feel the same. You’re incredible, Mason.”
We continue dancing, the world around us fading. The song ends, but neither of us moves a step away from each other. Our connection is too real, and I don’t want to let him go. Sure, we’ve had some drinks, but I feel far more drunk on him than on any alcohol I’ve consumed.
“Do you want to escape from here?” he asks as he leans back, his eyes glowing. I know what he’s asking . . . and I’m ready. “I got a room just in case we couldn’t drive. It’s very . . . very close.”
I don’t even have to think about this. “Yes,” I tell him. His eyes spark with hunger at my acceptance. We don’t even bother saying goodbye to anyone. We’ve been here for long enough. We rush from the room straight to the elevator and stand away from each other on the ride up. We both know the second we touch again, fire will happen.
We walk down the hallway and I hold my breath until Mason opens the door to the room . . . then shuts it behind him. My breath comes out in a rush. I look up and see he’s barely containing himself. I don’t know what to do.
“Maria,” he whispers, and that’s all I can take. I’m the one to move forward. I throw myself into his arms and press my lips to his.
The kiss is electric, the culmination of a week’s worth of tension and a hell of a lot of sexual innuendos in messages, followed by shameless flirting all night. His arms quickly wrap around me, pulling me close, and I lose myself in the sensation of being with him, of his strength and confidence, of his raw magnetism.
I’m not sure who moves first, but we’re suddenly making our way toward the very inviting bed, our clothes magically disappearing as hands roam over each other. We can’t stop kissing, touching, and gasping as we fall onto the bed half dressed. There’s no turning back now, and I don’t want to.
There’s so much more to us than sex. I have no doubt about this, but I can’t think until I have him inside of me and I sate this hunger. We can always talk later. This hunger might take more than one time to tame, though . . . and I’m more than okay with it.
His lips press to mine and we battle for dominance. Mason presses against me, and I gasp as a knee moves between my legs. Fire burns through my body.
My dress disappears in a blur of hands as he caresses and kisses a line down my body, following the fabric of my dress down. I don’t know when he managed it, but I look up and notice he’s stripped as well. My eyes hungrily roam the expanse of smooth muscled skin that’s revealed to me now. And then he’s over me, our naked skin finally pressed together. It’s even better than I could’ve ever imagined.
“I need you,” Mason says, and once again takes my breath.
“Then take me,” I demand. I can’t wait for foreplay. I need to be one with this man. “I’m protected, clean, and I trust you.” It might be foolish, but I want nothing between us.
“All in good time,” he promises. He sinks down and his lips trail a line from my navel to my chest.
“Enough foreplay. I need you now,” I beg. I grab at his hair and pull his face to mine, pressing my lips to his.
His eyes burn at these words, and he sinks between my thighs. He lifts my leg up and the tip of his length presses against me. I’m more than ready for him. I’m hot, wet, and need this more than I need my next breath.
He doesn’t hesitate before thrusting inside of me. I cry out at how full he fills me, and I nearly lose it as we become one. His mouth crashes into mine again as he sets a brutal rhythm, pounding in and out. The bed squeaks and the slapping of our skin echoes through the room, only broken by his heavy breaths and my cries of pleasure.
I explode around him, throwing my head back as more pleasure than I’ve ever felt before fills me. He pushes in again, then lets out a roar as I feel him press into me deeper than I thought possible.
I look up into his hazel eyes, feeling like I’m staring into his soul. My body trembles beneath him. I bring my hand up and run it over his smooth skin, a light sheen of sweat coating both of our bodies. He lowers himself down onto me and presses his lips to mine in a slow and sweet caress. He tries to move, and I wrap my legs around him, not ready to let him go.
It takes long moments before we get our breathing under control. He then shifts to his side with me tightly pressed against him.
“That was ridiculously fast. You’ve been making me burn for two weeks straight. Now I’m going to take my time,” he says.
“Give me a minute. I’m still shaking,” I tell him.
“There’s no rest for the wicked,” he tells me. He rolls off of my bed, against my protests. Before I can act, he picks me up bridal style and carries me into the bathroom.
“Fancy,” I mumble as he sets me down in his shower. It’s a large walk in that can hold an orgy of five or more. I stare at the three separate shower heads. Neither of us will be freezing in this shower.
“Nothing but the best for my lady,” he murmurs against my ear. I shiver as goosebumps rise due to the heat of his breath.
He turns on the shower and backs me up against the wall. One hand presses to my hip, while the other rests near my head, trapping me in an embrace that I never want to leave. His body pushes against mine; a perfect fit, before he’s kissing me so hard I’m more than ready to be taken again. His hand by my head wraps around the back of my neck, and he gently takes hold of my hair, tilting my head for better access. His other hand slowly slides lower, caressing my hip. The water cascades over us and runs across me in all of the best places. Before I lose my mind again, I push him away. He growls his disapproval.
I drop before him and all complaining stops as I hold him in my hand, his body hard and ready for round two. We really did wait too long to do this. I have no idea why. Now that I’ve had him inside of me, I want more.
I take him in my mouth and feel his body tense as I wrap a hand behind him and squeeze his solid ass. He groans, his body shaking as I suck him hard. I take him deep in my throat and squeeze before sliding him back out and licking his salty head. I do this again and again, not able to get enough of him. I slide out and run my tongue from the tip to the base, my hand caressing his sensitive balls below.
Satisfaction thrums through me at the shudder I elicit from him, and I smirk against him. Mason reaches beneath my arms and pulls me up, then shocks me as he lifts my entire body and places my legs on his shoulders as he backs me against the wall. One of my hands grab his hair, while the other clings to one of the shower heads, desperately searching for stability. Before I can even gasp, he locks his mouth against my core and runs his tongue over my heat. I cry out as I hold onto his head, trying not to squirm so much that I fall from his slick shoulders.
He sucks and licks until an orgasm rips through me. I shake as he holds tight to my waist while his wicked tongue continues making me scream. Only when the shaking stops does he lower me to his waist. He doesn’t even give me a chance to take a breath before he plunges back inside of me. I once again hold on tight as I enjoy every single moment of us as one.
It’s a long while before we make it back to the bed, and he’s utterly worn me out. Mason pulls me close to him, and I rest my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. For the first time in a very long while I feel nothing but peace. Whatever comes next, I’m more than ready for. I close my eyes and drift to sleep.