Chapter 31 #2
The little fact pleased me a lot. It confirmed everything Mason had been telling me all along. “Let’s just say our relationship had a rocky start. I’m happy we finally put the past behind us.”
Amber passed me a yoga mat, and we laid them side by side. Soon enough, we lost ourselves in the flow.
We were kneeling in a single-leg-kick position when I heard chatter behind us. I lifted my eyes only to see who I assumed to be Rutherford—or Devin, as Amber called her boyfriend.
“I could get used to this view every morning,” Rutherford said, sipping from the coffee mug in his grip. “I’ve just developed a thing for girls kicking their legs.”
“Totally. We should ask them to move in. Morning exercise sessions would be mandatory.” Mason joined him, his hair still damp from the shower, wearing a pair of gray joggers and a white T-shirt.
“You wish,” Amber said, as we transitioned into a boat pose with our arms outstretched above our heads.
“Babe, a man would need to be blind not to enjoy the view first thing in the morning.”
Beside me, Amber tsk-tsked. “What would we get in exchange? We too deserve some eye candy when we wake up.”
He tapped his chin with a finger. “Pierce and I could make you breakfast shirtless. Would that count?”
“You’re driving a hard bargain, Dev,” Amber said, with a contagious smile. “What do you say, Mel?”
Before I could answer, Mason lifted me into the air and spun me so my front balanced on his feet while he lay on his back, legs stretched out in full airplane mode.
“Mase, what are you doing?”
“Joining your morning Pilates class. I can always use the exercise.” He grinned, and I mirrored the curl of his lips.
I moved into a surrender pose and transitioned into a bow pose seconds later.
“Shepard, we’re pretty good at this.”
“It’s the partner.” I winked. “It makes us better.”
He lowered his legs, and I tumbled into his arms. He kissed me like we hadn’t seen each other in a long-ass time instead of just hours.
Rutherford wolf-whistled at us, and we broke apart, laughing.
Recalling what we were talking about minutes ago, I said, “Amber, we should add foot massages once a day to the bare-chested cooking thing.”
I rose to my feet, and we high-fived.
Rutherford stepped between us and draped his arms over our shoulders. “You girls got yourselves a deal. So how long is this little Pilates session going on?”
I bent down and rolled up my mat after doing a few glute stretches. “We’re done, actually. And we’re starving, right, Amber?”
She winked at me. “Famished.”
My eyes connected with Mason, and I saw him pinching his lips together to avoid laughing. I shrugged, loving this little banter we were partaking in.
When I passed him, he gripped my hand, stopping me. “I’m glad you’re making yourself at home, Shepard. I can already tell you and Amber will be one heck of a team around here.”
I rose to my tiptoes to kiss him. “That’s the plan.” I kissed him again. “Don’t worry, I have no intention of overtaking your kingdom, Mase.”
“I would surrender it to you any day, Shepard. It’s not even a question.” He smacked my butt cheek with a palm, and I yelped. “Your ass looks hot in these leggings. I’m sad our little Pilates session is over. Are you in the mood for a run later?”
“I thought you might want to.”
“Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“You were sleeping like a baby. You needed your rest.”
He lifted me up until I could wrap my legs around his waist. My arms came around his neck.
He stared at me. “You’re really hungry?”
I bobbed my head multiple times.
“For more than food?”
“It depends. For now, though, I really want grits and eggs if you have some. Or maybe pancakes. You put me through a new exercise regimen last night. I need to recharge my energy for later.”
“Later, huh?”
“And every single day afterward.” I kissed him once more.
“Mel, you should switch your major to business. You really know how to drive a bargain. Having the upper hand looks kinda sexy on you.”
“I’ll leave the business degree to you, Mase. I’ll just be there to save your ass with my public relations degree if you ever get into trouble.”
“Me? Trouble? You’re talking to the wrong guy, love. Trouble hates me, I swear.”
A loud laugh bubbled out of me. “My boyfriend once told me he would never get into trouble growing up. I beg to differ, but I like him just the way he is.”
His fingers found my ribs. “You’d better, or else I’ll tickle you until you change your mind.”
“No, please. The last time I almost peed myself.” I released him and jumped to my feet, tugging at his hand. “Come on, Mase. Feed me.”
“Fuck, you won’t have to ask me twice. I’ll feed you everything you ever ask for.”
I pushed his chest with my free hand. “Pig.”
“All yours.” His smirk was full of mischief. “How do you feel about bacon? My specialty. You can have sausages too.”
I stifled a chuckle with my hand. “Oh God. You’re impossible. Please tell me what we did last night didn’t unlock your dirty mouth.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “It was already running at full power. You like me filthy, baby. Admit it.”
I almost pressed my thumb and forefinger together. “Okay, fine. A teeny-tiny bit.”
“That’s good enough for me.” He hoisted me over his shoulder and carried me to the kitchen. “I can’t wait to have my way with you later. I’m sure you won’t complain about my dirty mouth ever again.”