Chapter 37
37
C arley felt great today. Better than she'd felt in a long time. It was three weeks ago today that she'd been kidnapped and shot. It was still an event she couldn't believe she lived through. An event she hoped one day she'd forget. She was going into the office for the first time since that day.
Checking her outfit in the mirror, she was pleased with her appearance. The dark circles that had been under her eyes were gone. She managed a straight posture now, and she looked healthy. If a person didn't know her, they'd never know what had happened.
Mason stepped into the bedroom and whistled. "Sexy momma."
She laughed. "Thank you for always being my confidence booster."
He came to stand behind her and grinned in the mirror at the two of them together. His voice was low when he whispered, "Look at me with the most beautiful woman in the world. How did I get so lucky?"
She leaned her head back to rest on his chest and smiled at him in the mirror. "I honestly believe I'm the luckiest woman in the world. However, I'm a little worried about those nurses at the hospital fawning over you."
He laughed. "You have nothing to worry about. I'm off-limits, and I couldn't be happier about it."
She cocked her head to the side. "Maybe I need to get you a ring to wear on your left hand so they can see it."
He grinned. "That's not a bad idea."
She planted that thought in the back of her mind for later. Today she had to see how long she could make it at the office. She stood straight and turned to face Mason.
He kissed her lips and then stared into her eyes. "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"What do you do if you have to go see a home?"
"Mason..."
"What do you do? Humor me."
"I call Margo and you and leave the time, address, and the person's name. I also leave it in the computer. Addison will call me every fifteen minutes to check in."
Mason grinned. "Good. What are homeowners to do when you have a showing at their homes?"
"They are to stay there, out of the way, but present in case something happens."
He nodded. "And what if you're at the condos?"
"I need to let either Mitch or Quinn know what time the showing is and don't go in until one of them is there."
"Good." He turned and held his arm out for her to precede him from the room. She knew as she walked down the hall in their home he was watching her ass. She liked that. She watched his every chance she got. He had an amazing ass.
In the kitchen, she poured them each a cup of coffee. He sat on a stool at the counter, and she stood across from him. "Can I make you something to eat?"
"No thanks. I guess they're having breakfast for me at the hospital as a welcome thing."
"Okay. Don't they normally do lunches?"
He shrugged. "I guess this way, the night shift can join in before they go home. It'll be easier for me to meet most of them."
"Oh. That's a great idea."
He grinned and sipped his coffee. "You'll be home at two today?"
"Yes. I promise. I can't wait to see what kind of surprise you have for me. And, once again, for the record, I think it's mean that you told me about it, and then you make me wait an entire day to see what it is."
He chuckled. "It's part of the fun. I'll say this, you'll be thrilled."
She smiled at her handsome boyfriend playing games with her. Then he said, "I think."
"Mason Thompson!"
He laughed. Looking at his watch he stood. "I have to go. I don't want to be late on my first day at the hospital. That wouldn't look good at all."
"No, it wouldn't."
He walked around the counter and wrapped her in a warm, snug, beautiful hug. His hands pulled her close, his right hand held the back of her head to his chest, and she closed her eyes.
The beating of his heart was comforting. Strong and sure. She smiled as she listened to it then took a deep settling breath. This is where she belonged. With this man. Right here in his arms.
She tried pulling away, but he held her close. "Just a minute more," he whispered.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed him tightly. She lifted her head and looked up into his eyes. "It's okay, Mason."
"We haven't been apart for three weeks. I'm...not ready. I'm worried. I want you safe."
She smiled, slid her hands up his chest, and cupped his face. "I'm safe. I'll be safe. I'll be very careful with every single thing I do. I'll text you often, but don't respond unless you can. I'll only text to let you know I'm safe, so you don't worry. I'll see you right here at home, our home, at two o'clock."
"Yeah. I like all of that." He bent down and kissed her once more. "I love you."
She smiled. "I love you too, and I'll never tire of hearing it from you."
He chuckled, stepped back, and nodded. He stared at her once more, then stepped out of the kitchen and into the garage.
She gathered their dirty coffee cups and washed them. She wiped down the counter and stared at the garage door. She hadn't been completely honest with him. She was scared shitless today. She had to leave the house for the first time by herself and she didn't know if she'd be able to do it.
She took a few deep breaths, then nodded. She grabbed her purse and her computer from the counter and strode to the garage door without thinking about it anymore. She could do this. She had to, she just had to.