Chapter 48
MASON
Ibark out a low laugh before I can stop it. Christ.
“Pretty thing,” I say, pushing off the fence rail, “the only reason I didn’t text you is because I was trying to give you space after the shit I said to you.
” My eyes drag slowly over her flushed face.
“But if you want proof my confidence works just fine in daylight too, I can absolutely provide that.”
Color floods her cheeks, but she doesn't back down. “Actually I came here to talk.”
“No, you didn't.” I step closer to the fence, closing the distance between us. “You came here because you can't stop thinking about me, same as me with you. And maybe part of you wants to make sure I haven’t run.”
She swallows hard. “Have you?”
I brush a strand of her hair out of her face, careful not to touch her skin. “Do I look like I'm running?”
“No.” Her voice is barely a whisper.
“I'm not going anywhere, Lily.” I hold her gaze, letting her see exactly what I'm thinking. “I want you. Planning to keep you.”
“Keep me,” she repeats, like she's testing the words.
“Yeah.” I lean forward slightly, my hand still braced on the fence post. “Keep you safe. Keep you close. Keep you in my bed until you forget there was ever a time before me.”
Her breath catches. “Mason—”
“We'll hash out everything.” I reach out slowly, my intention of cupping her face clear, giving her the opportunity to stop me if she wants. My girl doesn't retreat, just tilts her head up to look at me, and something in my chest surges with triumph as my palm settles on her cheek.
Fuck her skin is soft.
I rub my thumb at the corner of her mouth. “Tonight. Your place. Seven o'clock.”
She blinks a few times like she’s as sex-addled as me. “Why my place?”
“Because I want you on your own territory. I want you to feel safe when I make you fall apart again.”
Her hands come up to rest against my chest—not pushing away but touching. Claiming contact. “I thought we were talking tonight.”
“We are.” I quirk my mouth. “But my manhood was called into question.”
“It won’t be daylight at seven,” she points out.
“You asking me to stay till morning?” I tease her.
Her lips part and she begins to breathe heavier.
Fuck me.
I tip her head up. Her hazel eyes catch the midday sun, green and gold and lethal enough to make me forget my name. “Ask me.”
“Kiss me,” she says, her hands gripping my shirt.
“Yes, ma’am.” I bent my head to hers.