Chapter Four #2
I can’t help but smile at the sight of Mason’s name. The way he kissed me sure wasn’t blah. I swear I can still taste him, and just the thought sends tingles racing across my skin.
-Sorry, sir, you must have the wrong number.-
-So this isn’t my beautiful brunette spitfire who lives to be difficult?-
His beautiful brunette? Maybe he really does have the wrong number.
-Nope, sorry, no one like that here. Just a run of the mill woman with a top notch bullshit detector.-
-I like Italian. Seven o’clock okay?-
Goddamn it, here we go again. Despite his caveman antics, I realize I’m dying to see him again.
We have a few weeks until the carnival, maybe I can just see him until then, get him out of my system, and then we can end it.
Keep in mind it’s temporary, and nobody gets hurt or used.
Well, I suppose technically we’re using each other, but I can live with that. He’s spectacular in bed.
-I suppose I can make a lasagna.-
-Wow, you gave in so easy. Are you day drinking?-
-Did you just call me easy? Not drinking yet, but I’m sure I’ll need a bottle to get through the evening.-
-You’re the opposite of easy.-
-Hard?-
-Yes, I am, thinking about your legs wrapped around my neck.-
Christ, I love his dirty talk.
-I believe we agreed on lasagna.-
-I’m having you for dessert. See you at seven, Panda.-
I hope I’m not making a mistake. Ian’s advice flows through my mind. Relax, have fun. Mason is definitely fun. In bed and out. His insistent pestering is annoying, but I admit I’m flattered. He can have his choice of women, but he’s annoying me.
Danny calls the kids for lunch and after getting them settled, approaches me in the living room. “Ev…”
I hold up my palm, interrupting him. “That can’t happen again.”
“I didn’t mean to do that here, you know, where the kids might see.”
“It can’t happen anywhere. I’m…seeing someone,” I mumble. Mason and I are nowhere near exclusive, but I’m sure going to use him to my advantage now.
“Really?” He looks doubtful, which just pisses me off. Like I owe him an explanation.
“Yes, really.”
“What’s his name?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but it’s Mason Reed.”
If his jaw drops any farther, he’ll trip over it. “Mason Reed, the fighter?”
“He doesn’t fight anymore. He teaches MMA.”
“You’re dating the former middleweight champion?” His eyes darken and he scrubs his palm across his cheek. “Shit. Don’t tell him I kissed you.”
My laugh comes out as a snort. “No worries there. I’m going to frost Matty’s cake and then head out.”
He nods and leaves me to it. I’m on my way home when I get a text from him.
-Matty’s disappointed you won’t be here when we sing happy birthday and cut the cake.-
Shit. I should be there. I’ll just have to make it a late dinner with Mason.
-What time?-
-Seven-
-I’ll be there.-
I decide not to be chickenshit and call Mason instead of texting. He picks up on the second ring. “Hi, Evie.” Oh, his voice does terrible things to me.
“Hey, listen, I’m sorry, but I have to be at BTC for a last minute birthday party tonight.”
“Are you trying to ditch me? I’m catching a pattern here.”
“No! We could meet later tonight, if you want.”
“Are you turning this into a booty call?” I can hear the amusement in his voice as he teases me.
“I’m sorry, are you too sophisticated for such behavior?”
“Not normally, but I was really looking forward to that lasagna. I’ll take you to the birthday party and then we’ll have dinner before I show you my qualifications rank me far above booty call material, love. What time should I pick you up?”
I nearly drop the phone at his suggestion. “You want to go to an eight year old’s birthday party?”
“I want to spend time with you. Wherever.” His tone is serious.
My brain is screaming at me to put an end to this right now.
He’s either trying to play me, or he’s looking for more, which he won’t find with me.
Either way, the result won’t be pretty, but for some reason, I can’t disappoint him.
I’ve thought about him all day, and I really want to see him tonight.
“Six-thirty,” I reply.
“See you then, Evie.” Panda, Evie, Love. The man is incapable of calling me by my name. I hate how much I like it.
There’s a knock on my door at six-thirty sharp and I’m greeted by a smile that could make a nun tear off her clothes. He’s dressed in loose jeans and a long sleeved button up. For half a second, I consider dragging his luscious ass to the bedroom, but I can’t disappoint a kid.
“You look beautiful,” he says, taking my hand after I usher him out, locking the door behind me.
“A vision in jeans,” I reply, giving him a look.
I really wish he’d quit with the bullshit lines.
I’m not ugly, but I’m nowhere near beautiful.
Before we can make it to the elevator, I find myself pinned against the hallway wall.
His hand grips my hip as his other reaches to tilt my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze.
“I don’t like being called a liar, Evie.
You can be assured I mean every word I say,” he whispers in my ear.
“You’re stunning. I can barely keep my hands off you.
” Warm sweet breath wafts across my neck.
When he pulls back, his gaze falls to my lips, making me lick them.
God, I want to feel his full lips on mine again.
The corners of his mouth twitch in amusement. “Is there something you want, Evie?”
Ugh. Arrogant prick. If he thinks I’m asking him to kiss me, he’s a few fries short of a Happy Meal.
“To be on time.” I’m relieved to hear my response come out smooth and strong, even though I feel like a trembling mess.
It’s ridiculous. He barely touched me. Just the thought of his kiss shattered my brain and set my heart racing.
“Have it your way, love.” If I had it my way he’d be naked with my knees on his shoulders. He takes my hand as we wait for the elevator.
When the doors open, Ian grins at me and steps into the hall. “Ev, hey. I was just dropping by to say hi. I guess you’re on your way out?” Oh, the lying little bastard. He just had to check out Mason.
Mason instantly drops my hand and slides his arm possessively around my shoulders. “You want to introduce me, sweetheart?” Sweetheart?!
“Uh…yeah, Mason, this is Ian, my uh…foster brother.” Shit. Now I’m going to have to go through the whole ‘grew up in foster care’ story. “Ian, this is Mason.”
“Her date,” he clarifies. Great, is he going to piss on my leg?
“Nice to meet you,” Ian replies, voice thick with amusement. We all step into the elevator and Mason keeps his arms around me, tucking me against his side. He smells fantastic.
“Don’t you have a date tonight?” I ask Ian.
“Nah, but tomorrow I have two. Guess I’d better pick, huh? I have to reschedule one. The blond is super hot with tits till Tuesday, but the redhead’s more fun. What do you think, Ev?”
“I think you’re a pig and you should cancel both of them.”
His hand slides to cover his heart, his mouth falling open as he feigns offense. “I’m a perfect gentleman.”
“I’m sure.”
“Whew, nice car, man!” Ian exclaims as we step up to the curb.
A wide smile spreads across Mason’s face. “I like it. What do you think, Evie?”
“It’s pretty,” I reply with a shrug, running my finger across the deep blue paint. This is the type of car I pictured him driving. “Where’s your sedan?”
“At home.” He grins.
Ian scoffs, shaking his head. “Pretty? Could you be any more of a girl right now? It’s a Corvette. ZR1, right?”
“Yeah, 2013.”
“Awesome.”
“Okay, well, Ian, if you’re done getting a hard on over Mason’s car, we’re going to go.”
Ian flashes Mason a look of commiseration, mumbling, “Women.”
“Mason laughs. “Nice to meet you.”
“You, too. Take care of her. She’s one of the good ones.” Ian winks at me while I glare back.
“So, do you think I passed the test?” Mason asks with a wink, pulling out into traffic.
“I think he was willing to sleep with you once he saw your car.”
His tone turns serious. “Do I need to worry about him, Evie? He obviously cares for you.”
He’s jealous? We’ve been out once. “He’s my friend. We’ve known each other since I was ten. I love him to death, but not like that. He doesn’t want me that way, either. He pushed me to go out with you.”
He cocks an eyebrow at me. “I’ll be sure to thank him, although I’m not thrilled you needed convincing.”
“Well, with your dumpy car and homely face, I’m sure you’re used to it.”
“It’s a curse. I do my best to overcome.” His grin fades a bit as he asks, “You met in foster care?”
“In a group home, yes.”
“How long were you there?”
“In the system? Since I was five. In the home, from age ten until I aged out.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m fine. It’s a common story. Let’s talk about something else. Like how I had no idea I’m dating a world champion fighter.”
“It never came up.”
“No wonder you looked at me like a nutcase when I asked if you fought professionally. You’re famous.”
“Not exactly.” He laughs. “I’m not recognized that often. Only by the MMA fans.”
I notice a small blue gift bag tucked between the seats. “What’s this?”
“Plastic dinosaurs and green army men. I don’t know what he’s into, but for an eight year old, those are a safe bet.” God, this guy is sweet. “What?” he asks, unnerved after I stare at him too long.
“If you’re not careful, I might think you’re a nice guy.”
I’m rewarded with a wicked little smile. “I’ll clear your mind of that notion later when I bend you over and make you scream.”
“That sounds nice.” His head falls back as his laughter fills the car.
* * * *
The kids are gathered around the table when we arrive, just in time to see Matty blow out his candles. His eyes light up when we walk in. “Everly! Did you come to try our cake?”
“And to bring you a little present,” I reply, handing him a small stuffed dog.
“Thanks, it has floppy ears,” he exclaims with a grin.