Chapter 6
Chapter Six
As Christmas approached, Rebecca spent her time working with her seniors to get ready for the holiday.
This year they were going caroling at a local nursing home with a group of students from the high school who were learning about community service.
Her folks were very excited about the special treat, especially Mary Havens, whose husband was a resident of the home.
The students came several times to practice and together they chose which songs they would sing.
Rebecca got home each night tired but with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that she was able to make a difference in the quality of life for her special friends.
The week before Christmas Mason accompanied her to the doctor when it was time to have her cast removed. It felt wonderful to be without the heavy plaster and Rebecca was in a rare mood on the way home.
“Why don't you let me cook you dinner tonight, Mace?” she asked happily, more pleased with her world than she'd been in a long time.
“I could make that marinated chicken you like.
I know I've been a wretch lately and I'd really like to show you how much I appreciate the help you've given me since the accident,” she told him laying her hand innocently on his thigh.
Heat shot through him at her touch and his voice, when he answered her, was harsh.
“Not tonight,” he cleared his throat and continued.
“I already promised Maggie I'd take Jason to cut down a Christmas tree.
She's worried about him and thought maybe it would help if he spent some time with someone other than her or the younger kids. This time of year is especially hard on them.”
Jealousy yanked Rebecca’s hand back as if she’d been burnt and fast on its heels came shame.
Rebecca genuinely liked Maggie Cassidy. She was a good mother and had been a good wife.
Maggie and Jim had occasionally included her in their family gatherings after her father died.
They’d always been kind to her, Maggie often coming to her defense when Mason was on the warpath.
After Jim died Maggie became withdrawn and Rebecca, remembering her father's grief, understood.
Although they didn't see each other very often, Rebecca still considered her a close friend.
“Maybe some other night,” she suggested, trying to convince herself that it didn't matter if he was becoming an important part of Maggie's life.
Mason was glad he had plans. The touch of her hand after all this time was more than he could stand.
Desire flashed through him like a bolt of lightning and gripping the steering wheel was the only way he could keep his head, and his hands off her.
He wanted to stop the car and gather her into his arms. Wanted to feel her softness, slide his big hands under her soft sweater and tenderly cup her full breasts.
Groaning he turned on the radio, trying to distract himself. He found it amazing that a small touch from her could excite him so much. Sighing with relief he pulled up in front of her house.
Rebecca was also glad to be home. She told herself she was happy that Mason was giving Maggie a hand, Lord knew she deserved it.
Twisting in the seat she intended to thank him for the ride, but when her eyes met his, she no longer had the urge to speak.
Blue fire warmed her to the bone. His strong jaw sported a slight stubble that only increased his masculinity.
Rebecca studied him, her heart pounding.
A wave of black hair fell over his forehead.
Her mouth went dry while other places in her body went damp and liquid.
Deep inside sparks radiated and started flames she couldn't put out.
His strong hands still gripped the steering wheel and Rebecca stared at them remembering the feel of their velvet roughness caressing her.
A pulse in her temple began to throb and unable to stop herself she leaned over, gently setting her lips at the corner of his mouth.
Mason's control snapped. Reaching out he pulled her onto his lap, twisting his head to claim her lips and brand them as his. His beard scraped her soft cheek and she moaned into his mouth as his hand grasped the back of her head anchoring her in place.
Rebecca felt surrounded by his hard male body. His hands spoke to her, telling her he wasn't going to let her go without a fight, but there was no fight in her. As his tongue swept hotly into her mouth she surrendered to him completely.
He spread his thighs and cradled her between them, his hard length making her mindless with longing. When he felt her body melt into his he loosened his hold and sighed raggedly. Hard hot hands roamed her eager flesh, slipping under her clothing.
Neither was aware of the snow that was falling softly outside, blanketing the car in a layer of white, nor did they give any thought to the fact that they were parked on a public street. Breathing in her perfume Mason felt as though he were drowning in her sweet fragrance.
His thumbs brushed her rigid nipples sending waves of pleasure through her body so intense that she began to tremble with the fierce pleasure.
Her hands reached up and grasped his rough cheeks, and as she kissed him, tears, caused by weeks of tension, slipped out from between her lashes.
Their saltiness penetrated Mason's conscience as nothing else could and he forced himself to pull back, scattering light kisses over her delicate features and whispering words of love while he struggled with his raging passion.
Rebecca's head fell back against his shoulder, her face flushed with desire, her lungs gasping for breath. Feeling his withdrawal, she curled her nails into the palm of her hands, the pain nothing compared to the agony of wanting what she knew he would not give.
Embarrassment flooded her. He was on his way to Maggie's. Even in the throughs of passion he had not mentioned marriage again and she told herself she was glad. Putting her hands on her cheeks to cool them she tried to laugh at the situation and failed miserably.
“Don't,” he told her harshly, grasping her shoulders and giving her a small shake. “There is nothing funny about this. I could take you right here. Strip you down in broad daylight and make you cry out loud enough to bring the neighbors running, but I won't, damn you.”
Running his hand through his hair he continued, tension making his voice harsh.
“We seem to be at an impasse here Rebecca.
You won't marry me and I won't make love to you unless you do.
I thought I could bring you around by showing you what we could have together, but I find I'm not the man I thought I was because I came damn close to giving in to you.
I won't be used Rebecca. You call me old-fashioned.
I won't deny it, but I can't have the kind of love affair you seem to want. I want a wife, a family, and if you’re not interested in the same things you can damn well keep your hot little body away from me.”
Bodily he lifted her from his lap and almost thrust her into the passenger seat. Determination set his jaw and he glared at her as if daring her to argue with him.
Rebecca was hurt enough to do just that.
When he said the word marriage, her heart had accelerated, but as he continued that feeling was rapidly replaced by sheer fury.
He made her sound like some…wanton tramp who was so hot for a man she couldn't keep her hands off him.
Well so be it. If that's how he saw her she wouldn't disappoint him.
“Mason darling,” she cooed, getting to her knees on the seat and leaning toward him, lips pouting.
“Don't get so worked up, Sugar,” she went on, using her sexiest voice in what she hoped was a convincing manner.
Running her fingers through her hair she tousled it, arching her back to thrust her breasts out temptingly.
Appearing to stretch lazily she thrust her hands behind her back, one grasping the door handle.
“I know you’re saving yourself for marriage, and I wouldn't dream of taking advantage of such a virtuous man,” she drawled.
Mason’s mouth fell open.
“Especially when there are so many ah...shall we say more modern men available?”
His mouth snapped shut. Then his restraint snapped. “You little witch,” he ground out, lunging across the small space that separated them.
Rebecca was ready for him. Laughing now that she had gotten even she was out the door and running for the house before his hands could touch her.
Mason got out of the car and started toward her when a large snowball landed smack in the middle of his chest.
“That should help you cool down,” she shouted to him before she slammed the door, “and I always aim to please.” It had certainly pleased her.
* * *
Mason let himself into the entryway at Maggie's, took off his snow covered boots and shook his coat before hanging it up.
“Maggie,” he called, padding across the thick carpet into the living room.
“In the kitchen,” she called back.
Eight year old Todd was at the dining room table making a dinosaur out of clay and ruffling his hair, Mason stopped to admire his creation. Walking through the swinging door he watched appreciatively as Maggie bent over to remove a cookie sheet from the oven.
The jeans she was wearing accentuated her slim waist and nicely rounded bottom. Her long auburn hair was tied back with a black ribbon making her look much younger than her 34 years.
Turning at just the right moment she caught his look and grinned cheekily.
“Don't even think about it,” she laughed. “You'd be bored in a month. Didn't anyone ever tell you not to look at a woman like that unless you're prepared to change diapers and mow lawns? Cookie?” she offered, noting his embarrassment and enjoying it.
“Sorry Maggie,” he told her sheepishly, reaching for a golden chocolate chip cookie. “I guess I'm not myself today.”
“Problems?”
“Nothing I can't handle,” he responded while munching.
Maggie laughed. “Ah, I sense male arrogance rearing its ugly head. You of all people should know I don't buy that.”
“Meaning?” he asked, pulling out a stool at the breakfast bar and sitting down.
“Meaning I've known you for a long time and the look on your face is downright screaming frustration, which translates to 'Rebecca’.”
Amazed at her perception Mason watched as she fixed two cups of coffee and sat one in front of him. Leaning against the counter she waited.
“She's driving me crazy. I don't know how much longer I can go on like this,” he finally confessed, getting off the stool and pacing the kitchen.
“It isn't as though I wanted to fall in love with her. Christ, I've been avoiding a serious relationship for years,” he sighed. “Maybe it’s karma, me falling in love with the one woman who’s more repulsed by marriage than I ever was.”
Maggie patted the stool and Mason sat back down running his hand through his hair. Pushing the plate of cookies in his direction she smiled as he automatically reached for one, looking remarkable like Jason had when the most popular girl in the eighth grade stood him up for a movie.
“She won't marry me, Maggie,” he told her his voice low, “but she will have an affair,” he continued, louder now as anger took over again. “Can you believe it? She actually told me that she'd rather just keep it temporary. The little witch wants my body for God sakes.”
Maggie whistled low. “Just how far has this gone Mason?” she inquired softly, and when he turned his head away she had her answer.
Mason was not the type of man to settle for less than he wanted.
Under normal circumstances Rebecca didn't stand a chance of changing his mind once it was made up but then these weren't normal circumstances. Mason was in love.
“Has she told you why she won't marry you? She's loved you for years. If Rebecca's anything, she's honest, sometimes painfully so. I can't imagine why she won't admit it.”
“Oh, she admits it,” he told her, “and I can understand why she's afraid of commitment after losing both of her parents like she did.
I know what it did to her father when Judith died, but I can't involve myself in a relationship with no future. I really need the whole package Maggie, not just the physical side.”
“It sounds to me like you're already involved. No one's ever sure of the future Mason,” she told him sadly, gazing out the window at the softly falling snow. “I had love with and without the ring, and believe me there are no guarantees.”
Mason’s heart turned over. How could he be so stupid?
“I'm sorry, Maggie,” he said putting a hand on her shoulder in understanding. “I wasn't thinking.”
Laying her hand on his Maggie nodded, accepting his comfort. Jason chose that moment to barrel into the kitchen. Snatching up a handful of cookies he danced away as his mother reached out to smack his hand.
“I'm a growing boy,” he told her, stuffing in another treat.
“Don't I know it,” she laughed. At fourteen he already topped her by several inches.
His black hair glowed with a life of its own, blue eyes sparkling with mischief.
For a moment she went back in time and a giant fist clutched her stomach.
He looked so much like his father. Panic took her humor and she glanced quickly away, reminding herself that some things were better left buried.
“Why don't you go get the saw and some rope and put it in Mason's truck?” she told Jason sharply.
Mason, surprised at the sudden change in her, went to get his boots and jacket. Carrying them through to the kitchen he put them on and taking the thermos of coffee Maggie handed him he bent and kissed her cheek.
“Thanks for listening, Maggie.”
“Don't mention it.” As he turned to leave she put a hand gently on his arm, stopping him.
“Rebecca loves you very much Mason. I think she always has. Just give her time.”
“That's just it. I don't know how much longer I can…,” he stopped, embarrassed. “I just don't want a shotgun wedding, with me holding the gun.”
Maggie laughed but when she continued he was surprised at the sadness in her voice. “Not many women can resist the Kord charm for long, Mason. She'll come around.”
Mason, wondering what she meant had a fleeting memory of Maggie dating his older brother Nicholas. What had it been fifteen, sixteen years ago? A blowing horn pushed the thought from his mind.
“Don’t worry. We won’t be late,” he promised as he hurried out to the truck.