Harper eyed her over her juice glass. “Sounds serious.”
London finished chewing. The flaky treat suddenly landed hard in her stomach as trepidation swirled in her gut.
“I propositioned your brother last night.” She braced herself for Harper’s outburst. Their conversation weeks ago about how Mason wanted children, but not a wife, had been playing around in her head constantly.
“Well, it’s about time you went after your man.” Harper spooned up a bowl of fruit for each of them and handed one to London. “I’m surprised it took you this long. With all the time you two have been spending with each other, I figured at least one of you would come to your senses. I’m sure a little seduction is all you need to reel my brother in.”
“Wow, I’m surprised you’re okay with this. I thought for sure you’d read me the riot act.”
“Of course I’m okay with you two getting together. I’ve been trying to play match-maker for you and Mason for most of our lives.”
“I know, but you’re going easy on me. I thought for sure you’d give me a hard time like you gave him about wanting kids without a spouse.”
Harper’s fork stopped midair. “Hold up. Wait! What are you talking about?” Harper’s frown slowly turned into a scowl as realization must have dawned on her and she narrowed her eyes.
“Before you—”
“Surely you haven’t done what I think you’ve done. No way are you thinking about going along with his nonsense! Have you lost your mind?”
“Oh here we go.” London sighed loudly, plopping a small piece of cantaloupe into her mouth. “I should have known you didn’t understand what I was saying.”
“You’re right, I don’t understand. Why would you even consider something so crazy? What happened to you wanting a family? Which includes a husband I might add. I didn’t tell you about the conversation with him for you to go half-cocked and throw yourself at him like this.”
“You, better than anyone, know how much Mason means to me. I’m in love with him, Harp. My decision to have children with him is a no brainer. We get along great and I can’t think of anyone I would want to co-parent with other than him. Besides, he would make an amazing father.”
“He’ll make an amazing husband, too, but you’re thinking about letting him off the hook from that role. I know you and Mason love each other … I’ve known it for years. Don’t give him an out. Make his butt commit to the whole family dynamic! Not just to having children. That’s the problem with so many women today. These men get to have the fun of making a baby, without all of the responsibility that goes along with it.”
“You know as well as I do that Mason would be a full-time dad.”
“I know, but you want a family. Not just a baby daddy! I am not going to let you settle.”
London lunged out of her chair, her arms around her midsection. “You just don’t get it, Harp.”
“Get what? What am I not getting? All I know is that you’re willing to—”
“Did you know that I’m the same age as my mother was when she was killed?” London huffed out a breath. “She was taken from me before she could even tell me about what to expect when I started my period. We didn’t get a chance to have that mother/daughter talk about boys and dating. I can barely remember mother/daughter shopping trips or going to get our nails done. Unlike you, and most of the people I know, most of my life was spent without my parents. I’m sick of being alone! I’m ready to have my own family.” Emotion clogged London’s throat and her body tensed trying to keep herself from falling apart.
“London, don’t do this to yourself,” Harper whispered, concern filling her eyes.
“My grandparents stepped in for my parents, but it wasn’t the same. They were already up in age. All they could really do for me was clothe and provide me with a roof over my head.”
Her heart squeezed in her chest. She was so grateful for her grandparents. At least she didn’t end up in foster care. But she knew how much she missed out on.
“If it weren’t for Cameron, who helped me with my homework, or Mason, my guardian angel, and you … God, Harper, I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“Girl, you’re going to make me cry.” Harper hugged her tight, sniffling. “You’re my sister. I can’t imagine my life without you either. That’s why I want the best for you. I love my brother more than life, but that idea about having children out of wedlock … intentionally, is a horrible idea.”
“Maybe so.” London straightened, and blew out a breath, pulling out of Harper’s hold. “But he and I want the same thing.”
“No you don’t. How can you say that? You want the whole family unit and Mason only wants children. Two very different things.”
“Okay, so it’s a bad idea, but it’s an idea that I’m considering in order to have children with a man I love. Who knows, maybe at some point he’ll consider marrying me.”
“Do you hear yourself? What makes you think you’ll be able to change a man, especially my stubborn brother? Many women have tried and failed. If Mason’s mind is set on having children and nothing else, chances are, that’s all he’s going to want. Are you prepared for that?”
No. London knew she wouldn’t be able to handle being rejected by Mason.
“What am I supposed to do, Harper? I don’t want to live my life alone anymore. Yes, I want a husband and children who I can build a home with, but what if no one ever comes along? I’m not getting any younger. I don’t want to be too old to chase after my babies.” Sighing, she rubbed her forehead, the fight gone out of her. “Mason is a perfect choice, because I don’t want to have a baby with someone I don’t love.”
Harper hesitated before speaking. “What did Mason say about all of this?”
“First he freaked out a little. His reaction was similar to yours. But once we talked, he really didn’t say much one way or the other.”
“Hmm, so he didn’t shoot the idea down,” Harper said as if talking to herself. “Well, if Mason is the right man for you, he’ll recognize it sooner or later … hopefully.”
“He is the right man for me.” London just had to show him.
*
Standing in the middle of his brother’s living room, Mason tapped his cell phone against his chin. He had just finished a call to London, inviting her over to his place later that evening. It was time they discussed her proposition—the one she’d made three days ago.
He had talked with Wiz, and learned that Cory was at work in Charlotte on London’s first day back in Atlanta. Wiz had also sent him a ton of information about Cory including work history, bank records, and a police record, as well as a recent photo. Besides what London said took place while in North Carolina the last few months, Cory didn’t appear to be a threat. But Mason had every intention of keeping his eyes and ears opened.
He walked back into the kitchen and leaned on the counter.
Cameron set a bag on the countertop next to Mason and started placing covered dishes filled with food inside of it. “Problems?”
“No. Just thinking.”
“About?”
“About London. About that chump, Cory. And just stuff.”
“Sounds like you were able to get some info about the chump.”
“Yep, Wiz came through. He sent me background info yesterday and faxed me some additional stuff earlier today, including the dude’s photo.”
“That’s good. Give me a copy of his picture so that I can keep an eye out for him.”
“Will do.”
“How’s London doing?”
“She’s all right. She hasn’t said anything more about Cory. Except, she asked me to promise her that I wouldn’t do anything to him.”
Cameron chuckled. “And what did you say?”
“As long as the guy stays away from her, he won’t have any problems from me. But let him show up. His ass is mine.”
Cameron loaded the last dish into the bag before saying, “I see. Well, on another note, you need
to learn how to cook. I’m not going to keep hooking you up with meals so that you can snag a woman. Even if it is London.” His brother had a sharp business mind, but his cooking abilities were second to none.
“Who says I’m trying to snag a woman, especially London?” Mason wondered what Cameron had heard.
“Are you saying that you’re not interested in her? Weren’t you just talking to her on the telephone? Why ask her to meet you at your place tonight if you’re not interested?”
Instead of telling his brother about London’s proposition, Mason said, “Because I’m worried about her.”
“I’m worried about London, too. However, I haven’t been daydreaming about her or hanging out with her every chance I get. I call and check on her like I would Harp, but you—”
Cameron stopped when the cordless telephone sitting on the counter rang. Snatching the phone, Mason glanced at the screen before his brother could get to it. “Ahh, Simone. No wonder you’re all up in my personal life. You’ve found love and feel that everyone else should, too, huh?”
“Give me the damn phone.” Cameron grabbed the device. A smile spread across his face as he moved out of the kitchen to speak with Simone. Minutes later, he returned and set the phone back on the counter.
“That was quick.”
“She was just confirming our plans for the evening.”
“Oh. Well, just so that we’re clear, I’m not trying to snag anyone.” Mason sat at the round kitchen table. He had a few minutes before he had to head home. “I’m making sure London eats.”
“Yeah right. Tell it to someone who doesn’t know you. The two of you have been dancing around each other for most of your adult lives.”
“I’ve been overseas for most of my adult life. So—”
“Doesn’t matter. She’s the one who makes your heart beat faster. The one who causes you frustrated and sleepless nights. She’s the one—”
“What the hell, man? Simone’s got your nose so wide open you think everyone is madly in love?”
Cameron chuckled, not denying anything. “I’m just saying that when the right woman comes along, you can’t let her go. Granted, I know you have this hang up about being in a serious relationship, but get over it. You need to go ahead and claim London before someone else does.”
Mason’s pulse kicked up. He pulled a pina colada sucker from his pocket, unwrapped it, and shoved it into his mouth. He’d been trying to break the habit of indulging in the gourmet lollipops, but they had been a source of comfort since returning to the States. As for London, sure he wanted her to be happy, even if it meant her being with someone else. But the thought of her with another man made him crazy. He struggled to ignore her tempting proposal. Was he ready to cross that line and be more than friends?
“I’ll take your silence as an ‘I’m in love with her and I don’t know what the hell to do about it’.”
Mason removed the lollipop from his mouth. “It’s not that simple, Cam, and you know it.”
“Everything is only as hard as you make it.”
“Man, she’s like our sis—”
“Quit lying. You wouldn’t want to screw your sister. And don’t insult my intelligence and tell me it’s not like that. You want her. I could tell years ago. Even more so when all of us were at Harp’s house yesterday. You two kept stealing looks at each other as if you were sharing a secret.” Cameron headed up the stairs to his bedroom. “Keep dancing around her if you want. Eventually someone else will step in and take the choice from you. Lock up when you leave. I have to get ready for my woman.”
Two hours later, Mason sat at his dining room table across from London, trying to figure out how to bring up the subject of possibly fathering her children. His brother’s words rattled around in his head. Cameron was right. It was time Mason stopped kidding himself. He had never cared about a woman as much as he did London. Why not take a chance?
“Why are you staring at me like that?” London asked, her fork inches from her mouth. “You’ve been acting stranger than usual since I arrived.”
Mason smiled. They were comfortable enough with each other to say whatever the heck they wanted. Yet another reason to see what dating her would be like.
He shook his head. He couldn’t believe he was thinking about trying out a relationship again. Clearly he hadn’t learned his lesson after dealing with Faith.
“Mason?”
“I’ve been thinking about your proposition and I have a proposition for you.”
London set her fork down, her gaze steady on him. “Oh-kay. What is it?”
Instead of responding, Mason slid his chair back and moved around the small glass table. He stretched out his hand and she just stared at it before setting her smaller hand within his.
Mason pulled her against his body and cupped her face, his thumbs caressing her soft cheeks. There was something he needed to do before presenting his proposal. Something he had wanted to do from the moment she walked in.
He stared down at her. First at her eyes and then at her tempting mouth. Lowering his head, he touched his lips to hers, nipping at her top lip and then her lower one. Coaxing her lips apart with his tongue, he dived in, exploring the inner recesses of her mouth. Her sweetness poured through the kiss, sending an erotic jolt to his shaft, making Mason want more. So much more.
How could he have denied himself of the pleasure of having her in his arms again, his tongue tangling with hers? As expected, the desire sweeping through him confirmed the decision he’d made on the way home from Cameron’s place.
With one last peck, Mason raised his head but kept his hands on her face. “I propose we put your proposal on the back burner.”
“Ma—”
“And spend some time getting to know each other on a different level.”
Her perfectly arched eyebrows dipped. “What do you mean on a different level?”
Grabbing one of her hands, he pulled her over to the sofa. “Have a seat.” He sat close to her and placed his arm behind her on the back of the sofa.
“So what’s this different level?”
Mason thought about what he wanted to say, trying to choose his words carefully. “You want marriage and children. I don’t want you to settle for less than that.”
“Mason, I’m a grown woman. I know what I want. Yes, I would love to get married and have children, but that doesn’t look as if it’s going to happen for me. My proposal to have children with you is a win-win.”
“For me, yeah, but not for you.”
“What are you talking about? I know what I’m asking of you.”
“But, baby, you’re willing to settle. You think you can handle being just my baby’s mama, but I know that will never be enough for you.”
She jumped up from the sofa. “I know myself better than you do, Mason! I know what I can handle and what I can’t. You’ve been gone like … forever. You don’t know what I want and what I don’t want.”
“All the more reason why we should spend some time getting to know each other on a deeper level. Let’s not talk kids right now. Let’s do things together, not like brother and sister. Go on dates. Get to know each other as man and woman.”
She chuckled. “That last part sounds kinda funny.”
“I know, but you know what I mean.” He couldn’t believe he was proposing dating anyone, especially London. But Cameron’s words kept circling in Mason’s head. Eventually someone else will step in and take the choice from you.
Despite how good she tasted and how much he cared for her, more than anything, Mason wanted what was best for London. He knew she had feelings for him, and he cared deeply for her. He just hoped he didn’t hurt her.
“So are we talking dating exclusively?” London asked.
Rising, Mason approached her. “Is that going to be a problem?”
“Not for me,” she quickly said.
“Me either.” His gaze lingered on her lips. Mason had a feeling kissing her was about to become his favorite past time.
He pulled London close, relishing the feel of her soft body against his. “There is one condition.”
London hesitated, her wary gaze holding his. “And that is?”
“If at any point this arrangement doesn’t work for either of us, we have to agree to talk about it. My biggest concern is that this will screw up our current relationship.”
“That’s not going to happen.” As London ran her fingers slowly up his chest, heat crept through his body. “We’ve always been able to talk to each other about anything.”
“That was a long time ago, Tiny. We’re both very different people now.” At least he knew he was. His time overseas had changed him in many ways—some good, some bad—and he had seen and experienced situations he could never wipe from his mind.
“You’re right. We are different people and I can’t wait to get to know the new Mason Bennett.”
Grinning, he lowered his head. “And I can’t wait to get to know you, Tiny.”
*
London surrendered completely when Mason devoured her mouth, the flooding of uncontrollable joy consuming her body as her arms circled his neck. She pulled him closer. This was what she wanted. He was what she’d wanted and needed all along.
Even in London’s most vivid dreams she hadn’t expected that she and Mason would date. She had hoped and even fantasized about a relationship with him that wasn’t brotherly, but she never thought those moments would come to fruition. And this—the delicious, sexy mouth devouring hers—she could get used to.
When the kiss ended, they were both breathing hard. London’s hand slid down his chest and a thrill shot through her when his muscles twitched under her touch.
I’m dating Mason. The thought sent another wave of excitement from her head to the soles of her feet. The moment felt like being asked to attend prom with the captain of the football team.
“This is going to be fun,” London said, her voice sexier than usual even to her own ears.
Mason chuckled and dipped his head, nipping at her neck.
Goosebumps crawled along her arms when his lips inched up and made contact with the sensitive spot behind her ear. An involuntary moan slipped out and her eyes slid closed. She gripped the front of his shirt to keep from puddling to the floor.
A Passionate Kiss Page 6
