“God, you mean so much to me.” His voice was thick with emotion.
Her body tightened with desire. “I feel the same about you.”
It seemed he wanted to say more and opened his mouth, but closed it just as fast. Sometimes she didn’t know what to make of him, but right now was not one of those time. The love shining in his eyes was so intense, London could feel it deep in her soul. He didn’t need to say anything more.
She stepped out of his hold and reached for the zipper of her dress, but Mason pulled her back to him.
“I’ll take care of that for you.” His voice was low and sexy, his warm breath a feather against her neck. “I’ve been waiting all night to get you out of this dress.”
A shiver shot down her back and it wasn’t because of the cool breeze that touched her skin as the zipper lowered. No, it was because of what was finally getting ready to happen. It seemed she’d waited a lifetime for this moment. Finally, she would be with the man she had loved for as long as she could remember.
Mason held her hand as she stepped out of the dress. Without releasing her, he added her dress to his clothes in the chair. His gaze raked over her body as if really seeing her for the first time. She had only slept over twice since they’d started dating. Each time he had insisted on her sleeping in at least a T-shirt and shorts. And each time he still complained that she was a temptation that was hard to resist.
Mason’s lips curved into a grin. “I’m really feelin’ the red lace.”
London laughed. “I’m glad you approve.” She ran her hands slowly up his torso, feeling confident in only her strapless bra and panties. “You have on too many clothes. I think we should do something about that.”
“I agree.” Instead of taking off the rest of his clothes, like she thought he would, he lowered his large hands to her butt and pulled her tighter against his body. His erection pressed against her belly, sending all types of wicked thoughts through her mind. She was so ready to have him naked.
But Mason would not be rushed. He squeezed and kneaded her ass, as if he were prepping dough to make bread, and her pulse pounded loudly in her ears. She was already hot and ready, her sex clenching with need. Yet, he was acting as if they had all the time in the world.
“Mase,” she moaned.
“Yeah, baby?” he muttered against her neck, licking, sucking, sending her senses into overdrive as he continued the sweet torture to her body.
London gripped the front of his shirt, trying to keep herself from leaping into his arms and demanding that he take her right then and there.
“Your. Clothes. Too many,” she said in short spurts, squeezing her legs together to tamp down the throbbing pulse between her thighs. She struggled with the tail of his shirt, unable to work it out of his waistband while trying to unbutton it. “Mase, help me,” she whined, not caring that she sounded needy. Hell, at the moment, she was needy.
Chuckling, he placed a quick kiss on her cheek and unbuckled his belt. He took his time unzipping his slacks, and her heart fluttered in anticipation. When he lowered his pants, and then his briefs, his erection sprung to attention. Her heart pounded against her ribcage like a sledgehammer banging into concrete. She wanted to touch him. Stroke him. Feel him deep inside of her.
A magnificent warmth spread through her body. “You look hot in a suit, but man, I’m thinking I like you best in your birthday suit.”
Mason chuckled as his arm went around her back. With a flick of his wrist, her bra was unfastened. She stood stock still as he slowly removed the garment and then tossed it aside, not caring where it landed. His expression grew serious as he stood before her.
London bit her bottom lip. She wasn’t shy, but his heated gaze was like a blow torch heating every inch of her skin. He lingered on her bare breasts as they hung free, his already dark eyes growing darker before taking in her little lace panties.
“Damn, baby,” was all he said as he continued to study her body.
London squealed when Mason suddenly swept her off her feet and carried her across the room. He yanked the covers back and set her in the middle of the bed. Now he seemed like a man on a mission. Her gaze roamed over his muscular physique while he pulled a foiled packet from the drawer. All male from his wide shoulders, to his broad chest and thick biceps, on down to his flat abs. Her gaze went lower to the wispy hair that led to his engorged shaft and she knew they wouldn’t be able to take this first time slow.
*
Mason climbed onto the bed and pulled London closer. Glancing down at her enticing body had him ready to dive right in. He had waited a long time to have her like this, and didn’t want to rush, but damn. How the hell was he going to take his time and please her when he felt like a horny teenager? He had hoped dancing would cool him down some, so he wouldn’t end up going all He-Man on her. But if anything, it only made him more hot and bothered.
“These have to go.” His words came out as a hoarse growl. He slid the skimpy panties down her smooth legs and dropped them on the floor next to the bed. Goodness. His penis twitched as his gaze did a slow crawl along her shapely body. Her full breasts, toned thighs, and shapely legs taunted him. As if saying, take me, I’m all yours. “You’re breathtaking.”
A shy smile lit her face. “Thank you.”
Mason eased between her legs, nudging them farther apart with his knees as he now stared into lust-filled eyes. His attention went back to her body. She visibly gulped when he palmed each side of her breasts, pushing them together. He had always been a breast man and she was more than a handful—just the way he liked it. Unable to help himself, Mason buried his face between them. Heaven. That’s what it felt like being smothered in her softness. Her scent, a mixture of baby powder and flowers, surrounded him.
Lifting his head slightly, he tweaked her nipple while swirling his tongue around the other, loving the way they instantly beaded under his touch. London squirmed beneath him; her sexy whimpers had his penis growing harder with every minute that passed. He moved to the next nipple, his mouth replacing his fingers as he continued to knead her breasts.
She rubbed her hands on the back of his head, still squirming. “Mason, please. You’ve teased me enough. I want you.”
He wanted her just as bad and had tortured them both enough. He quickly sheathed himself as he stared down into her eyes. He had never seen her look more beautiful than she did at that moment. His heart swelled with an emotion that he’d never felt with another woman. No doubt he loved her, but what he was feeling deep in his soul was something so much more powerful than just love.
He hovered above her and she reached for him, her mouth meeting his. Her kiss was warm and sweet, yet demanding and forceful, as if challenging him to make a move. He was so up for the challenge.
He deepened the kiss and she moaned into his mouth as he braced a hand on the pillow, his free hand skimming down her taut stomach to the curve of her hips. Mason gave her a little squeeze before lifting her hip and positioning himself at her opening. He pulled his mouth from hers, their lips only inches apart. Their gazes locked and he slid inside of her sweet heat.
London gasped and he sucked in a breath as her tightness wrapped around him like a snug pair of leather gloves. Mason lowered her hip. He started moving slowly, giving her body time to adjust to him as he slid in and out of her, going deeper with each thrust.
Damn she felt good.
He cursed under his breath when she wrapped her legs around his waist and arched into him. “London, baby,” he ground out when her muscles clenched. He already felt as if he were about to explode. At this rate, it would be over before they got going good.
We can take it slow next time. But right now …
Mason increased his pace, thrusting into her harder, faster, bumping against her inner walls, barely holding on. They moved together in perfect sync and he knew he would never be the same after this night.
“Mase …” London whimpered, her fingernails digging into his shoulders, her hips rockin
g frantically. “Mason!” she screamed, bucking hard against him as her arms flailed at her sides. “Oh … my … God, Mason!”
She shuddered and Mason kept thrusting faster and harder until his body tightened and his heart crashed against his chest. He gritted his teeth and then howled London’s name as a potent orgasm gripped him, pushing him over the edge.
Sated and gasping for air, Mason held himself above her, bracing most of his weight on his forearm. Pulling out of her, he rolled onto his back.
“Damn, girl. What the hell kind of thigh workouts have you been doing? I felt like I was being held by the jaws of a vice grip.”
London laughed and coughed, still breathing hard. They laid there for the longest time, their heavy breathing mingling with the background music. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only minutes, Mason leaned toward her.
“You okay?”
“Wonderful,” she said sleepily.
He kissed her sweat-slicked forehead. “I’ll be right back.” After taking care of business in the bathroom, he climbed back into bed and pulled her into his arms. “This time we go slower. Deal?”
“Deal.”
Chapter Seven
London stepped outside of a gym in the Brookhaven area, still feeling short of breath from her hour of cardio on the elliptical and half an hour of strength training. It also didn’t help that the pollen in the air was higher than usual, which was something she hadn’t missed while living in Charlotte. She’d had to use her inhaler more in the last two days than she had in the last few months while living out of state. Trying to keep her asthma in control was so far the only negative about the relocation. But the positives definitely outweighed the negatives.
A smile spread across her mouth as she jogged across the narrow road to the parking lot. A sizzle of warmth filled her just thinking about Mason. The last couple of months of dating had exceeded her expectations and she loved him more than she thought possible. She couldn’t ever remember being as happy as she was at that moment.
Mason had said on more than one occasion that he wished they hadn’t waited so long to hook up. But they definitely made up for lost time. He had adjusted his work schedule, which made the difference in them spending a few days together during the week to almost every day now. What London loved most was the companionship he provided—something that she’d been missing in her life. There were also great perks that came with dating him. Like his sweet kisses, his bear hugs, and no way could she forget his creativity in the bedroom.
Still grinning like a little kid who had just swiped cookies from the cookie jar, London opened the trunk and placed her gym bag inside. She had decided to work out in Brookhaven before going home, since she wanted to pick up a few items from Costco, which shared a parking lot.
Double checking to make sure she had her membership card, she slammed the trunk closed and maneuvered between parked cars to the next aisle. While strolling toward the store, she thought about how her life was finally coming together. She was back home around friends and family, doing the job she’d always dreamed of and dating her favorite guy.
“London?”
She slowed her steps as unease clawed down her back.
No. No. No. There was no way he could be there. There was no way the familiar voice she just heard, belonged to who she thought it might belong to. London debated on turning around, but then her name was called again.
Heart banging hard against her ribcage, she braced herself as she slowly turned.
Cory.
“I thought that was you.” He approached her smiling, as if they were the best of friends. London gripped her keys tighter in her palm, her car key between her fingers in the ready, in case she needed a weapon.
“What are you doing here?” Fear now turned to anger. She never thought that she would one day hate this man, but hate wasn’t a strong enough word to describe what she felt deep inside of her heart. He had made her life a living hell during the last six months she lived in North Carolina. If he thought she was going to wither into a crumbling mess, he had another thing coming. She wasn’t running anymore. “What are you doing here?” she repeated, emphasizing each word.
“Actually, I’m in town on business. I’m staying in Buckhead and figured I’d come to this gym.” Dressed in workout gear, the sleeveless T-shirt showed just how fit he was, his bare, muscular arms on full display.
“What about you? What are you doing in Atlanta?”
Slow to respond, London had a nagging feeling that he knew. It was too much of a coincidence that he happened to be in Atlanta and at the same gym. There was also something in his eyes that said he knew.
“Wait.” He snapped his fingers, ignoring her questions. “I think I did hear that you had relocated. I’m a little disappointed that you didn’t tell me you were leaving town. Despite how things ended between us, I’ll always love you and want what’s best for you. Hopefully you didn’t move because of our breakup.”
He stepped forward and she took two giant steps back until she bumped into the rear of a parked car. Unable to stop the trembling coursing through her body, she focused on her breathing … which seemed harder to do the longer she stood there.
Chuckling, Cory shook his head. “Still as skittish as a little mouse, huh? Well, I’d better get in here and get my workout in. Good seeing you again. Take care of yourself.” He turned and walked away whistling.
London didn’t know how long she stood there shaking, her heart pounding as if it were going to leap out of her body. She wasn’t sure on whether to go into the store or head back to her car. Fear kept her immobile.
Why did she keep allowing him to get into her head? This was just some sick, twisted game to him. He wanted her to know, just because she had removed him from her life, didn’t mean he couldn’t show up whenever and wherever he wanted.
London jumped and whirled around when a car horn blew. This is ridiculous. She was not going to give him power over her. Instead of going back to the car, she rushed across the parking lot to the Costco building.
Okay, just calm down. She tried slowing her rapid heart rate. Looking around, she saw there was no sign of Cory, but she didn’t trust him. Then again, if he really wanted to do anything to her, he had plenty of opportunities while in Charlotte. And also moments ago. Maybe she was overreacting.
“Excuse me.”
London glanced up, not realizing she was standing in the way of two women trying to get shopping carts.
“Oh. I-I’m sorry.” She moved out of the way, but stayed near the building, not ready to go inside. Her hands shook as she pulled out her cell phone, needing to talk to someone. Anyone.
Stilling her nerves, her fingers hovered over the screen. If she called Mason, like she’d thought about doing, he’d be there in a heartbeat, despite what he might have going on. If she called Harper, she would call Mason.
London’s phone rang and she startled, her freehand resting on her chest as if that would slow her heart down.
Pull it together, girl.
When the phone rang two more times, she glanced at the screen. A wave of relief flooded her body when she saw Mason’s name.
“Hello,” she answered, sounding out of breath.
“Hey, baby, where are you?”
She swallowed and stared across the parking lot at L.A. Fitness. Nothing happened, she reminded herself. There was no need to tell Mason anything. He would only freak out and start hovering over her like he’d done for weeks after finding out about Cory.
“I’m at Costco. I wanted to pick up a few items before heading home.”
Silence.
“Hello?” She tried to sound upbeat when Mason didn’t say anything more.
“You okay? You don’t sound like yourself and I still hear a little bit of wheezing.”
London shook her head. Maybe his military training taught him to pick up on every small detail. In his defense, though, she had been waking up the last couple of nights coughing and wheezing. Of co
urse he was ready to rush her to the hospital each time, fearing she was having an asthma attack. But normally after a couple of puffs from her inhaler, she settled down.
“I’m fine. The pollen seems to be a little higher today. I was thinking about cooking tonight. Do you want to come over to Harper’s place later?”
London peeked around the parking lot again, not seeing Cory. Maybe he was telling the truth. Maybe he really was in town on business. It wasn’t totally unrealistic since his tech job often had him traveling to Georgia, Alabama, and sometimes South Carolina quarterly on business.
“Aren’t you tired? Why don’t you come over here and I’ll take care of dinner?”
“You can’t cook. Or have you forgotten?” London cracked.
“I didn’t say I would cook. I said I’d take care of dinner.”
She chuckled, still vigilant in looking out for Cory.
“What’s your ETA?”
Her brows drew together. “My what?”
“Your estimated time of arrival.”
She laughed and changed her mind about picking up a few items from the store. He was right. She was tired. What she really wanted to do was take a bubble bath and then curl up next to him.
London hurried to her BMW while she was still talking to Mason. Even having him on the phone gave her a sense of security while she dodged between cars.
“Give me an hour.” Climbing into the car, she quickly locked the doors. “I need to stop by Harp’s place and grab some clothes.”
“All right, baby, see you in a few. Love you.” Mason disconnected.
London stared at her cell phone, her mouth hanging open. Had she heard him right? No way had he just said the “L” word.
She finally closed her mouth but still sat dumbfounded, trying to wrap her mind around the fact that he’d said he loved her. That was a first.
A slow smile spread across her lips and she held her phone close to her chest. She had loved Mason for as long as she could remember, but hadn’t expected the declaration from him, at least not yet. But …
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