“Still, I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that. It’s just that…” Mason hesitated.
“What?” I urged him.
“All I want to do is keep you safe.”
Waves of electricity shot through me. My cheeks flamed. He cared about me a lot, it seemed.
I picked at the hem of my shorts and composed myself. “Um, well, nothing’s happened in the past few days.” It hit me then that I still hadn’t mentioned the club, much less what had happened at the center.
“That’s good,” Mason replied, hauling me out of my thoughts. “I’ll be there soon. I have to stop by my place first though.”
“Yeah, maybe you don’t have to watch the condo tonight.” I slapped my forehead, feeling like an idiot after the words left my mouth.
“Oh, did you want someone else to stop by?” he asked, misunderstanding me. “Because if—”
“No!” I blurted. Getting a hold of myself, I explained, “I mean, there’s probably no reason to. Like I said, nothing’s happened in a few days.”
“Bristol…” Mason breathed into the phone.
Fire ignited beneath my skin and I started to feel sweaty all over. “Don’t worry,” I managed to say. “This is a record for him, so maybe it’s finally over.”
“I hope it is.”
The line went silent for a moment until Mason spoke again. “How was your fundraiser? Seems like you left early.”
My lips turned down into a frown as I mumbled, “Yeah. It was a disaster.”
“What happened?” he asked.
“Um.” I pushed down on the bed and rolled onto my side. “Tyler showed up and my dad punched him.”
“Shit!” There was a slight chuckle in his voice.
“Yeah. My bosses are mad at me and I’ll probably be yelled at on Monday.”
“I doubt that,” Mason comforted me. “I can’t see anyone staying upset with you. One look at those beautiful green eyes and that sweet, irresistible smile and they’ll reconsider. I felt so bad after snapping at you.”
Like butter on hot toast, my heart was melting at his words. My voice got trapped at the back of my throat and I couldn’t reply. I didn’t even know what to say.
“Oh…wow…” Mason faked a cough. “Did I just say that out loud?”
I giggled. “You did.”
We got quiet again.
“So, um,” I tried to break the silence. “Are you still coming over?”
“I just pulled up at my house,” he replied. “Checking on my dog. Be there in a sec.”
I perked up, sitting Indian style. “Oh, you have a dog.”
“Yeah, Marley,” he replied in a proud way. “A husky. Been my buddy ever since I finished my training.”
“That’s great. I could use a dog, especially now. I’m home alone.” Geez. That sounded desperate.
“Where’s your dad?” he asked, alerted.
I explained, “He said he was going out for a drive along the bay. Maybe it’s something he picked up while he was doing anger management.” I didn’t intend to say the last part but it came out naturally. I had no filter with Mason.
“Oh, I see.”
I sat up and asked, “Do you know about my dad’s arrest?”
Mason took a moment before he responded, “Yeah, when this thing started with you I learned about it at the precinct.” He quickly added, “I wasn’t checking up on your family or anything…”
“It’s okay. I’m sure everyone around here knows,” I murmured. “He never got that angry before, not when he was married to my mom. My dad was a completely different person that day.”
“Wait, you were there?” he asked, surprised.
“I didn’t have any classes and I figured since I was close to his job I would swing by and have lunch with him. He and his coworker got into it—I never knew what it was about and I never asked. All I know is they started fighting and my dad was pounding the shit out of him. When the other workers pulled him off, he appeared so shocked, like it hadn’t been him fighting the whole time. That guy—Cooper—his face was covered in blood…” My breath hitched as the memory flooded my head. “Anyway, it was terrible.”
“I’m sorry you saw that,” Mason muttered.
“It’s okay...” I composed myself. “My dad’s been better, until tonight, but he’s a fighter. He’ll get through it.”
“I’m sure he will,” he said confidently. “Well, I’m feeding Marley, then I’ll head out.”
“I’m okay,” I replied, suddenly afraid of being around Mason again. I’d undoubtedly shatter and confess my feelings. “The door’s locked. The windows are locked. Besides, like I said, it’s been a week. He’s probably over me now.”
“Still…” he trailed, perhaps detecting the uncertainty in my voice.
Then before I could stop myself, my emotions took over and I blurted out, “I could drive out to your place instead of you coming here. I mean, Marley already missed you all day and now you’re running out on him again for the night.”
Mason wasn’t saying anything and I wondered if I had crossed a line. As I was about to lie and say it was a joke, he said, “Sure. I’ll text you the address.”
I expelled a breath of relief. “Okay, see you in a bit then.”
“Be careful,” he said. I could have sworn he chortled before ending the call, excited about me coming over to his place.
Sliding off the bed, I changed into jeans and put on a sweater over my tank top. I sent Dad a text saying I was meeting Mason. He didn’t respond. Perhaps he’d left his phone in his car and had gone for a stroll along the water. Whatever the case, I hoped he was okay.
I had no idea would happen with Mason, but every fiber of my being was ready and willing.
A few minutes later, I arrived at Mason’s apartment in Jamestown. I parked in the huge underground garage and hopped out of the car. My phone rang as I headed to the elevator. The caller was private.
“Hello,” I answered, annoyed.
There was no response, only heavy breathing and classical music playing in the background.
“Hello,” I said again. No one spoke. I disconnected the call and slid my phone into my pocket as I continued to the elevator, taking it up to the fifth floor.
Mason opened the door before I knocked. “How’d you know I was—”
“I saw you on the security camera,” he said smartly, eyes twinkling with delight.
He stood aside and invited me in, and then he closed the door and went into the open kitchen. “Would you like something to drink?”
“What do you have?” I asked, hauling off my sweater and hanging it on the hook by the door.
“Water, coke, and red wine,” he said.
“Hmm. Red wine, please.”
I scanned the place while he took the glasses out. His apartment was about the same size as Dad’s condo. The contemporary style living room appeared homey with the modern furniture. Photos with friends and family adorned the ivory-painted walls. The glass sliding door to the balcony was open a bit, letting in the cool breeze and the relaxing sound of the ocean, waves lapping against the shore and the pier.
A beautiful, large dog emerged from around the corner, tail wagging excitedly. He rushed up to me with his tongue out. I knelt down to pet his head and rub his warm furry body. “So this is Marley,” I said, giggling. His dog was a welcome joy.
“Yeah.” Mason sounded amazed. “That’s funny, he usually doesn’t get so close to strangers at first.”
I chortled as the happy dog tried to slobber my cheeks with his tongue. “Maybe he knows I’m not a stranger.” Looking up at Mason, I teased, “Have you been talking to him about me?”
He grinned. “Perhaps.”
Standing up, I went over to the island and sat on a stool as he finished pouring the wine. Marley stayed close to me, rubbing his body against my leg.
“All right, boy, give her some space,” Mason scolded playfully as he handed me a glass.
Marley made a bored whine
and then stalked off to his bed in the corner of the living room.
“This is good,” I said after the first sip.
A grateful grin stretched his lips. “Thank you. My dad brewed it.”
“Really?” I lifted my brows, impressed. “Your dad owns a winery?”
“He wishes.” Mason moved around the island and sat on the stool beside me. “He does it in his basement with one of those winemaking kits.”
“Still, good for him. This is awesome.” I drank some more. “So what do your parents do?”
“Dad’s a financial advisor and my mother is a pharmacist.”
“Nice, and you’re the son who didn’t follow in either footsteps.”
“Indeed.” He smiled. “I remember you said your dad’s in construction. What about your mom?”
I twirled my glass a bit as I answered, “She’s a retired real estate agent. These days she keeps herself busy at the country club, planning retreats, and maintaining her lifestyle.”
“You seem upset with her,” he muttered, leaning his head to one side.
“No,” I sighed. “I’m really not. I love my mother. She pisses me off sometimes, but I love her.”
Mason placed the glass on the island, then spun back to me. Nervousness crept into my stomach. Fearing I might spill the wine, I put down my glass as well.
“You know, I find it hard to believe you don’t have a girlfriend.”
He crinkled his brows. “Why is that?”
“Well,” I tucked my hair behind my ears. “You’re such a nice guy. I mean, surely there must have been someone…” I trailed, studying his reaction.
Mason traced his fingers along the edge of the granite top. “I dated in New Hampshire, but nothing worked out.”
“Because of your job?” I assumed, intrigued and wanting to learn more.
He refocused on me. “Not only that, Bristol.”
I swallowed at the passion in his gaze.
Easing forward, he muttered in a seductive tone, “I told you, I couldn’t get a certain girl off my mind.”
Marley barked. I jumped, and then looked at him. The silly dog was chewing up his squeaky toy.
“Relax!” Mason called out to him.
Turning back to me, he smiled and whispered, “So…”
“So,” I repeated.
My body shuddered as he stroked the ‘fearless’ tattoo on my arm. The movement was slow, as if to savor the feel of my skin. “What’s the story behind this?” he asked, scrutinizing the flower design above the word.
“Um…” I fought to recover when he pulled his hand away. “Amber and I wanted to do something cool and memorable in our senior year of high school.” I glanced at my arm. “I knew my mom would be mad; she gets upset over pretty much anything I do without her. So…” I looked at Mason again; he seemed to be soaking in every word. “I got ‘fearless’ because that’s how I felt at the moment and how I wanted to live my life. The swirly flower was just pretty to look at.”
His mouth slanted into a sexy grin. It made me weak in the knees. “That’s cool,” he said. “I like it.”
“Thanks. I don’t feel so fearless lately though.” I dropped my head as the events of the past few weeks rushed back to me.
I nearly flew out of my skin when Mason placed his thumb under my chin and guided me back to him. His eyes constricted seductively as he spoke. “Think of what’s happening to you as a test. When it’s over, you’ll see how fearless you really are.”
Pulling his hand away, he picked up his wine and watched me over the glass as he drank.
“A test?” I repeated. “If it is I feel like I’m about to fail.”
Raising a brow, he set his glass down again. “Why do you think that you’re going to fail?”
My body slumped on the stool, suddenly feeling defeated. “I left my apartment, Mason. I’m scared out of my mind of going back, not to mention going to work is hard. I may act like I’m okay but I’m not. The truth is…” I stopped myself from going further.
Why was I so open with this man? If I wasn’t careful I’d let it all slip.
“The truth is?” he pressed, touching my hand.
A sensual breath gust from my lips. I decided to just come out and say it. “I…I’ve been on edge, and I need something. Something to make me feel safe. I don’t know why but with you, Mason, I’m not afraid. That day when you wrapped your arms around me, you gave me the best feeling in the world. I’ve never felt that before, so safe and protected.”
Mason moved his hand away, but continued staring at me. “I’ve never felt that way either, Bristol. At first, I wasn’t sure about you coming here tonight. I didn’t want to scare you.”
My breathing increased. I loosened the tightness in my throat before asking, “Scare me how?”
He inhaled and exhaled intensely, then leaned forward, parting his lips as he whispered, “With all the things I want to do to you.”
I closed my eyes as his mouth conquered mine, kissing me slowly. It seemed he was testing the waters, making sure I was comfortable. When he realized that I had surrendered, Mason placed a hand at the nape of my neck and deepened the kiss.
Lust darted through me. Our tongues intertwined, wild yet sensual. I locked my fingers around his neck and towed him in closer. He could never be close enough.
Mason trailed his hands down my arms, caressing me. We breathed heavily from the sweltering heat, hungry. We both wanted more.
He straightened and heaved me into his chest. Then he backed me against the island, almost knocking over the glasses. His lips never left mine. His hands rested on my hips, curious if they could explore. I snuck my fingers underneath his shirt to grip his firm, muscular back, his skin warm and inviting. Like an animal, I squeezed him, wanting to be closer. I wanted him.
Mason tore himself away for a moment. He gave me the once over, groaning, chest rising. He didn’t have to say anything. It was plastered across his face. He wanted to make sure I was okay with this.
My voice came out a stifled whisper as I told him, “Yes.”
He shoved his lips back on mine and picked me up. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I held on tight as he carried me down the hall to his bedroom and gently laid me down on his bed.
Desire pulsed in my veins like a bomb waiting to explode. I stripped out of my clothes. Mason stood in awe as his eyes glided over my body. Then he did the same, revealing his mouth-wateringly chiseled chest, washboard abs, and well-toned arms and legs. He slid out of his boxers and climbed on top of me.
Jolts of sweet agony shot through my body. I groaned and dug my fingers into his back as Mason nibbled on my earlobe.
He whispered, “I’ve wanted you for so long,” and then started to trace kisses down my neck and across my chest.
I gasped for air, drowning in his irresistible pull. “Take me,” I whispered back, breathless.
The moonlight peeked through the sheer curtains, shades of a spectral blue reflecting on our naked bodies pressing against each other.
We moaned, louder and louder with each thrust.
Mason made love to me over and over, our rhythmic sounds of passion echoing in the air. When there was no strength left and ecstasy had seeped away, we finally settled down. Entangled in the deep hush of the night, we listened to the satisfied thumps of our hearts.
Bliss. A high dosage of it swished through me the moment I opened my eyes and saw Mason beaming at me. “Good morning, gorgeous,” he said, then planted a tender kiss on my lips.
When he eased away, I answered shyly, “Morning.”
He stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. “I’m going to take Marley out for a bit and then make you breakfast. I’m surprised he didn’t come jumping on us.”
I watched as he climbed out of bed. “Hmm…” I gawked at his naked and very sexy body before he dragged on sweatpants.
Mason grinned broadly, winked at me, and then headed out of the room.
Sliding off the bed, I got dressed and checked
my phone: the battery had died.
“Marl!” Mason’s voice resounded from outside the room. “Where are you boy?” There was no happy bark or any sound of Marley. I began to worry.
Going into the living room, I saw Mason out on the balcony. He stepped back inside and closed the sliding door, seemingly upset.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
He skated a hand through his hair and blew out hard. “I don’t see him anywhere.”
“What? Where could he be?” I glanced over at the front door. “Did he get out?”
“No. I locked it after you came last night.” Mason treaded over to the door to check. It opened easily.
It was not locked.
Panic grew within me, replacing the feeling of security I’d felt throughout the night.
“Oh no, you don’t think…” I drifted off, too afraid to say the words.
Mason didn’t look at me. He flung the door open and stormed into the hallway. When he returned, there was a blue note in his hand, along with Marley’s collar.
“Oh!” I gasped and covered my mouth, staggering back. “Wh-what does it say?” I stuttered.
Nervously, Mason unfolded the note. His face screwed up in anguish and the paper dropped from his trembling hands. He ran past me, turning down the passage to the bathroom.
I walked over and picked up the note. There were two terrifying words written in the familiar script.
Woof! Woof!
X
Mason came back to the living room. Huffing. He was angry.
“Did you—”
“No!” he yelled. “That bastard snuck in and took my dog. I can’t believe I didn’t hear a thing.”
Guilt pounded my body. That asshole had done this because of me. Marley could be hurt because of me.
“I’m so sorry,” I said in a whisper. “Mason, I’m sorry about all of this.”
He spun away from me, his mouth twitching in anger. That hurt. A lot. I felt like he had twisted a knife inside my heart.
“I’m going to call this in. I have to find Marley,” he said through gritted teeth.
At his words something flashed to me: the dead rat in my car.
“Oh god,” I sobbed. “My car!”
Chasing Bristol (The Finding Trilogy Book 2) Page 13
