by Lea Coll
The light in her eyes dimmed. I realized my mistake asking about her uncle. The one who hadn’t made her feel a part of his family. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”
“No. It’s okay. He didn’t show me things like this.”
“It’s probably not common to do these things with a girl anyway.”
She smiled in agreement, but it didn’t reach her eyes. I put down the wood, pulling the goggles off my head, stepping closer to her, my hands resting on her shoulders. “That’s what I’m here for. I’ll show you anything you want.” I’d give her anything to take the look off her face when I’d asked that seemingly innocent but stupid question.
Her smile widened, her eyes lighter. “I’d like that.”
Everett came through the front door. “Got it.”
I squeezed Mia’s shoulders before taking a step back.
Everett handed Mia the goggles. I waited while she pulled them on, adjusting them to fit her face.
Safety goggles weren’t attractive, but they sure were cute on her. I held the wood against the wall where it was supposed to be attached as she moved closer, telling her what to do. I drilled one screw in, holding a few in my mouth while I demonstrated.
“Nothing about holding screws in your mouth should be sexy, but it is.” An awareness passed between us. I glanced around the room. Everett was gone.
“I think he went to get something to drink.”
“Or he’s playing on his phone.” I should be upset but I couldn’t be when his absence gave me an opportunity to be alone with her.
I placed everything on the floor before pulling her close to me. “Watching you work is sexy as hell.”
She looked up at me from under her lashes. “I haven’t done anything yet.”
“Sexy as hell,” I repeated before capturing her lips with mine. Time was limited because Everett could walk in at any minute, making my kiss more urgent. I wanted her closer, I wanted her bare skin on mine. I wanted more. My urgent kisses slowed until I gave her one last peck before pulling back.
“Let’s get these shelves done so I can drop Everett at home. Then we can be alone.”
A blush tinged her cheeks. “Sounds good.”
She was hesitant at first, but soon got the hang of it. I should have been watching her fingers and the drill, but instead, I was mesmerized by the way her tongue slipped between her lips when she was concentrating. Mia in construction mode was sexy. When she’d done the whole row of screws, she stepped back to admire her work.
“It looks good, doesn’t it?”
“You did it.”
“I just screwed it in. You did all of the hard work.”
The word screwed coming out of her delicate pink mouth made my cock twitch. “You’re going to be the death of me. I think next time we work on a project like this, it should be just the two of us.”
Mia’s laughter, light and happy, filled the room.
“I’m starving. You have any food?” Everett stood in the doorway, his eyes assessing us.
He knew we were dating but I wasn’t sure how he felt about seeing us interact.
“I can make sandwiches.” Mia took off her goggles, dusting her hands on her pants.
“You don’t have to feed us.”
“You’re helping me. I can provide food and drink.”
I wanted to spend more time with her, side-by-side, watching the expression on her face when I showed her something new, but Everett was supposed to be helping.
How could her aunt and uncle have been so irresponsible? Mia was like a sponge, waiting to soak up everything they had to give, but instead they held everything back. Someone like Mia would have wilted without attention and love.
More determined to get the shelves completed, I handed Everett the second shelf. “No more screwing around on your phone. We’re here to work.”
We worked steadily, securing a few shelves to the wall, before Mia announced lunch was ready.
We walked into her sunny kitchen where a plate was piled high with sandwiches.
“You can wash up and we can eat on the sun porch. It’s a little chilly, but it has more space than my little table.”
I washed my hands, drying them on a towel by the sink. “Why is the room chilly?”
“When the prior owners added it on, they didn’t add any heat or AC.”
“Ah. Did they get a permit for the addition?”
“I don’t know.”
Her aunt and uncle probably hadn’t helped her buy this house either. They weren’t there to give her advice, tell her what to look for, what could be a potential problem when she moved in. She’d been on her own since her parents died, first emotionally and then physically. “I can fix it for you.”
I didn’t have experience with HVAC systems, but I’d do some research. if I couldn’t fix it, I’d hire someone who could.
“Mason, you have your own house to take care of. You shouldn’t be spending all of your time here in mine.” Mia’s eyes pinched as if she felt bad accepting my help.
I wanted to say I wanted to be here. I wanted to help with her house, with anything she wanted. This person who gave so much of herself, never asking or getting anything in return. I wanted to say I’d do anything for her, but it was too soon and Everett was nearby stuffing a sandwich in his mouth. “Hey, wash your hands first.”
He grumbled but complied as I piled sandwiches, chips, and fruit on my plate before stepping down into her sunroom. The room was chilly with its floor to ceiling windows on every side.
Mia sat next to me perched on the end, with one sandwich. “Thank you so much for helping me today. I can’t thank you enough.”
I placed my hand on her knee. “Mia, I’d do anything for you.”
I said it quietly before Everett walked in with his own plate of food. Her eyes drifted from my hand covering her knee to my face, filled with gratitude and if I wasn’t mistaken, a few unshed tears.
I needed to be alone with her. I told myself it would only be a few more hours. Then I’d show her how important she was. I’d worship her however she wanted me to. I was hers for the evening in every sense that mattered. Whatever she wanted or needed, I’d give her.
We finished eating before getting back to work. We completed half of the shelves in the living room by the end of the day. It was time to shower and get back to spend as much time as possible with Mia.
Everett hopped in the truck while I lingered on the front porch to say goodbye to her. “I’ll see you later.”
Her face tilted to the side, a soft smile on her face. “Okay. What should I wear?”
“Casual.”
“Are you going to tell me what we’re doing?”
“No. I haven’t exactly figured that out yet. Let me think about it.”
“Okay.” She looked happy. I don’t think she was the recipient of too many nights like this. When someone else planned a special evening for her. I’d wanted to stay in, maybe watch a movie, hold her on the couch, but now, I wanted to plan something more special. Something she’d never forget.
“I have an idea.”
“Are you going to tell me?” Her face tilted up sweetly.
“No. That would spoil all the fun.”
Her lower lip popped out in a pout. I kissed her lightly, biting that lower lip. “I’ll be back. Give me an hour or so.”
“Okay.” I left her standing on the porch, much like the first time we’d met, and I’d dropped Stark with her. I trusted her with my dog and given her a glimpse into my life. This time, I was entrusting her with so much more.
Chapter Twenty-One
Mason
I headed home, showered in record time, ironed my jeans and long-sleeve shirt. I wanted to look respectable even if it would be a casual evening.
I left the truck idling while I knocked on her door. When she pulled the door open, I took her in from the top of her head, the oversized cozy sweater, the tight jeans tucked into boots. “Perfect.”
She flushed.
“Me or the outfit?”
“Both. Let’s go.” I held my hand out to her. Everything with her felt natural. As if we’d met while we were in high school, and we’d do the usual date-like things before we moved to the next step. I wanted her to experience everything with me—the rush of emotions when I picked her up, a twinge in her heart when I said or did something sweet. How had I never realized how important these little things in life were? Why did I think I needed to act a part to be a man or put on a mask to get through life?
I was still a man if I told her how I felt. I helped her into the still-warm cab of my truck. When I climbed in next to her, she asked, “Where are we going?”
“Ice skating.”
“Are you serious? The outdoor rink?” Her voice was filled with excitement as she turned to face me.
I reached for my phone. “I can try and find something else.”
She stopped me with a hand over mine before she leaned over and kissed my cheek. Pulling away she said, “It’s perfect.”
I swallowed, my throat dry. “Let’s go then.”
I was falling so hard for this girl. She was so easy to love. So easy to do things for. How no one else had snatched her up, I had no idea. I was the lucky bastard who had her for the night and hopefully longer. I’d take whatever I could before she wised up, realizing she needed a better man than me.
I held her hand on her thigh as we drove, letting the comfort of the cab and the moment seep into my skin. For this one night, she was mine. She might realize she was too good for me or I wasn’t what she wanted. When we arrived at the rink, the lot was packed as it was a Saturday night, people milling about, drinking hot chocolate, while others skated around the rink. I picked her hand up in mine, bringing it to my mouth, kissing the back of her hand.
“Let’s go.”
I helped her down from the truck. This was a date. I wasn’t thinking of all the ways I was stupid for doing this. It was cheesy and romantic, everything I wasn’t, but I wanted to be what Mia deserved. She deserved the best I had to give.
We rented skates, laced up, placing our belongings in a locker.
“Do you know how to skate?” she asked me.
“No. I’ve only attempted to skate once or twice before.” That’s why this might have been a bad idea, but I wanted to do something that was different, something out of my element.
She tilted her head slightly, smiling at me. “Wow. We’re doing something that you haven’t mastered?”
“Are you saying that I seem to know how to do everything?”
“Um, yeah. That’s exactly what I’m saying.” She leaned over to kiss me lightly, before standing and holding her hand out to me.
Everything about this night was natural and was real. It was us. We were better together, more like the people we were meant to be. The realization hit me hard, carrying me as we stepped onto the ice. I slipped before righting myself. Here, there were no distractions, no responsibilities, just us.
“Don’t worry, Mason. I’ll help you.”
“Somehow I don’t think you’ll stop me from crashing on the ice.”
Her laughter echoed over the ice. People skated around us, but it was like there was no one here but us. “Mason Arrington, are you scared of a little ice?”
“I’m not scared of ice.” I didn’t say it, but I was scared of this thing blooming between us, getting bigger and bigger each day, filling my chest with this indescribable emotion. One day, it would burst.
We held hands the whole time, me hanging on to her hand for stability. I wasn’t used to holding on to other people, for needing their help or support, but with her, it felt as necessary as breathing.
“Did we find something you aren’t the best at?” Mia observed.
“What am I the best at?”
She tapped her lip. “Let’s see. Flying fighter jets, building things—”
I couldn’t take my eyes from hers. Her hair fell in chocolate waves around her shoulders, her eyes bright with mischief. “That’s only two things.”
“I’m sure I can think of a few others. Give me time.”
The look she sent me was sultry, so unlike her usual sweet and innocent one, I wanted to take off the skates and head home. I wanted to say something back equally as hot, but I slipped on the ice, almost taking her down. I recovered quickly, wrapping her in my arms, skating to the side out of everyone’s way. Her body shook with laughter.
Leaning against the side wall, I drew her close to me, pulling strands of her hair out of her face. “I love this.”
“What? Almost falling on your ass?”
“No. You in my arms, laughing, enjoying yourself.” Not a care on her face. The only way I had a chance with her was if I was honest about my feelings.
Her face softened, scanning my face as if memorizing the details for later before hugging me, resting her cheek on my chest.
I lowered my head to the sweet spot between her neck and shoulder. “I can’t wait to go home.”
I felt her breath hitch under my hands. “Me too.”
My body tensed, ready to leave if she said the word. “Are you done skating?”
She turned so her words skated across the shell of my ear. “So done.”
I grabbed her hand, tugging her to the exit.
When we were on regular ground, we collapsed on the closest bench.
Mia pulled her gloves off. “I’m going to be so sore tomorrow. I used muscles I haven’t used in a while.”
I made quick work of untying my skates, pushing them to the side so I could kneel in front of her to help her. She was leaning back on her hands, staring down at me, her cheeks flushed, her eyelashes wet from the ice. Her position made me think of her spread out on my kitchen counter, knees spread, her eyes full of anticipation, lust. I quickened my movements, wanting to be alone with her.
“I could get used to this,” she said so quietly I almost didn’t hear her. Our eyes met. “You taking care of me, first with the shelves, and now this. I don’t need your help, but—” She bit her lip, “I like it.”
My hands stilled at her words, my chest warmed. “I like helping you. You’re the most deserving person I know.”
Her eyes sparkled with something then—tears? I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, so I pulled her skates off one by one, and carried both pairs to the counter. I retrieved our things from the locker, setting her boots next to her.
“Thank you for a fun evening, Mason.” She bent her head to concentrate on lacing up her boots.
When her boots were on, I held my hand out to her. “It’s not over yet. I have plans for you.”
We hurried to my truck, laughing as we tripped here and there, feeling awkward after wearing the tight skates, and being on steady ground after the ice. I opened the door, but before she could climb inside, I spun her so she faced me, her expression was light, open, happy.
How was Mia with me? Before I questioned it further I lowered my lips to hers, my hand cupped the back of her head, supporting her as I deepened the kiss. I wanted to explore every crevice of her mouth, her body. My hand roamed over her, trying to feel her warmth beneath her jacket and layers.
She moaned when my lips moved from hers to tug her earlobe, she breathed, “We can do this at home, you know.”
“I don’t want to wait.” I rained kisses down her exposed neck, wishing she was wearing less, that this was summer, and my hand could slip under her dress.
Then she moaned again when I sucked on a spot on her neck. “Mason, home.”
I kissed her on the lips one last time before lifting her into the truck. Once I was in the cab next to her, I kissed her again, not wanting to be away from her for even a second. “I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you.”
“Me neither.” Mia’s eyes were dark with need for me.
I groaned, wishing we were home already. I turned my attention to the ignition. I started the truck, not waiting for it to warm up before reversing out of the lot.
I gl
anced over at her every so often to find her watching me, her eyes filled with lust and something else, nerves maybe? I turned off the truck in her driveway, unbelted, turning toward her, my heart pounding in my chest, the blood roaring in my ears. “You know, we don’t have to do anything. I can walk you to your porch and call it a night. Even if I come in, this doesn’t have to go anywhere you aren’t ready for.”
“I’m ready, Mason. I’ve been ready my whole life.”
The warmth that filled my chest at the ice rink spilled over until I was full of these feelings and emotions I couldn’t put into words, but I knew I’d never felt this way before. “I know exactly how you feel.”
It was as if we were made for each other. As if every moment in my life, every decision made, led to this moment. The one where I took a chance at being the man underneath the cold exterior or I went back to my old ways, pretending people around me didn’t matter.
This moment was like standing on the edge of a cliff wondering if I jumped if I’d crash onto the rocks below or swim through the surface of the water, emerging a different, better man.
Mia lifted her hand to caress my face. “I want you.”
Her words hit me in the chest, making my breath shallow, my heart pounding in my ears. My focus narrowed on her and this moment. I wanted to be the man she saw. I turned my head, kissing the palm of her hand. I climbed out, rounding the hood to open her door. We made our way to the house, slower this time, her hand in mine, as if we knew this moment wasn’t an impulsive one-time thing, but the start of something different for both of us.
I wanted to slow us down, I wanted to cherish every second I got with her, every quick inhale, every breathy moan, every kiss, every touch. I wanted to catalog it to relive it later. At the same time, I couldn’t stop touching her, pulling her near, and dropping kisses on her lips.
“Can I unlock the door?” she asked in between kisses. “Or do you want to keep making out on the porch?”
I couldn’t believe I was here with her, my fingers still tangled in her hair, every muscle tense as if waiting for her to give me permission for more. “Making out is nice, but I want you spread out on the bed, naked, so I can see your body.”
