“You’re making him food? Things must be going well over there,” she observes.
“We’ll see what happens,” I whisper.
Mason’s eyes are on the television, but by the smile on his face, I’m thinking he’s hearing Ivy clearly from there.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to it then.”
“Wait, “ I shout, “Did Mom tell you she’s got two shapeshifter suitors?”
“Oh yes, I saw them. However will she choose?”
“You saw them?” I ask. “When?”
“We got there about ten minutes after you and Mason left Mom’s. They were both working overtime to impress her. Cade set up her bed and Lorenzo was very unhappy about that.”
I snicker, but then complain, “I can’t believe we missed you by ten minutes. That sucks.”
“Yeah, it does. But we’re a short drive apart and from what I hear, a quick boat ride from one another. Oh! Maybe we’ll get jet skis.”
“There’s an idea!” I reply excitedly. “Jet ski margarita pitcher delivery!”
“Ooh,” she replies.
“Mason’s parents make wine and moonshine. You need to try that moonshine punch.”
“Maybe we’ll ask if we can have some at the reception on Saturday,” she says.
“Great idea. I’ll ask Mason for his mom’s phone number. We’ll talk tomorrow?”
“Sounds good. Love ya. Thank you, Amelia. Seriously.”
“My pleasure. Truly, Ivy. You know you’re my favorite sister.”
She laughs.
“I hope you know what you’re doing, but… I’m there with bells on for you,” I say softly.
“I do. Love you, sis. I’m happy. I want you to be happy. I think if you open up and give this a chance, you will be.”
“Yeah,” I say softly, looking over at Mason who is still smiling, even though he’s flicking aimlessly through TV channels, so it’s obvious he’s eavesdropping.
“We have so much to get caught up on,” she adds.
“We sure do,” I agree.
“Soon,” she promises.
“Very, I hope.”
“Bye Ames. Talk later.”
“Bye, Ives.” I end the call, set the phone down, and turn to start getting supplies out of the fridge.
I feel heat at my back. And then lips are touching that space between my shoulder and my neck. And then I’m turned around, pressed against the fridge, lifted up by my thighs and then set on the counter.
“I need to start making dinner. It’s very elaborate and laborious so…”
“It can wait,” he says against my jaw before his lips move to mine.
“We have a wedding to attend next Saturday. I’m gonna need a pretty dress. You got a suit?”
“I’ve got several.”
I’m looking forward to seeing Mason in a suit.
***
This is the most incredible sunset my eyes have ever seen.
The position of the large, purple sun just slightly hovering over the horizon, pale yellow rays fanned out in a panoramic view interspersed with pink clouds and a dove gray sky… I’m staring at a real-life nature painting that’s so perfect, it’s like a studio set from a romantic movie.
I’m snuggled, back against Mason’s front on the chaise lounge on the deck off the kitchen (I haven’t let him fix the upstairs deck yet, but made a comment about the lounge chair so he brought one down here) with his legs bracketing mine, two half-glasses of wine beside the empty cheesecake container with two forks from Roxy’s. There’s a thick blanket wrapped around us, but I probably don’t even need it, since Mason’s body heat is keeping me warm.
My eyes are moist. My front teeth are embedded in my bottom lip, and I’ve never, ever felt like this.
He loved the dinner I made, insisted on doing clean-up but I helped, wanting to be close to him, enjoying the banter as he waxed poetic, praising my food.
And then he got the wine and dessert and suggested we sit out here to watch the sun go to bed.
I want to live my life in this house, with this view, and this man.
I want it.
I want it so much.
I sink back into him, feeling his lips touch my temple.
“Why the tears, baby?” he asks gently. “You feel happy.”
“I am happy,” I admit. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy. And it scares me. It scares me so much. I’m fucking terrified it’ll disappear, suddenly be gone in a puff of smoke.”
His body stiffens and then he turns me over so that we’re side by side, my jaw tipped up so that we’re also eye-to-eye.
He stares deeply for a beat, then he’s kissing me.
“Nothing to be afraid of. You’ve got me. Nothin’ll change it. I swear it.” He kisses me some more. He keeps kissing me until the sun is completely gone.
The sun is completely gone, and so am I.
Gone for Mason Quinn.
44
Mason
It’s Wednesday night and we’re walking hand in hand into Roxy’s for dinner. And more importantly, to play out our wager.
If I win at darts, she unpacks her clothes. If she wins, I’m her sexual slave for a day. Either way, we both win. And the emotion that came at me from my mate when I stated what I wanted upon winning, I’m wondering if she’s already decided to let me win. Not that I think she’s the better dart player.