We make love until the sun rises, and when we’re both panting and nearly passed out, I pull her into my arms and whisper, “I love you.” She smiles, then looks up at me with sleepy eyes and repeats the very words that I never thought I deserved to hear again. And for the first time in years, I allow myself to be truly happy without remorse.
Chapter Eighteen
Sophie
I wake up in a tangle of limbs, the sun blaring in through the windows, and wearing a goofy smile on my face. Mason’s warm chest presses against my back, and his arm is around my waist, holding me close. I’ve never felt more safe in my life than I do right now. He’s my protector, and I’m certain he’d never let anything bad happen to me.
Considering what I know about him, I see how far he’s really come. How much he’s done for me and all the sacrifices he’s made to get here. The way he loves me is beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined. Most days, it seems like what we have is too good to be true. The thought of giving my whole heart to him terrifies me, and it makes me vulnerable and emotionally dependent. He has the ability to ruin me, but I trust him wholeheartedly. I don’t want to walk on eggshells anymore or allow the what-ifs to keep me guarded. I’m all in.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” he murmurs gruffly against my ear. He stirs, pushing his erection into my back. “You in the mood for a morning quickie?” I feel him smile on my neck.
“I’d say we’re past that, seeing as it’s almost noon,” I taunt, knowing we stayed up late and slept in. “Afternoon quickie?”
“Afternoon, evening, night—let’s make it an all-day marathon.”
“I’ve unleashed the beast now, haven’t I?” I chuckle and wiggle my ass. “You’re addicted.”
“Fuckin’ right, I am. Addicted to you. To your body, your soul, your amazing tits.” He slides his hand up and squeezes my bare breast.
“I think you might need to seek counseling…Addiction can be dangerous,” I tell him.
“Oh, baby. This is one addiction I never want to be cured from.” Then Mason rolls me toward him and climbs over me. “In fact, I’m pretty sure I need another fix right now.”
Just as he lowers his mouth to kiss me, I block him with my palm. “Wait!” I screech, and he pops a brow. “I have morning breath.” My cheeks flush. “Let me brush my teeth and take a shower. And maybe eat something. You know, to gain more energy.”
Mason’s head falls back with a loud laugh. “Am I depriving you of fuel?”
“Well, you did work me quite a bit. Perhaps the hot water will help my muscles. I feel like I did a full-body workout.”
“Oh yes, I like the idea of taking a shower.” He winks, and I push him off me with a chuckle.
“I meant alone.”
He pouts, sticking out his lower lip, which causes me to burst out laughing. “You’re pathetic.”
“I’d prefer love-sick.” He grabs my hand and helps me stand.
I go in search of my clothes, and I blush at the sight of the condom box we dug into four times last night.
“You shower. I’ll start lunch.” He cups my face and presses a quick kiss to my lips. “And for what it’s worth, I’d kiss your stinky breath any fucking day.” He flashes me a wink and walks out of the room in only his boxers.
Once I’ve successfully showered, brushed my teeth, dressed, and thrown my hair up in the world’s messiest bun, I meet Mason in the kitchen. Leaning in the doorway, I smile as I watch him place two sandwiches on one plate and two more on another. Then he grabs a handful of chips and places half on mine and half on his. He turns toward the fridge, grabbing two sodas, and when his gaze meets mine, he smirks.
“You gonna watch me all day?”
“I’ve spent many days watching you. You were just too busy avoiding me,” I tell him, walking toward him and inhaling the scent of the coffee.
“You ever gonna let me live that down?” He snickers.
“Oh no.” I shake my head. “That’s going in our wedding vows.”
Mason sets the cans down, then wraps his arms around my waist. “Wedding vows?” He pops a brow. “I think the guy is supposed to do the proposing, but…”
“That was not a proposal,” I say pointedly, but I can’t wipe the smile off my face.
“Why not? We’re already living together. Have amazing chemistry.” Mason leans down and presses a kiss to my nose. “Pretty sure you’re obsessed with my cock. You love me.”
I smirk. “And you’re clearly humble.”
Mason cups my cheeks, claiming my lips and stealing my breath away. “Amongst many other qualities, right?” He winks before sneaking another kiss.