I get some distance from her by going into the kitchen. “Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thank you.”
I grab a bottled water and face her with the counter separating us. “I appreciate the offer but as you know, Bridges Construction and The Meyers Group are almost done with the last site and I—”
“Yes, I’m aware you want to break ties. This would be me, not The Meyers Group. Mason, this place is a block from the beach and it’s not even listed yet.”
I know I shouldn’t indulge her, but a property that close to the beach is always golden. “What’s the story?”
“The owner is friends with my father. Her husband has been in jail for the last two years. She hasn’t been living at the property but renting it out to college kids and surfers, so you can imagine the shape it’s in. She wants to sell before her husband gets out, so she’s super motivated.”
“Sounds like it. Why don’t you take it on yourself?”
“It’s one point eight million.” My eyes go wide at the number but she jumps right back in before I can speak. “At least check it out with me. You’ll see it’s an incredible price for that area. And between me, you, and your dad and Logan, we can make it happen.”
Besides my obvious reservations, I’m a little concerned how she seems to know a little too much about our plans. “I never told you we were going outside of Bridges Construction.”
She lifts a shoulder and then pushes her phone closer to me. “I just figured you wouldn’t want to put the business in jeopardy when you’re jumping into something new. I assumed you would finance it on your own.”
My father, brother, and I all agreed that was the safest course of action, but I’m not so sure Megan was only using her powers of deduction. I don’t look down at the image on her phone she’s trying to entice me with. Instead, I walk around the bar to the middle of the living room, Megan turning to face me. “I appreciate you stopping by, but I’m not sure I’m interested. I’ll have to talk to my family first.”
She tilts her head to the side. “Fair enough. But this offer won’t last long.”
“I understand. I hate to be rude but I need to cut this short and if you could give me back my key, I’d appreciate it.” I cringe inwardly but don’t let it show on my face.
Her mouth goes tight, then tugs downward, and her eyes cast away to the side. “Right, sorry.” She turns away from me to go to her purse.
This feels too easy and suddenly my pulse ticks up a little faster. She turns with the key in her hand and walks toward me. “How’s Ari?”
“Fine,” I say, knowing that won’t be the end of it.
“I have to say, I was surprised to hear you put her to work.”
Shit. I knew some of the guys were asking about Ari, some even assuming I was sleeping with her, but it’s obvious Megan has been sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. “It’s not a big deal. She could use the money.”
The key is still in her hand by her side and she’s looking at me like I’ve committed a crime, which tells me she might not know everything about Ari—namely that she’s not underage.
“I feel partly responsible for this, but honestly, Mason, I think you’re going to get too involved in this. Why don’t you let me put her up somewhere? A hotel. Or, I can get her a cheap studio through The Meyers Group.”
I swallow back my uncertainty, hoping she doesn’t see. “She’s fine here. You shouldn’t worry. It’s all going to work out.”
“Work out?” She brings the key up and stares at it, anger coming to the surface of her eyes. “You know, maybe I should just put in a call to CPS and check out her story. See if she lied about those foster parents.”
My eyes lock onto her, trying to figure out what her game is. This isn’t the Megan I know, but then again, her control is gone so she must feel threatened, jealous maybe. And what I’m about to say won’t help that but it needs to be done. “She’s not in the system, Megan.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that she’s an adult. She was in the system when she was younger.” I see surprise mixed with more anger. “Yes, she lied about her age too. She was alone and scared and reacted. But she also reacted when she helped you so… At least now you can let yourself off the hook and not think a second thought about her.”
“Hmm. She’s what early twenties?”
I nod.
“But you’re still letting her stay with you? You think that’s wise?”
I reach out and gently take hold of her hand. She smiles momentarily until she realizes I’m opening her hand and retrieving my key. “Like I said, it’s nothing for you to worry about. Ari being here is temporary until she gets back on her feet.”
Megan runs her now empty hand up my arm to my face and then to the back of my neck. “You and I were great together,” she whispers before reaching up on her toes. “I’m going to miss everything about you.” I stay still while she places a kiss on my cheek, because in the end, I don’t want her to hate me. But when her lips slide from my cheek toward my lips, the door pops open and Ari walks in.
I turn away from Megan and toward Ari, who shows obvious surprise to see Megan. But more than that she looks fearful. I know Megan can be intimidating, which was why I was trying to avoid this.
“Megan, hi.”
“Hello, Ari. Don’t you look sweet in your little painter outfit.”
I’m surprised when Ari doesn’t respond, but I appreciate it. I’d even say I’m proud of her for taking the high road.
She walks past Megan and over to the hallway entrance. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I could use a shower. Good to see you, Megan.” Then she turns her back and lifts her shirt over her head as she walks down the hall. Braless. The skin of her back smooth and golden. If I wasn’t stunned by this whole scene, I would have laughed at Ari’s passive aggressive response. So much for the high road.
Megan looks ready to breathe fire as she grabs her purse and heads to the front door. She pauses and straightens, and I can see her shoulders lift from her breath. She turns back to me with a painted-on smile. “Let me know about the house, all right? I can send you the address or take you by.”
“I’ll let you know.” I open the door and as soon as it shuts behind her I let out a breath. Then I glance back to the hallway where Ari just was and can’t help but grin.
* * *
I hear the shower running, so I decide to make an executive decision and put a frozen pizza in the oven. I grab a beer and my laptop. I doubt I’ll be able to find the house Megan mentioned with the few details she gave me but I do a little digging anyway. I’m almost relieved I can’t find it. Even if I wanted to consider this opportunity, I’m guessing Dad and Logan wouldn’t go for it, so I look through some of the properties we discussed the other day. I’m ready to make a move but Dad and Logan are more cautious, which is why Megan’s offer is somewhat enticing.
“Something smells good,” Ari says behind me.
I turn and find her in a tiny pair of shorts and a tight shirt with straps. I don’t know if that was in case Megan was still here, but I do know I better lift my jaw back into place before she notices. Her hair is wet and dampening her shirt and I love that she doesn’t worry about those things.
“Don’t get your hopes up. It’s frozen pizza.”
“I love frozen pizza. But…” She walks into the kitchen to the fridge. “Can I get you a beer?”
I hold mine up to show her. “What were you going to say?”
She pulls a beer out and brings it to the counter to open it. “Nothing, it’s stupid.”
“No, tell me.”
“I got paid today.” She brightens and raises her beer. “I was going to treat you to dinner.”
I get up and go to the front of the counter, working to keep my focus on her face. No hardship there, but… “That’s nice, but you don’t need to. Really.”
She shrugs one shoulder, takes a sip of her beer, and sets it down before scooting
around the counter. “I at least want to pitch in for some groceries. Oh, hold on…”
“Okay.” I watch her jog down the hall to the bedroom and return two seconds later holding a small bag. She hands it to me.
“What’s this?”
“It’s nothing”—she blushes—“just a little thank you.”
I don’t even care what’s in the mystery bag because my thank you is the sweet look on her rosy cheeks. I take the bag and peek inside, chuckling. “Socks?”
She snatches the bag from me and pulls out two pairs of socks that look like something Ari would paint. “No, not just socks, silly! These are muy bacano.”
I cock my head, though I have a guess.
“Very cool! These are all the rage. It just gives your suit that little something, you know?”
Her enthusiasm is so contagious I’m getting a little excited about these damn things. I take one pair from her hand that has thick blue, green, and gold stripes on black. “Yeah, these are definitely…different.”
“Promise you’ll give them a try.”
“I promise. And thank you.” I give her a smile, but I want to do much more. The moment warrants a hug but we both just stand there for an awkward moment before she takes both pairs and puts them in the bag.
She glances up at me and says a quiet, “You’re welcome.”
I’m not sure if I’m imagining the disappointment in her voice but the timer dings for the pizza, letting me off the hook.
We decide to eat on the couch while we watch TV, which I’m now realizing was a bad idea. Sitting this close, I can smell every shower-fresh scent coming from her body and her hair—especially the hair. I haven’t paid attention to the last half hour of the movie because I just keep picturing her walking down the hall, taking her shirt off, when Megan was here.
She laughs beside me and I don’t even know why. I manage a chuckle when we exchange glances but then she flicks a section of her waves forward and not only does the aroma waft under my nose but the soft curls brush my arm like a feathery invitation. Just watch the movie and keep your mouth shut. “What do you put in your hair that smells so good?”
When she turns to me, one side of her mouth is curled up like when you see a cute baby. “Shampoo.”
Now I feel like an idiot. “Oh.”
She leans into me and puts her head on my shoulder. So screwed. “You’re probably smelling my body wash. It’s my favorite.” She lifts the arm next to me and curves it so her hand comes up and touches my cheek. “It’s coconut, lime, and something else. See?”
I reach up and take her hand from my cheek, lifting her wrist to my nose and inhaling. Adrenaline rushes through me as I bring her palm to my mouth and brush my lips across it. Her skin is soft and warm, and now all I want to do is touch every inch of it. I feel her lift her head and I slide her hand down to my chest, where I’m certain she can feel my racing heart.
I turn my body toward her, still holding her hand to my chest, and meet her heady dark gaze. My eyes pan down to her full parted lips. God, I need those lips like I need air. But I know one kiss, one taste, won’t be enough. Not tonight. Not ever. I lean in and take her mouth with mine—less gentle, more hungry. Because I’m starved for her. She responds with equal vigor, and I pull her closer by her waist with one hand and her neck with the other, taking the kiss deeper, needing to feel her velvety flesh pressed against mine.
A few moments later, Ari breaks the kiss, breathless, and locks gazes with me.
I won’t apologize this time, but I have to know if this isn’t something she wants after all. “Ari…”
“It’s okay. I just wanted you to know, to feel sure.” A sexy grin materializes on her face, and I’m floored she seems to know me so well.
I don’t know what to say, so I run my hand down her cheek, kiss it softly, and then move my mouth to her ear. “Thank you,” I whisper and brush my lips down her neck.
She strokes her hands over my head and then claps them behind my neck. “Thank me by taking me to your bed,” she says.
Chapter 14
Ari
Mason stands, looking sexy as hell barefoot in casual black pants and his charcoal button-down shirt rolled up at the sleeves. He takes my hand and tugs me toward the hallway, but all it takes is one glance at me over his shoulder and he’s spinning back around, yanking me flush against his body. He runs his hand over the back of my head and cups it, bringing my mouth to his—my open, gasping mouth, elicited by his forceful nature. Mmm.
Wanting to feel his warm skin, I pull my hand from his grasp and use both of mine to yank his shirt from his pants. I run my hands up his back under the material, and his strong, taut muscles—along with his mouth lightly sucking my neck—cause me to moan.
Mason surprises me by bending down and hooking one arm beneath my knees, the other around my shoulders, and lifting me into his arms to carry me. I gasp. No one’s ever held me like this. “What are you doing!” I giggle, breathless but excited.
His first response is a sultry look of his chestnut brown eyes. Then, “I’m going to worship you, Ariana”—holy crap—to which he follows up with a plundering kiss while he carries me down the hall as if my curvy body weighs nothing, my anticipation and desire turning to all-out need for this man.
He places me gently in the center of his bed and crawls over the top of me, pinning me with a hungry, determined gaze as if he’s plotting the whole night in that moment. Spontaneous is great, but a man with a plan gets shit done.
Unable to wait any longer, I reach up and unbutton his shirt. The grin he shows me is sexy, satisfied, and I know the exact reason for it. We’d been dancing around this moment for more than a week now, the sexual frustration bubbling over. There’s a sense of freedom when you finally give in, and we are both realizing it at this very moment.
My chest heaves when I get to the last button and see his gloriously firm chest within arm’s reach. But he leans back on his knees to pull his shirt all the way off, and I follow him up and pull my shirt over my head. His own chest rises with a gasp of air when he sees I’m not wearing a bra. He takes the moment to look his fill; his gaze feels so intimate a flood of pulsing desire flows to every needy spot of my body and pools down in my core. I arch my back in invitation just as he’s bringing his mouth down to my breast.
We both groan with the first contact. I slip one hand over his capable shoulder, holding him close. He nudges forward until we are both lying back on the bed, him on top of me, his weight driving me insane with lust. “Yes, Mason,” I say because what he’s doing to me at this very moment can’t end anytime soon. His mouth is tender, deliberate, and his hot breath on my skin sends jolts of electricity to my nerve endings.
Mason’s typically clean-shaven face has a delicious roughness to it as he moves across my chest, grazing me, and then down my stomach. He trails kisses all the way to my waistband where he slips two fingers under to run along my skin. When he bypasses my shorts and runs his hand along the inside of my thigh, I almost yell out to him. I don’t know if he’s teasing me or just taking his time, but I grow impatient and reach for the back of my shorts. He puts a hand on one of mine and then looks up and locks eyes with me. “Wait,” he says. In an instance, he takes me by the waist and flips us so I’m on top of him, and he captures my mouth once again, our tongues sliding back and forth across the other. His hands slip down my back and over my ass in one fell swoop before pulling me into him as we kiss slow and easy, like a sensual dance.
When his hands glide up again, chills form on my back. He caresses my head and hair and long lengths fall forward across my shoulders and around his face. I pull back to move them away, but he stops my hand. “Leave it. I love your hair.” I grin and lean back over to kiss him. He whispers between our open mouths. “You’re a beautiful woman, Ari. Inside and out.” Before I can say anything, he sits up with me straddling his lap, and I feel how ready he is. We stay in that position, moving against each other, kissing, caressing, and moaning until
we are both out of breath and a light sheen of sweat forms on our skin.
“Mason…I need…”
“I know, baby.” He flips us again and scoots us to the end of the bed wear he slips off my shorts and underwear like a magician doing the tablecloth trick. But his urgency is cut short when he stares down at my completely naked body. He breathes deeply as he flips his belt open, unbuttons his pants, and slides them down along with his boxer briefs. I gape at the gorgeous man in front of me as he slowly descends down over me, and I wrap my legs around his waist.
“I want to give you everything you need, Ari.”
God, yes. I have no doubt Mason will give me what I need and more. “I just need you, Mason,” I whisper beneath him.
My words seem to stop him for a moment. He’s leaning on his hands, staring down at me with a look I can’t decipher. It doesn’t fit the moment—almost like worry—but it fades when he lowers down on me and places a soft kiss on my lips. “I’m right here, Ari,” he whispers before he finally connects us as one.
He’s slow and deliberate at first and that’s exactly what I’m feeling too. Like we need to savor this moment and burn it in our memories forever. Not because we may not ever see each other again—at least I hope that’s not our fate—but for the simple reason that this moment changes everything.
We are both moving now, in sync and to the rhythm of the same song our bodies sing and when the chorus builds to a crescendo, he groans, moving quicker and quicker against me. I grip his shoulders, pulling him closer with my arms and legs, until I cry out in sweet relief.
I continue to move with Mason as he follows me into bliss only moments later, collapsing down with half his body on top of me, his back rising and falling as he replenishes his lungs with air.
His head is tucked into the crook of my neck, and I reach up to stroke his damp hair. We both stay quiet and just breathe. Maybe he’s thinking the same thing I am. That as soon as we move or talk, this could be over. I’m not ready for that. He feels too damn good to let go. But then he scoots his body slightly to the side. “I didn’t want to keep crushing you.”
Broken Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book 2) Page 11