by Karen Deen
“Well, I think we better feed you some dessert too,” Tilly suggests. “Just to make sure there is plenty to soak up all the alcohol. Paige, do you want to give me a hand? I have some cherry pie.” I give Tilly a wink to let her know how much I appreciate how she’s including Paige. I knew they would hit it off.
Leaning to Paige’s ear, I whisper, “I don’t need any pie, my dessert is you, and you’ll taste much better.” Her body shivers. She’s trying to stand and not show any signs of blushing.
“Stop it,” she mumbles under her breath, while smacking my leg.
Disappearing into the kitchen, passing Tate on his way out with two beers, the girls are chatting away madly. It takes me back to the comments when Paige was drunk. Telling me she has no friends. No one just wants to be friends and doesn’t care about her money. Maybe Tilly will be that friend she so desperately needs.
“Paige seems like a great woman.” Gray light-heartedly slaps me on the shoulder. “You look happy.”
“Yeah, man, I am. It was challenging getting to this point, but she is everything. I can’t even explain it. It’s just the beginning, but I just feel like she’s always been with me. A part of me. Is that how you knew Tilly was the one for you?” Tate and Lex haven’t even made one smart comment or choking sound. I should be concerned, but I have a feeling there is more going on with both of them at the moment, possibly something to do with a woman.
“Exactly that. There’s no space between you. It’s meant to be so easy. That’s a soul mate, Mason. Paige is yours, we can all tell that.” All of them nod at me, and I feel the warmth of love from my brothers.
“Thanks, let’s hope I don’t scare her off. She hasn’t lived through one of my dreams yet. We will see how great I am after that.” I should have told her about them last night. She was so satiated and looking so peaceful falling off to sleep, I just wanted to hold her. Instead, I didn’t really sleep. That way I couldn’t wake up in the middle of a nightmare. So, I fought it all night and just laid with her, soaking up the amazing way it felt.
Maybe I’ll be lucky enough that they’ll stop or when I tell her she won’t away. I know once we get home, I’m going to need to do it. Maybe she won’t want me to stay tonight. I can’t assume just because I don’t want to sleep another night without her in my arms that she feels the same.
“Mas, you need to stop being so hard on yourself. What you saw and had to do would change any person. Be proud of what you did for your country and all the people you saved. Just remember, like your counselor says, you can’t save them all. You saved your fair share.”
“I know, and my rational brain knows all the right answers. It’s just the subconscious that still hasn’t completely gotten the message yet. I know I’m lucky compared to what some of the guys came home with or the ones that didn’t come home at all. But it still sucks I can’t shake it for good. You know, to just finally be at peace.”
Gray is chatting in his quiet, calming voice. He knows what I need. He was the main one to see me through trying to transition back into the normal world. It took a little bit.
“You’ve come so far, Mason, be proud of that. You need to believe you will get to that place of peace. Never lose sight of that.”
“I know, and I’m better at seeing that now. It’s just a big thing to share with someone new. It’ll be okay, I’m sure,” I say, unsure if I’m convincing the boys or myself with my little speech.
This dating thing sucks. Can’t we just jump straight to the marriage?
Fuck!
Since when do I think about the M word.
I’m nowhere near ready for that.
Mind you, I could get her tied to me so she can’t run.
Now that’s an option.
12
Paige
“DON’T PANIC, PAIGE. I’m not bringing you in here to grill you. The boys do enough of that on their own. I thought maybe you might need a break from all the egos in the room. They are the most caring bunch of guys I know, but they can get a bit much at times.” We both start laughing, leaning against the kitchen counters.
“Thanks. They all seem nice, and I know Mason thinks the world of them otherwise he wouldn’t have brought me here. Especially when we’re so new.” My mind is still spinning at what’s happening between us.
“I hope you don’t plan on going anywhere in a hurry. That man out there is totally head over heels for you. Mason doesn’t let people in easily. He has his reason for that. In a few days, he already has you here with the three people he trusts most in the world. Please tell me you feel the same. I would hate to see him get hurt.” Tilly seems like the most genuine person I’ve met in a long time. She seems a perfect match for Grayson.
Feeling the warmth of what she’s saying about Mason, I can’t help grinning.
“Mason is the first man who has ever broken through my barriers, the first man who I’ve ever let in my apartment, and the first person I’ve played hookie with from work. He has totally claimed me and every part of my soul. There won’t be any walking away. Not for me, anyway. It just freaks me out it’s all happening so fast. There are so many things we haven’t talked about. My life is so busy and structured on a schedule, I don’t even know how to do this nothing-planned life. I know you probably don’t understand.” My hands fidget with nerves. I’ve told Tilly more in the last thirty seconds than I’ve shared with anyone besides Mason in years.
“Sister, you are talking to the queen of anal lists and organization. Grayson makes fun of my OCD all the time. It’s fun getting around it, though. Those spontaneous moments of awesome sex, you will learn to love things that aren’t planned.” We both look at each other, laughing out loud, so much that I have tears in my eyes. Good tears. Fun tears.
“We are going to be great friends. I don’t think the boys out there have any idea what they’ve done by putting us together.” Tilly reaches out and grabs me in a hug. When Mason wraps me in his arms, I feel amazing and so safe and peaceful. This hug is different but just as comforting. It’s a feeling of belonging and genuine friendship. Oh, Mason, you are bringing so much to my life. More than you realize.
~
Continuing our chatting about the guys, Tilly fills me in on how she and Gray met. It’s the best story I’ve ever heard.
“How do you cope with Gray looking at naked women’s vaginas all day? I mean, that’s got to be hard?”
“I won’t lie, it’s a bit weird. It took me a little to get used to. But he tells me it’s just work. They’re all clinical to him. He describes it as walking through the car yard. Full of different model cars, all the same color, all capable of the same things. Then there is this one in the middle that’s up on a pedestal. All shiny and sparkly, pulling him towards it. It looks, feels, and smells amazing. Then after the first test drive, he knows that’s the one for him. The rest are all just the same, a dull grey. This is the perfect one, the only one that he will ever want.”
“Oh my god, how did you cope with a story of comparing your vagina to a used car lot without laughing or wanting to hit him? Men seriously have no idea. Is this what I’m getting myself into?” I look at Tilly who’s smiling.
“You have no idea, Paige. These four boys are ridiculous. If there’s one thing I can tell you, it’s that life will never be dull. Mason comes as a package deal, four nuts in the combo pack.” She makes a crazy face at me.
“Or should it be the eight-nut multi pack, with four bonus bananas.” I’m not sure where that comment came from, but Tilly is bringing out the naughty in me.”
“Paige, that is freaking hilarious. I already love you, now I have a teammate in our war on the nuts!” Tilly gives me a high-five, then hugs me while we’re laughing. We’re still giggling and plating the cherry pie when I feel Mason behind me. Not touching me, I just know he’s there.
“I think we’ve been found out.” Nudging Tilly with my arm, I turn to find Mason leaning against the kitchen doorframe.
“Are you two up to no go
od in here? There has been way too much laughing and fun happening without me.” Walking towards me, he places his hands on my waist. I have cherry pie on my fingers, so I lift one up for him.
“I’m looking for a taste test,” I tell him. “The dessert’s good.” His eyes darken as he opens his mouth and places my finger in. His tongue makes sure my finger is totally clean.
“Mmm, best dessert ever.” His voice changes to the one that makes me know I’m already in trouble.
“Well, I think that’s my cue to leave the kitchen. Good luck, Paige.” I’m laughing on the inside as Tilly makes a quick escape. This is one of those unplanned moments she meant.
“Are you up to your flirting tricks again, Tiger?” I shake my head for no and he smiles. He leans onto the counter either side of me, caging me in. “You know what happens when you flirt with me?” Again, I shake my head, smirking the whole time.
Tate yells from the other room, “Don’t you dare fuck her on my kitchen counter, Mason. Use your own kitchen.”
While it breaks the moment between us slightly, it doesn’t stop Mason from taking the kiss he wants. Not just a small gentle one. He is devouring me. His tongue shows me how hungry he is for me. Coming up for air, he growls, “We’re leaving now.”
“No, we can’t, that’s rude, Mason, to leave too soon. You’ll have to wait” I try not to laugh at his face.
“Nope. Hey guys, you don’t mind if I take Paige home right now, do you? I believe my girlfriend has a problem that needs my attention,” he yells to his friends from the kitchen.
Slapping his arm, I can feel my face turning red with embarrassment. “Mason, you can’t say that.”
“I just did.” He’s so proud of himself.
“If it means you’re not fucking her on my counter, then yes, go home,” Tate yells back. I hear Tilly tell him he’s disgusting while the others are cheering him on.
“Welcome to the family, baby.” He kisses me on the cheek and then drags me by the hand back out to the others.
“I guess we’re leaving,” I say with a shrug. “Thanks for having us, Tate, it was great meeting you all.” I grab my bag from the table, and soon everyone is up saying goodbye. By the time I get to Tilly, she grabs her phone and shoves it in my hand.
“Give me your number. We need to catch up without these annoying ones. You can meet my friends. They’re crazy too, but I think you’ve guessed we’re all one big crazy family.” Punching my number in her phone, I then send her contact to my phone. I give her a hug this time.
“That sounds wonderful; time is not my friend, but I’m sure we can make it work. Thank you, Tilly, I’ve really enjoyed meeting you.” I whisper in her ear, “I promise not to hurt him.” Pulling away, she’s smiling at me.
“I have no doubt. No concerns from me. I’m so glad Mason met you. Talk soon.” Tilly gives my hand a squeeze.
“Man, see what you’ve done. Brought another girl into the family. Now we have to put up with all this mushy stuff,” Tate adds with a wink.
“Tate!” Tilly and I both shout at the same time.
“Oh lordy, what have they done?” Lex laughs, running his hand through his hair, pretending to be frustrated. On every one of the boys’ faces, though, all you can see is happiness for Mason.
“Enough chit chat. I need to get Paige home. Now.” Opening the door, he pulls me to him. “See you all soon. Thanks.” Before I’ve even got time to say another goodbye, we are out the door and heading to the elevator.
“Mason, stop being a child, how old are you?” Everyone’s laughing behind us.
“Thirty-five, now keep moving.”
I stop in the hallway, looking at him.
“Shit, I’m older than you.”
He shrugs and keeps pulling me with him.
“Oh my god, his boss and an older lady. This is gold!” Tate yells out.
Mason stops and turns as we all yell, “Tate.”
“Seriously, you are a dick,” Mason adds. “Can’t wait until your time comes. Payback’s a bitch, buddy.” I can’t help giggling at Mason now. These boys are hilarious together.
Tilly pushes them all back through the door of the apartment as the elevator doors close on us.
I’m expecting Mason to be all over me as soon as the doors are closed, but instead he’s standing very stiffly in the corner.
Shit, maybe my age is a problem.
“Does it bother you?” I ask tentatively.
“What?” he snaps.
“My age, being older than you.” Of all the things that I imagined would be a problem, this wasn’t one of them.
“What the fuck? No.” He’s looking at me confused.
“Why are you over there then?” He closes the gap towards me and backs me into the corner. Running his nose up my neck, he holds his hands above me on the walls.
“Because if I touch you in here, there will be no stopping me. All I want to do is bury myself deep inside you, baby. Being caught in an elevator, I don’t think that’s your scene.” His voice is low and he’s breathing heavily on my neck. My heart rate is racing.
“No,” I manage to get out just as the doors open for the foyer.
Standing straight and taking my hand, we walk out past the couple waiting like nothing was happening. Hearing the doors close behind us, we look at each other and burst out laughing. Life will never be dull with Mason, that’s for sure.
~
“I wish we brought the cherry pie home with us, baby. I would be licking it off you right now. Sweet, sticky, and mixed with some ice cream, you would be the perfect delight.” I can hardly contain the shivers that are racing through my body.
“Mason, please let me come. I can’t take your teasing anymore. I’m aching for you. Fuck me or let me come.” I’m desperate, but he controls me, so controls my pleasure.
“Oh, you will take as much as I give you. As for teasing, you had no problem with that in the kitchen at Tate’s place. Sliding your sweet finger in my mouth so I could lick and suck it dry, just like I’m about to do to your pussy now. I told you we were coming home for dessert. Now let’s enjoy our sweet ending.”
Fuck, every time he talks dirty my heart races.
“Ohhhh Mason yesss…”
If there is one thing I’m learning about my boyfriend, it’s that he always lives up to his promises.
Oh boy, does he live up to everything he promises.
~
“Do I really have to go to work today?” Mason pretends to protest, lying back on my bed, arms above his head. His abs are on show and the sheet is lying across his waist. He looks like a model, ready for that perfect shot.
“You know you do. Your boss is a real bitch. She gets shitty if her pilot is not the one flying the plane. She doesn’t trust anyone else.” I’m watching him from my bathroom while I go through my morning routine.
“You can’t be talking about my boss. She’s a real sweetheart. So soft and caring. Can’t imagine her being a bitch to anyone.” Coming up behind me in all his naked glory, he wraps his arms around me and rests his chin on my shoulder.
“I’ll always keep you safe in the air, baby. Thank you for trusting me.” Leaning down and kissing my shoulder, he steps into the shower, leaving me melting into a puddle at his sweetness.
The last few days have been heaven. Having Mason in my life, in my bed, and making me smile like I haven’t done in a very long time. Daddy is getting better. I have been spending time with him every day but always come home to Mason at night. Uncle Franco is slowly working through all the evidence and feels like he is getting a track on what’s going on. We have arranged a meeting for over the weekend for Mason and me to get together with him and work out a plan. He knows about Mason and me, but I haven’t told my father yet. This needs to happen the right way and at the right time. It’ll be easier when I’m not trying to deal with the company hassles and announce a boyfriend. I know he won’t be happy. Mason knows what he’s up against. I just hope his charm works on Daddy
, like it did on me. Well, maybe not exactly the same.
“You need to hurry that cute ass of yours up and leave,” I tell him. “Otherwise you’ll run into Bent and Tyson out front and that will be an issue. Imagine the outrage if your boss beats you to the plane. The captain being late.” I smirk at him drying himself off behind me.
“We wouldn’t want the staff to know you’re sleeping with the hired help, now would we?” He’s half joking, but I’m sure part of him hurts to know we’re still a secret.
“Mason. You know it’s nothing to do with that. I don’t care who knows I’m your girlfriend and that you work for me. That’s nobody’s business but ours. The only reason is the fraud. We need to catch them first. I can’t afford to tip them off with any major changes to my routine just now.” He nods at me, but I know it’s not a satisfied one.
“I’m sorry, my magic man. For so many reasons I hope it’s over soon. This being the major one. I can’t wait to see Tyson’s face the first time I walk past you onto the plane, planting a big kiss on the lips and just keep walking.” This has him smiling at me in the mirror.
“Now that I’m on board with.” Tapping me on the ass, he walks out into the bedroom to get dressed.
“Of course you are, anything to piss off my PA. You just want to show him who’s got the biggest dick, don’t you?” I call out to him, trying to put my mascara on.
“There is no dispute on that, this will far outweigh whatever he has.” He stands in the doorway, swinging around his cock, and I slip and put mascara all across my face. Normally that would have pissed me off, but I can’t stop laughing.
“Such a child, you can tell who the young one is.” I grab my makeup wipes to start again.
“Well, you are the cougar dating a younger man.” Chuckling, he starts pulling on his boxers.