This is Love

by Foster, Melissa

  “I sure am, kiddo.” He looked at Remi, the smoldering heat of moments ago multiplying tenfold as he rose to his full height and said, “I had no idea.”

  “You didn’t tell me you were helping Remi Divine! She and Mommy talked on the phone three times! She even FaceTimed with us once! I like her,” Brooklyn said. “She’s Mommy’s favorite actress.”

  “It turns out, she’s mine, too,” he admitted as he stepped forward and embraced Krista.

  Remi crouched to talk with Brooklyn, who hugged her just as hard as she’d hugged Mason.

  “She’s a special lady,” Krista whispered. “I hope the tabloids are right.”

  Losing a battle with his emotions, he could only say, “Excuse me for one second. I need to have a word with Remi.” Before I lose my mind.

  He took Remi gently by the arm, leading her around the corner.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered anxiously. “I knew you didn’t want to divide your attention between keeping me and Brooklyn safe, but I hated the idea of you letting Brooklyn down, so I arranged it with Porter and Merrick. I should have told you—”

  He crushed his mouth to hers, backing her up against the wall as he deepened the kiss. He wanted to kiss her until she knew just how not sorry she should be, but he knew Brooklyn well enough to realize they had only seconds before she poked her pretty little head around the corner looking for him.

  “You deserve an Oscar for that performance.”

  Her eyes turned innocent, and she said, “You’re not mad at me for keeping it a secret?”

  “I fucking adore you.” He started to lower his mouth toward hers for a quick kiss when he heard Brooklyn’s voice, bringing him back to his right mind. “I’ll thank you properly later.”

  “I look forward to it,” she said as they went back to the lobby.

  “There they are!” Brooklyn reached for Mason’s hand, bouncing on the toes of her sneakers. She looked adorable in pink skinny jeans and a white T-shirt with black bow ties all over it. Around her neck hung her ever-present locket with her father’s picture inside. “Guess what we’re seeing. Mary Poppins Returns!”

  “Sounds perfect.” He couldn’t take his eyes off Remi, chatting with Krista like they were old friends. Remi had gone from sneaking out to find freedom, to sneaking somewhere so he could keep a promise. He hadn’t thought it was possible for him to fall harder or faster for her than he already was, but he’d been dead wrong. He wasn’t just falling; he was propelling at breakneck speed.

  “How about some popcorn or candy?” Remi suggested.

  Brooklyn’s eyes shot to Krista. “Can I, Mom?”

  “Sure. Why not? Mason will eat half of it anyway,” Krista said.

  “Who, me?” Mason teased as Brooklyn dragged him toward the refreshment counter.

  “You always do,” Brooklyn said. “Can we get lemonade, too?”

  “Sure.” Mason looked around. “Who’s running the concession stand?”

  “I am.” Remi went around the counter. “The only one here is the manager, and we can help ourselves.” As she filled a bucket with popcorn, she said, “I had no idea Mason was a popcorn fiend.”

  “He also loves Skittles, but he never eats my Goobers, so if you want candy he won’t eat, go for that.” Brooklyn threw her arms around Mason again, smiling up at him as she said, “I’m so happy to see you. I missed your funky mug.”

  They were always teasing each other, and he hadn’t realized how much he’d missed it. “I’ve missed your funky mug, too.”

  Brooklyn carried her drink in one hand and reached for Remi’s hand with her other as the two of them went to find seats. At ten, she was fearless and outgoing, just as her late father had once described Krista. Krista was still outgoing . . . to a point. She was guarded in ways Mason understood all too well. As far as fearless went, she’d lost too much and hadn’t yet regained that level of confidence. He never thought he’d fall in love, and now that he’d found Remi and knew how the right person could change everything, he had hope that maybe one day Krista would open her heart again, too.

  Krista sidled up to him, stealing a handful of popcorn as they followed Brooklyn and Remi through the doors. “Brook thinks Remi’s the cherry on top of a really great sundae. I have to agree, and the way you’re looking at her tells me you might, too. So . . . ? What’s the real scoop with you two?”

  Mason tried to remain stone-faced, but Krista was the only woman other than Remi he’d ever spent any amount of time talking to about real things, like the death of her husband and how it might impact Brooklyn and how losing his buddies had impacted him. “This can’t go further than this room right now.”

  They stood just inside the doors as Brooklyn dragged Remi up and down the aisle, looking for the perfect seats.

  “I think the tabloids have already outed you, Mase.”

  “We’re not owning up to that. They do that shit all the time with celebrities. You know that. Did Remi tell you about her stalker situation?”

  “Yes. She was very honest about the risks of getting together, but with you and the other two guys, I think we’re okay. You’re great at changing the subject, but, Mase, I’ve talked to Remi several times in the past couple weeks, and she’s a doll. She’s great with Brooklyn, and she thinks the world of you. When she first reached out to me, she said, ‘I’m the reason Mason can’t see your daughter, and I want to fix that.’”

  Mason looked at Remi, remembering her reaction when she’d found out he was putting off their visit. “She knows what it’s like to miss seeing someone you care about. She didn’t want me to let Brooklyn down.”

  “She didn’t want you to miss out, either. She thought it was just as important for you to see Brooklyn and that you count on these visits as much as Brook does. She sees you, Mason, and that can only mean that you’ve let down those rock-hard walls of yours enough to let her in.”

  “It’s new, but, Kris . . .” He shook his head. “I’m crazy about her, which makes this gig a million times harder. I want to be with her night and day, and I can’t even fathom a day without her. Is that nuts? You know me. I’ve never let anyone in. How can I feel this way so fast?”

  The spray of freckles across Krista’s nose spread with her grin. “I’m the last person to ask about falling too fast. I knew I loved Shelton the night we met, and we were married four months later.”

  Mason looked at Remi, chatting animatedly as Brooklyn pulled her down a row of seats in the middle of the theater. Remi glanced over, their eyes connecting with newfound depth. She winked just as Brooklyn plunked into a seat and pulled her down beside her, breaking their connection. In those split seconds he knew that it wouldn’t matter if she’d said he couldn’t, or shouldn’t, fall fast, because he was already there.

  “We’ve started a project together to help foster kids.” He told Krista about what they’d been working on all week, and then he said, “We should probably go sit down.”

  “Sounds like Remi was meant to be your other half.” As they walked toward the row where Remi was sitting, Krista whispered, “Mase, listen to me. You and I both know there’s no guarantee of tomorrow. I had true love and I don’t want you to miss yours. If you’re falling for her, then dive in with both feet and hold on with both hands. Life’s too short for hesitation.”

  “Can I sit between you and Remi?” Brooklyn called out.

  There went his chance to hold Remi’s hand in the dark theater. Christ, I’m reverting to a teenager. Though the Harmony Pointe theater was small, it had large reclining seats, and he couldn’t stop himself from picturing Remi straddling him in one. Nope, not a teenager . . .

  “Sorry, Krista,” Remi said, pulling him from his fantasy. “We’re having fun talking, but I didn’t mean to take your spot.”

  “It’s all good,” Krista said. “I’ll sit beside you so we can chat, too.”

  “Mom, Remi’s going to teach me to make invitations for my birthday party! And she and Mason are going to make birthday bo
xes for kids! Can we help? Please?”

  “Absolutely.” As Krista took a seat beside Remi, she looked up at Mason and mouthed, Hold on tight.

  Remi gazed lovingly up at him as he walked past. Letting go wasn’t even on his radar.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  “EMILY BLUNT MAKES a good Mary Poppins, but she’s got nothing on you, Remi,” Krista said after the movie. “I can’t thank you enough for setting this up. It was really special.”

  “Thank you.” Brooklyn hugged Remi and said, “I can’t wait to do the invitations.”

  “We’ll have to coordinate with your mom on a date for that,” Mason said, remembering Remi’s desire to go away after filming. Brooklyn’s birthday wasn’t for another few months, so they had plenty of time.

  “I’m looking forward to it, and I’m glad you and your mom will help with the birthday boxes.” Remi glanced at Mason and said, “That means we’ll all get to spend more time together.”

  He liked the sound of that.

  “Maybe by then Mason will catch the bad guy who’s bothering you,” Brooklyn said hopefully.

  That was the extent of what Remi and Krista had told Brooklyn about Remi’s situation, and at ten, that was enough.

  “If anyone can, it’s Mason. Remi, since you’re going to be in Harmony Pointe for a while, maybe we can all go to the Christmas tree lighting together in Chiffon Park.” Krista eyed Mason with the nudging look she’d been giving him all afternoon. “What do you think, Mase?”

  “Sounds great.” He’d never been to a Christmas tree lighting, but the thought of doing anything with Remi sounded good to him.

  He embraced Brooklyn and then he put his hand on her hat, angling her head back so she was looking up at him. “I’m really glad I got to see your funky mug.”

  A wide smile appeared on her adorable face, and she said, “I’m glad I got to see your funky mug, too.” She hugged him tight and said, “I love you, Mason.”

  “I love you, too, kiddo.”

  “I’ll call you,” Krista said to Mason, and then to Remi, “I’ll call you, too. Thank you again. This was a lot of fun, and I appreciate all the effort that went into making it happen.”

  After Brooklyn and Krista left through the front door, where Merrick was waiting to see them to their car, Mason drew Remi into his arms. They were alone in the theater, and even though they weren’t out in public, it felt damn good to hold her outside of their house. “You are an amazing woman, Remi Aldridge, and I’m so glad you’re mine.”

  “The feeling is mutual, Mr. Swift. Now, how about you kiss me like you’ll never get another chance?”

  He lowered his lips to hers and did just that, kissing her so thoroughly, it didn’t take long before they were both breathless and groping for more. He reluctantly tore his mouth away and said, “I need to get you home before I take you right here.”

  She fluttered her long lashes and hooked her finger into the waistband of his jeans. “I’ve never messed around in a dark theater before, and we do have it all to ourselves until six.”

  “What about the manager?”

  “He had strict orders to leave right after the movie ended, which Porter knows. I asked Porter to text me when he was gone, and . . . he’s gone.” She dragged her finger down the center of his chest. “Aiden’s not the only one who knows how to give strict orders.”

  “My sweet Princess, you are divine.” He recaptured her mouth as he lifted her into his arms and carried her into the dark theater.

  Euphoric wasn’t a big enough word to describe how Remi felt as they drove home after their secret tryst. “You know what I want more than anything else in the world?”

  “Tell me.” Mason’s smile was soft and sated, the kind of smile that told her he was just as blissed out as she was.

  “To be a regular couple with you, to walk down these streets holding hands, kissing when we want to, walking through the park. I know it’s a tall order until everything is over, but please tell me you’ve figured out a way we can at least go to my cabin after filming and have a few days alone together.”

  He stopped at a red light and lifted her hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. “It’s already set up, Princess. Piper and her friend Harley are going to come over to the house the evening filming ends. You and I are going to swap clothes with them, and Piper bought a blond wig for you to wear. Then we’re going to take Harley’s truck and head up to your cabin. If anyone’s watching the house, they’ll think we’re still there.”

  “That’s a great plan. But why Harley and not Bodhi? How do you even know Harley?”

  The light turned green, and he turned off the main road, heading home. “Bodhi and Bridgette need to run their flower shop, so Bodhi helped me set it up with Piper and Harley. I haven’t met Harley yet, although I spoke to him on the phone and did a complete background check. The problem is, they can’t be seen around town while we’re gone, because if we’re pretending to be them when we leave, they have to pretend to be us. If they’re spotted in town and the stalker is around here, it could tip him off. Piper made arrangements for her father to run her jobs from Wednesday through Sunday, and Harley has someone covering the bar. He was all too happy at the prospect of spending time alone with Piper.”

  “Oh, you have no idea how happy he probably is. He’s had his eye on Piper for years. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when they’re in the house together. Poor Harley will probably get turned down fifty times.”

  Mason cocked a grin. “Or maybe he won’t get turned down . . .”

  “For his sake, I hope he doesn’t, but don’t count on it. I don’t know what’s up between them, but he’s got a heck of a long-lasting crush. But yay, because now we get time together. I’m excited! I’ll contact the woman who takes care of my cabin and let her know we’re coming.”

  “Shirley?”

  “Yes. I forgot you knew my entire life history and everyone I have ever been in contact with. She’ll give the cabin a good scrub down and get it ready for us, stock up the fridge, clean the sheets . . .”

  A sharp sound blared from his phone. Mason pulled it out and opened a notification. He pushed the gas pedal to the floor, his jaw clenched tight.

  “What is it?” Panic flooded her chest.

  “Someone’s by the front gate,” he said through gritted teeth as they squealed around a corner, racing down their road.

  “Mason! Is it him?”

  He poked at the screen on the dashboard and instructed, “Call Porter.” The phone rang through Bluetooth.

  “I just got it,” Porter said. “I’m on my way.”

  He poked at the screen again and an image appeared of a guy in a dark hooded sweatshirt in front of the gate. The hood blocked his face as he pushed something through the gate, then took off running into the woods across from it. Mason sped down the road white-knuckling the steering wheel, shoulders hunched forward. He slammed the vehicle into park and fumbled with the keys, unlocking the glove box. He took out a gun.

  Remi pressed back against her seat, panic consuming her. “Mason!”

  He shoved the keys into the ignition. “Get in the driver’s seat and lock the doors. Do not get out of this car under any circumstances. Porter will be here in a minute, but I’ve got to go after this guy.” He kicked open his door. “Lock the doors. Wait for Porter, or drive to Bodhi’s and wait for me there, but do not get out of this car for anyone else.”

  He slammed the door closed and bolted into the woods in the same direction the guy had run. Fear rioted inside Remi—for Mason’s safety, for her own, and knowing Mason had a gun with him, for the stalker who was running from him. That was crazy. She should want the guy to get shot, but she couldn’t hope someone got killed.

  Oh God, what if the other guy has a gun?

  She put Mason in danger.

  He could get hurt. Killed.

  Her chest constricted.

  Breathe, Remi. Just breathe.

  She forced herself to move to the driver�
�s seat and locked the doors. She gripped the steering wheel, but her heart was beating too fast, making it hard to breathe. Her mind raced. Should she drive to Bodhi’s? She hated driving, and she didn’t want to leave Mason. Mason, oh God, please don’t hurt Mason!

  Just breathe . . .

  It seemed like hours that she sat there with her heart in her throat, gripping the steering wheel like a lifeline, before Porter showed up, but in reality, it was probably only three or four minutes.

  She opened the door, her entire body shaking. “Is Mason okay?”

  “He’s safe. He’s still trying to find the guy. Let’s get you inside.”

  “I can’t . . . Can you drive?”

  “Of course.” Porter helped her into the passenger seat and grabbed something out of the glove box.

  She watched as he opened the gate and crouched to pick up whatever the guy had put through the gate. He put it into a plastic bag, which she realized he’d taken from the glove box, and then he got back into the SUV and drove up to the house.

  “Mason’s the best, Remi. He’s going to be fine. We’ve got two more men scouring the woods, hunting this guy down, and another three guys on the way. Let’s get you safe inside. I need to look at the footage.”

  She watched the gate close behind them, feeling too far away from Mason. She knew she had to be on this side of the gate, but she hated knowing anything could happen to him out there while he was protecting her. She leaned back against the seat, fisting her hands to try to stop them from shaking as she threw a prayer up to the powers that be, hoping with all her might that the universe wouldn’t be cruel enough to take away another person she loved.

  Remi paced the living room, her heart still hammering inside her chest. She thought Mason would be back by now, or at least call to give them an update. It had been more than an hour since he’d taken off, and almost as long since Porter went downstairs to the control room. Every time Remi looked at the tree she and Mason had decorated, she panicked and was hit with fresh tears. She couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to Mason, and yet that was all she could think about—the stalker guy getting ahold of him. Even though she knew in her heart that if the guy got close, Mason would tear him apart. Which was why her stupid head kept taking her to darker places, places with unexpected guns and knives, pummeling her with images of Mason lying in the woods unconscious and bloody.