“Never—”
Heat skated down his spine, and he struggled to stave off his own release as he pounded into her. He pushed his hands beneath her bottom, angling her hips to take him deeper the way they both craved. Instantly, her inner muscles tightened, and her nails dug into his flesh. Electricity scorched through him as his name sailed from her lips like a plea—“Mason!”
He stayed with her, determined to feel her come again, thrusting faster, loving her harder. Her desperate, sexy sounds took him higher. When she cried out his name a second time, a rush of heat shot down his spine, and he surrendered to his own powerful release. They lay clinging to each other, riding their waves of passion, until Remi lay limp and panting beneath him, and Mason tried to remember how to breathe.
“Let’s disappear together,” she whispered against his neck, “and never come up for air.”
He shifted beside her and cradled her against him, burying his face in her neck. She smelled fresh as summer rain. He pressed a kiss there and said, “I’m right there with you,” earning a warm, appreciative sound.
“For real, Mason,” she said. “I’m sick of hiding and living a life fraught with fear. After Aiden comes back—”
“Uh-uh,” he teased. “No A-name in the bedroom, remember?”
She huffed out a small, adorably frustrated sound. “After we tell him everything, I just want to be with you. I don’t care if I have to pay Porter and your team to follow us everywhere until the stalker is caught. I want to go out together and not care about headlines or any of that. I want to hang out with our friends, go into the city and have dinner with Chuck and Estelle so I can get to know the man who changed your life and the woman he loves. I just want what we have right here and now to fill up every aspect of our lives.”
“I want that, too, Princess, more than anything.”
“But you’re Mr. Protector.” She ran her fingers down his arm. “Do you think you’ll love me when the threat is gone? When I’m just a regular woman, without a stalker and when I’m not filming a movie? Because the more I get involved with CCF, the more I think I might want to take additional time off just to be . . .”
“Is that a serious question?”
She shrugged.
“My sweet, sexy, challenging girl, you could never be just a regular woman. You’re Remington Aldridge. You were born to be extraordinary, no matter what you’re doing.” He kissed her softly. “And in case you don’t believe me, I plan on cherishing you every minute of every day, reminding you just how extraordinary you are.”
Later that afternoon, Remi lay sprawled over Mason’s delicious body on a lounge chair on the patio, relaxing after days of nonstop stress. They’d already gotten their workout done for the day—in bed and in the gym. The sun beat down on them, but Remi was under no misconceptions about her burly bodyguard actually relaxing. His laptop sat beside him, showing live feeds from the outside cameras, and he’d barely taken his eyes off it. It had taken practically an act of God to get Mason to allow himself to be close and try to relax with her outside, but in the end, she knew he needed it as much as she did.
Her phone vibrated on the table, and Mason snagged it, eyeing her with a cocky grin. “It’ll cost you.”
“After last night and this morning, I should have quite a tab built up.”
He pressed his lips to hers and said, “I’ll never get enough of your kisses, Princess.”
He handed her the phone, and she kissed him again. “Me either. I might have to ask friends to text more often.”
She opened the text and said, “It’s from Piper,” and then she read it aloud. “‘Hey, horndogs.’” Remi rolled her eyes. “‘Think you can come up for air long enough to come to Willow’s for a barbecue at five? We need your hottieguard for a sixth.’”
“Sixth?” Mason asked.
“No idea. It’s Piper. Lord only knows.” She thumbed out, 6th? and pressed send.
Piper’s response rolled in, and Remi read it aloud. “‘Basketball team. He owes me for my upcoming slumber party with Harley.’”
“Piper plays basketball?”
“With the guys, believe it or not. I hope you can shoot hoops, because they’re really good.”
“There’s nothing I can’t do, beautiful, and she’s right. I do owe her for taking all that time off when we go away.”
“I love how sneaky you are.”
“Only when we’ve got to be, Princess.” He kissed the tip of Remi’s nose and said, “What should we bring to the barbecue?”
“For a guy who doesn’t host parties, you’re very knowledgeable about party etiquette.” She crawled over him, smiling down at the man who had single-handedly changed her life, and said, “I’m bringing my hottieguard. I think that’s enough, don’t you?”
He tickled her ribs and she collapsed onto him in a fit of laughter. “Am I ever going to live down that name?”
“Nope. I love having my own hottieguard.”
He swept her beneath him, laughing right along with her as he said, “And I love you, beautiful.”
His lips met hers in a luxurious kiss, showing just how much he did. Remi’s favorite times were when it was just the two of them like this. There was no better feeling than letting their emotions run free. She loved waking up in Mason’s arms, knowing she could straddle him on the workout bench and tease him until he was too aroused to walk away, kiss him when she walked by, or make love to him on a blanket on the floor surrounded by candles.
Assuming Ben and Aurelia were going to the barbecue, Remi and Mason wouldn’t be able to snuggle on a lounge chair, hold hands, or kiss. A sense of loss moved through her. She debated declining the invitation, because lying in the sun with Mason without having to hide anything about their relationship sounded better than any amount of time with friends ever could. But Piper was right—they owed her, and it would be well worth it. In a few days they’d have Remi’s cabin all to themselves. Even though Porter and Merrick would be staying nearby just in case, the idea of being together an hour away from where the threats had gone down felt a heck of a lot like a much-needed vacation.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
“NICE SHOT, BABY!” Willow cheered across her backyard as Piper and the guys played a game of three-on-three, while the girls and Roxie sat around the patio table nibbling on snacks and admiring the view. It was shirts—Mason, Piper, and Zane—versus skins—Ben, Bodhi, and Derek. Louie was playing on both teams, adorably darting between the players, trying to be like one of the big guys, and Dan was refereeing the game, which really meant he was walking around the edge of the court cheering them on.
The girls were mooning over their men, and Remi was doing her fair share of that, too, though she reluctantly kept her comments to herself, which sucked.
Talia leaned her chin on her palm, gazing dreamily at her fiancé. “Derek is really beautiful, isn’t he?”
“Listen to my proper sister gushing over her man,” Bridgette said. “Derek might be beautiful, but Bodhi is the hottest guy out there. Look at all those muscles just waiting to be touched.”
Sorry, Bridge, but not even Bodhi can hold a candle to Mason.
“Sorry, girls,” Aurelia said, bouncing Bea on her lap, “I know he’s your brother, but there is absolutely nothing sexier than Ben Dalton shirtless, sweaty, and kicking butt on a basketball court. Except maybe Benny boy changing Bea’s diaper. There’s definitely something to be said about a man taking care of his baby. Right, sweet pea?” She rubbed noses with Bea.
Remi eyed Mason in his black shorts and tank top. His powerful legs carried him swiftly across the court, his muscular arms waving as he covered Bodhi, who was trying to take a shot.
“Come on, Bodhi!” Bridgette hollered. “Get around that hottieguard!” She turned an apologetic expression to Remi and said, “Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” My man won’t let him get by. “I doubt anyone can get past Mason.”
Bodhi took a shot, and Mason jumped, knocking the ball to Piper
, who dribbled like a pro. She wove between the burly men and took a shot, which fell effortlessly through the hoop, and cheers rang out.
Remi threw her arms up. “Nice pass, Mason! Great shot, Piper!”
“That’s my girl!” Roxie hollered.
Piper high-fived Mason and Zane, who then high-fived each other.
“Nice play, Piper,” Derek said, earning a scowl from Ben.
“Lucky shot,” Ben grumbled, and took the ball out of bounds.
“Lucky my ass, loser.” Piper scoffed.
“You’ve got this, Ben!” Aurelia called out as the players moved into position.
Bea babbled, “Dadadadada.” She looked sweet in tiny pink-and-white-striped leggings and a pink shirt.
“That’s right, baby girl, cheer for Daddy.” Roxie tickled Bea’s chin, earning a drooly smile.
On the court, Zane nudged Mason and said, “You’re not so bad, hottieguard,” with a chuckle.
Mason shook his head. “Keep it up, buddy.”
“No probs in that department,” Zane said.
“That’s right!” Willow hollered. “My man is badass, on the court and in the—”
“Willow!” Roxie glared at her.
“What? I was going to say in the . . .” Willow bit her lower lip, her brow furrowing. “Oh, come on, someone help me out.”
“Boardroom?” Aurelia suggested.
“Nope, Zane’s not a boardroom guy,” Bridgette said. “How about in the loft? Since he used to stay in yours above the bakery?”
“That works. Mom, you okay with that?” Willow teased.
Roxie smiled. “Honestly? I’m not even sure why I interrupted you like that. Everyone here has sex.”
“Mom!” Bridgette snapped. “We don’t want to think about that with you and Dad!”
Roxie pointed at her daughters and said, “One day you’re going to be my age, and I hope you’ll still be having sex then. Sheesh. I’m human just like you.”
“Stop,” Willow said. “Now I need to erase that visual from my brain.” She looked pointedly at Zane. “Ah, that’s better.”
Remi loved their banter. Mason looked over, and their eyes caught, electricity eating up the space between them.
Aurelia’s and Roxie’s brows lifted curiously.
“It looks like your hottieguard might have more than basketball and bodyguarding on his mind,” Aurelia said.
Willow and Bridgette turned knowingly toward Remi, and a hint of jealousy prickled her spine, because they could publicly claim their men, while she had to pretend hers was only with her for his job. It was hard enough keeping their relationship a secret on set. She hated keeping secrets from close friends like Ben and Aurelia.
Roxie pushed to her feet and said, “Remi, while these ladies drool over their men, why don’t you help me bring dessert out?”
Glad to get out from under the cloud of guilt hanging over her, Remi said, “That sounds great. Should we bring out some drool cloths, too?” She followed Roxie inside.
“Those girls are something else.” Roxie went to the counter and opened the Sweetie Pie Bakery box. “Can you please get a platter from the cabinet, sweetheart?”
“Sure.” Remi set the platter on the counter.
As they transferred pastries from the box to the platter, Roxie said, “I snuck a peek at the sample boxes Willow brought for your project from her distributor. They’re really adorable. I can’t wait to see the duffel bags.”
They’d sent several sample boxes, decorated with images of teddy bears, sports items, hearts, books, and even skateboards. They clearly had a wide selection for all ages.
“We hope to get them next week,” Remi said. “But we’ve requested solid colors for those, since the kids could use them for years.”
“That was smart. I’m putting together a special happiness and positivity potion for the soaps, shampoos, and body washes I’m going to donate. Nothing wrong with adding a little extra sparkle to their days, right?”
“You can say that again. Mason and I are excited to get started. We’re just waiting for CCF to get some administrative things in order before we can finalize the logistics. I can’t get over how much support we’re getting from your family and everyone. We’ve already confirmed donations of pajamas from JRB Designs, toothpaste from Sparkle White, hairbrushes and combs from Groom Me, and a bunch of other personal items for the duffels. And several toy manufacturers, including Stackables, which was Piper’s brilliant idea, have agreed to donate to the birthday boxes.”
Roxie set a pastry on the platter and said, “Piper has always marched to her own beat. She never wanted anything to do with dolls or dresses.”
“Well, you did something right raising her. I’d give anything to be as tough as she is.”
“You are every bit as tough as Piper, sweetheart.” Roxie’s voice softened as she turned her attention from the pastries to Remi and said, “You’re under a lot of pressure, and I’m sure you miss your parents a lot at times like these. I’m here if you want to talk.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“I can only imagine how difficult it is with those awful threats coming when you least expect them and Aiden so far away. Not to mention suddenly having a handsome, virile man watching over you.”
Remi walked over to the window to escape Roxie’s knowing eyes and said, “I’ve had other bodyguards, remember?”
Outside, the girls were cheering as Louie zipped between Bodhi and Mason, clutching the basketball against his belly. Mason scooped him up and held him beside the basketball hoop. Louie dunked the ball and threw his hands up victoriously. Then he wrapped his arms around Mason’s neck, hugging him tight. Mason returned the embrace with a smile that shot straight to Remi’s heart.
“Yes, I remember the men you ran away from.” Roxie glanced out the window as Mason set Louie on the ground and fist-bumped Bodhi.
As if Mason felt the heat of Remi’s gaze, he looked over, his eyes trained on Remi, until Zane swatted him on the back. Mason lunged toward Zane, laughing when Zane took off running.
“It looks to me like this one is here to stay.”
Shock at Roxie’s words snapped Remi’s thoughts back in line. Roxie arched a brow with a matronly expression that told Remi she had seen what Remi had felt. She shouldn’t be shocked. Roxie had a sixth sense for love.
“Oh, Roxie.” Remi sat down at the kitchen table and lowered her face to her hands. “Aiden’s going to kill me.”
Roxie stroked Remi’s head. Remi lifted her face from her hands as Roxie sat down beside her and said, “Honey, why would Aiden kill you for finding happiness?”
“Maybe because he’s Aiden,” she said sarcastically. “You know how his mind works. To him I’m still a broken little girl. No matter how often I prove I can handle myself, he will always see me that way. Plus, he hired Mason, and Mason’s nine years older than me. Aiden is going to twist everything around and say Mason took advantage of me.” She sat back with a long exhalation.
“So you haven’t told Aiden about the fire brewing between you two?”
“Are you crazy? Aiden would have been on the first plane home, blown his business deal, and ruined my chance to be with Mason. We’re telling him when he comes back this Sunday. I haven’t even said anything to Aurelia because I’m afraid Ben will find out, and I can’t ask him not to tell Aiden.”
Roxie patted Remi’s hand and said, “Honey, I understand why you’re nervous about telling Aiden, but he’s a caring brother. He might have a hard time with it, but he loves you above all else, and he’ll come to grips with it.”
Remi glanced out the patio doors, and her pulse quickened. Mason was heading in their direction. “Ever since we lost our parents, we’ve been Aiden and Remi, a unit, like peanut butter and jelly. And now I want so badly to be Mason and Remi, a couple. But I have no idea how to tell Aiden.”
“I have a feeling that when the time comes, you’ll take one look at Mason and you won’t be able to hold
it in.”
Mason came through the door and put a hand on Remi’s shoulder, bending down like he was going to kiss her. Her heart skipped a beat. He stopped short, clearing his throat as he straightened his spine, awkwardly patting her shoulder, and said, “Everything okay in here?”
Roxie pushed to her feet and said, “Very much so. Is the game over?”
“No. I just wanted to check on Remi.” He hiked his thumb over his shoulder. “Mind if I use the bathroom?”
“Not at all.” A mischievous look rose in Roxie’s eyes as she picked up the tray of pastries and said, “Remi, why don’t you show him where it is.”
“Sure. It’s right down the hall,” Remi said, hurrying Mason toward the bathroom.
“What was that about?” he asked.
“This.”
She pushed him into the bathroom, shutting the door behind them, and plastered her lips to his. He deepened the kiss, loosening the knots that had formed when she was talking about Aiden. Mason’s arms circled her, crushing her against his familiar, broad chest, tying those unknotted strings into pretty little bows. He leaned back against the door, widening his stance, and guided her between his legs as he slid lower, bringing them face-to-face.
He tucked her hair behind her ear and said, “Hello, beautiful. I’ve missed you.”
“Only you could make a bathroom feel romantic.” She pressed her lips to his and said, “Roxie knows. I didn’t tell her—she just knew.”
“I’m not surprised. I can’t keep my eyes off you.” He kissed her cheek and bowed his head, speaking low, directly in her ear. “It’s getting harder every day, and when we were out there, I wanted to tell everyone you’re mine.”
A hard rap at the door startled them. Remi pressed her finger over her lips, shushing Mason as he moved slowly away from the door.
“I’m going to be a minute,” she said loudly. “You might want to use another bathroom.”
She tried not to laugh as Mason pulled her into his arms and whispered, “That was brilliant.”
She gave him another long, loving kiss. And then she flushed the toilet and ran the faucet. “But you haven’t gone to the bathroom yet. I’ll go out, and you can act like you snuck in before the next person. Ready?”
This is Love Page 25