I struggle to contain my amusement. “Oh, God. You were that kid at the birthday parties who hovered over the veggie tray, weren’t you? Trying to get your little mates to eat carrots instead of chips and cookies. Bless you. Were you bullied, sweet boy?”
He pulls me against him and tickles my side until my eyes water and I cry out for mercy. He kisses my cheek and steals a cheese cube, grinning.
I grab a water for us to share and return to the bed.
“So, that class tonight. Have you taught something like that before?” I ask, washing down my grape.
“No, but I’ve wanted to. My sister, Ellie has Down Syndrome. She’s the reason I got started in yoga.”
I lower the bottle to my lap, searching my memory for the information Mason’s already given me on his family.
Seven sisters. Mason being the baby of the group.
I know he’s mentioned Ellie. I remember her name, but he’s never told me much more than the fact that he’s close with her.
“I’ve never met anyone . . .” I pause, considering my wording. “With that before. How is she?” I shake my head, my hand covering half my face.
Christ, she isn’t sick, Brooke.
“Sorry. I don’t know a lot about that.”
His face softens with a gentle smile. “She’s good. Really good. She lives close to my parents’ house with a few roommates. That way she has her support, but also her independence. It’s good for her. My mum drove her a little nuts, I think.”
“Mums can do that,” I chuckle, offering him the water after he sets the empty plate on the night stand. “How did Ellie get you interested in yoga? Does she do it too?”
“She did. Once.” He takes a sip of the water, making a face. “Not really her thing. But, when she wanted to try it out, I gave her a lift to the studio. She didn’t have her license.”
“That was your first class too?”
“I just watched. It was for people with disabilities. But I signed up for my own class the next day.”
“How old were you?”
“Eighteen.”
I smile, thinking about a younger version of the man I’m staring at. A sweet boy helping his sister, and in the process, discovering a passion that would lead to a career.
I imagine Mason’s face as he takes on the role of spectator, watching a class like the ones he teaches from a perch on the wall. His blue eyes magnetic, engrossed in the movement and discipline of the instructor. Soaking it all in and connecting with it.
“I think it’s really great, what you did. Amazing, actually.” I kiss his jaw and fall back onto the bed, my head hitting the pillow. “Does Ellie like cupcakes? Or does she eat like a caveman too?”
He smiles, capping the water and tossing it. “She loves cupcakes.”
“Mm.”
Maybe if we ever visit Australia together, I can make her some.
“So, speaking of sisters, Juls is having me over for dinner Friday night. Do you want to go with me? It could be our official coming out as a couple debut, or whatever. If you’re busy, that’s okay. It isn’t a big deal or anything. It’s just dinner.”
I stare at my fingers as they twist together on my stomach.
Way to play down your looming sadness, Brooke.
Geez. Why do I already feel disappointed? As if the possibility of Mason having other plans that don’t involve me is too depressing to even consider. We don’t have to spend every weekend together. He’s allowed to have a life without me. Visit his own family without me . . .
Or, he could opt for not having a life without me and that would be terrific too.
Mason rolls over, kneeling between my legs, his large hands pushing up my shirt, his shirt, and stroking my torso.
“Brooke, do you have any idea how desperate I was to know you? To spend time together when this all started between us? That hasn’t changed. I’m quite obsessed with you, if you haven’t noticed. I want anything you’re willing to give me, especially if it’s something you’re asking me to take.” He squeezes my hips and rubs my thighs. He bends to kiss my stomach. “I’m yours. My body, my soul. All of my time is yours.”
I slide my fingers through his hair. “Okay,” I quietly reply, my heart beating so loudly I barely hear my own voice.
“And anything involving you is a big deal to me.” He looks up, a playful smirk lifting one side of his mouth. “You were worried I’d be busy?”
I shake my head, fighting a smile. “Maybe.”
“You think too much, Brooke. You make yourself nervous and unsure when you don’t need to be.” He kisses my rib. “Ask me again while you’re sucking my dick.”
“What?” I laugh, watching him push back onto his knees. Ask him again? “You already said yes.”
“Pretend I didn’t. You won’t be so worried about my answer if you’re focused on making me come.” He fists his shaft. “Plus, I just really want you to suck me. Ever since you put that image in my head about fucking your pretty little mouth.” He moans, pulling on his cock. His eyes burning down my body and lingering between my legs. “Come on, sweetheart. Before I flip you over and take you on your knees.”
I inhale sharply.