Chapter 35

Chapter Thirty-Five

Mason

I should be in Seattle finalizing all the details for my trip to Argentina and Costa Rica. Instead, I'm sitting next to my friend Ainsley and she's talking about love.

Love.

A sentiment that is unreal and usually leaves someone bleeding.

It's never happened to me. She wants some love story. Deep down, I hope she doesn't find the guy. She deserves more than going on a wild goose chase for the rest of her life. I check my watch. It's time for me to leave. Not wanting to, but having to, I stand and take her hand so she can join me.

"I gotta go," my voice is a croak that hangs in my throat like a golf ball.

For the first time, I want to delegate the mission to someone else and stay around while she finds herself. Sedentary isn't something I do or enjoy. The brightness of those eyes dims slightly, her smile transforms into a flat line.

"Actually, I came for a quick visit. I wanted to check on you before leaving the country," I disclose more than I should. Not knowing where her parents are or if her brothers are around, I take her outside for a final goodbye. The way things work between us, chances are I won't see her for another year or more.

"I have a couple of long-term projects that will keep me busy for an extended time. Text, email, you know, the same shit. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Never hesitate."

"Goodbye?" Her little voice is a whisper in the night that caresses my ears, and for some reason, I believe she thinks we won't see each other for a long time—like I do.

I never make promises because I hate broken promises.

Instead, I gather her into my arms and hold her close. The closest I can, as if fusing our bodies together. The citrusy, sweet scent I miss when she's not around wraps my heart as she hugs me. I slide my hands over her body, trying to memorize her shape, angles, and curves.

I'm allowed to touch.

This was meant to be a hug, but now I need a taste.

Another taste from her.

A bite of Ainse to keep her close to me. I cup her chin with my hand, hold the back of her neck with the other, and brush her lips with mine.

I gently start to nibble them and hope she doesn't push me away. Hers move in the same rhythm as mine, and I take that as an invitation to continue. My tongue pushes against her lips as a request to let me in, to let me take her, at least for a moment.

The heat our bodies create is different from any fire I have experienced with anyone else. Scary, safe, unique, magical, all taking me by surprise. Against my better judgment, I don't let the moment go and face everything head-on, along with the fear of this strange sensation.

For all I know, next time we meet, she might have found him , the guy who'll be everything to her.

"Take care of yourself, Nine," I whisper as I trace her jaw with my lips.

"Bye," the tiny-raspy voice lets out a breath. "Be safe."

"Always. See you around." I salute her as I climb into my car and head back to my life.

To Be Continued…

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