Chapter 15

"Bye Mommy, bye Daddy." Ari waves over her shoulder as she walks down Mason's driveway, holding Chloe's hand and surrounded by Max, Eli, and Brantley.

"Bye," we say in unison.

Side by side, we watch as they load up and drive away.

"Holy shit."

I look over and see Mason rubbing his chest. "What's wrong?"

"Is it normal that my chest aches over the fact she's about to go experience something for the first time without me?"

I laugh lightly. "No, it's normal. It's a little bittersweet, right?"

"Damn…I just feel like I missed so much already," he sighs, shaking his head.

"It's not too late. We can go with them," I tell him.

He shakes his head. "I have to get used to it at some point. Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, are you sure I look okay?" I ask as I run my hands over the skirt of my dress.

Mason's eyes soften. "You look great. Besides, I have something casual planned for us."

I nod even though I think that Mason's definition of casual and mine are different.

Mason wouldn't lead me astray, though.

"Come on, let's head inside," he says as he unlocks the door.

Mason picked Ari, Chloe, and me up at our place, and when we pulled into his driveway, the guys were already waiting for us. We didn't even make it inside before she was in her uncles' arms, ready to leave us.

He smiles as he opens the door for me, gesturing for me to go inside first.

As soon as we step inside, I smell something delicious. "Is someone here?"

"No, but my chef made us dinner before he took off." Mason shakes his head as he leads us further into his place.

"You have a chef?" I ask in disbelief.

I can't imagine having so much money where you can spend it on having someone do something you are more than capable of doing yourself.

As we round the corner, I gasp.

Hundreds, and I mean hundreds, of candles cover the room, giving it a warm glow, and the fireplace is going. Someone even laid out a ton of blankets and pillows in front of the fireplace, making it look like a comfy place to lounge.

I turn toward him. "Mason, what is this?"

He stuffs his hands into his pockets and shrugs, looking slightly uncomfortable. "This is our date."

"Our date?" I ask, completely overwhelmed.

When he asked me out, I thought we would go to dinner or a movie, but in true Mason fashion, he went over the top.

"This is…"

He cringes. "Too much?"

"Perfect. A lot? Yes, but this is amazing."

Mason's shoulders relax, and he smiles as he takes my hand. "Come on."

He leads me over to the pile of blankets and pillows and pulls me down next to him.

"Would you like a glass of champagne?" he asks as he pulls a bottle out of a bucket I hadn't seen.

Instinctively, I cringe.

"Or not. I have wine, whiskey, water, and I might have a box of tea somewhere…" he rambles off.

"I can drink champagne, it's fine."

Mason raises a brow. He hates when I take whatever he gives without complaint. He keeps telling me to be honest.

"Okay, fine. I hate the stuff."

"Thank God. I do too," he mutters as he puts it back into the bucket.

I laugh, shaking my head. "Then why did you buy it?"

He shrugs. "I wanted to impress you."

Leaning forward, I rest my hand on his leg. "You don't have to try and impress me by buying fancy things like champagne. I'm a simple girl and just want you for you."

Mason chuckles as he grabs me by the back of my neck, pulling me in for a kiss. When he breaks away, he rests his forehead against mine. "The last thing I would call you is simple, but I hear you. Now tell me, what do you want to drink?

"Either tea or water, please. I'd rather not drink in case Ari needs us."

"Got it." He leans in and steals another kiss before jumping up.

I bite my lip as I watch him walk away.

This man.

Turning, I lean against the propped-up pillows and stare at the fire.

This is insane.

If you would have told me a month ago that I would be having a date night at home, or a date period with Mason, I would have called you a liar.

"Here we go."

Turning my head, I see Mason step back into view, carrying a tray.

"Do you need help?" I ask as I sit up.

Mason shakes his head. "Relax, I got this. Let me spoil you."

I can't help but smile as he carefully sets the tray down between us. On it, he has two drinks, along with a bunch of little finger foods. Some I recognize, but some I don't.

"This looks great."

"Charles is one hell of a chef. Half the time, I don't know what I'm eating."

"That sounds risky."

"Normally I would agree, but Charles has worked for me for so long that if he sets it in front of me, I know I'll like it, no questions asked."

"Well then, I can't wait to try it," I say as I pick up a little crostini with some type of berry jam and cheese on it.

"Cheers," Mason says as he picks one up, tapping it against the side of mine.

We both take a bite at the same time and groan as the flavors explode on our tongues.

"Okay, I get it now. I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us," I mumble as I go in for another bite.

Mason chuckles. "Just wait until we get to the main course. I have to take it out of the oven in about thirty minutes, by the way."

"That's not too bad," I say as I pick up another little treat. "These are so good, I'm afraid I'll ruin my dinner."

Mason shrugs. "If you do, so what? We can heat it up later and eat it."

"You know, you're much more laid-back than I remember," I say as I lean back on the pillows.

Mason moves the tray from between us and sets it on the other side of him before scooting in close to me.

He brushes a piece of hair away from my face. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"Good for sure."

"When we met, I wasn't in the best place. I had a lot of stress from taking over The Williamson Group. My father had died, and it was like my entire life changed in one go. I was still digging myself out of that hole when we met. I didn't expect to find you, though," he admits.

"I don't think you've ever told me about your dad before. What was he like?"

Mason smiles softly. "My dad was the best. He was the peacekeeper between my mother and Max and me. He spent as much time with just Max and me as possible, doing guy stuff."

My lips twitch. "Guy stuff."

Mason's cheeks turn slightly pink. "You know, we played catch, went camping, that sort of thing."

"It sounds like you miss him."

"I do. He never went a day without telling us he loved us." He clears his throat, pushing down his emotions.

"That's sweet. Is your mother the reason you used the app that night?" I ask.

"She is. She wanted to set me up with one of the women in her circle. I had been burned so many times by those women by that point that I was desperate. I knew the only way to get out of having to be polite to any of them for the whole night was to bring my own date. Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," I tell him, thinking over what he just said.

It seems like his mom has always had some sort of control over his life. He has let her dictate his actions without fighting back. What if he decides he wants her back in his life? He says he's done with her now, but what if she comes back in a year or two and wants her boy back? Will I be able to forgive her, or will I make him choose between us? What if he chooses her? I mean, it's his mother. Can I handle that? I don't want the woman anywhere near my daughter, though. She has already shown me that she's evil. My daughter doesn't need that in her life. I draw the line at toxic people.

I'm so far in my thoughts that his question catches me off guard.

"Why did you ghost me that night?"

I look up into his eyes and see a vulnerable man.

"I didn't think you'd want me there. It was a one-night stand. It was such an amazing night that I didn't want to tarnish it with you trying to figure out a way to ask me to go, so I just went."

He frowns. "I wanted to get your number and see you again. You were the first woman in a long time that had made me feel anything at all. I have been chasing that high since that night."

I can feel tears prick my eyes. If only I had stayed. Our lives would be so different.

"Mason, you are a larger-than-life man. I could tell not only by your clothing but by the way you hold yourself that you come from money. Chloe wasn't joking when she made that comment about roaches. I've lived in roach-infested places before. I get food stamps to help support Ari and I. We are on state-funded health insurance. I was afraid if I stayed that you would see how poor I was and do one of two things. Either swoop in and try to fix everything for me or be disgusted by me. Neither was an option I was willing to risk."

He nods. "I get it. There are several tax brackets separating us, but money shouldn't matter. I would give it all up right now and move into your little apartment just to be with you and Ari."

This is why I'm falling for him. I know without a doubt that he would do it. He would leave his lavish lifestyle to be poor with me. The thought touches me, but I would never ask him to. I know how much he loves the legacy his father left him. How much all of the businesses mean to him. He would grow to resent me, whether he likes it or not.

"I wouldn't want that. I know you want us to move in with you, and I know your money can solve a majority of my issues, but that's just not me. I don't want to feel like I'm taking handouts. It's hard enough taking it from the government. I won't take it from the man I'm dating. You're just going to have to be patient and let me come to terms with all of this on my own. I will get there one day. I promise."

I mean it too. I know that one day, if this keeps going the way it's going, we will be living with him and have a white picket fence and the puppy Ari has always wanted. We will be a family one day, but I'm not there yet. I wish I could just say fuck it and be there, but the mind is a wonderful, scary thing. It doesn't react the way you always want.

He runs his hand along my hip. "I can respect that. I am going to make a few demands, though."

I swallow hard as I nod my head for him to continue. I expected this. He is going to want more time with Ari. I know that. I don't like feeling like I'm being put on the spot, though.

"You let me put Ari on my insurance. She's my daughter, and she should have the best care money can buy. Max is already planning to hire you full-time. That decision was before he knew about us, so I want you to accept it. It wasn't a handout from me, but proof that you're great at your job. Once you're officially hired by us, you'll be offered insurance for yourself, so you will also be taken care of. As for your food stamps, I'm glad that they've helped you get by, but I would like to pay child support and cover that side of things for you."

"What? No," I refuse.

My mind is blown. I was on board with the insurance thing. I will swallow my pride to allow my daughter better health care. I'm not an idiot. I was even accepting the whole Max-is-hiring-you-full-time thing. Not sure I believe it was before we got together, but I need the experience, so again, I wouldn't turn it down.

Money though? Yeah, I'm not accepting a dime from him.

"It makes sense. I should be paying you back child support. You have cared for our daughter for years without my help. Let me help now."

"I don't want your money." I cross my arms over my chest.

He laughs. "It's not for you, Livvy baby. It's for Ari. Please let me provide the assistance that would be required of any father. If we were married, I would be paying for things for her that you would gladly allow me to. Why can't you allow it now?"

He pulls out his phone and does something before turning it around.

"Look, this calculator says that based on our salaries, I should be paying you like seven hundred dollars weekly."

My eyes nearly bug out of my head. "I don't even make seven hundred dollars a week. Hell no, you aren't paying me that. That is preposterous."

My hands are shaking now. I cannot believe he even suggested that. I know money is nothing to him, but it's different for me. I hustle my ass off to make it, and I refuse to just accept it without earning it. I want us to be equal. Money makes things weird.

He smiles at me. "Let's negotiate then."

"No way. I don't need it."

"Olivia, be realistic here. You can't keep me from spending money on Ari. All I'm asking is you let me contribute to the bills that come along with that. Compromise with me, baby."

The look on his face has me caving. He really means what he is saying. This is important to him.

I sigh. I really could use the help, and if he is adamant that it's for Ari, then I'll only use it on things for Ari.

"A hundred a week. Four hundred a month."

He scoffs. "I'm a billionaire. That's change for me. Five hundred a week."

"Two hundred and fifty dollars, and I'll allow you to buy things for her when we go out."

He considers it a moment. I've been stingy about letting him spend money on us. I let him buy food or drinks here and there, but nothing extravagant like toys or clothes. Believe me, he's tried. If this makes him happy, I'll allow him some small concessions.

"Deal. Shit, Livvy. That was hot. You were all standing your ground." He smirks at me.

I roll my eyes at him. "Seriously?"

He moves closer, cupping my face. "If you could feel my dick right now, you'd know I'm telling the truth."

I have no clue where I get the nerve, but I reach down and grab him through his pants, finding him hard like he said. He groans, his dick jumping against my hand.

"Fuck, you can't do that. I'm going to spill in my pants like a prepubescent teenager."

That has me giggling. "I'd like to see that."

"It's embarrassing. Pre-ejaculation isn't sexy."

I shrug. "Depends on who you're asking."

"That's it," he growls.

Before I know it, I'm on my back with both of my hands pinned above my head.

"You're asking for it."

"For what?" I whimper.

"This."

Then he presses against me, and I lose all train of thought.

* * *

Her pussy is like a furnace. I can feel the heat through all of the layers separating us. I meant this to be a little tease for her, but it seems I'm only torturing myself too.

"Mason," she moans, arching up into me.

I wasn't planning to have sex with her tonight. I only wanted to wine and dine her. I wanted to show her that I could do romance. That for her, I would go to any length.

Yet here we are. I'm not sure I'm strong enough to deny her. Not when I know she is not only sober, but in her right mind.

"Fuck, Livvy. I've dreamed of this," I admit.

"Of dry humping in your house?" She quirks an eyebrow.

Leaning down, I bite her neck, making her squeak. "Watch that mouth or I will edge the fuck out of you until you're a crying mess."

"You wouldn't dare," she says.

I pull back, looking into her eyes. "Do you want to test me?"

Her eyes widen, and she shakes her head at whatever she sees in my eyes.

"That's right. Now be a good girl and grind on my cock. I want a little taste of what's to come."

I expected more lip from her, but instead she gets this calculating look in her eye. She thinks she's a sly one, but I'm already clued into her game. She's going to try and make me come in my pants. I'll let her give it her best shot. She forgets that with the way I have her pinned under me, I hold all the control.

She starts off slow, grinding against me as I grind down on her. It feels phenomenal. With it feeling this good now, I know it will be a million times better once I'm inside of her.

Over the years, I wondered if I made up the chemistry between us. If the sex really was as good as I remembered.

I have a feeling it's even better, which is saying a lot.

Switching her hands from both of mine to one, I run my hand down her neck until I'm pulling her dress up over her breasts. Her breathing is coming heavier as I keep the steady pace grinding against her pussy. She's needy. I bet if I put my hands in her panties, she would be wet as hell.

Pulling her bra down beneath her breasts, I lean down, licking her nipple. Then I suck it into my mouth, rolling it between my teeth.

She is on edge now, her own movements becoming less regular.

Then I pin her down, not allowing her to move a bit.

She struggles against me, but she can't move as I keep sucking on her nipple.

"Mason, please. I was so close. Please."

I don't respond to her, instead, I switch over to the other tit, giving it the same treatment.

"You've made your point. You're in control. I give it all up to you. Make me feel good. Please."

I smile against her skin. I know that cost her. She always has such tight control over her life. She's had to with the way she has had to live. No room for mistakes when someone is depending on you.

Looking up at her, I press a quick kiss to her lips.

"Don't move your hands. You move them, I stop."

She nods her head at me as I move my way down her body.

She moves her hands then, trying to cover her stomach. I growl.

"I said don't move."

She looks down at me shyly. "I don't look like I did before. I have, um, tiger stripes from everything, and I just, I don't know. I'm self-conscious, I guess? I don't know what to say."

I grab her hands, pushing them up above her head.

"You don't say anything. You keep your fucking hands where I tell you to and then you let me worship this body like I was made to do. You think I care about a few stretch marks? I find them sexy as fuck because they are proof that you carried a human being inside your stomach. They are proof that you've given me the greatest gift a woman can give. So you can feel self-conscious. Those are valid feelings, but know that when I look at you, all I see is the most gorgeous woman I've ever laid eyes on."

She has tears in her eyes but doesn't say anything. Taking it as her obeying my demand, I kiss my way down her body, paying close attention to those marks she is so embarrassed of. By the time I get to her pussy, she's a quivering mess once more.

Pulling her panties aside, I see the evidence of her arousal. She's wet and needy. Even now, her core is clenching against nothing, desperate to be filled.

My cock jerks at the thought, ready to fulfill that job, but it's not his turn.

No, I need her to know that tonight is all about her. My own pleasure will always come second to hers.

Ignoring my aching dick, I press two fingers inside of her. She gasps, her hips trying to rise up, but I hold them down with my free hand. Then I wrap my arm around until I can hold her down and open for me at the same time.

Leaning in, I suck her clit into my mouth, loving how her body responds. I take my time, savoring every moment between her legs. I lick and suck while thrusting my fingers inside of her, curling to hit her G-spot. I do this for several minutes until she comes all over my face. It's a heady feeling to know I made her do that. That I can make her feel that good with just my tongue and fingers.

When she calms down, I crawl up her body, pulling her into my arms. Then I kiss the hell out of her.

She's all loopy with this content smile on her face. It's adorable.

"You next?" she murmurs, already half asleep.

"Nah. This was all about you, Livvy. Bringing you pleasure is enough for me."

Then we fall asleep like that as we wait for our daughter to come home.