Page 100 of Without Judgment

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

Mason

I woke up with Avery’s naked body pressed against mine. But instead of freaking out, overanalyzing, or regretting a thing, deep contentment settled in. Though I had no reference point from a previous relationship, I was pretty sure I was falling for her in a big way. A good indication was my desire to plan a future with this beautiful woman.

The fact she was giving me a second chance, one I probably hadn’t deserved, meant I wouldn’t take it for granted.

It was important I give her some space and not push things too quickly. She’d established a measure of independence, and the last thing I wished to do was stifle it. Instead, I was happy to support her.

At the moment, that support included taking Koda outside. As the sun peeked through the window, he was lifting his head to stare at me. So I pulled on my jeans and shirt, slipped on my shoes, and gathered his leash.

“Come on, boy.” All ready, I took him down the stairs and out the back.

I’d been so touched to see she’d adopted the dog whose scars went beneath the surface. It gave me yet another reason to be absolutely certain she was the one for me.

“We’re both lucky to have found her, aren’t we?” I whispered to him.

Once I went to see Mick’s family, my nightmares had abated, but I continued to struggle with survivor’s guilt. I’d been toying with the idea of seeing a professional or joining a support group to see if it would help. Just another step towards trying to better myself.

I let Koda do his business and brought him back upstairs. Avery was still in bed. I searched around for his food and gave him two scoops, hoping it was enough. Then I crawled back into the warm cocoon of blankets. I pulled her into the curve of my naked body, loving to spoon her like this.

“Mm, morning,” she murmured, waking up slowly and taking one of my hands in hers.

“Morning, beautiful.”

She kissed the inside of my wrist in a tender gesture, making me feel as if I could share anything.

“I’m contemplating attending a support group for veterans. Probably won’t talk much, but maybe just being there will help with the survivor’s guilt.”

“I think that’s an important step. I could go with you if you if you want.”

Only she would be generous enough to offer. I pulled her closer. “Thank you. I probably need to go by myself at first, but I’ll let you know when, so you can convince me not to back out.”

“I can do that.”

I reached down, my fingers finding her already wet for me. Strumming her clit, I heard her breath catch.

But then she tensed. “I hate to interrupt this, but I need to take Koda out.”

“Already did. And fed him.”

“You did?”

“Mm-hm.”

“In that case, please proceed.”

I chuckled in her ear and then kissed down the back of her neck while pushing into her slowly. We’d decided last night to continue to forgo the condoms. I both trusted her and wanted this level of intimacy. “Christ, you feel good.”

“You, too.”

I measured my thrusts, slow and languid, while building her up with my hand. Her pussy went like a vice grip when she reached her climax, insisting I go over the edge with her. And I did, coming deep inside of her with a satisfied growl. Lazy morning sex with the woman of my dreams was my new favorite thing.

We must’ve both fallen asleep until she suddenly jumped out of the bed. “Shit. What time is it?”

I rolled over to look at my phone. “Nine-forty. Why?”

“My brother and Emma are coming over at ten. I need to shower and make breakfast, and are you, um, are you staying?”

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