Page 76 of Without Judgment

“Mildly irritated.”

He smirked, shutting his door and starting the engine. “I did apologize.”

“I know. That’s why it’s mild. I just wish you would’ve told me last night. Then I could’ve, I don’t know—”

He turned towards me. “Could’ve what?”

“Given you a better last kiss.” I was quite sure I’d passed out, and now that I knew this was the end, well, I would’ve liked a final kiss.

“What would you have done differently?” His tone was teasing.

I shrugged. “Guess now you’ll never know.”

He unbuckled his seatbelt swiftly to lean over and capture my face between his two hands. “Show me.”

I could’ve been a brat, but then I’d miss the chance for our last kiss. So instead, I moved towards him and touched my lips softly to his. Gentle at first, and then I sank my teeth into his bottom lip. I was rewarded with his growl and a tongue slipping into my mouth, sweeping mine and deepening the kiss. My hands curled into his hair while one of his unbuckled my seatbelt so he could pull me closer.

Although it took a Herculean effort to pull away, I finally managed.

He pressed his forehead against mine while the sound of our harsh breathing filled the small space.

“That was better.”

He smiled, swiping my hair back behind my ears. “I shouldn’t have called your brother. I should’ve let you decide where you wanted to go.”

“Yes.” I wanted to ask him if he was telling the truth about having business or if he was panicking about last night and how things had been different between us in bed. But I realized it didn’t matter. I had to return to reality at some point. Even if I would’ve preferred it on my own terms, I did think going to Dallas with my brother was probably the best option. Not that I would admit it to Mason yet.

We drove in silence. There wasn’t anything to say because there was too much to say. I’d miss him. But I couldn’t tell him that. I’d had the best three days of my life. But I couldn’t tell him that, either. I reminded myself I didn’t want a relationship, but it was little help when my heart told me something different.

We were getting close to Austin with signs for the airport up ahead. “Thank you.”

He turned, looking at me. “For what?”

“Taking me to your cabin. It was special and just what I needed.”

“No regrets?” The question was posed with a hint of vulnerability. I wouldn’t have picked up on it if I hadn’t gotten to know him.

“None. You?”

“No. Also, I forgot to thank you for the website stuff.”

“You’re welcome. I enjoyed doing it. Might even look into more web stuff at school.”

“Which school do you think you’ll choose?”

It was between Dallas, College Station, and Austin. I didn’t want mention the last one in case he get the wrong idea about my trying to stay near him. “Not sure. I’ll begin my search in Dallas.”

“It would be good to be near your brother.”

Yes and no. Part of me preferred to start fresh in a new town. “Maybe.” I bit my lip. There was one final thing I needed to tell him. “I know it won’t be easy to see Mick’s parents. But if you ever need a friend to go with you, call me.”

He swallowed hard. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

I sensed it would give him closure to face this fear, and I also thought it would mean a great deal to Mick’s parents.

Immediately after he’d pulled up curbside at the departures area, I spotted both my brother and Emma. The vision of them made me smile. My brother wore cargo shorts and a T-shirt. Of course, his girlfriend looked as though she’d just jumped off the page of a fashion magazine even though she was only wearing shorts and a shirt herself. They made a stunning couple.

“I’ll, um, see you around.” What else could I say to Mason? Awkward couldn’t begin to describe the situation. How did I say goodbye to my recent lover—and my brother’s best friend—while my brother watched?

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