Page 102 of Without Judgment

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

Avery

Today had been surreal. It started with my waking up in bed with Mason, who’d been in no hurry to leave. Then we had breakfast with my brother, who acted as though Mason and I together was the most natural thing in the world. Dinner felt like two couples out for a night. After that, at the movie, Mason hadn’t hesitated to take my hand.

Now were back at my place. Without asking, he took Koda out for a walk while I got ready for bed. It was late. I wasn’t sure if he was staying overnight or not.

When he came back in, he grinned.

“What?”

“I missed you in your PJs with your hair up in a messy bun.”

“Oh, yeah, this look does it for you?”

He moved close, putting his arms around my waist. “It really does. You’re gorgeous. You okay with me staying tonight?”

“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.” Because it was the first opportunity I’d had to be alone with him all day, I was finally able to ask, “I’m assuming the talk with my brother went well this morning. What did you say?”

He framed my face with his hands. “I told him I wanted to date you. He said I must be serious.”

“And what did you say?” My voice was a whisper.

“That I’m crazy about you.” He moved his hands down to my hips.

My smile couldn’t be contained. “I’m crazy about you, too.” In fact, I’d have said I was in love with him, but telling him that might be too soon. We were going slow, and although I might be impatient, I also knew some things were worth waiting for. When Mason did tell me he loved me, I’d know he meant it completely.

“Oh, I also didn’t get a chance to ask how things are with your business? Did you hire on some more people and get an office with the investment money?”

“Actually, I didn’t take the investment money from your father for my company.”

My eyes got big. “What? Why not?”

“Because deep down I hoped someday I’d be telling him I was dating his daughter. I never wanted a doubt it was ever about the money. Not with him and definitely not with you.”

With his company meaning as much as it did to him, the fact he’d sacrificed the investment money made me realize how serious he was about me. About us. Yet without the money, I knew it would be harder for him to realize his goals.

“I wouldn’t ever believe you were with me for the money. It’s not in your genetic makeup. I feel terrible you would—”

He held a finger to my lips. “The website you designed has brought us a lot of business. I’ve even had to hire two more guys, so stop feeling terrible. It’s getting there.”

“Oh. That’s good, then. I’ve learned a few more things, such as setting up a newsletter and doing some Flash Player stuff if you want me to play with it.

“It’s all yours, so long as you don’t follow through with your one-time threat of pink sparkles and cartoon theme songs. What do you think about spending the night at my place next Saturday? I’d like to cook for you.”

“Sure. Is it okay if I bring Koda?” I loved how he was taking this dating thing seriously and making an effort.

“I already planned to get him a bed at my place, so I hope so.”

“Then yes. It’s a date.”

He ran his fingers down my side. “Rethinking my earlier comment maybe I’m not a fan of you in PJs. I prefer your clothes off.”

I smiled. “I prefer to save greeting you naked until after the second date. Make you have to work for it on the first one.”

He threw his head back with laughter.

I had to ask. “Are you laughing at me or with me?”

His face turned serious before he nuzzled my neck and whispered in my ear. “With you, princess. Always with you.”

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