Page 40 of Between the Paragraphs

I kick off my shoes and head straight for the bathroom. Nothing sounds better than a hot soak to help me relax after a long day of travel. I start the water in the tub, adding in my favorite peach scented bubble bath, then step back as the tub fills. I move out to the living room and take my phone out of my purse, finally turning it on after days of it being off.

I’m cringing just a bit not knowing what to expect. I wonder how Mason’s handled my absence. I might have a tiny bit of guilt as I know I wouldn’t have liked him disappearing on me for two solid days. Then again, we don’t have to be in contact with each other twenty-four-seven. Relationships are supposed to be about balance.

My phone comes to life with a bang, lighting up with multiple notifications from work, friends, and family. Most people in my life know I go dark for girl weekends so it’s no problem. When all of the notifications are finished flashing on my screen I see only one message from Mason. I open it with a bit of apprehension. Only one message either means he’s very secure or he’s irritated with me. I’m not sure which it will be.

Mason: Missing you already. I don’t like waking to find you gone. Next time, set the alarm an hour earlier so I can send you off satisfied.

A smile tugs on my lips at the message. I can handle this in one of two ways. I can apologize and explain myself, or I can be playful and flirty and see if he’ll play along. This will tell me a whole lot about him. I decide for the second option.

I discard my clothes then slip into the hot bath, the water enveloping me, instantly relaxing my muscles and easing my worry. I’ve never cared so much before about what a guy thinks about me or what I’m doing. This is strange, but I like Mason, I really like him. I get comfortable then grab my phone and type out a message.

Maria: I had a phone-off weekend with Nikki which was wonderful. You might’ve been on my mind a whole lot . . . especially at night. Right now I’m really thinking about you as I lie in this hot, hot, hot, bubbly tub.

I lift one of my legs from the water, bubbles clinging to my skin, and snap a picture to attach to the text, ensuring the angle is suggestive and tasteful at the same time. I send the picture and message, then find my heart thudding as I wait for a response. I’m hopeful he’ll play along. I haven’t felt the spark of a new relationship in a long time.

There are immediate dots on the phone showing me he’s looking at my message right now. I decide to set my phone on the side of the tub instead of staring at it while I wait.

Mason: Are you trying to torture me with this picture?

A thrill runs through me at his words. He must not be upset with me because he doesn’t even comment on the blackout, instead liking the picture I’ve just sent.

Maria: I might be trying to torture you just a little, but only because I’m aching for you. You pleasured me so well before my trip that it hurts to not have your hands all over me right now.

Mason: I got called out of town this morning or I’d be driving to your house so fast you wouldn’t have a chance to hide! Instead, it appears we both have to be tortured.

I let out a groan of frustration, not realizing how much I was hoping he’d do just that. Now that I’m back in town he’s the only one I want to see. It appears we’re both going to be miserable tonight. I don’t regret my trip, will never regret time with Nik, but I want to have bestie time, and be ravaged by Mason right after. Can’t I have it all?

Maria: I guess it helps to know you’re left wanting as much as I am. Right now I’m running my hands over my breasts . . . down my stomach . . . and between my thighs . . .

I send another photo showing my hand beneath the bubbles, my legs spread wide, my knees sticking up. I never send raunchy photos, but this feels safe because my face isn’t in the image and nothing indecent is showing. I lay my head back as my fingers whisper over my clit. I picture Mason sitting in the tub with me. I’ve never needed a man as much as I need him right here and now.

Mason: You’re playing dirty. I want you to picture my tongue where your fingers are right now. I’m lying in bed naked with my hand moving up and down my dick as I imagine your mouth there instead.

I lean back as I move my fingers faster, my breath panting out as I imagine how hard and thick he is right now. I can picture his fingers squeezing his thick flesh while the tip glistens with his come, which only turns me on that much more. I sink my fingers inside myself while my thumb continues rubbing circles. I let out a moan as an orgasm washes through me. It takes off the edge but isn’t nearly as satisfying as if Mason was with me.

Maria: I just had a very unsatisfying orgasm. When do you get back to town so you can give me a better one?

I’m done flirting and playing games. I want Mason right here with me to take off this edge that only he can create and sate. I’m trying not to be clingy, but he’s awoken something in me that only he can tame. It takes Mason a few more moments to respond.

Mason: I understand the feeling of unsatisfaction. It will have to do until Friday. I’ll be away all week. I’ll be thinking about you the entire time. Don’t make weekend plans. You’re mine.

A shudder runs through me. Yes. There will be no other plans made that don’t involve this man, at least not for a while. No matter how scary it is to depend on him so much, I’m already involved, and I might as well accept it. I can’t even pretend I want to be anywhere else but with him. For the first time in what feels like ever, I’ll be looking forward to work ending and fun beginning.

Maria: I’m all yours.

I don’t add more to this. I don’t need to. I climb from the tub, dry off, then sink into bed naked. I don’t usually like sleeping in the nude as I always worry there will be a fire or something else that will make me need to run from the place quickly. But I have no energy left to get dressed. Mason and I say goodnight, and I fall asleep missing him.

The next day dawns, and it’s back to work as usual. I’m comfortable in my routine. It doesn’t take long to jump back into it. As much as I think the week will drag, I find myself having fun as I work while also sharing flirtatious messages, teasing photos, and long conversations with Mason that make me miss him even more.

Each time we speak we learn more about each other, and I grow even closer to the man through playful banter, deep conversations, and some serious sexual tension. By the time Friday comes, I’m practically buzzing with anticipation.

I’m meeting Mason tonight for a dinner at his mother’s house which scares me to death. It’s so soon to meet her, but he assures me it’s a large gathering and a good opportunity to speak with his brother, too. I’ve been thrown into many situations, and I can handle this. Just because I’m meeting his mother doesn’t mean anything . . . does it?

No matter how many pep talks I give myself it doesn’t stop the trembling in my fingers as I pull up to the address Mason sent. The home is large, and there are a lot of vehicles in the huge parking area. This makes me feel better. It’s not an intimate dinner where all eyes will be on me.

I follow a lit path to the backyard where the sound of laughter and music is drawing me in. As soon as I enter the yard, I see Mason who starts heading my way, his eyes bright, and a smile resting on his lips. Damn, he’s beautiful.

“A week is too long,” he tells me before pulling me close. “You’re stunning.” He leans down and kisses me. It’s not the kiss either of us want, but there are a lot of people around so that will need to come later. I’ll take what I can get for now. It’s crazy how much I’ve missed this man I didn’t even know a month ago. When someone enters your life who makes an impact, there’s no turning back. Mason is that man and he’s here to stay no matter what happens. Even if we don’t work out, he’ll reside in my mind and soul for many years to come.

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