Page 42 of Sweetheart

Mason dropped his pack and an insulated bag before moving forward. Levi opened his arms and was greeted with a soft press of lips against his.

Levi held Mason tight against his chest as they kissed.

All the tension he’d been carrying instantly evaporated. His mate brought him peace and comfort. Drawing away slowly from the kiss, Levi peered down at his mate. There were dark circles under Mason’s eyes that hadn’t been there before. Brushing his thumbs over the puffy skin, Levi ran his gaze up and down Mason’s face.

“What’s the matter?” Levi asked.

“Nothing,” Mason said quickly. Too quickly.

Levi hummed. His friends were right. Something was going on with his mate. “Let’s sit.” He would take his time coaxing Mason’s words.

“I brought a blanket,” Mason told him.

Levi smiled. Of course. It hadn’t escaped Levi’s attention that Mason took care of all the little details. Mason began to lay out the worn plaid blanket as Levi gathered the other bags that Mason had brought. He set the bags on the side of the blanket before pulling Mason down with him.

With his back to the thick trunk of the tree, Levi settled Mason between his legs.

“I know that we haven’t known each other in person long but I also remember all of those late-night conversations through the app.”

Mason turned to peer up at him. “I loved those nights. I wish—”

Levi quickly shook his head. “We’ve already moved past what happened. I’ve forgiven and forgotten.”

“I will never deserve you, but I want you in my life.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Levi vowed.

“You can’t promise that,” Mason said. “You need all of the information before you can make any kind of decision about us.”

“Mason.” Levi cupped his face. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Mason sighed.

“Why don’t we slow down,” Levi advised. “Let’s eat and we’ll talk. Feel free to tell me what you are comfortable with.” Theyboth had confessions to make but Levi also wanted to enjoy their private time together.

Mason smiled. “I brought sandwiches from the diner. And Dean, the owner of the bakery, might have provided something special for dessert.”

“Sounds perfect. Mainly because it will be you I’m sharing it with.”

Chapter Ten

Mason

Okay, this might be the most romantic perfect moment of his entire life. Leaning against Levi, they shared lunch, water, and finally the chocolate-covered strawberries that Dean had given him.

Levi fed Mason the final bite of dessert. Mason sucked the chocolate off Levi’s finger, watching as Levi’s gray eyes melted in arousal. Mason swallowed before Levi swooped down and took his mouth in a passionate kiss.

This magical feeling filled him and for the first time that day, Mason really did think that everything might work out. If they were mates like Mason suspected, then wouldn’t Levi be able to forgive him? He allowed all the stress and uncertainty to flow out of him. Levi was taking all his attention.

Mason squirmed. His cock was hard, and he panted against Levi’s mouth when Levi broke the kiss.

“You gave me one of the most beautiful afternoons I’ve ever had. Thank you,” Levi said.

This man. This absolute sweetheart. Mason wrapped an arm around the back of Levi’s neck. “I…” He stopped. Had he been about to confess something that neither of them was ready for?

Levi dropped a hand over Mason’s erection. “I’d like to touch you. Can I?”

“Please,” Mason begged.

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