Page 142 of Stolen Moments

I glance at Rylann, her dress sparkling in the dim lights, and back at Mason. If I walk away, I’ll regret it. The only way to know if there is something salvageable between us is to take a chance and find out.

“Okay.” I place my hand in his and let him lead me to the side entrance that leads to the patio.

Mason never lets go as he guides me around to the dark side of the brightly burning fire pit. After dinner, it will be the surprise marshmallow station, set up specifically for Rylann’s son, Rhys. Mason’s nephew.

Even months later, that news still shocks me. Fate has a funny way of connecting people sometimes.

“Dance with me, please.” The bossy tone behind his request peaks through and brings a smile to my lips as I fight the jolt of arousal that hits my core and my heart.

Yessticks to my tongue like honey, so I nod.

He places his free hand on my back, bringing us flush. The heat of his chest seeps through the layers of fabric between us, keeping me warm in the chilly night air. Placing my hand on his shoulder, I follow his lead and sway to the soft sounds of music coming from inside. My speeding pulse starts to slow as we slow-dance under the stars. Emotion clogs my throat, stopping me from speaking.

Mason breaks the silence for us. “I’ve missed you, Em.”

Me too.

Instead of answering, I lay my head on his shoulder, my cold nose grazing the warm skin of his neck. I breathe in his masculine scent, letting it soothe my nerves, as he places my other hand on his shoulder and wraps both his arms around me. His fingers brush dangerously close to the slope of my ass before he places them possessively on my back. My body ignites under his palm as we move against each other to the beat of the music.

“Emery,” Mason whispers my name.

“Hmm.” I close my eyes, not ready for this stolen moment to end.

His hands roam up my back, his fingers snaking through my hair. He gives the strands a soft tug, forcing me to tilt my chin to the sky and look into his eyes. Out here in the dark, the gold streaks in them glow in the firelight.

“I’m sorry, baby doll. For everything.”

“I—”

He shakes his head, placing his thumb over my lips, shushing me. My lips tingle, and the temptation to lick it overwhelms me.

“No talking. Can you handle that for a minute?” he asks firmly, his eyes penetrating my soul, begging me to let him speak first.

“Yes,” I mumble, my lips rubbing against the pad of his thick digit.

“Good girl.” He presses a soft kiss to my forehead.

I preen under his praise, reminded of the way Mason makes me feel seen and cherished.

I shove those thoughts away and brace myself. I can’t just let myself fall right back into him. He broke my heart when he walked away. When he shut me out without explanation.

“I need to get this out before midnight. I don’t want to start the new year without saying what I need to say. I finally listened to your voicemail. I’m sorry it took me so long.”

“Oh.” My cheeks heat, and my eyes dart to his strong chest. I probably sounded like a blubbering idiot. That night—that call—is still blurry.

“None of that. Eyes on me, beautiful girl. I need you to look at me when I beg you for forgiveness.”

“Oh,” I stupidly say again, bringing my eyes back to his green ones.

His lips quirk, but he fights a smile. Gah, I sound like a lovesick idiot.

“I’m a fucking dumbass. I never should have walked out on you. I should have trusted you and listened to your side of the story. Of course, you did what you had to for your brother. You are the bravest woman I have ever met. To give up something so precious for someone you love is beyond selfless. I will never forgive myself for giving up on us the way I did. For ghosting you. I will understand if you never forgive me. What I did to you was unacceptable. It was the biggest mistake of my life.”

Tears spring to my eyes at his sincere apology. I wish he would have said all this months ago. As much as I love him, I don’t know where we go from here.

“You broke my heart, Mason. I—”

“I know, baby. I’m so sorry for breaking you like that. You deserve the world. You deserve someone who will put you first. Someone who will drop everything to be there for you and comfort you when you need it. To be there for you after a long day of work, to make you dinner and rub your feet. Someone to walk Henry when it’s too cold and rainy out.”

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