Page 155 of Stolen Moments

“Umm. Fine, I guess.” I shrug. What does he want me to say? The truth?

I was sad and lonely. I spent countless nights crying myself to sleep, dreaming about you, wondering where you were, who you were with.

A growly hum rumbles in his chest as his shoulder brushes mine.

“What’s that sound for?”

“Nothing.”

I glare at him, and he laughs. Like, really laughs. Where the hell has this carefree Mason been?

“We all know ‘fine’ means ‘not fine’. Which is fine. I deserve that answer.”

The leaves and dirt crunch beneath our feet as we continue walking for another few beats.

“I wasn’t fine,” he says nonchalantly.

Oh.

“You weren’t?”

“Hell no. I was miserable. You can ask Kenzo. He called me an insufferable asshole. He and the others…”

“Hurry up, guys!” Rhys shouts, popping our bubble. “I haven’t got all day, you know.” He leans down and picks up Henry.

“Where do you need to be, dude? You’re supposed to be hanging out with me today.”

“I know,” Rhys says, rolling his eyes. He lifts a finger and points at the views. “But you also owe me ice cream before Mom finds out.”

Mason chuckles. “What happens if your mom finds out?”

“She won’t let me eat leftover wedding cake,” he says, theduhimplied in his tone.

“Little shit,” Mason mumbles with affection as we step up beside Rhys at the top of the trailhead.

I step up to the wood fence and look out over the small town. The valley below is green and littered with trees. Scattered homes surround the main drag of buildings that make up small downtown Pine Hills.

“Beautiful,” I breathe out, staring at the only place that has ever felt like home.

“You’re beautiful,” Mason whispers in my ear, stealing my attention. His hot breath fans across my ear, pebbling my skin and sending scorching chills down my spine.

Without thinking, I turn into him, bringing us chest to chest. He cups my face with his free hand, tilting my chin up. Our breathsmingle as Mason stares at me, giving me the opportunity to stop him.

I don’t. I want him to kiss me.

“Gross. Are you guys going to kiss like my mom and dad?” Rhys groans, making me laugh.

I drop my forehead to Mason’s chest, shaking my head. “He’s a riot.”

“More like a little cockblocker,” Mason grouses.

“Oh stop, he’s funny.” I step away, giving us space, but Mason clings to my hand, refusing to let me go.

I like that he feels the need to keep us connected. I missed this. I missed him.

“I guess we’re going to have ice cream. Interested in joining?” he asks.

“Sure. I love vanilla ice cream.” I smirk at him while I let my eyes roam up and down his body.

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