Page 61 of Sensual Nights

Carley nodded. "I remember fluffing the carpeting up before Mason got there and wondered what had pressed it down."

Mason took in a deep breath. How many close calls had this gorgeous woman had recently?

"Mystery solved," Jace responded.

Mason took a deep breath. "Jace, are you going to be around today? I'd like to chat with you."

Jace hesitated a moment, then said, "We'll be here all day."

"I'll be there in about an hour."

"See you then, bud."

Carley grinned. "See you later, Jace."

The call ended and Carley grinned at him. "You saw his name on your phone and groaned."

"I like him…very much. I guess I've been feeling guilty about the hospital and having to make a decision. He gave me a chance when he didn't have to."

Carley leaned forward and kissed his lips. "That's what Jace does. He gives veterans a chance."

She turned so she faced him. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Sitting here in the sunshine, her facing him, and the sun glinting off her long dark hair, she looked like an angel with the light behind her.

She picked up his hands in hers. "I'd like to ask a favor."

His brows shot up in his hair. "A favor."

She laughed. "I know you've practically given up your life the past two weeks to care for me, but I have one more favor. I'd like you to consider working with Jace, Sid, and Quinn at the Legion counseling veterans. No one knows more than you what PTSD can do. If you are serious and will work with a counselor, you'll have someone helping you while you help others."

He watched her face. She was serious and so insightful. She was most likely right. He nodded. "I'll talk to Jace about it when I go in and chat with him this morning."

"I'd like to go with you if you don't mind."

"Really?"

"Yes. I need to get out of the house. It's not far and it won't be too taxing. I can also see Margo."

"I'd never deny you any of that. As soon as you need to come back and rest, you'll let me know. Promise?"

She laughed. "Yes, I promise."

"Okay. Then let's go get ready. I'll buy you breakfast at Hanna's, then we'll go to the Sandbar."

"Thank you."

He helped her up, then he grabbed their coffee cups and let Carley hold his arm as they entered the house. She didn't need tohold his arm, but at this point she liked it. At least he hoped that was it.

Setting the cups in the sink and the plate on the counter, they moved to the bedroom together. He made the bed while she pulled clothing from her closet and started the shower.

He heard her enter the shower and he pulled his phone from his pocket. He dialed his high school friend, Bear. His stomach twisted a bit and he stepped from the bedroom and into the guest room.

"Hey there, Sad Sack. How are you?"

Mason laughed. "I haven't been called Sad Sack in a long time, so I thought I'd call you to hear it."

Bear laughed. "Happy to oblige. What's up?"

"Well, I'm actually calling for the call!"

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