Page 18 of Rage

Mason’s eyebrows shoot up, and he turns to glare at the girls, but I can see he’s not putting any effort into it.

Christopher walks around the table, pulling Elle into his lap, and his hand goes straight to her stomach and over her bump.

Elle looks dramatically better than she did yesterday.“How are you feeling?Any sickness?”I question her, my eyes doing a sweep of her form.

Elle smiles softly, leaning back against Christopher’s chest.“Much better today, actually.The nausea seems to be easing up a bit.”

Christopher presses a kiss to her temple, his hand still protectively cradling her barely-there bump.“She’s been a trooper,” he says proudly.

I nod, relieved to see Elle looking more like herself.“That’s great to hear.Make sure you’re staying hydrated and eating small, frequent meals.It can really help with the morning sickness.”

“Yes, Doctor,” Elle teases, but her eyes are warm with gratitude.

Mason’s arm slides around my waist, pulling me close.“Always taking care of everyone, aren’t you?”he murmurs, his breath tickling my ear.

I feel my cheeks flush at his proximity.“It’s kind of my job,” I remind him.

“And you’re damn good at it,” he says, his voice low and full of admiration.

The moment is interrupted by Tiffany dramatically clearing her throat.“If you two lovebirds are done making googly eyes at each other, some of us are trying to eat here.”

Mason chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest.“All right, all right.We’re going.”He turns to me.“What do you say we get out of here?I’ve got something I want to show you.”

Curiosity piques my interest.“Oh?And what might that be?”

His grin is equal parts mischievous and sexy.“It’s a surprise.You trust me?”

I pretend to think about it for a moment, tapping my chin.“Hmm, I don’t know.The last surprise involved a creepy clearing in the woods at night.”

Mason laughs, pulling me closer.“I promise, no creepy woods this time.Scout’s honor.”

I raise an eyebrow.“Were you ever actually a Scout?”

“Not important,” he deflects smoothly.“Come on, live a little.”

I look around at our friends, who are all watching our exchange with varying degrees of amusement.Elle gives me an encouraging nod.

“All right,” I concede, unable to resist the excitement bubbling up inside me.“Lead the way, Mr.Mystery.”

As Mason guides me out of the clubhouse, his hand warm on my lower back, I can’t help but feel anticipation.Whatever this surprise is, I have a feeling it’s going to be another unforgettable adventure with Mason.

Mason leads me out to his bike, a mischievous glint in his eye.“Ready for another ride, darlin’?”

I nod.“Always.”

He hands me the helmet, his fingers lingering on mine.As I swing my leg over the bike and wrap my arms around his waist, I’m struck by how natural this feels already.The rumble of the engine vibrates through me as we take off.

We wind through town, heading toward the outskirts.The scenery becomes more rural, lush green fields stretching out on either side of us.After about twenty minutes, Mason turns onto a dirt road.

We pull up to a sprawling ranch-style house, its weathered wood siding giving it a rustic charm.A wraparound porch boasts a swing and rocking chairs.The property is dotted with old oak trees, their branches providing dappled shade.

Mason cuts the engine and helps me off the bike.“What do you think?”he asks, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

I take it all in, breathing in the fresh country air.“It’s beautiful,” I say honestly.“But… what is this place?”

He takes my hand, leading me toward the house.“It’s mine.Or, it will be.I’m in the process of buying it.”

My eyes widen in surprise.“You’re moving out here?”

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