Page 22 of Obsessed

“Yes.” Mason’s affirmation had Rain doing a little hop, clapping his hands in joy. “Pick a room upstairs.”

Rain’s joy dissolved and he pursed his lips.

“Is your mind going, old man? We’ve been over this.” Stepping intimately closer, Rain enjoyed how Mason went stiff, clenching his fists. “I’m sleeping inyourbed.” Running a finger along Mason’s stubbled jaw, he smirked and then quickly backed away, grabbing his things and strutting downstairs in the same confident manner as Mouse.

Dark and cavelike even during the day, Mason’s bedroom felt like a step away from the world, a secret refuge, somewhere Rain might feelalmostsafe, which was a big step up from safe enough. Relaxing into the space, he placed his backpack on an empty shelf above a few camera cases and checked the lock on the door. A simple push button. He’d have to scan the apartment and the house, maybe change some of the security.

Footsteps had Rain looking up and he blinked before bursting into laughter.

“Is this normal?” Mason stepped into the bedroom and pointed at Mouse, who was perched on his shoulder like a tiny void, eyes closed, content and purring. “She climbed me.”

“I think she likes you,” Rain grinned, booping her nose. Flouncing over to the bed, he sat on it, wanting to test the mattress again. “By the way? You never answered my question. Wheredidyou learn to fuck like that?”

Mason’s famous frown was back. “I didn’t learn.”

Pulling his hair back over one shoulder, Rain snorted. “Well, you weren’t a virgin.”

“I’ve had sex before, just not often. It’s usually boring.” Turning his head to the left, he stared at Mouse and patted her head again.

“Usually?” Rain’s grin was slow. “So, it wasn’t boring with me?”

Mason dropped his hand.

“No.” The word was sterile, devoid of emotion, yet it only spurred Rain on. What was it about this man?

“You’re such a flirt.” Standing, he booped Mouse again and then stood on his toes, putting his lips a millimeter away from Mason’s and he stilled like a statue, his gaze glittering. “I wish I could interrogate you more but I have a long shift today.”

The words hung around them but Rain couldn’t break away, that hypnotizing gaze holding him fast, along with the sage undertone in Mason’s scent. It was everywhere in this bedroom but much stronger up close, and Rain wanted to bathe in it. Why was his heart beating so fast? He’d only meant to flirt but he seemed to be gaming himself. Either way, he didn’t have time to bend over so he should stop teasing.

Reluctantly stepping back, he let out an internal sigh of relief as Mason started and left the room without another word, Mouse still on his shoulders. Busying himself, Rain unpacked his uniforms, hanging one of them in the closet and laying the other out.

Marci had asked him to put in a few extra hours and he’d jumped at it, even if it meant missing Ollie’s release-from-treatment party. While guilt lurked in the background, he had to put himself first, and he vowed to text Tommy and apologize again on his way to work.

Once he was showered and dressed, he wandered out of the bedroom to find that Mason had set up Mouse’s things; he’d even placed the litter box in the laundry room, and Mouse was curled up outside the darkroom, happy, fed, and quietly waiting for Mason.

Shocked, Rain stared up at the small light that shone above the door, telling him that the room was in use. He’d been through a slew of men in the last few years but he’d never met somebody like Mason. If it were anyone else, he wouldn’t have agreed to model, or move in, or bring Mouse, but Mason was different in some inexplicable way. Rain wanted to know more about him, what made him tick, and why he had such an effect.

At least Rain didn’t have to worry about leaving Mouse behind, and after sending off another apology text to Tommy, he headed to work.

The only downside to this new place was the location. Since it sat on the rich side of town, it doubled Rain’s commute but he didn’t mind; it was a decent trade for a secure and sexy place to sleep. With his mind occupied by Mason, the walk went by in a breeze and as The Pointe appeared up the street, the chirp of Rain’s phone shook him from his musing.

He checked the lock screen, where Tommy’s reply sat, front and center.

It’s all good, man. You’ll see him at work soon anyway.Of course Tommy understood, which didn’t help Rain’s guilt.

He played with the end of his braid, typing with one thumb.I still feel bad.

It took a moment for Tommy to answer.I told him you’re sorry as fuck and he said you better be (jk)appeared above a picture of him and Ollie giving peace signs, and Rain stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, smiling. Ollie looked vibrant, healthy, and joyful, and Rain couldn’t be happier for him.

I am! But srsly have all the fun while I toil awaaaay. Love u both.

He would tell Tommy about his living situation eventually but since Ollie had ties to Mason, Rain didn’t want things to become awkward. It was a shame that he had no one to share his good news with, and it was also a shame that he’d been gone for quite some time yet his mother was either too oblivious or self-involved to care. If he continued his random visits to her office, appearing just enough to keep her happy, it might be ages before she noticed that he’d moved out, and by then he’d have enough savings and hopefully enough bravery to sever his ties with her.

Rain couldn’t wait to be his own person and that started with gathering the rest of his things.

He had five minutes, ten at most.

Starting his phone timer, Rain darted across the street and around the back of Gage’s house, letting out a sigh of relief when his key still worked. Hurrying inside, he stopped in front of his old room, cringing.

---