Page 72 of Raised On It

“I’m glad you wore it because it means you care. You wanted a reaction, and you sure as shit got one.”

I’m not big on lying, lying to myself excluded, so I don’t reply to his assumption.

“Well, have a good rest of your night. I’ll see you around,” I say to the stubborn man infiltrating my space.

Be strong, Mason.

Do not ask him to come in.

“I’m not going anywhere, Mason.”

He’s serious. He doesn’t sound angry, but he does sound deadly serious.

“Come on, it’s Reece and Rachel’s going away. Everyone is expecting you to come back.”

“I’m taking them to the airport in the morning. It’s all good.”

“Miles…”

“If you don’t mind me coming in, I’d like to talk.”

He’s keeping his hands to himself, but the softness in his eyes pierces through me, grabbing me with all his might and not letting go.

I turn away from him and walk inside, leaving the door open behind me. He follows, closing the door and locking it once he’s in the house. I slip my shoes off and strategically collapse in the overstuffed armchair only meant for one. If I’m going to keep my wits about me, I cannot give him the opportunity to get too close.

Instead of taking a seat, he picks up one of the fifty throw pillows on the couch and paces the room with it pulled tight to his chest.

“Mason, I want you to know that I hear you.”

Making sure I’m listening, he stops to look at me, really look at me, while still hugging his pillow.

“I know you’ve been hurt before, and I know because of this you have your guard up, but your whole plan to end things now before they’ve really started isn’t going to work for me.”

Now the pillow is behind his head. And I can’t help but stare at his toned biceps. It’s completely inappropriate to be checking him out right now, but I am only human, after all. And they’re huge!

“You see, I’m not your ex. I’m not going to hurt you. How could I when I’ve been waiting for you for so damn long?”

He and his pillow finally drop to the couch. He sits on the edge, getting as close to me as he can. Our knees are a breath apart, but he doesn’t try to touch me.

“If I’m being honest, it hurts when you compare me to him. Idon’t deserve it. I’m nothing like him, and I’d really like the chance to prove it to you.”

My heart betrays me, my head and my body following suit when I reach for his hand.

“Mason, I know your life is in New York, and I know it makes our situation seem impossible to you, but why don’t we give us a chance before you go throwing hurdles in the way? I’m a man of means, and you can write anywhere. I’m not asking you to move your life, but I am asking you to see the possibility of us.”

Standing in front of me, he offers me his hand.

“City Mouse, I’m exhausted. These past twenty-four hours were harder on me than an entire harvest. I don’t care if we keep our clothes on and sleep on top of the covers, but I’m sleeping with you in my arms.”

“Miles, I…”

“Just stop, Mason.”

I don’t know if it’s my own exhaustion or knowing that he’s right.

Heck, everyone is right.

I’m crazy about him, and the only thing I want to do is to crawl into bed with him and sleep in his arms.

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