Page 55 of The Sweet Part
Dinner is lovely. Mason took me to an upscale steakhouse in Fieldridge, not far from Clover Park. I had a filet mignon with red wine. Now we’re having dessert. I got a chocolate soufflé. He got bread pudding.
“How’s your dessert?” he asks.
“To die for.”
“Good. Want to try mine?”
“No, thanks. I don’t want to ruin the chocolate taste in my mouth.”
“Fair enough.” He takes a bite of his bread pudding, watching me enjoy my dessert. I should try making chocolate soufflé at home.
When we finish our desserts, Mason asks for the check and leans back in his seat. “What do you think about going away for a ski weekend next weekend? Aunt Claire has a cabin in Maine.”
“Oh, um, a whole weekend?”
“We can ski or snowshoe, have a crackling fire. You’ll love it.”
“I don’t want to leave Sophie for a whole weekend, plus the inn. I still don’t have any bookings for Valentine’s Day weekend. I’m afraid I got started too late on the marketing, but I was holding off until the inn was completely finished.”
“I’m sure you’ll have some last-minute husbands and boyfriends who book something. Have you seen the card section on Valentine’s Day?”
“No, actually.”
He slashes a hand through the air. “Filled with guys who waited until the last minute to get a card for Valentine’s Day.”
I hesitate. “I’ve always been close by on the weekend in case Sophie needs me.”
He holds up a palm. “I get it.”
“Sorry.”
“I was just thinking how much fun we’d have up there. That’s all.” He signs the check and stands. “Ready?”
I sense a coolness in his tone, like he’s not happy with the boundaries I set. “You and I can have fun around here next weekend, right? Or you could go with another friend to Maine. I don’t mind.”
“It’s fine. We agreed to take it slow.”
“I’m glad you understand.”
He puts a hand on the small of my back and guides me out of the restaurant. When we get outside, he blows out a breath. “I’ll drive you home.”
“No! I mean, we don’t need to take thingsthatslow. I’m free all night for whatever.”
He gives me a sexy smile, wrapping his arms around my waist. “I remember whatever being good between us.”
“Whatever was better than good. It was phenomenal.”
He nuzzles my neck, kissing his way up to my ear. He gives my earlobe a tug between his teeth. “Sweetest words I’ve ever heard.” He caresses my cheek and gives me a tender kiss, gazing deep into my eyes.
Emotion clogs my throat, my heart thudding in my ears. I’m diving into the deep end. It’s scary and exhilarating at the same time.
* * *
The moment we walk into Mason’s house, we collide in a passionate kiss. His hands are all over me, and I’m loving it. This is exactly what I need.
He breaks the kiss, his eyes smoldering into mine. My lips part, my breath coming harder. And then he surprises me, scooping me up and carrying me upstairs.
“You really are gallant,” I say once we’re upstairs.
