Mason follows my line of sight, his chest growing bigger—stronger at my back.
His heart pounds rapidly against me.
My eyes flutter closed, my body going lax. I haven’t felt this man in so long.
“You petrify me, Pix.”
He’s gone before I can reply. Moving around the island again and putting distance between us.
“Dinner will be here soon. I thought we could eat and then maybe you’d like to put Ellis to bed?”
“Sure.” I glance around the kitchen, noticing the baby bottles and other small additions. I wonder what else has changed.
“You want to go have a look around?”
“No,” I answer quickly, puffing out a nervous laugh.
“It wouldn’t be weird if you did, I know you loved it here.” He says it so relaxed that you wouldn’t believe his heart was racing just like mine moments ago. He’s calm, controlled and confident.
“Loved. Past tense,” I murmur.
Our eyes lock.
“Loved, and then a lot of shit happened.” His face softens. “How about we agree to not talk about that whilst Ellis is up?” he suggests.
I nod, my eyes stupidly betraying me and getting prickly.
“Any plans for the weekend?” he asks, clearly unsure what to say and catching me off guard. I can’t tell him about my plans for the weekend. Now isn’t the time to ask him to the ball.
“Are we really at the awkward chitchat stage?” I smile, probably looking like a complete goof as I fight to keep my hands stillin my lap.
“Well, I can’t exactly bend you over the kitchen island now, can I,” he deadpans.
“Umm. Oh. I…” I’m pretty sure I am a bright shade of pink because I did not expect that. We’re on completely different pages right now.
Mason only shakes his head, busying himself at the sink. I’m pretty sure it’s so he doesn’t have to talk to me or bend me over the counter? Jesus, this man is hot and cold and sometimes fucking icy. I can’t keep up.
I’m certain it’s this penthouse. It’s throwing me off. I need to snap out of it.
The buzzer sounds for the reception, and I jump up straight away, knowing it’s our food. “I’ll go!” I rush from the room, taking long strides to the elevator and telling myself internally to chill the hell out.
I pull up the girls’ group chat.
I AM FREAKING OUT!! Everything is so much harder being here
Luce
Give it a chance Nina you’ve not been there long have you?? It’s only 6!!
He told me he wanted to bend me over the kitchen island
Megan
So what’s the problem?
Luce
He didn’t want her last week
