thirty-six
. . .
Violet
The immediate weeksfollowing the holidays are a whirlwind for Mason and I. Between the hockey season picking up, and all the homework assignments, papers, and exams I have to grade, I feel like the last time Mason and I really got to spend time with each other was well…Christmas. While I was staying at his apartment most nights, we haven't had time to grab lunch or even dinner and his weekends are spent traveling with the team.
In the few moments of calm, I can’t help but think about how much I want Mason. Being with him feels like waking up to the first snow of the year — a type of magic you never thought you could feel but once you experience it, you never want to let it go. While I am still getting used to speaking from my heart, Mason is vocal, texting me daily about how much he misses me andwants to see me outside of his dreams. But all that changes tonight. The first Friday night when neither of us have any responsibilities or prior obligations.
“Angel, we should probably get going soon,” Mason calls from the living room.
I do a quick double take in the mirror and grab my winter coat from his closet before joining him. His eyes light up the moment they meet mine and I walk over to him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Hi.”
“Hey.” He takes his bottom lip between his teeth, as he slowly trails his eyes down my body. “God, you look beautiful.” He leans down to press a soft kiss to my temple before burying his face into my neck. We hold onto each other a bit longer than we should have before rushing out the door. Mason walks out behind me and moves to open the car door for me. As I climb in, he smacks my ass.
“Mason.”
“My love.” He beams, dipping his head in so I can see how satisfied he is with himself.
My heart leaps and I try to school the smile that’s creeping up on my face. “Watch those hands. Now, can we go have some pasta?”
“Absolutely. Just stay on your best behavior and you won’t be needing any more spankings.”
“So, what was that one for?”
“For making me wait 28 years to see you in that little dress.”
I prepare my sarcastic reply when my phone rings. When I see it’s Eliana, I press accept. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Please don’t hate me.” Her voice sounds groggy like she’s come down with something.
“I could never hate you. Are you okay?”
She takes a deep breath. “I was supposed to help Maya with a scan in like 30 minutes, but I came down with something and I really hoped it was just allergies but it’s not.”
Ah fuck. There goes my date night. “No worries, I can totally cover for you. Just focus on getting some rest.”
“I feel so bad, I know it’s your date night. Maybe if I wear a mask and take some more ibuprofen—” She breaks into a coughing fit.
“Do you need me to come over? I can help drive you to an urgent care.” I shoot Mason a concerned look and point him in the direction of student housing.
“No, I’m fine. I have a uh…friend taking care of me.”
“Okay I’ll head to campus to help Maya. Let me know if I can drop off some medicine or soup.”
“Thanks Violet. And sorry again.”
“No need to apologize. Feel better, Ellie.” I hang up the phone and turn to Mason with a remorseful look on my face. “Looks like I’m going to need some more spankings.”
“You’re right about that. But honestly, all I care about is spending time with you. Whether that’s at a fancy restaurant or curled up on the coach back home eating takeout after you’re done working, doesn’t matter to me.”
“You’re the best. Do you know that?”
“Promise to scream that later?” Mason smirks at me as he pulls up to the campus MRI center, and I realize I’m incredibly overdressed.
“Would you hate me if I asked you to bring me a change of clothes? And maybe my laptop?” If I was going to be on campus, I may as well make the most of it and get some extra work done.
“Of course. I’ll text you when I’m outside.”
