“You left the last guy after the second date because he cracked his knuckles.”
“Well, yeah, it was annoying.”
“Ev,” he sighs.
“I’ll give him a chance. He’s…different.”
“And you’re crazy about him.”
“Yes,” I admit. “We’re going away for a couple of days. Camping, so you probably won’t hear from me.”
“Have fun and call me when you get back.”
“I will. Love ya.”
“Love ya.”
Mason walks in as I end the call, a brilliant smile on his handsome face. “I picked up movies and pizza. You going to get your ass out of bed?” We spend the day snuggled on the couch, watching movies. When we move to the bedroom, he only cuddles me close and kisses me goodnight. “Get some sleep, baby. We have an early day.”
That’s an understatement. We’re up before the sun, packing and getting ready. Strong arms envelop me from behind and I shiver at the warmth of his breath in my ear. “You have to stop flaunting that plump little ass in front of me, or we won’t make it to the woods.” He slaps my ass, making me jump.
“I can’t believe you’ve never been to Turkey Run. Trail three is amazing,” I exclaim, turning my head to kiss him. “I’ll try not to wear you out, old man.”
“Wear me out? I’m going to fuck you until every animal in the forest knows my name.”
“What the hell are we waiting for?” I grab my backpack, and he laughs, following me to his car.
“We have one stop to make first,” he announces with a sheepish smile. “I promised to meet my brothers for breakfast today. Do you mind?”
He wants to introduce me to his family? “Breakfast with three hot men? I’ll suffer through it.”
“One hot man and two unfortunate looking younger brothers,” he corrects, pulling into a parking space at a small restaurant. His brothers are seated at a table on the patio.
“Everly, this is Alex and Parker.” He glares at his siblings. “Be nice, assholes.”
Alex smiles, showing perfectly straight white teeth. He’s the polar opposite of Mason with curly blond hair and light brown eyes. “It’s nice to meet you, Everly. Mason never shuts up about you.”
“It’s interminable,” Parker adds. “Evie this and Evie that. I can see why, though. You’re gorgeous. Come, sit next to me.”
“Don’t make me kick your ass,” Mason growls, pulling out my chair.
“You could try, but I’d hate to embarrass you in front of your girl.” Parker winks at me. He has Mason’s dark hair, cut much shorter, and his pale blue eyes twinkle as he baits his brother.
“Ignore them, Everly,” Alex advises, handing me a menu. “Everything’s a competition with them.”
“Thanks. Do you want to order, Mason? I mean, if your biggest pecker contest is over.”
“No contest there, baby,” he replies, kissing my cheek.
“Dude, I’ll whip it out right now,” Parker threatens.
“Behave,” Alex says with a long suffering sigh. The way they insult each other, play off one another, is hilarious. Under all the name calling is a clear bond of love and affection. Family. They’re eager to answer any questions about Mason, especially if they can embarrass him with the answer.
“So, are you both single?” I ask, after watching Parker flirt with the waitress.
“Why, baby? You interested?” Parker replies, earning asmack in the back of the head from Mason.
“I’m seeing a guy,” Alex replies. “It’s too early to introduce him to these idiots though. Don’t want to send him running.”
