Page 15 of Mason: His to Convince

“You don’t have to thank me, darling,” he told her grinning, not in the least ashamed of his action. “After all it’s only what anymanwould have done.”

He heard the thump of a book hitting the door seconds after he’d closed it and was still smiling as he drove away.

Chapter Five

Rebecca got through the next few weeks with a lot of help from her friends. The insurance company settled her claim quickly and she was able to replace her car without too much shopping around. Sara took over the more physical aspect of the adult day group leaving Rebecca to handle the crafts and paperwork. As a whole, her seniors were helpful and sympathetic, the healthier ones assisting the frailer.

Mason was a Godsend, doing the grocery shopping and helping with the household chores she found difficult. They were on strange ground here. Not wanting to antagonize her, Mason kept his cool. He was around often but kept the conversations neutral and his hands to himself, much to Rebecca’s disappointment. Not that she wanted another spanking, but she sure could have enjoyed some of his other talents.

While he seemed to have no difficulty reverting to their old relationship, she on the other hand, was in a constant state of emotional upheaval. In the last few weeks not once had he raised his voice, issued orders, or given her any opportunities to clear the air. He had also not kissed her, or touched her in any but the most impersonal way. Rebecca had fully expected him to use her dependence on him to make her see the ‘error of her ways’,so to speak. Suspecting that he would take every opportunity to convince her that marriage was the right thing to do, she had braced herself for an onslaught of emotional arguments.

Never once did he bring up his proposal. Ironically, this infuriated Rebecca. Although she repeatedly told herself she wasn’t interested in a permanent relationship, she was definitely not interested in a platonic one either.

Being in the same room with him set her senses reeling. She constantly relived the one night they had been intimate and the need such memories produced kept her perpetually on edge and snappish.

Mason never retaliated for her jibes and sarcastic remarks, nor did he respond with anything but softly spoken words when she attempted to pick a fight, hoping to get them back on more personal ground. If he’d been like a big brother before, he was now like a doting uncle, humoring her as though she wasn’t quite right in the head. After a while, Rebecca began to wonder herself.

* * *

Mason amazed himself at the amount of restraint he possessed. How he kept himself from strangling her, spanking her silly, or carrying her off to bed he was to wonder for years. She had never been more difficult, infuriating or readable. He knew what was bothering her and that knowledge gave him the stamina to continue what he considered their courtship. Her desire for him gave him the only power he had right now and he wasn’t about it give it up no matter how enjoyable the prospect. His heart was convinced that marriage was preferable to a short, intense love affair.

Mason never settled for second best and he wasn’t about to start now. He intended to have fifty or sixty years with thewoman he loved and that would be close enough to forever for him. If he had to beat her at her own game, he was prepared to go the distance. He would prefer she give in gracefully, admitting their marriage would be much more than a physical joining. He needed her to acknowledge they were meant to spend the rest of their lives together, but whether gracefully or screaming in sexual frustration, give in she would. Not only would they be joined in body, but in heart, mind and soul, for he could never be satisfied with less.

Chapter Six

As Christmas approached, Rebecca spent her time working with her seniors to get ready for the holiday. This year they were going caroling at a local nursing home with a group of students from the high school who were learning about community service. Her folks were very excited about the special treat, especially Mary Havens, whose husband was a resident of the home. The students came several times to practice and together they chose which songs they would sing. Rebecca got home each night tired but with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that she was able to make a difference in the quality of life for her special friends.

The week before Christmas Mason accompanied her to the doctor when it was time to have her cast removed. It felt wonderful to be without the heavy plaster and Rebecca was in a rare mood on the way home.

“Why don't you let me cook you dinner tonight, Mace?” she asked happily, more pleased with her world than she'd been in a long time. “I could make that marinated chicken you like. I know I've been a wretch lately and I'd really like to show you how much I appreciate the help you've given me since the accident,” she told him laying her hand innocently on his thigh.

Heat shot through him at her touch and his voice, when he answered her, was harsh. “Not tonight,” he cleared his throat and continued. “I already promised Maggie I'd take Jason to cut down a Christmas tree. She's worried about him and thought maybe it would help if he spent some time with someone other than her or the younger kids. This time of year is especially hard on them.”

Jealousy yanked Rebecca’s hand back as if she’d been burnt and fast on its heels came shame. Rebecca genuinely liked Maggie Cassidy. She was a good mother and had been a good wife. Maggie and Jim had occasionally included her in their family gatherings after her father died. They’d always been kind to her, Maggie often coming to her defense when Mason was on the warpath. After Jim died Maggie became withdrawn and Rebecca, remembering her father's grief, understood. Although they didn't see each other very often, Rebecca still considered her a close friend.

“Maybe some other night,” she suggested, trying to convince herself that it didn't matter if he was becoming an important part of Maggie's life.

Mason was glad he had plans. The touch of her hand after all this time was more than he could stand. Desire flashed through him like a bolt of lightning and gripping the steering wheel was the only way he could keep his head, and his hands off her. He wanted to stop the car and gather her into his arms. Wanted to feel her softness, slide his big hands under her soft sweater and tenderly cup her full breasts.

Groaning he turned on the radio, trying to distract himself. He found it amazing that a small touch from her could excite him so much. Sighing with relief he pulled up in front of her house.

Rebecca was also glad to be home. She told herself she was happy that Mason was giving Maggie a hand, Lord knew shedeserved it. Twisting in the seat she intended to thank him for the ride, but when her eyes met his, she no longer had the urge to speak. Blue fire warmed her to the bone. His strong jaw sported a slight stubble that only increased his masculinity.

Rebecca studied him, her heart pounding. A wave of black hair fell over his forehead. Her mouth went dry while other places in her body went damp and liquid. Deep inside sparks radiated and started flames she couldn't put out. His strong hands still gripped the steering wheel and Rebecca stared at them remembering the feel of their velvet roughness caressing her. A pulse in her temple began to throb and unable to stop herself she leaned over, gently setting her lips at the corner of his mouth.

Mason's control snapped. Reaching out he pulled her onto his lap, twisting his head to claim her lips and brand them as his. His beard scraped her soft cheek and she moaned into his mouth as his hand grasped the back of her head anchoring her in place.

Rebecca felt surrounded by his hard male body. His hands spoke to her, telling her he wasn't going to let her go without a fight, but there was no fight in her. As his tongue swept hotly into her mouth she surrendered to him completely.

He spread his thighs and cradled her between them, his hard length making her mindless with longing. When he felt her body melt into his he loosened his hold and sighed raggedly. Hard hot hands roamed her eager flesh, slipping under her clothing.

Neither was aware of the snow that was falling softly outside, blanketing the car in a layer of white, nor did they give any thought to the fact that they were parked on a public street. Breathing in her perfume Mason felt as though he were drowning in her sweet fragrance.

His thumbs brushed her rigid nipples sending waves of pleasure through her body so intense that she began to tremble with the fierce pleasure. Her hands reached up and graspedhis rough cheeks, and as she kissed him, tears, caused by weeks of tension, slipped out from between her lashes. Their saltiness penetrated Mason's conscience as nothing else could and he forced himself to pull back, scattering light kisses over her delicate features and whispering words of love while he struggled with his raging passion.

Rebecca's head fell back against his shoulder, her face flushed with desire, her lungs gasping for breath. Feeling his withdrawal, she curled her nails into the palm of her hands, the pain nothing compared to the agony of wanting what she knew he would not give.

Embarrassment flooded her. He was on his way to Maggie's. Even in the throughs of passion he had not mentioned marriage again and she told herself she was glad. Putting her hands on her cheeks to cool them she tried to laugh at the situation and failed miserably.