Page 122 of Game Plan

My eyes connected with Mason, and I saw him pinching his lips together to avoid laughing. I shrugged, loving this little banter we were partaking in.

When I passed him, he gripped my hand, stopping me. “I’m glad you’re making yourself at home, Shepard. I can already tell you and Amber will be one heck of a team around here.”

I rose to my tiptoes to kiss him. “That’s the plan.” I kissed him again. “Don’t worry, I have no intention of overtaking your kingdom, Mase.”

“I would surrender it to you any day, Shepard. It’s not even a question.” He smacked my butt cheek with a palm, and I yelped. “Your ass looks hot in these leggings. I’m sad our little Pilates session is over. Are you in the mood for a run later?”

“I thought you might want to.”

“Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“You were sleeping like a baby. You needed your rest.”

He lifted me up until I could wrap my legs around his waist. My arms came around his neck.

He stared at me. “You’re really hungry?”

I bobbed my head multiple times.

“For more than food?”

“It depends. For now, though, I really want grits and eggs if you have some. Or maybe pancakes. You put me through a new exercise regimen last night. I need to recharge my energy for later.”

“Later, huh?”

“And every single day afterward.” I kissed him once more.

“Mel, you should switch your major to business. You really know how to drive a bargain. Having the upper hand looks kinda sexy on you.”

“I’ll leave the business degree to you, Mase. I’ll just be there to save your ass with my public relations degree if you ever get into trouble.”

“Me? Trouble? You’re talking to the wrong guy, love. Trouble hates me, I swear.”

A loud laugh bubbled out of me. “My boyfriend once told me he would never get into trouble growing up. I beg to differ, but I like him just the way he is.”

His fingers found my ribs. “You’d better, or else I’ll tickle you until you change your mind.”

“No, please. The last time I almost peed myself.” I released him and jumped to my feet, tugging at his hand. “Come on, Mase. Feed me.”

“Fuck, you won’t have to ask me twice. I’ll feed you everything you ever ask for.”

I pushed his chest with my free hand. “Pig.”

“All yours.” His smirk was full of mischief. “How do you feel about bacon? My specialty. You can have sausages too.”

I stifled a chuckle with my hand. “Oh God. You’re impossible. Please tell me what we did last night didn’t unlock your dirty mouth.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “It was already running at full power. You like me filthy, baby. Admit it.”

I almost pressed my thumb and forefinger together. “Okay, fine. A teeny-tiny bit.”

“That’s good enough for me.” He hoisted me over his shoulder and carried me to the kitchen. “I can’t wait to have my way with you later. I’m sure you won’t complain about my dirty mouth ever again.”

32

If I didn’t know better, I would think you were a vampire

I was climbing the stairs to Mason’s bedroom after we returned from our run when I heard a crashing noise coming from Craig’s bedroom, followed by a few curses and a muffled cry. I froze on the landing, unsure of what to do next. Back in high school, Craig and I became friends after he started dating Paige. We weren’t super close, but I knew I could always count on him if I needed to. Another curse echoed from the other side of the door.