Page 19 of Yours To Hold
“Really, it’s not a big deal.” I grab his forearm, squeezing it. Heat shoots through my arm.
Damn it. I really hate the reaction I keep having to Mason. I don’t want it. I’m only going to be in town for a short while longer. Starting something now would be stupid.
Even though I’d love every minute of it.
“She should be awake soon.”
“Get going. We’ll be fine.”
I drop his arm, feeling the loss of heat in an instant.
Gemma’s older brother. Gemma’s older brother.
Maybe if I keep telling myself that, it’ll help.
Giving me a small smile—very un-Mason-like—he’s out the door.
It’s almost like he couldn’t get out of here fast enough.
His scent lingers as I grab a cup of coffee.
God, I really wish this man didn’t occupy every one of my waking thoughts. It was fine when I didn’t work for him. Now? Now I have to figure out how to deal with these feelings. Feelings that I’ve had since I knew what crushes were.
Footsteps from the hallway help shake the thoughts of Mason from my head. Even if it’s his mini-me coming around the corner.
“Ivy? What are you doing here?” She rubs a fist over a sleepy eye. Her curls are sticking out every which way.
“Your dad had to go help Uncle Logan today.”
“He did?” Her voice sounds sad.
“It’s okay though. You get to hang out with me this morning!” I try to add some excitement to my voice.
“Daddy and I had a fun day planned.” Willow hops up onto the stool at the counter.
“What were you going to do?” I grab the box of cereal and milk and pour it into a bowl for her.
“He was going to take me hiking.”
“Do you and your daddy go hiking a lot?”
She nods around a big bite of chocolatey cereal.
“I can take you if you want.”
“You like hiking?” Willow turns those big brown eyes on me.
“Of course I do. Who doesn’t like hiking?”
“Mark doesn’t. He stays inside and plays video games all day.”
“Mark…someone from school?”
Willow nods.
“Well, who cares what he thinks?” I rest my elbows on the counter and lean closer to her. “Boys can be stupid.”
“Boys are stupid.” Willow says it with such fervor, it makes me burst into a fit of giggles.
