Page 37 of Yours To Hold
“Daddy says we’re going to have a big storm come through tomorrow, and Daisy and I need somewhere to hide if we get scared.”
This sweet girl. Daisy perks up from her bed in the living room but doesn’t get up.
“That just means we’ll make it the best fort. You won’t even hear the storm.”
Thank you,Mason mouths to me.
“C’mon, Daisy. Let’s go find some blankets and sheets.” Willow runs off to her room, Daisy hot on her heels.
Mason tracks her movement. As soon as she clears the hallway, he pulls me into his arms.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
His lips are soft, with the faintest hint of coffee and mint lingering there. It’s brief, only for a moment, but it has my toes curling and my stomach swooping.
“I wish I didn’t have to rush out the door.”
“Mmm, yes. I’d hate for you to be even later than usual.” My hands trace his well-defined pec muscles.
“I’d hate to make my brother fire me.”
“If that were the case, you’d have a lot more free time on your hands.”
Those hands of his drift farther down my back, pulling me into him. “More time to spend with you?”
“Yes.” I press a kiss into his jaw.
“What a hardship that would be. Maybe I should get myself fired.”
“But then how would you support your daughter?”
“Ugh.” Mason buries his face in my neck. “Don’t be so full of common sense.”
“Sorry. I wish you could spend the day with us.”
“Ivy! We’re ready!” Willow’s tiny voice comes from down the hall.
“My charge calls.” I smile up at Mason whose gaze seems to be locked on my face. I don’t want him to go, but I know he needs to.
“Think you could get away on Saturday night?” he asks.
“As long as you can find a babysitter for Willow.”
“She’s got a lot of aunts and uncles who need to spend some time with her.”
“It’s a good thing they love her.”
“Ivy! C’mon!” Willow calls again.
“I better go before she comes out here.”
Mason dips down, pressing his lips to mine. It’s over before it even gets a chance to start, eliciting a whimper from me.
I want more.
“Saturday,” I tell him, stepping out of his space.
