Page 64 of Yours To Hold
“You’re home early.” I set Willow’s pictures on the counter.
“It’s the county fair tonight. Of course I’m home early.”
Willow wiggles out of Mason’s arms and runs back to me. “The fair is my favorite, Ivy. I love all the rides.”
“What’s your favorite?”
“I love the big slide.”
“That was my favorite too.”
Wide brown eyes stare up at me. “Ivy, will you come with us?”
“I don’t know. I don’t want to intrude.”
“You won’t be. I want you to come.” Willow holds my hand, pleading with me. “Right, Daddy?”
“I don’t know, Willow. Maybe Ivy has other plans.”
“She doesn’t.” Willow runs over to Mason. “She just told me she was going out to take pictures. That’s boring.”
“Willow. That’s not nice,” Mason reprimands her.
“I mean, if you don’t mind if I tag along, it does sound more fun.”
I lock eyes with Mason. A heated look passes through his gaze, gone just as fast. “We’d love to have you.”
“Yay!” Willow comes back to me, throwing her arms around me. “This is going to be the best night ever!”
“Go put your shoes on, Pipsqueak.”
“We’re gonna have so much fun.” Willow charges out of the kitchen.
Mason closes the distance between us, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. His touch lingers, sending shockwaves through me. “And here I thought I wouldn’t get to see you much tonight.”
This man’s mere presence is overwhelming. Every part of my body is tingling from the soft brush of his fingers. Mason is less than a foot from me. Willow’s soft voice carries from the other room. I drop a soft kiss on his lips.
“Looks like we will.”
“I’m glad I don’t have to wait until the weekend to see you.”
I hate how fleeting my time with Mason is. In a few short weeks, I’ll be heading out to Seattle. Mason’s priority is Willow. It makes getting what little time we can that much harder.
The girl in question comes running back into the kitchen. Mason jumps back, slamming his back into the counter.
“Shit!” Mason winces, rubbing at his back.
“I’m ready!” Willow is back at my side, staring her dad down. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
I hide the smile as Mason mouths,your fault.
“Then let’s go.”
Grabbing my hand, Willow drags me out of the house. All I can do is pat Mason on the chest as we head out to the truck and get on our way to the fair.
It’s the perfect summer night. With the holiday weekend, Dixon is overrun with tourists. Everyone is in town to go hiking at the national park.
