“Yeah, it’s fine. There’s always someone on call in case stuff like this happens, so they’ll just ask him to come in. Wait, is that groceries?” he asks, eyeing the plastic bag that I lift from my tote.
I giggle.
“Yes. Most people make chicken noodle when they’re sick, but I have a special recipe for garlic chicken turmeric soup. It’s delicious and works wonders, trust me.”
He pretends to wrinkle his nose.
“Garlic? Turmeric? I’m not even sure what turmeric is, actually.”
I giggle.
“It’s a spice from India, that’s all. And no making faces because I promise you’re going to love it. Plus, from now you will address me as ‘Nurse,’” I say playfully. “I’m going to get you back into tip top shape so fast, your chief will thank me, mark my words.”
The big man chuckles then as I make my way to the kitchen.
“Alright, Miss Nurse. Do what you need to do. I’ll just be waiting in the living room then. But make sure you don’t set off the fire alarm!”
I just smirk. “Well, I guess it’s good that we have a firefighter on hand then, wouldn’t you say?” I say in a sweet tone. “Such a big, strong firefighter too!”
Mason just laughs as he swats my bottom. Then, I begin taking the groceries out before peeking into the fridge. Oh wow, it’s Bachelor Nation in here because the only things Mason has are milk, orange juice, beer, and a couple of apples that look shriveled and old. His freezer isn’t much better because there are only a few bags of frozen fruits and vegetables, which are likely for smoothies.
I shake my head ruefully and return my attention to the groceries. I have my work cut out for me, but it’s okay because I love taking care of my man and the soup is easy to prepare. After sautéing the vegetables in a pan with some oil, I throw the meat and spices into a pot along with a carton of bone broth and a can of coconut milk. The mixture starts bubbling as I tidy up my workspace. Meanwhile, Mason wanders into the kitchen again. I don’t hear him, but suddenly, there’s the feel of a huge male form at my back.
“That smells really good,” he growls into my ear. “Thank you, baby.”
“Of course,” I say playfully before turning to hook my arms around his neck. “The soup’s full of tasty ingredients and you’re going to love it.”
He smiles at me. “Oh, yeah?”
I nod. “Yes, definitely. It’ll heal you after you take just one sip, mark my words.”
He chuckles, pulling me close.
“The way you talk about it, it sounds more like a magic potion than soup.”
I giggle. “Actually, that might be a good name for the dish. “Magic potion,” instead of “chicken turmeric.””
He laughs too, but then the chuckles die as he looks into my eyes, his blue gaze serious.
“Charity, sweetheart,” he says. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you. I wanted to, but it’s just that … well, you’re so young and I don’t want to overwhelm you. I’m a grown man, whereas you’re what? Eighteen?”
I look him straight in the eye.
“No, don’t start this again. I want to be with you, and yes, I’m eighteen but that’s a good thing because it means I’m legal. I’m old enough to make my own decisions, and besides, you’re not over the hill or anything.”
He smiles at me, his lips quirking at the corners.
“Yes, but honey, I’m twice your age.”
“So?” I ask, shrugging my shoulders. “Age is nothing but a number.”
Yet he still looks troubled.
“Yes, but I used to date your mom,” he says in a low tone. “In fact, Rosanne and I were dating up until a week ago. You know what people are going to say because what man puts his dick in a woman, only to put his dick in her daughter too?”
The rude words get my attention, but I remain unswayed.
“I hear what you’re saying,” is my reply. “But it doesn’t bother me. Why, does it bother you?”
The handsome firefighter looks tortured then.
“It does because I’m the adult in this relationship, so I should know better –”
I cut him off once more.
“No, we’re both adults, Mason. Again, I know what I want, and I understand the repercussions too. Now, are you really hung up on the fact that you’ve dated both me and my mom?”
He won’t look at me for a moment, but then his blue gaze meets mine, and there’s a fire there.
“No, I don’t care,” he rasps. “I want you so much, baby, that it doesn’t matter to me.”
“Good,” I say in a firm voice as triumph soars through my veins. “Then, that’s all that matters, Mason. What other people think? Ultimately it’s just water under the bridge because we’re doing nothing wrong.”
With that, the huge man seizes my mouth in a searing kiss, his hands running up and down my waist. We break apart, and both of us are panting heavily.