He Loves Me Not (Bunch-A-Blooms 1)

“This was delicious, Mason,” she said as she set down her fork.

“Yeah, I’ve stepped up my cooking game since we last lived together.”

She laughed. “Understatement.”

“Hey! I had never really cooked for

myself. You know how my mom was.”

“I do,” she said with a nod.

“I know you’re probably wondering why I went all out tonight.”

She held her breath.

“My dad offered me the store.”

She deflated like a balloon. Hurt exploded inside of her, and the shrapnel of her feelings threatened to make her bleed out. She hid the turmoil with a wide grin. “That’s great, Mas. Congratulations.”

“That’s not all.”

She blinked. “What?” Her emotions spiked once more.

“I want … I think it’s time we move in together. I’m okay with selling the condo and moving in here. I know how much the house means to you.”

“I—” She opened her mouth and closed it, unable to think clearly. Tears filled her eyes, and she shook her head.

“Petunia?”

“I’m sorry, it’s so much at once.”

“You don’t want to live with me?”

“N-no, it’s f-f-fine. You’re right. It’s the next step on the list.” She’d wanted him to propose. The thought terrified her.

He stood and walked over, knelt beside her, and grabbed her hands. He brought her hands to his lips. “I’m sorry. I thought this would be a nicer way to ask.”

“It was. That’s …” She hiccupped. “That’s why I’m a mess. You’re so much better at this than I ever could’ve imagined.”

“No, I’m well-versed in all things Petunia. It’s never been like this for me with anyone else. The difference is you. It’s us. Maybe it always has been. Hey, look at me.” She forced her gaze to meet his. The honesty and vulnerability she saw stole her breath. “I think we should bring in the New Year the way we plan on continuing it.”

She licked her lips. “And how’s that?”

“With me inside of you, sharing the bed that’s now ours.”

“Mason,” she whispered.

“You want that with me, Petunia?”

She nodded her head and took the hand he extended.

“I like the dress.” He lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. “But I’m going to enjoy removing it even more.” He captured her lips, and she kissed him, hard, pouring all the force of her feelings into the meeting of mouths. Tilting her head, she wrapped her arms around his neck as she twined her tongue around his. He moaned, and she took advantage, deepening their lip-lock as she sucked his tongue into her mouth. Her body hummed and her heart sped. She scraped his scalp with her nails. He shuddered, and she smiled against his lips as they parted to breathe.

He set her on the edge of the bed and moved around the room, lighting lavender-scented candles. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. He was powerful and fit. His sure steps reminded her of a jungle cat stalking his prey as he removed his jacket, tossed it across a chair by the window, and undid his bowtie. There was something so intimate about the removal of his dress clothes. She crooked her finger and opened her legs. He stepped between them, and she gripped his collar, pulling him down to her.

“I want to do it.”

“Whatever Petunia wants,” he whispered.