Educate Me

I love the feel of him against me. Considering his age, his body is well defined and because of how he fills out his jeans and shirt, he looks older than he is.

Shaking my head, I let him finish the last of the ice cream cones and slip my hand into his back pocket as we come to a stop outside an antique store.

“This is a bad idea,” he says nervously, trying to get me moving again.

Pulling away from him, I stand my ground. “Explain.”

He looks really nervous standing in front of me with his hands running through his hair, making it messier than before. “My family owns this store.” He points to the antique one that I’m still standing in front of. “Actually, my mom does. And she’s around today. I wanted to bring you here because we used to live here and I love spending time around the streets and the beach. I grew up in this store and I wanted you to see where I came from.” He walks back to me and cups my face in his hands. “I thought it would be easy walking into the store with you beside me to meet my mom.” He blushes. “This is our first day together and it suddenly hit me that I’m jumping the gun and it’s not right to expect you to meet her so soon.” He blushes.

God, he’s so damn sweet and I’m trying my hardest not to tease him about bringing me to meet his mom, but, honestly, I’m excited that he would think of that.

“Let’s go inside.”

I’ve surprised him. His hands freeze mid-caress on my face.

“We can’t say where I work, but we’re here and I’m curious.” I grin at him. Leaning in, I place my mouth on his, licking along his lips with the tip of my tongue until he groans and lets me in. Taking control of our kiss, his arms go around me pulling me in real tight against him. He tastes of chocolate ice cream and man. As our tongues slide together, I wrap my arms around his neck…and hear someone cough behind us.

Mason breaks the kiss, but keeps his arms loosely around me.

“I think our Mason finally has a girlfriend…ouch.”

Turning, I

discover a slightly older version of Mason standing beside who I presume to be his Mom. “Stop teasing your brother,” she reprimands.

Mason chuckles and taking my hand leads me over to them. “Mom, I’d like you to meet Bianca.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet Mason’s girl.” She pulls me in for a hug and nearly squeezes the life out of me, but thank goodness for Mason who pulls me free.

“Bianca, this is obviously my mom, Rosemary, and this dickhead is my older brother, Linc.”

“Do I get a hug as well,” Linc asks holding his arms out to me with a huge grin on his face. No doubt to piss his brother off.

“Like hell.” Mason pulls me back into his arms. “Get your own girl.”

Linc’s eyes widen in surprise when he realizes his brother is serious.

I can feel the tension running through Mason as his muscles tighten. Is this what usually happens between them when there’s a girl around? I don’t like this at all.

“Mason,” I whisper into his neck. “What’s going on?”

With my whispered words against him, he seems to come back to me and turning his head, he briefly kisses my lips. Too briefly. I’m addicted to his taste and although I’m thrilled to be introduced to his mom, I also want him for myself.

“Linc’s going out, so come on inside and have some lemonade. I made a fresh jug this morning,” Rosemary says, obviously feeling the tension between brothers.

“Yeah, I’m gone.” Linc winks at me before turning and walking off in the opposite direction.

Rosemary walks inside and holds the door for us.

“Give us a minute, Mom.”

As the door closes, Mason cups my face again. “I’ve never brought a girl home before. In the past when I’ve been with someone and we cross paths with Linc, he’s always tried to sweet talk her and sometimes they left me to go with him.” He laughs. “The thing is it never really bothered me until now…with you.” He kisses my lips. “Let’s go inside… Oh, you like cats?”

Opening the door, I walk into the shop and answer him, “I love them. Why?”

Meow! Meow!

Um, that’s why. Before Mason can even answer me, four, very large cats rush us. Wrapping around my legs, they continue to purr and meow, obviously looking for attention. “I see they’re friendly, but are they okay to be picked up?” I ask as a huge white, fluffy cat rubs around my ankles.