Perfect Night (Mason Creek)

“What rules are those?” I asked, feeling far from shy.

“To take my time. We have forever in the making.”

“And what if I don’t want to wait.” That truth warred with the fear of losing him.

“I’d remind you that you’ve just broken up with your fiancé. I don’t want to be your rebound. There’s a lot going on in your life right now. I will be patient if it gets me the forever I want with you.”

“How can you know that?”

“Because the grass was never as green as it is in your yard. I’ve loved you from afar for as long as I can remember.”

“Why did you wait?” I asked.

“Advice from someone important.”

“Are you going to tell me that advice?”

“One day, not today,” he said.

“Then, I suggest you go grab that shower because I’m not feeling very patient.”

He placed another heart-stopping kiss on my lips. “I promise I’m worth the wait,” he said, cheekily.

I hope I am, I thought as he jogged upstairs. I finished my bottle of water and went for the coffee. I could have changed out of Aiden’s shirt, but I didn’t. I was upstairs in his room gathering my things when he came out of the shower.

Neither of us spoke. He moved to his dresser, grabbed clothes, placed them on his bed before dropping the towel. My mouth could have caught flies as it hung open. Aiden just watched me watching all of him, as he got dressed.

“You’re not playing fair,” I managed in a choked whisper.

His mouth curled up on one side in a smirk that could make any woman self-destruct. “Let’s go,” he said once his uniform shirt was buttoned.

All I could imagine was his long thick cock that hung between his thighs a second ago. It took me that long to get my feet moving. I thought about the bundle of clothes in my hands and how he’d suggested I leave some things here. I’d never lived with anyone except my father and had no idea how the dating thing where you stayed at each other’s places and left things behind worked. I’d have to ask some of my more knowledgeable friends.

My thoughts sobered when I came to a stop in front of my house. Evan’s car was still there. I glared at it. I wouldn’t allow him to make me afraid. I practically slammed the car door as I got out and stomped to my front door before Aiden caught up.

“He’s never going to touch you again.”

His pronouncement thawed some of my fury. I reached up and almost touched his hair. It was still damp, and I almost kissed him before remembering my nosy neighbor. A glance at her house didn’t reveal her ever present vigilance at watching over the neighborhood. Still, I unlocked the door and let Aiden inside.

“Go get your shower,” he said.

I dumped my purse on a side table and left my shirt there as well. As I ascended the stairs, I took off his shirt and let it fall. Then, my jeans.

“Emma.” It sounded more like a growl than a word.

“Two can play…”

I tossed my bra downstairs and then my underwear when I reached the top. I walked straight to the bathroom. Part of me wanted him to chase me. Then, we could end the stalemate. If he thought me lacking in bed, then I could find out sooner before my heart was too tangled in his.

He didn’t come. I stayed far too long under the shower, and I’d likely be late for my appointment if I didn’t get a move on. Reluctantly, I left the bathroom. Aiden wasn’t in my bedroom, and the house was silent. Had he left?

I got dressed and went downstairs. My clothes were gone from the stairs and landing. He’d folded them and set them on top of the shirt I’d left on the side table. His shirt was still in the pile.

Was he leaving his things here too? A little thrill zipped through me.

I went out onto the front porch and joined Aiden who wore a grim expression. I looked out onto the street. Evan’s car was gone.

“What happened?” I asked.

“I’ll tell you later. You’re going to be late.”

He followed me to the salon but didn’t get out. After I parked, I jogged over to his car.

“Thanks for everything,” I said.

“One day, you’re going to stop thanking me and just accept I’m here for you.” My eyes dropped to his lips. “Your choice,” he said, and he didn’t have to tell me what.

I could kiss him and let the town know we were a thing, or I could wait. I leaned in and kissed him. It wasn’t long, but when I pulled back there was a big smile on his face.

“My girl has kissed me. I wonder how long before someone asks me about it?”