How had he guessed?
I lifted my head to find him staring at me with the faintest hint of a smile.
His hands moved upward, Beck’s thumbs sliding across my lace bra, stopping as he circled both nipples.
“I cannot fucking wait to get these in my mouth,” he said, as both peaked under his ministrations.
Swallowing, the question at the tip of my tongue, I waited.
Nothing could have surprised me more when Beck suddenly reached down, grabbed my t-shirt, and put it back on. It wasn’t until Beck smoothed my hair that had got tousled in the process that I said anything.
“Why… did you stop?”
“Good question.” Leaning forward, he kissed me, softly, for what felt like the last time tonight.
“I stopped because I’ve been imagining seeing you naked, cherishing your body, for most of my adult life. This”—he waved his hand around the bar—“isn’t how I pictured it. Besides, we could have an audience.”
I thought of that. The front windows of the bar were covered in lettering, but it wouldn’t be difficult for anyone walking by to peer in. Not that anyone was likely to at this time of night, and if they did, they probably wouldn’t see much in the dark.
“But the other reason,” he said, “is that I don’t want to rush anything. I want to prove I can be patient for you, Mae.”
Well damn, that was inconvenient.
Thoughtful. But inconvenient. Because I wanted nothing more than for Beck to tear my bra off, and my jeans too, and show me if he was as skilled a lover as he claimed.
Not that I really needed proof. Not after that kiss.
“And that’s why I’m going to walk you home, now. Before I change my mind.”
33
BECK
“You look like hell.”
“Thanks, buddy,” I said to Mason, who ventured to the coffee maker, pouring himself a cup.
“It’s early for you,” he said, sitting across from me at the kitchen island.
“Lots to do today. I’m looking at a few apartments.”
That got Mason’s attention. “Why?”
“For the same reason most people look at apartments. To find one to live in.”
He didn’t say anything, so I stated the obvious. “Renovations are just about finished. Parker and Delaney’s house will be done this summer. I can’t live here forever.”
“You can stay as long as you want, Beck.”
“I know. But it’s time.”
Mason whistled. “You’re not fooling around.”
“I’m trying. But there’s a lot of ground to make up. She didn’t say anything about Laurie last night, but that’s not gonna be the last time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled Mae sees me as more than a friend too. But it feels like I’m walking on thin ice. There’s a good chance I’ll fuck this up.”
Last night felt like a victory. It was borderline painful to walk home, and I kicked myself more than once. Everything I’d ever wanted was right there for the taking, but instinctively I knew Mae wasn’t ready. She didn’t trust me yet, and I couldn’t blame her.
“You can’t change the past.”
