“I’m happy for you, Soph,” I murmured. “You found a good man. You deserve nothing less.”
She looked up at me, her eyes full of sincerity. “So do you. Think about what I said, Jill, please.”
“I will,” I promised.
“Call me if you need me. I mean it, Jill,” she added sternly.
“I will, thank you.” I smiled, waving as she walked through the door.
I turned to Mason, smiling at seeing his face covered in fruit. “Well, Bubs, it’s just you and me today. Let’s party.”
Chapter 6
By the time I got Mason into bed that evening I was dead on my feet. I changed for bed, donning my standard sleep shorts and tank. I was throwing my long dark hair into a bun, preparing to wash my face, when a firm knock sounded on the front door.
My pulse skyrocketed as I cautiously walked over and peered through the peephole, and took an immediate step back.
Cal.
My pulse continued its frantic rhythm for a different reason entirely as I fought for calm.
“Open the door, darlin’,” his deep voice commanded.
I blushed, embarrassed that he obviously knew I was standing like a fool gaping at my door.
“Jill.” His voice came again, the gravelly bite to it making my knees weak.
I fought for calm as I slid the dead bolt back and opened the door.
When he smiled, the lines around his eyes made him all the more striking.
But he wasn’t smiling now.
He stepped into my apartment, his large frame towering over me as I realized the clothing I wore didn’t cover much.
“What are you doing here?” I managed, wrapping my arms around my chest.
His hand went through his dark-blond hair, the gray at his temples accentuating his blue eyes as he stared down at me intently.
The tension crackled between us like a live wire.
Without a word he removed his leather cut and placed it around my shoulders. The soft weight of it was immeasurably comforting and I fought the urge to breathe in deep, wanting to wrap the smell of him around me that much more.
The removal of his cut revealed the white t-shirt he wore underneath. It clung to his muscles like a second skin and I forced my gaze upwards, away from the ridges in his stomach and bulge of his arms.
“Thanks,” I murmured, knowing a deep blush colored my cheeks.
“He asleep?” he asked, his head cocked to the closet door.
I nodded. “You still haven’t answered my question,” I added quietly.
“Why I’m here?” he asked with a tilt of his head.
I nodded, biting my lip.
He stepped closer, his hand tipping my chin up. “Darlin’, I’m here for the same reason I flew out to New Mexico when I heard about your gran. For the reason I nearly lost my fucking mind when you got into the accident with Piper and Connie and broke your arm. I’m here for the same reason I slept at the hospital instead of in my own goddamn bed. For the reason I’ve given you space rather than taking what I want.”
I swayed slightly on my feet as his words sent my balance off-kilter.
