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I spent the next few days with Mason. I hadn’t expected him to, but it turned out that he had asked Aunt Claire and Uncle Ryan for some time off work to look after me while I recovered. I did try to tell him that I was fine and just needed to rest for a few days, but he didn’t take any notice, waiting on me hand and foot for whatever I needed.

I loved spending time with Mason, we watched movies, cuddled on the sofa and got to know each other, talking for hours. After two days of chilling, we decided to go down to the lake for some fresh air. I wasn’t going to be getting on a horse anytime soon, so we took Mason’s truck.

He’d packed a picnic, and we lay by the side of the lake soaking up the sun. I was lying against his chest, my eyes closed as he stroked his fingers up and down my arm, my body tingling under his touch. “Lib, can I ask you something?” He murmured, gently kissing my head.

“Of course,” I replied.

“Have you considered finishing off university here, rather than back at home?” My eyes flew open, and I sat up. Looking at him, he looked nervous and unsure as he waited for my response.

“I haven’t really thought about it, why?”

He sighed. “I’m being selfish I know, but I don’t want you to go home…” He paused and sat up to face me. “When I found you, after you’d fallen off your horse, I’d never been so scared Lib. I knew that I loved you before then, but God, seeing you lying on the ground, hurt and bleeding…” He trailed off.

I took his hand in mine. “Mason, I’m fine.”

“I know baby, I just don’t want to let you go.” He smiled sheepishly at me.

“Would I even be able to study in Austin?” I asked him, my interest piqued by his suggestion.

“Well…I did enquire about overseas applications, and you just apply directly to the university, there would be tuition fees to consider, though. We could look into it if you’re interested? Maybe Savannah would know who we could speak to. What do you think?” He looked apprehensively at me.

I hadn’t even thought about studying here, it had never crossed my mind. Now that Mason had mentioned it; I was beginning to love the idea. I’m not sure how my parents would feel about me staying, I would need to discuss it with them. I’d also need to carry on living at the ranch so Aunt Claire and Uncle Ryan would need to be included in any discussions. I felt excitement building in my stomach, this could be the new start that I was looking for. If I went back home and finished Uni, I would still be surrounded by my memories of Mia, while I didn’t want to forget her, I was finding it hard to move on at home. Maybe this would be just what I needed to move forward with my life. It also meant that I would be able to stay with Mason, who I was falling deeper in love with every day.

“Lib, you’ve been quiet for a really long time. If you hate the idea, I understand. Of course, you’re going to want to go back home to your parents and Jack.” He dropped his eyes from mine, his fingers playing with the edge of the picnic blanket we were sitting on.

“No! Mason, that’s not why I was quiet.” I reached down and took his hand. “I was just thinking things through, thinking that this could be the new start that I desperately need. Obviously, there would be a lot to discuss and think about, but I love the idea.”

“Really?” He asked, his eyes finding mine again, and a gorgeous smile appearing on his face.

I laughed. “Really.” I kneeled up, softly brushing my lips against his. “But like I said, there would be a lot to sort out. Maybe we should start by making an appointment to see someone at the university, to see if it’s even possible first, before we get carried away? I’ll speak to Savannah after dinner tonight.” We had been invited to the house for dinner later. Aunt Claire was making my favourite, and I was looking forward to catching up with everyone.

Mason gently pushed me down on the blanket, his body hovering over mine. His eyes dropped to the bruise on my cheek, and I self-consciously touched my fingers to my face. He carefully pulled my fingers away and bent his head, kissing softly along the bruise. With his lips millimetres from mine, he whispered. “Even with bruises, you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” I closed the distance between us and kissed him, snaking my good hand through his hair, his tongue stroked against mine and I moaned into his mouth.

I’d missed him touching me. He’d held back since the accident, afraid that he would hurt me, but now I was aching for him. He scattered kisses along my jaw and down my neck. I was panting underneath him, pleasure pulsing through my body. I pulled his head back up to mine, kissing him hungrily. His hand cupped my breast, and his thumb circled my nipple through my top. I arched my back, pushing my breast further into his hand, his erection pressing against my flimsy shorts.

He pulled back, removing his hand from my breast and resting his forehead on mine. “Lib.” He breathed out. “We should stop, I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Don’t stop Mason,” I whispered against his lips. “You’re not going to hurt me. Please.” I was practically begging him, but I didn’t care. “I’m ready Mason. I want to be with you.” I lifted my head and caught his lips with mine. My hips raised to meet his and I heard him moan as he deepened the kiss, our tongues tangling together.

He pulled back again. “Are you sure baby?” He asked, his eyes fixed on mine. “You know that I’ll wait, there’s no rush.”

“I know, but I’m ready Mason. I love you.” I told him.

“I love you too sweetheart.” He kissed me gently on the lips, making no attempt to deepen the kiss. I glanced up at him, confused when he pulled away again. He laughed. “It’s not happening here darlin’, the first time we make love you’ll be in my bed, not on a blanket in the middle of a field. I don’t want anyone other than me seeing you like that.”

I glanced around. “Mason, there’s no one else here but us,” I said incredulously.

“Right now, we’re the only ones here, but Brody and Ryan come this way sometimes, as well as any guests that could be wandering around. I’m not taking that risk baby.” He leaned down and kissed my nose. I pouted as he stood up. “It’ll happen sweetheart, and soon I promise. Come on let’s head back.” He held his hand out to me, and I reached up to take it. A smile was tugging at the corner of his lips. “It’s a turn on to know you want me so badly baby.” He whispered in my ear as he pulled me up and into his chest, wrapping his arms around me. My face flushed and I was grateful that my head was buried in his chest. He chuckled, knowing how my body would have reacted to his words.

An hour later we arrived at the house. Aunt Claire had made Frito pie again, and my stomach rumbled when we walked into the kitchen, the smell hitting my nose.

“That smells amazing!” I exclaimed as I walked over to Aunt Claire, who was stood at the stove. She turned and pulled me into a hug.

“How are you feeling honey?” She asked, releasing me and eyeing my bruised face. “I hope Mason’s looking after you?” She raised her eyebrows at Mason and then turned to me, waiting for my response.

“I’m good.” Mason had made his way over to me and wound his arm around my waist. Pressing myself against his side, I looked up at him. “Mason’s looking after me, I’m not allowed to do anything other than lie on the sofa,” I said smirking at him.

“Good, I’m glad.” Aunt Claire replied, winking at Mason. “Let’s eat!”

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