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“I am.” He grips the steering wheel. “There’s no one in this world I’m prouder of than my son, and there’s no one who means more to me than him. If you’re going to take me on, he comes with me, no matter where he is in life. He’s leaving in the summer, so I plan on spending time with him, and if you come into our lives, you’ll need to spend time with him, too. It’s just how it’s going to have to be.”
It’s a lot to digest, but I know the way I feel in the depths of my stomach, I know this flutter isn’t something that comes along every day, and I also know how much I already care for Caleb. He’s one of my favorite students, and I’ve enjoyed watching him mature during the school year. Getting out of the Jeep, I walk around, opening Mason’s door and stepping on the running board. The shock is written plain as day across his face, when I lean in. “I’m in, fully and completely, with you. It might be stupid, considering we just met. It might be the biggest mistake of my life, it might blow up in our faces, but Mason, I want the experience.”
Reaching up under my hair, he cups my neck, pulling me to kiss his lips. “I want the experience too, more than I’ve ever wanted it before.”
CHAPTER 7
MENACE
Walkingbehind Karina has quickly become my favorite pastime. The way her jeans hug her ass should be fucking illegal in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.
“Two,” I tell the hostess as we enter, holding up two fingers.
Fuck my life; I try to play it cool. The hostess is someone who’s wanted me to take her out on a date for a while, and every time she drops the hint, I play it off. Needless to say, tonight when I walk in with my arm around Karina, I’m given the look of death.
“Hey Mason, didn’t think you were really into dating.” She gives me the evil eye.
“No, never said that,” I correct her assumption, hating that I’m about to be a bit of a dick, but I don’t want this woman to ruin what will be a great time between me and Karina. “I was just never into dating you.”
Karina coughs, and I suspect it’s hiding a laugh. Another glare is shot our way as we’re taken to a booth in the back. Our menus are slapped on the table, before she turns, flinging her hair at us.
“Sorry about that.” My face is red, hot with embarrassment, and I wonder how in the hell I forgot she worked here.
“It’s okay, you’ve obviously been a hot cop and smoking single dad for a while, and I’m sure there are more women out there who wanted more time than you were willing to give.”
She has a seat in the booth and I squeeze in next to her. I’m a same-side sitter with the person who has my attention, so I hope she’s okay with me being handsy when the feeling strikes.
“You, I’m willing to give all my time to.” I use my hand to push some of her curls over her shoulder. A smirk spreads across her face, and she scoots a little closer. “Some of these women, though, the minute I hit town, they were lined up.” I run a hand through my hair as our waiter comes over.
He’s a friend of Caleb’s and I’m glad to see a friendly face.
“Mr. Harrison, Ms. Holland, how’s it going?” He puts some chips in front of us and the cheese sauce I like.
“Good, Brad, how’s it going with you?”
“School, training, work, repeat. Probably the same thing going on with Caleb.”
Casually, I situate myself back against the booth, spreading my legs to give me room to kick them out before I curl my hand around Karina’s neck. “Pretty much, at least I know you’ll be in Tuscaloosa with him in the summer.”’
Brad nods before he takes our drink orders and disappears.
Karina leans into me. “Tell me why it’s so embarrassing for a student to see me on a date.”
“You have Brad in class?”
She nods, snickering. “At some point I have all the seniors in my class.”
Brad delivers a pitcher of margaritas to her with a flourish and a Sprite for me. “Here ya go, Ms. Holland. Y’all ready to order?”
She opts for a taco salad while I get nachos that are bigger than my head. When he leaves, I watch her cautiously sip it.
“Careful, from what I’ve heard, those are strong,” I warn her; secretly hoping it loosens her up. Not that she needs it, but I can tell she’s a little nervous because a student has seen her.
“Trust me, I can hold my liquor.”
Looking down at her, I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. She’s cute as hell in her indignation. “Whatever you say.”
“What’s your call sign?” She asks out of nowhere. “I know you told the class, but I can’t remember. I was too busy looking at your ass in your pants.”
