AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Does he even want one?
Ellie tried to quiet the voice of doubt, but it slithered into her mind, and she began to ask herself all over again what a man like Mason could possibly see in a girl like her.
SIX
MASON
As the plane touched down, Mason felt a tremendous sense of relief. He’d managed to get all of his important work done, and now he could turn off his phone and focus on Ellie.
She seemed down as they got off the plane, and it troubled him. He wanted her to have a great time and hoped she wasn’t suddenly feeling unwell.
“Are you okay?” Mason asked as they headed into the long line to wait for customs. “You seem a bit down.”
“It’s nothing,” she muttered, focusing on the desk ahead of them. Mason tried to shrug it off, hoping she might just have a bit of a headache and fatigue. Jet lag wouldn’t be a surprise since Ellie wasn’t a regular traveler.
Customs was mercifully brief, and Mason arranged to have the luggage taken to the hotel. He walked out into the street feeling excited and even free. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d switched off his phone.
The sun was bright and warm, lighting the sky an incredibly deep blue. Mason felt blessed, especially since London could be so gloomy. It was a fantastic day to explore the city on foot.
He turned to Ellie and saw she still had that slightly pensive look on her face. His heart dropped from his chest all the way into his guts. It would be terribly disappointing if Ellie was so sick that she couldn’t get out and explore on their first day, especially since he’d worked so hard to get everything done before they arrived.
“Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” he asked. “You look a bit down. If you’re not well, we can head straight to the hotel.”
Ellie shook her head, gazing around her at the high buildings. Mason was very worried now; she seemed very out of it.
Maybe she’s just being aloof with me.
Mason pushed the thought away. He certainly didn’t have his usual confidence around his fated mate, and he didn’t like the feeling of having to prove himself.
Still, it makes me even more aware of how special she is. I wouldn’t get this worked up over any other woman.
“I usually like to take a walk after a long flight,” Mason said, touching Ellie’s hand gently. “How would you feel about a walking tour?”
Ellie smiled, wrapping her fingers around his. “I’d like that. It really is a beautiful day.”
“It is,” he agreed, looking up to the peerless blue sky again. “Did you know, in some parts of England, it's considered a drought if it doesn’t rain for two weeks?”
“No,” Ellie said, laughing. “Is this place actually so wet and foggy?”
“It really is,” Mason said, leading her down the wide, paved street. “Wait until tomorrow morning. The mist will come down so thick that you won’t be able to see the tops of the buildings. I guarantee, as well, that it will rain at least once on our trip, if not every day.”
“We’d best take advantage of this weather while we can,” Ellie said enthusiastically.
Mason was encouraged by the way she tightened her hold on his hand and the excitement that grew on her face as she walked through the London streets. He took her through several main sections of town and for a short ride on one of the famous double-decker buses.
They came to the central city district, and Mason took her to the London Bridge. Ellie hurried to the rail to watch boats gliding on the Thames.
He enjoyed the way her eyes lit up, and her cheeks took on a rosy blush. He’d been worried that she wouldn’t enjoy herself, but it seemed like she’d gotten over whatever ailment had brought her down at the airport.
“This is amazing!” she cried, leaning on the rails. Mason smiled, watching the way the wind took her hair and teased it across her shoulders. The curls caught with bright gold glints from the afternoon sun, and her big blue eyes sparkled as they drank up London’s beauty.
“We might head up to the Tower Bridge next,” Mason said. “It’s a sight to see.”
“I want to see all the sights,” she said, giving him a wink. “Just keep throwing those word plays at me. I can do this all day.”
Ellie put up her fists and frowned like Captain America. Mason laughed, surprised at the way his mirth rose in his chest and bubbled out of him.
I haven’t felt so good in … well. Ever.
