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"It's just a job. I'm telling you, sunshine, she's only here because of work. I'm working right now. I'm the new guy that hasn't been seen in town in five months. I'm the logical choice for a fake boyfriend slash bodyguard."
She splashed the water with the oar, and he didn't even flinch. "How can you not be attracted to her?" Her voice was shrill and hurt, but she couldn't help it. She felt raw and vulnerable, like her heart was slowly being peeled open like an onion.
Mason leaned on the bow of the canoe, both hands on the edge and growled. "I'm not attracted to her because she's not you."
Lucy's jaw dropped, and Mason stood up. His hands released the boat, and she seized her opportunity, stabbing the oar into the water and pushing the canoe back into the river.
Mason lunged for her. The water slowed him down, and he tripped. His hand caught the edge of the canoe, and Lucy screamed as it tipped over. Water went up her nose and made her choke.
She flailed her arms and couldn't see anything in the murky river. She found the bottom and pushed up. Hands caught her, and Mason hauled her to his chest as they broke above water.
She gasped and choked, blinking against the bright sun. Her sunglasses were gone downstream, but Mason was swimming them back toward shore. She sobbed and held onto his arm with one hand while wiping her eyes with the other.
Great, now she was a drowned rat and had to finish this conversation. She took deep breaths, coughing to clear her throat.
Chapter 49
Mason stumbled under their wet weight and pulled her into his lap in the shallows. His heart raced with adrenaline as he grumbled. "Damn it, Lucy."
He held her in his arms bridal style and crushed his lips to hers. All of his love burst like lava in his chest, but she stiffened in his embrace.
He froze, resisting the urge to sweep into her mouth and show her how much he'd missed her. He let her process the feel of their bodies pressed against each other, the feel of their lips as he pressed his mouth to hers.
Faintly, he heard Will say sarcastically, "Well, I guess you're not really his girlfriend, are you?"
Caroline giggled, but Mason didn't care. He was too busy trying to coax Lucy's lips open. He flicked his tongue across them, and she gasped. He seized the moment and dove inside, swirling his tongue with hers in a dance as old as time.
He cradled her head with both hands. She had curves for days and having her on his lap was heaven on earth. His dick twitched despite the cold water.
Still the kiss went on. His lips worked hers, begging for her forgiveness and telling her without words how he felt.
She gasped and pulled back, breaking the kiss. "Mason, what are you—"
"I missed you, Lucy. So fucking much," he said, resting his forehead on hers. She trembled in the cocoon of his arms.
"You did?" Her voice was shaky and tentative.
He nodded, eyes still closed as he just held her. "I did. I can't believe I didn't call you. I should have. I was just so afraid that you didn't want anything to do with me."
She leaned back and slapped him gently on the arm as she frowned. "How can you think that? Did we not get to know each other at all in Hawaii?"
He kissed her mouth in small kisses. "We did, but I overheard you say that your dad trapped your mom in a relationship and that wasn't what you wanted. But I swear, Lucy, I don't want to trap you. I want to protect you and love you forever."
She sobbed, but he kissed her deeper, trying to stem the tears. After last night, he didn't want to see her cry. They'd had enough tears to last a lifetime. When her breathing changed from tearful, he broke the kiss. She swayed in his arms, so he rushed on.
"I know your dad trapped your mom in an abusive marriage, and your mom tried to trap your dad financially."
She sighed, burying her head in the crook of his neck. "They made each other miserable, and it drove my mom into an early grave."
"I don't want to make you miserable, Lucy. I want to make you happy. If you'll give me a chance, I'll work every day to prove that won't be us."
She snorted. "I was miserable being apart from you these past few months."
He kissed her again and then hugged her tight.
"I know, little bird, and I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done that. Training made it easy to stay away from you."
She sniffed and grumbled, "Easier my ass."
