AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The server came back, depositing their meals in front of them—seafood Alfredo for her and crab-stuffed ravioli for him.
“Aspen wanted to make sure I checked on you this week,” Mason said before taking a sip of his scotch.
Is that was this is? A pity date? “Oh? I’m sorry if I scared her in the tree house.” Pippa filled a fork with pasta but hesitated to take a bite.
Mason reached out, placing his hand over her arm. “It was scary, and I have some medical training. But I answered her questions and gave her a better understanding of your condition. At least, as much as I know. I’m just glad you’re okay.”
Pippa smiled and took a bite, buying her time to reply. “I’m fine. You never really get used to it, but you just learn to deal with it.”
A soft, warm breeze blew over them, bringing the brine of the sea. This was her favorite thing about living on the seacoast—the ocean. She turned back to find him watching her. The burnt-orange sunset made him glow. Flecks of gold were highlighted in his hair and beard. Those gemstone orbs remained on her, giving nothing away.
“I know it’s a lot. I would never ask you to . . . I get why you don’t want this to go any further.” She took another bite and looked away.
Mason set down his fork and rested his elbows on the table, rubbing his palms together. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about tonight.”
Pippa took a sip of her iced tea, her dinner plate becoming that much more interesting. Hold it together. You knew this was coming.
“My wife was a few years older than me. When we met, it was a whirlwind ordeal.” He blew out a breath. “I thought I’d met the love of my life while on leave. Amanda was in the military too. She understood the lifestyle. She got pregnant with Aspen really quick. She was already on her way out of the service. Didn’t re-up her contract. We were married as soon as I could get back to the States. She moved to where I was stationed, in Washington.”
A pang of jealousy lit in the pit of Pippa’s stomach, which she immediately shoved aside with guilt. This was Aspen’s mother. Without Amanda, that sweet little girl wouldn’t exist. What had happened to her?
“It all happened so fast. I was a SEAL, which is what I’d always wanted. She was home taking care of Aspen, but . . . she struggled. She needed help and I missed the signs.” He shrugged and sat back, crossing his arms over his chest. “Or maybe I was just too selfish to see what was right in front of me. Either way, I wasn’t there for her and she was killed.”
“I’m so sorry.” Pippa reached out, her palm open on the table, offering it to him. After all, he was being vulnerable with her.
Mason slipped his hand in hers. “Drunk driver . . .” His mouth opened and closed as if he wanted to say more but couldn’t.
“How old was Aspen?”
“Three. And I still had a couple years left of my contract. My dad and brother took care of her when I had to go on missions.”
Wow. That was a lot for a young man to deal with. Good thing he had family to help. “She’s lucky to have you.”
He cleared his throat and took his hand back before taking a bite of his food. “Aspen is my priority now, with no exceptions.”
“I understand there isn’t room for . . . ” Me.
The clang of his fork against his bowl made her look up. Mason’s gaze locked on her, soft and hopeful as he reached out his hand once more to her. The pad of his calloused thumb softly stroked her wrist. “But I want there to be room . . . for you.”
Pippa’s mouth parted in a gasp. Of all the things she’d expected him to say tonight, that wasn’t it. She hadn’t dared to hope.
“Mason, I need you to be clear right now. Are you saying what I think you’re saying? You want for us to be more than . . . friends with benefits?”
He leaned in, reached out his hand to stroke her jaw. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Her heart raced. Chills skated up her arms. Lady moved, settling on her feet below the table.
“Not saying I won’t fuck this up. I’ve never . . . this is all relatively new to me. I’m saying that I’d like to see where this goes. What do you think?”
Her ears rang as she swallowed, trying to gather some semblance of control. Joy burst like a million tiny water balloons in her chest, saturating her in hope. Could she do this? Would it be fair to him and Aspen? She didn’t want to burden anyone, but how could she not take this risk?
“I’d like to try too.”
He grinned, only half his mouth quirking up because of his scars, and it was one of the most beautiful things she’d ever seen.
“I was hoping you’d say that.” He stood and came around the table to plant a light kiss on her mouth. She parted her lips to deepen the kiss but he pulled away, teasing her.
Mason took his seat once more, his dark eyes focused on her. “Eat your dinner before it gets cold. You’re gonna need the energy.”
She giggled. “I hope dessert is included in this evening you have planned for us?”
His gaze darkened with lust. “I’ve already ordered it to go. Atlas made a whole peanut butter chocolate cheesecake just for us.”
Her eyes widened. “To go?”
“I was thinking we’d take it back to my place and I can feed it to you. Then I’ll take my turn and eat it off your body.”
Pippa’s jaw slackened. Oh, fuck me sideways. Images of Mason doing exactly what he’d suggested flit through her mind.
Pippa’s hand shot up. “Ch-check, please.”
