Bachelor Swap, Lacey Black [best short novels txt] 📗

have easily turned cold like his brother, but that’s not who Mason is.

Ever since I met with Matthew and got Mason’s address, I’ve been anxious to come here and see him. I realized two weeks ago that while I was hurt by the way everything transpired, I knew in my heart Mason wasn’t being malicious. If anything, he was acting out of his budding feelings for me.

“Thank you,” he whispers, releasing a huge puff of air. “I never meant to hurt you, Kyla. I’m so fucking sorry for betraying your trust and faith.”

“I know you are. I realized it wasn’t actually that hard to forgive you, Mason. Once I thought about it, it was pretty easy.”

“It was?” he asks, seeming confused.

“Yes, because that’s what you do when you love someone.”

My words strike him like a bolt of electricity. His eyes widen in shock momentarily before the most handsome grin spreads across his face. “You do?”

“Yes,” I reply, as he releases my hand and pulls me into his arms. They’re warm and familiar and feel oh so right.

“Good, because I love you too.”

Then he kisses me tenderly and slowly, like he’s cherishing the feel of our lips connecting. It’s a beautiful moment, full of hope and redemption, love and elation.

When he pulls back, his eyes reflect contentment. “Do you want to go inside? I was just about to make a sandwich.”

I glance out at the quiet Montana night, taking a moment to soak in the serene view. It’s peaceful and beautiful, and I can’t help but wonder if this is the view I’ll be taking in for the rest of my life. “Well, as much as I’d enjoy just sitting here and relaxing, I’m actually quite hungry.”

Mason stands, causing Hattie to jump up, her tail wagging in excitement. “Let’s go inside and I’ll show you my home.” He helps me up, takes my hand, and guides me to the front entrance. “Come on, Hattie. Time to eat.”

As we step through the threshold, I say, “I can’t believe you adopted her, or that Edith kept it from me. She never mentioned who purchased her.”

“I asked her not to, if possible. I didn’t want to cause you more grief,” he replies, coming up behind me and letting the screened door slam shut. “I missed my Sunday morning flight home, but was able to catch one later that afternoon, with Hattie in tow.”

I glance down at the happy pup. “She seems to be very content here.”

Mason toes off his slide-on cowboy boots. “She rules the roost, don’t you, Hattie girl?” Then he takes a few steps forward into a living room. “This is my place.”

I glance around at the homey space, loving the classic mismatched furnishings and the old woodwork trim. “I love it,” I state honestly.

We move through the house as he shows me room after room in the old farmhouse. I can tell he’s taken decent care of it, but it could still use a little work. As we reach the kitchen, Mason heads over to where Hattie waits by her food bowl. He tosses a cup of food in the empty dish and fills the other with fresh water.

Then he moves to the fridge and opens the door. “I don’t have too much available right now, but there’s some lunch meat and fresh veggies in here,” he says, turning toward me. “I can go to the market tomorrow.” A look of panic crosses his face. “Wait, you’re not leaving right away, are you?”

I’m already moving in his direction. When I reach him, I press my hands to his chest, the steady beat of his heart beneath my fingers. “I guess I didn’t really make myself clear,” I say, stepping into his personal space and pressing my body against his. “I’m not going anywhere, unless you want me to.”

Mason wraps his hands around my side, letting them trail slowly down to my butt. “If I had it my way, you’d never leave. Ever.”

I shrug. “Well, that actually works well for me. I’m in the process of selling my penthouse and am looking for a new place to live.”

“Really?” he asks, his eyes wide with delight. “I just happen to have a room.”

“That’s convenient. Though, I don’t really like sleeping alone. I hope that room comes with a roommate.”

He flashes me a wide grin. “Oh, there’s definitely a roommate. He’d love nothing more than to hold you close every night, sweetheart.”

“Then it’s settled. Maybe later we can go out and get my bags in the trunk of my rented SUV.”

“Why wait?” he asks.

I move my hands up and wrap them around his neck, pressing my chest against his. “Like I said, I’m hungry.”

“I’ll make us sandwiches,” he insists, yet to pull his body away from mine.

Giving him a coy grin, I whisper, “I’m not hungry for food, Cowboy.”

His eyes flash with desire, and I can feel his erection growing against my stomach. “Funny, I’m starved too, and not for food.”

Then he kisses me, hard and full of desire. It’s like a homecoming, of sorts. A meeting of two souls who’ve craved one another and have found its other half in each other.

“Ky?” he whispers, nipping at my swollen lips with his teeth. “Are you wearing my T-shirt?”

I feel the blush creep up my neck. “Oh, uh, yes. I’ve been…wearing it.”

His eyes hold humor and a new wave of need. “That’s sexy as fuck.”

“When I found your bag at my apartment, I just wanted to feel close to you for a bit. That turned into a night, then two, and before long, I’d been wearing it nightly for almost a month.” His eyes flash. “I’ve washed it, of course.”

Mason swipes his lips across mine in a gentle kiss. “Come on, Ky. Let me show you how much I love you,” he whispers, picking me up in his arms and carrying me off toward the hallway stairs.

This moment may not be our beginning, but it’s definitely the start of something special. I don’t know where