Chapter Eleven
Savannah wrapped Tommy in a soft towel and took him into her bedroom where she’d laid out clothing on the bed. Despite her intention not to get attached, having him here the last six weeks had worn her down. She was as much in love with him as with his father.
Tommy was adorable and so sweet natured. As much pain as it cost dredging up memories, the time she spent with him was equally as wonderful. She knew she was setting herself up for probable heartbreak, but even that couldn’t keep her from volunteering to give him a bath or feed him or even take him with her to the new spa today so that Mason could take care of some business at the leather shop.
As always, when she thought of Mason and the leather shop, it just seemed an ill fit. She couldn’t put her finger on the reason, but he just didn’t seem to fit into the role of leather craftsman.
Tommy made a sound and Savannah turned her attention back to him. She nuzzled his neck and made him laugh, which make her chuckle.
“He really loves you.”
The sound of Mason’s voice made Savannah looked over her shoulder at him where he leaned against the doorframe. “He loves to be tickled.”
“He loves you.”
She turned her attention back to Tommy so that Mason couldn’t see her face for fear that her feelings would be evident. It thrilled her to think that Tommy had gotten attached to her, but scared her as well. What would it do to him if Mason took him away? He’d already lost his mother and was only a little over three months old. Would it scar him psychologically or emotionally to lose another person he was attached to?
“You want to go with me to the spa, cutie pie?” she asked as she started applying lotion to Tommy’s skin.
“Are you sure you don’t mind watching him this morning?” Mason asked.
“No, not at all. I won’t get to see him this weekend so it’s nice to have some extra time with him.”
“You won’t see him? Why?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, didn’t I tell you? I’m leaving in the morning to fly to Georgia and see my dad. I’ll be back Sunday.”
“Are you going to make the dance session this afternoon?”
For the first time she smiled at him and was once more mesmerized at the smile he offered in return. “You know I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Me either. If it’s okay to ask, how long do you get to spend with your father when you visit?”
“An hour. One day a week.”
“That’s a long way to go for an hour’s visit.”
“I’d walk across the country if that’s what it took,” she replied and turned her attention to the baby. “I’m all he has.” She then cut a look at Mason. “And he’s all I have.”
“That’s not true. You have a lot of people here who care about you.”
“Yes, I know, and I care about everyone here as well, but he’s my only family.”
“Oh, so your mom isn’t still alive?”
Savannah finished the snaps on Tommy’s suit, picked him up, and then faced Mason. “She is, but we haven’t spoken since the day she gave me up and cursed me and I don’t guess we ever will.”
“You can’t forgive her?”
Savannah tried not to take offense at the question. She’d asked herself more times than she could count if she was wrong and every time the answer was the same as what she gave Mason now. “Honestly, I don’t know. What kind of mother literally acts that way? Maybe I could work on trying to forgive that, but I don’t think I could ever forgive her for blaming me for what my grandfather did. She said I lured him into doing that, tempted him until all he could do was try and beat the devil from me.
“That’s just not true, and I think part of me hates her for believing me capable of such things. And I know I can’t forgive her for turning her back on my dad. He loved her and put up with her crazy parents and their ugly ways. When he was arrested, she spit on him and said she hoped they electrocuted him.”
Savannah jiggled Tommy and smiled when he made a sound and waved his arms. “I’m sorry if that makes me seem cold and unforgiving, but you asked.”
“I did, and I don’t blame you.” Mason walked over and put his hand on Tommy’s head. “He really is a pretty baby, isn’t he?”
“Indeed he is.” Savannah noticed the way Tommy looked up at Mason and the smile that came on his chubby face. Already the love between the two was evident and it touched her heart. “He’s gonna be a real heartbreaker.”
“You think?”
“I do. Just like his dad.”
The sound Mason made let her know he didn’t have a good comeback, and she didn’t expect one. She’d decided the day that she gave him her story that she was going to be honest with him about who she was and what was in her past. She had some ugly things in her childhood and she was smart enough to know it had impacted her behavior and attitude. She wasn’t glamorous or experienced in relationships or even in flirting, and Mason could have his choice of any woman he desired. To think that he’d choose her was a pipe dream, as far as she was concerned.
Even believing that didn’t stop her from wanting him with an intensity that kept her awake way too many nights, and she spent far too much of her time thinking about him, but that she couldn’t stop. It was part of her now.
She was teaching herself to be prepared for what she believed was inevitable. That one day he’d grow tired of her and walk away, taking Tommy with him and leaving her destroyed. She asked herself every day why she didn’t put an end to it now, and every day gave herself the same answer. Because she was in love with him.
“Did I tell you? Jayce said he thinks he can have my place ready in just under eight weeks.”
“Really?” Savannah busied herself packing Tommy’s bag. Eight weeks. That’s when it would end. In eight weeks, Mason wouldn’t need a place to stay and he’d take Tommy and leave. She had eight weeks. Then it was over.
“Watch Tommy while I get his bottles and stuff ready, would you?” She hurried from the room before he could see she was struggling not to cry. Damn it all, she wished she wasn’t such a waterworks. She had to toughen up, and fast, or she’d never survive it. While she mentally scolded herself, she fixed bottles and gathered Tommy’s cereal, bowl, and spoon.
“Are you sure it’s still okay for me and Tommy to stay here until the house is ready?”
Savannah looked at him and her heart melted to see Tommy’s hand on Mason’s face and the baby smiling at his dad. “Of course it’s okay. Why would you even ask?”
“Because…” Mason took a seat at the table. “Because it has to be tough on you, dealing with Tommy. It has to bring back memories of…you know.”
“My daughter?” Savannah paused, shocked at the revelation his statement exposed. “It does, but you know, I think it’s helped me to remember the good things more.”
That wasn’t a lie. She’d never stop grieving for her daughter and wondering what kind of life her child might have had, but she’d finally learned to stop beating herself up for something she couldn’t control. And Tommy had taught her that she had more than enough room in her heart to love another child.
“Are you sure?”
“I am. Now, don’t you have something to do this morning?”
“Yes, ma’am, I do.” Mason rose and crossed the room to her. He kissed Tommy on the top of his head and then handed him to Savannah. “See you at four?”
“I’ll be there.”
“I’ll be waiting.” Mason’s voice softened and her breath literally caught in her throat at his tone. Why must he do that? Speak to her as if they were lovers, and he was counting the minutes until they were together again? Did he have any idea what it did to her?
Savannah relied upon a tactic she used a lot. She jiggled Tommy and said “Say ‘bye, Daddy. See you soon.’”
Mason’s expression changed and she almost thought he looked a little disappointed, but made fun of herself for even thinking that way. Mason was as far above her as the stars above the earth. She had to keep that foremost in her mind. She could love him, but he wasn’t meant for her.
“See you, little man.” Mason kissed Tommy again and then turned away. Savannah watched him leave and then returned to getting things packed for the baby. Fortunately, she had a busy day ahead so that would keep her from dwelling too much on being in love with a man who would never return her love.
She shook away those thoughts and reminded herself that while she was convinced she’d end up broken and alone, at least what she was feeling and learning would make her a better writer. Before she’d had to rely on inventing emotions for her characters. Now she knew what it really felt like to be insanely in love.
And soon, she feared she’d know what it meant to be completely crushed.
*****
Mason had everything ready and was standing at the window watching for her. He’d had lunch today with Grady and Charli, and something Charli said got to him.
She said that she really liked him, but that if he was playing Savannah, she was going to lose all respect for him. Savannah was a decent and good person and was obviously head over heels crazy about him. If he didn’t feel the same, then he should let her know because she didn’t deserve to have her heart broken.
Mason assured her that wasn’t his intention, but later he wondered how sincere he’d really been with Charli. He’d tried his damnedest not to fall for Savannah, but he’d lost that battle. Still, did he have thoughts of them together? As in having a future? Those questions gnawed at him, and prompted thoughts he’d never dreamed he would have. Thoughts about how life would be if he and Savannah were a couple, raising Tommy.
The visions in his head were appealing. More than appealing. The more he thought about it, the more he realized he’d been running from a truth he now had to face. He did want a future with Savannah.
He knew she was attracted to him. Hell, the heat between them when they danced was almost nuclear, it was so hot. But he also knew she had baggage and a lot of it. What had happened to her as a teenager had to have left scars, and she’d as much as admitted that her love life had been more of the “nothing to write home about” variety.
What if the sparks weren’t there if they actually made love? Mason felt a little guilty for asking that question, but he also knew himself well. If there weren’t sparks, if the heat wasn’t there, it wouldn’t last. He was a physical man and a very sexually active one. While he liked everything about Savannah and was all kinds of hot for her, he needed to know.
Were they sexually compatible?
That question sparked a new thought, or more accurately, a new plan, and he set to work on it the moment he left the diner after lunch. By the time Savannah arrived, he would have everything ready and today they would both know if this thing between them was going to turn cool or the heat was going to sear them.
*****
Savannah put her gym bag strap over one shoulder, Tommy’s diaper bag strap over the other and then bent down to unfasten the carrier from the car seat holder.
“Need a hand?” Charli’s voice behind her had her straightening. “And when did you get this?” Charli gestured to the car.
“Oh, I bought this from Jimmy. It’s pretty, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, a real soccer mom-mobile.”
Savannah laughed. “Well, it was all he had on hand that I could put a baby seat in.”
“Ah, well, speaking of Tommy. I kind of need to take him with me.”
Savannah felt a lump take sudden shape in her throat. “Pardon?”
Charli smiled. “Don’t look like I just shot your dog. It’s nothing bad. Grady and I told Mason we’d take Tommy over to our place for the evening.”
“Why?”
“To give the two of you an evening off.”
“But you have—”
“Josie. Yes. But we can manage both. Believe it or not, we’re pretty good at this stuff.”
“I have no doubt. I’m just surprised.”
“Well, be pleasantly surprised. Now, give me that diaper bag and baby and you grab the car seat base. My car’s just down the block.”
“Are you sure about this?” Savannah wasn’t sure. Actually, she was downright uncomfortable. She had no doubt that Charli and Grady would take excellent care of Tommy, but she’d grown accustomed to taking care of him and she wasn’t sure she wanted a break.
“Positive.” Charlie picked up Tommy in his carrier and smiled at him. “Look at you, handsome little man. You want to go home with me and see Grady and Josie?”
Tommy gurgled, waved his arms, and then smiled. “See?” Charli said.
Savannah smiled and removed the car-seat base from the back seat.. She accompanied Charli to her car, fastened the baby seat in place, and then stepped back as Charli put Tommy in the car.
“Are you sure about this?” she asked again.
Charli smiled and reached over to give Savannah’s hand a squeeze. “He’ll be fine. I promise. Besides, it’s about time you and Mason had some time alone, don’t you think?”
Savannah felt her skin flush at the sudden rush of sexy images that popped into her mind, all of the things she would love to do with Mason but wasn’t sure she had the courage to try.
“Yep, that’s what I thought.” Charli remarked and gave Savannah’s hand another squeeze. “Go enjoy it, girl. Tomorrow it’s back to bottles and dirty diapers.”
“You’re right. I should enjoy it.” Savannah agreed. “But only if you agree to let me return the favor and take care of Josie for you and Grady one night.”
“You don’t have to twist my arm. Deal. Now scoot. I’ll drop Tommy by on my way in to the station in the morning.”
“You’re the best.” It wasn’t often than Savannah acted impulsively, but sudden excitement had her hugging Charlie. She then leaned down and kissed Tommy. “Be a good boy.”
“He’ll be fine.”
“I know. Thank you.”
“You bet. See you in the morning.”
“Yes. Morning.”
Savannah handed Charli the diaper bag, and then hurried across the street. As she hopped onto the sidewalk on the other side, she saw him. Mason. Standing at the door.
He pushed it open as she drew near and she entered. It surprised her that he locked the door and pulled the blind down over the glass.
“Are you sure about Charli and Grady having Tommy for the night?”
“I am,” he said as he turned toward her.
Savannah nearly swallowed her tongue over the sexy and somewhat predatory expression on his face. Mason slid the strap of her bag from her shoulder and set it aside before reaching for her keys, which he tossed onto the floor beside the bag.
When he stripped off his shirt and let it fall to the floor, Savannah could only watch and want. Dear God, he was beautiful.
He gave her a smile, strode across the room, and started the music before returning to stand in front of her.
She wasn’t quite prepared for him to move so quickly and squeaked when he grabbed her tank top and pulled it up over her head. “That’s better.”
Savannah had lost her shyness of being scantily clad around him. A racerback bra and running shorts were her typical attire. What she had not lost was the overwhelming desire his nearness provoked.
“Ready?” he asked in that sexy voice that robbed her of reason.
“For?”
“Our dance.”
She assumed he meant the dance they’d been developing and perfecting for the last weeks. The one that took a good half hour and left her feeling like she would explode with pent-up sexual need.
It was taxing, to say the least, dancing with him and then trying to pretend that it didn’t leave her wanting. Still, she’d never turn down the chance to dance it with him. It was the closest to sexual abandon she’s ever experienced, and she loved it.
She knelt to fish her jazz shoes from the bag and quickly changed into them, then straightened. “Ready when you are.” She offered a hand and smiled when he took it.
The moment Mason pulled her close, her mind shut down to everything but the music and the man. The rhythm pulsed, connecting them to it and to each other.
Every slide of his hand or fingertips over her flesh, every time their bodies pressed together was the touch of a lover, foreplay that heightened her arousal. Savannah didn’t know what part of the dance was the more provocative, the touching or watching him when the dance moved them away from one another.
Watching Mason dance was witnessing visual seduction. His lean, body was coated in a sheen of sweat that accentuated his well-defined musculature. She’d never seen a man who could rouse such desire with the movements of his body. Mason was a living aphrodisiac.
The dance brought him back to her, into a slow bump and grind that had him lowering before her, his hands moving down over her breasts and torso, skirting the sides of her sex and then onto her legs.
Normally, at this point in the routine, he’d slowly stand and their steps would have her moving backward with him following. Normally. Today, he changed it. When his face reached the level of her sex, his hands tightened on her thighs and he leaned in and mouthed her through the Lycra material clinging to her.
Savannah nearly climaxed; the moment was so electric. Mason slithered up into a standing position and undulated against her, all the while moving her backward.
Right into the wall. He then took her hands in his and spread them wide, pinning them to the wall.
She would have gasped when he pressed his groin against her and she felt the hard length of his erection against her belly, but his mouth claimed hers in a kiss that threw everything she knew about being turned on out of the window.
This? This was beyond being aroused or turned on. This was being awakened to a level of desire she didn’t know existed, and one that changed the fabric of her sexual nature.
All hesitancy was gone. She pressed against him, taking as much as giving in a kiss that ended with both of them breathing hard. Mason’s gaze captured hers and held as he released her hands.
He stroked fingertip-light over her shoulders, down across her breast, and to the top of her shorts. Mason leaned in and kissed her lips, then her neck, and moved steadily lower, all the while, inching her shorts down.
By the time he was on his knees in front of her, she was about to dig a hole in the wall with her nails. When his mouth closed on her again, this time there was nothing barring him. Savannah sucked in an involuntary breath as her hands flew in of their own accord to her breasts.
In the small part of her mind that was capable of reasonable thought, she realized that a lot of women might say something like this was the most electrifying sensation they’d ever experienced.
They’d say it, but perhaps it wouldn’t be completely honest. For her it was. She had never experienced anything like this and the sensations quickly eroded the rational part of her mind, leaving only a woman held captive by sensation and desire.
The feelings intensified to the point they overcame her. She felt it like a storm that swept through her entire being and rasped out his name, helpless to do anything other than abandon herself to it.
“Mason. Please.”
Those two words had him standing, sliding his pants off and lifting her. Her legs circled him as he curled his pelvis beneath her. Savannah gasped at the joining, then surrendered to a shuddering climax.
“Oh my God,” she whispered. “That was—”
“Just the beginning,” Mason promised against her lips, then claimed them and the rest of her.