I spent the next few days with Mason. I hadn’t expected him to, but it turned out that he had asked Aunt Claire and Uncle Ryan for some time off work to look after me while I recovered. I did try to tell him that I was fine and just needed to rest for a few days, but he didn’t take any notice, waiting on me hand and foot for whatever I needed.
I loved spending time with Mason, we watched movies, cuddled on the sofa and got to know each other, talking for hours. After two days of chilling, we decided to go down to the lake for some fresh air. I wasn’t going to be getting on a horse anytime soon, so we took Mason’s truck.
He’d packed a picnic, and we lay by the side of the lake soaking up the sun. I was lying against his chest, my eyes closed as he stroked his fingers up and down my arm, my body tingling under his touch. “Lib, can I ask you something?” He murmured, gently kissing my head.
“Of course,” I replied.
“Have you considered finishing off university here, rather than back at home?” My eyes flew open, and I sat up. Looking at him, he looked nervous and unsure as he waited for my response.
“I haven’t really thought about it, why?”
He sighed. “I’m being selfish I know, but I don’t want you to go home…” He paused and sat up to face me. “When I found you, after you’d fallen off your horse, I’d never been so scared Lib. I knew that I loved you before then, but God, seeing you lying on the ground, hurt and bleeding…” He trailed off.
I took his hand in mine. “Mason, I’m fine.”
“I know baby, I just don’t want to let you go.” He smiled sheepishly at me.
“Would I even be able to study in Austin?” I asked him, my interest piqued by his suggestion.
“Well…I did enquire about overseas applications, and you just apply directly to the university, there would be tuition fees to consider, though. We could look into it if you’re interested? Maybe Savannah would know who we could speak to. What do you think?” He looked apprehensively at me.
I hadn’t even thought about studying here, it had never crossed my mind. Now that Mason had mentioned it; I was beginning to love the idea. I’m not sure how my parents would feel about me staying, I would need to discuss it with them. I’d also need to carry on living at the ranch so Aunt Claire and Uncle Ryan would need to be included in any discussions. I felt excitement building in my stomach, this could be the new start that I was looking for. If I went back home and finished Uni, I would still be surrounded by my memories of Mia, while I didn’t want to forget her, I was finding it hard to move on at home. Maybe this would be just what I needed to move forward with my life. It also meant that I would be able to stay with Mason, who I was falling deeper in love with every day.
“Lib, you’ve been quiet for a really long time. If you hate the idea, I understand. Of course, you’re going to want to go back home to your parents and Jack.” He dropped his eyes from mine, his fingers playing with the edge of the picnic blanket we were sitting on.
“No! Mason, that’s not why I was quiet.” I reached down and took his hand. “I was just thinking things through, thinking that this could be the new start that I desperately need. Obviously, there would be a lot to discuss and think about, but I love the idea.”
“Really?” He asked, his eyes finding mine again, and a gorgeous smile appearing on his face.
I laughed. “Really.” I kneeled up, softly brushing my lips against his. “But like I said, there would be a lot to sort out. Maybe we should start by making an appointment to see someone at the university, to see if it’s even possible first, before we get carried away? I’ll speak to Savannah after dinner tonight.” We had been invited to the house for dinner later. Aunt Claire was making my favourite, and I was looking forward to catching up with everyone.
Mason gently pushed me down on the blanket, his body hovering over mine. His eyes dropped to the bruise on my cheek, and I self-consciously touched my fingers to my face. He carefully pulled my fingers away and bent his head, kissing softly along the bruise. With his lips millimetres from mine, he whispered. “Even with bruises, you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” I closed the distance between us and kissed him, snaking my good hand through his hair, his tongue stroked against mine and I moaned into his mouth.
I’d missed him touching me. He’d held back since the accident, afraid that he would hurt me, but now I was aching for him. He scattered kisses along my jaw and down my neck. I was panting underneath him, pleasure pulsing through my body. I pulled his head back up to mine, kissing him hungrily. His hand cupped my breast, and his thumb circled my nipple through my top. I arched my back, pushing my breast further into his hand, his erection pressing against my flimsy shorts.
He pulled back, removing his hand from my breast and resting his forehead on mine. “Lib.” He breathed out. “We should stop, I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Don’t stop Mason,” I whispered against his lips. “You’re not going to hurt me. Please.” I was practically begging him, but I didn’t care. “I’m ready Mason. I want to be with you.” I lifted my head and caught his lips with mine. My hips raised to meet his and I heard him moan as he deepened the kiss, our tongues tangling together.
He pulled back again. “Are you sure baby?” He asked, his eyes fixed on mine. “You know that I’ll wait, there’s no rush.”
“I know, but I’m ready Mason. I love you.” I told him.
“I love you too sweetheart.” He kissed me gently on the lips, making no attempt to deepen the kiss. I glanced up at him, confused when he pulled away again. He laughed. “It’s not happening here darlin’, the first time we make love you’ll be in my bed, not on a blanket in the middle of a field. I don’t want anyone other than me seeing you like that.”
I glanced around. “Mason, there’s no one else here but us,” I said incredulously.
“Right now, we’re the only ones here, but Brody and Ryan come this way sometimes, as well as any guests that could be wandering around. I’m not taking that risk baby.” He leaned down and kissed my nose. I pouted as he stood up. “It’ll happen sweetheart, and soon I promise. Come on let’s head back.” He held his hand out to me, and I reached up to take it. A smile was tugging at the corner of his lips. “It’s a turn on to know you want me so badly baby.” He whispered in my ear as he pulled me up and into his chest, wrapping his arms around me. My face flushed and I was grateful that my head was buried in his chest. He chuckled, knowing how my body would have reacted to his words.
An hour later we arrived at the house. Aunt Claire had made Frito pie again, and my stomach rumbled when we walked into the kitchen, the smell hitting my nose.
“That smells amazing!” I exclaimed as I walked over to Aunt Claire, who was stood at the stove. She turned and pulled me into a hug.
“How are you feeling honey?” She asked, releasing me and eyeing my bruised face. “I hope Mason’s looking after you?” She raised her eyebrows at Mason and then turned to me, waiting for my response.
“I’m good.” Mason had made his way over to me and wound his arm around my waist. Pressing myself against his side, I looked up at him. “Mason’s looking after me, I’m not allowed to do anything other than lie on the sofa,” I said smirking at him.
“Good, I’m glad.” Aunt Claire replied, winking at Mason. “Let’s eat!”
Savannah must have heard us arrive and she came bounding into the kitchen, making a beeline for me. “Lib!” She screeched as she linked her arm with mine, pulling me towards the dining room. I glanced over my shoulder at Mason who was laughing and shaking his head.
“So,” She whispered. “How is it living with lover boy?” She wiggled her eyebrows at me, and I laughed.
“Amazing Sav. He’s amazing.” I gushed. She clapped her hands together and shouted. “I knew it!”
“Knew what?” Uncle Ryan asked as he came into the dining room followed by Mason.
I shot Savannah a dirty look. “Nothing Daddy, just girl talk.” She winked at Mason who looked at me, a smug smile on his face.
“You’re in love with him, aren’t you?” She murmured in my ear. I shook my head at her, putting my fingers to my lips to shush her. She burst out laughing as we sat down.
The Frito pie was incredible; it was just the five of us as Brody was out for the night and we chatted easily with Mason and Uncle Ryan discussing work. After we’d eaten and the dishes had been cleaned away, we all went into the lounge to sit down.
“Lib, we’ve heard from the police today.” Aunt Claire said out of nowhere. I turned to Mason who reached for my hand. “They’ve been and spoken to Amber, they asked her where she was at the time of the accident. Apparently, she has an alibi, she was shopping with her friend all day and came nowhere near the ranch.”
“Well, that’s a load of bullshit!” Savannah shouted.
“Language Savannah.” Uncle Ryan chastised.
“I’m sorry Daddy, but she’s obviously managed to get one of her skanky friends to lie for her! Who else would have wanted to hurt Lib.”
I felt Mason squeeze my hand. “You okay sweetheart?” He asked quietly. I nodded my head, my eyes focused on our joined hands.
“Is that it then? The police won’t do anything? They just believe what she says?” Savannah asked, her voice thick with anger.
“What can they do Sav? We’ve no proof that she did anything.” I replied.
“I’m sorry if bringing it up upsets you honey, but we thought you’d want to know.” Aunt Claire said.
“No, I do want to know, thank you for telling me. It wasn’t like she was ever going to admit to it anyway. There is always the chance that it wasn’t her. Who knows…” I trailed off.
Savannah, sensing that I needed the subject changed, started talking about school and I gave her a grateful smile. I decided that I would wait until it was just the two of us before I spoke to her about university. There was no big rush, I had no plans to leave the ranch anytime soon.
An hour or so later we said our goodbyes. I arranged with Savannah to head into Marble Falls the next day for a bit of retail therapy. Mason wasn’t too happy with me going, but I wanted to spend some time with Savannah, and I was feeling a lot better than earlier in the week. He was back at work tomorrow, and I didn’t want to be stuck inside, alone all day.
On the walk back to Mason’s, my mind was swirling with thoughts of our earlier conversation at the lake. My stomach churned with nervous excitement at the idea of finally being with him. Mason turned to me, pulling our joined hands up to his mouth and gently brushing his lips against the back of my hand.
“Are you okay sweetheart? You’re very quiet.”
“I’m okay, just thinking.” I bit down nervously on my lip.
“I know what you’re thinking about Lib, nothing has to happen tonight baby. I meant what I said about waiting.”
“I know, but I’m ready. I’m nervous, but I’m ready.” I smiled up at him, and he smiled back.
“I’m nervous too sweetheart.”
“Why are you nervous? It’s not like you don’t know what you’re doing.” I asked him in disbelief. He’d been with loads of women, why would he be nervous. He stopped walking and turned to face me.
“Because it’s you Lib.” He reached his hands up and cupped my face. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone, you’re it for me sweetheart. None of the others have meant anywhere near what you mean to me.” He lowered his face to mine and kissed me gently.
My heart was pounding in my chest at his words, butterflies taking flight in my stomach. I began to kiss him back eagerly, but he pulled his lips from mine. “Let’s get inside baby.” He whispered against my lips. I nodded and let him lead me to the cabin and straight upstairs to his bedroom.
He pulled me into his body as we stood at the foot of his bed, his arms wrapping around me, trapping my good arm against his chest. “I love you, Libby.” He said kissing me on the nose.
“I love you too Mason.”
I could feel his heart pounding underneath my hands as he reached for the cotton sundress I was wearing and pulled it over my head, taking care not to snag it on my cast. He dropped my dress to the floor and took a step back, his eyes taking in every inch of my body. I stood in front of him in just a pale pink bra and matching knickers. A burning need flowed through my body as his eyes continued their perusal. “Absolutely perfect.” He muttered.
With nerves swirling in my stomach I took a step towards him, pushing my hand under his t-shirt, my fingers tracing across his skin. I felt him shiver as I touched him, a small smile pulling on my lips, loving that he was affected as much by my touch as I was by his.
I moved my hand up his chest, taking his t-shirt up and over his head as I went. It fell from my hand as he picked me up and gently placed me on his bed, my hair fanning out on his pillow.
His body came over mine, his hands on either side of my head.
“You okay?” He asked me. I nodded and threaded the fingers of my good hand through his hair pulling his face to mine.
“Kiss me.” I murmured against his lips. He brushed his mouth against mine, his tongue snaking between my lips. As he deepened the kiss, I heard him moan into my mouth. His hand stroked down my body, cupping my breast through my bra, my nipple pebbling at his touch. His kisses moved across my jaw and down my neck, I moaned loudly as he gently bit my neck before soothing it with his tongue.
His hand reached around my back, and he unhooked my bra tossing it over the side of the bed. He placed a wet trail of kisses down my body until he reached my breast, his tongue circling around my nipple before finally taking it into his mouth. His hand lavished attention on my other nipple, and I squirmed underneath him, his focus on my breasts creating a tingling sensation between my legs.
I shamelessly lifted my hips in an attempt to ease the ache between my legs. Sensing my need, Mason released my breast from his mouth with a pop, his kisses trailing a path down over my stomach towards the edge of my knickers.
By now my body was on fire, and my breaths were coming out in ragged gasps. I felt Mason’s fingers under the waistband of my knickers, and he paused, looking up at me, I lifted my hips in a silent permission, and he slowly pulled them down my legs. He sat back on his heels, and I felt my face and neck flush with embarrassment as he took in my naked body.
“You are so beautiful, Libby.” He told me running his hands up my body until his face was level with mine. Kissing me, his hand traced back down my body, and I felt his fingers slowly stroking me between my legs. I kissed him back urgently, gasping into his mouth as his fingers began to move faster. My hand tugged on his hair as the need inside me built. After a couple of minutes, I felt him push a finger inside me, and I cried out.
“Are you okay?” He asked, his breath warm on my face.
“Yes. Don’t stop.” I panted, my head falling to the side as he kissed along my jawline. His thumb continued to stroke me, and his tongue was back to teasing my nipple. He inserted a second finger, suddenly hitting a sensitive spot inside me and I cried out his name as I exploded, my hand gripping his shoulder tightly. “Wow,” I muttered, looking down my body at him.
I saw a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he released my nipple from his lips. He kissed his way back up my neck, nipping along my jaw with his teeth before finally brushing his lips gently against mine.
He rolled off me and stood at the side of the bed. Reaching for his belt buckle, he undid his jeans and pushed them down his legs, slowly stepping out of them. I bit down on my lip as I watched him standing there in just his boxer shorts. My eyes tracked to the delicious v shape at the bottom of his toned abdomen, following the line of his abs with my eyes until it disappeared into his boxers. I could see the outline of his erection through his underwear, and I swallowed nervously.
Smiling at me, he opened the drawer on the bedside table and pulled out a condom, kicking off his boxer shorts he climbed back onto the bed. I watched as he rolled the condom down his erection, my heart pounding out of my chest as he lowered his body over mine kissing me gently. “You okay?” He asked me again. I nodded my head. “I love you Lib.” He murmured against my lips before I felt him gently start to push inside me.
I tensed and closed my eyes tightly as he pushed in further, a burning pain making me inhale sharply. “Relax baby.” He whispered kissing me. His tongue brushed against my bottom lip, and I opened my mouth to him, eager to deepen the kiss. His hand snaked down to my breast, and he rolled my nipple between his fingers. As my body relaxed he pushed further inside me, stilling when his hips met mine, he lifted his head up. “You’re so tight, sweetheart.” He panted, his jaw was tense as if he was trying to hold back. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” I whispered. “Please move Mason,” I begged as the pain began to ease. He moved his hips and thrust gently against me. I gasped as the burning returned, but nodded my head for him to carry on. I moved my hips against his, and he continued to kiss me, the pain turning to pleasure as he rocked into me. I moaned against his lips, and I heard him groan as I dug my nails into his back.
His pace increased, and his breathing became laboured, sweat covering both our bodies. I could feel a second orgasm building, and he reached his hand between us, stroking me until I felt myself fall over the edge, trembling in his arms. He thrust his hips twice more before I felt him shudder against me, a moan falling from his lips and his head dropping into the crook of my neck. He placed soft kisses along my neck before lifting his head and kissing me tenderly on the lips.
“That was incredible Libby.” He murmured against my lips. He gently pulled out of me, and I whimpered at the sting that was left behind. “Are you okay?” He asked me, concern lacing his voice.
“That’s about four times you’ve asked me if I’m okay. I’m perfect Mason,” I told him, grinning. “That was perfect, and you’re perfect, thank you.”
He pulled me against his chest, and we lay in each other’s arms, neither of us saying anything, comfortable with the silence. “I need to get rid of the condom baby,” Mason said after a while, climbing out of bed. “I’ll be back in a second.” He leaned over, kissing me softly on the lips before reaching for the sheet and covering my naked body.
I heard him flush the toilet and lock up the cabin before he climbed back into bed, pulling me against him, his front pressing against my back. “How are you feeling sweetheart? Are you sore?” He asked against my hair.
“A little,” I confessed. I felt his arm tighten around my waist pulling me even closer to him.
“I’m sorry I hurt you, baby.” He whispered.
“I’m not. It was amazing Mason, I’m so glad I waited. I love you.”
“I love you too Libby, so much.” He rolled me onto my back, his body pressing down on mine. He kissed me until I was breathless and aching all over again. As if reading my mind, he whispered against my lips. “I want to make love to you again sweetheart, but not tonight, you need to rest.”
“Tease,” I told him, brushing light kisses all around his face. He was right though, my body ached all over, and I was exhausted, not that I was going to admit that to Mason. I didn’t want him refusing to touch me again, insisting that we wait until I was better. After what we’d just done, there was no way I wanted to wait long before we did it again!
He laughed and pulled me into his body, resting my cast on his chest. “Sleep baby.” He told me.
I nodded and closed my eyes, a smile on my lips as I nodded off.