Page 39 of Fallen Hearts

“More than a few things, I’d say.” Mason crossed his arms and leaned back against the same counter Beck was at a few minutes ago. Two good-looking men. Similar stances. Only one I wanted to touch.

So badly.

“Mostly food and wine stuff. I can order red wine with the best of them.”

Mason didn’t say anything for a second. “I like it.”

His tone was at odds with his words, like he was angry or something.

“When I talk in Italian?”

“Yeah.”

I’d like you to toss me over your shoulder and carry me upstairs.

“Thanks,” I said instead.

“Ahem.” Parker cleared his throat at the door.

I quickly looked away from Mason and headed toward the fridge to grab the eggs.

“Anytime you want to join me. Did you get the leveling compound?”

“I did. Coming in now.”

I closed the fridge.

Parker was gone already.

“See me before you go,” Mason said.

“I’m gonna do some work after the eggs. Want some?”

“Sure, thanks.”

Mason just nodded and left the kitchen, but for my part, I couldn’t breathe. That entire exchange was next level. Not the words, exactly, but the way he’d looked at me. It was as if Mason was fighting the same battle as I was, and this morning, we both emerged losers.

Mason wanted me to see him before I left. What did he want that we couldn’t have talked about just then? Part of me dreaded the answer and another part of me wanted to leave sooner rather than later just so I could find out.

Be careful what you wish for, Pia.

Sage advice. Now I just had to follow it.

14

MASON

“Mace.” Beck nodded to the door.

Pia stood there, watching me. For a second, I couldn’t decipher her expression… until I realized. I’d taken off my shirt, and Pia had definitely noticed. Trying not to smile—what guy wouldn’t be thrilled to have a beautiful woman looking at them like that?—I stood up and made my way toward her.

Grabbing a hand towel, I stepped over hardwood planks. “Let’s head outside.”

We walked around to the back deck, the cool air like heaven after working up a sweat. “What time is it?” I asked.

“Almost four.”

“Shit. It feels like we were working for a half hour.”

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