Page 56 of Fallen Hearts

My lips parted.

Mason’s head descended, both of his hands holding tight. The first touch of his lips was softer than I’d expected. Immediately I opened for him and Mason took advantage, his tongue swooping inside. Pressing harder, opening deeper, the kiss went from gentle to demanding almost immediately.

I did pull my wrists from his grip then, wanting to touch him, to get closer. Mason’s hand not only held firm, but his other hand joined the party. I was well and truly pinned to the door as his lips continued their sensual assault. This kiss was everything I’d imagined, and so much more. It was as if our mouths were made for each other, Mason’s head slanting for even better access.

I wanted to touch him so badly.

This time, when I pulled my wrists he let them go, my arms immediately encircling his shoulders. I pulled him closer. Or maybe he pulled me closer, his hand wrapping around my back. Our bodies pressed together as the kiss spiraled more and more out of control.

After what felt like days, or only a few minutes, Mason pulled back.

“Pia.” He looked down at me with an expression I’d never seen on him before. It was pure, unbridled passion. Desire. Maybe even need. “If you knew how much I wanted to do that every fucking time we’re together.”

“I do know.” Because I wanted it too.

“Like I said at the bar, I’d give my right arm to carry you over to my bed and spend the night making love to you over and over again until you couldn’t walk tomorrow.”

My core clenched at his words.

“I want to be inside you so fucking badly, especially after that kiss.”

“But?”

Not only was there abutin his words, but Mason’s grip was no longer as tight on me as before.

“But I promised myself not to touch you.”

I untangled my arms from his neck and stepped back. This time, he let me.

“What are you saying?” I asked, the dumbest question ever. It was clear what Mason was saying, but my ears refused to believe it. Not after that kiss.

“I’m saying this shouldn’t have happened. I’m your boss. It’s not right.”

“Maybe not,” I conceded, “but you can’t deny there’s something between us.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” His tone was softer than his words. “Of course there’s something between us. I’ve never wanted a woman so badly in my life.”

I wasn’t sure if I believed that, completely, but it was still nice to hear, especially since he was basically turning me away.

“I get what you’re saying.” I tried not to notice Mason through his boxers. “And I agree that it does complicate things.”

“Big time.”

“But I wonder if it’s something more than that?”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. I just get the sense…” I stopped. Convincing someone of my worth was not only a waste of time, but it was degrading. And I wouldn’t do that to myself. Not again. “Never mind. This was a mistake.”

“Pia,” he said. “The last thing I want to do is put you in an awkward position. I have no idea what’s going to happen with the inn, or what direction I’m taking.”

“What do you mean?” Now it was my turn to be confused.

He took a deep breath. “My leave is only thirty working days. When that’s up, I have big decisions to make, as you know. There was always the possibility I would still sell.”

“I know. But I’m not sure what that has to do with us.”

“There are just too many question marks.”

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