Page 51 of Chief's Addiction

“Oh, honey,” Aunt Connie waved her hand dismissively. “Everyone knew everyone in Jacksonville in the sixties.”

“Especially if they were as beautiful as your aunt,” Shade added smoothly, raising his teacup in a toast.

I groaned loudly as Aunt Connie’s cheeks blushed.

This was going to be a long afternoon.

* * *

Shade’s sleek black Cadillac pulled up in front of Mason’s beach house just after noon. Both Mason’s motorcycle and his truck were parked outside, which sent an unexpected flutter through my stomach.

“Thank you for the ride,” I said, gathering my purse. “And for... entertaining my aunt.”

Shade’s eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, just like Mason’s. “My pleasure entirely, Cora. You tell my grandson to take good care of you, or he’ll have me to answer to.”

I felt my cheeks heat as a warm feeling settled in my belly. “I’ll let him know.”

After saying goodbye, I jogged up the steps and let myself in.

Mason was kicked back on the couch, one arm stretched along the back, a beer dangling from his fingertips. The moment his eyes lifted to mine, something in his expression shifted. Those dark eyes I loved so much raked across me from head to toe.

“Hey,” I said, suddenly feeling breathless.

His eyes locked onto mine as he set his beer on the coffee table, climbed to his feet, and closed the distance between us.

“Hey,” he growled.

Before I realized what was happening, he slipped his arms around my waist and captured my mouth in a kiss that made my toes curl.

Holy. Wow.

I held on tight as his hands slid down to my bottom and pulled me tighter against him.

“Mason,” I moaned.

He swept his tongue into my mouth and I melted against him, fingers clutching at his shoulders.

When we finally broke apart, we were both breathing hard.

“Missed you,” he murmured against my lips.

My heart warmed with his admission.

“I was only gone for a few hours.” Though, truthfully, I’d missed him too.

Mason glanced down at his watch. “We’ve got about two hours until the kid gets home.”

I felt my cheeks get warm. I’d never had a man be as blunt as Mason.

Catching my reaction, Mason growled low. “Oh, baby. You have no idea what that blush does to me.”

His eyes lit up, and then he pounced.

“Mason,” I squealed when he dipped low, gripped onto my thighs, and hoisted me off my feet.

Instinctively, my arms went around his neck and my legs around his waist, my feet locking tightly. “Have you lost your mind?” I laughed against his mouth.

There was a predatory gleam in his eyes. “Long time ago, babe. But you’re stuck with me now.”

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