Page 7 of Grace's Redemption

I grinned at the memory.

“What’re you thinking about, Gracie.” He knelt down in front of me. He reached up and straightened the jacket on my shoulders.

I had worn it before, but never out in the open. The weight of it comforted me and it smelled uniquely like Mase Scott.

I blinked my eyes and looked away. I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry. Tears weren't sexy.

He touched my chin and turned me to face him.

He studied me. His face expressed sadness and curiosity.

I wanted to see regret.

Regret for leaving me.

“How come you never kissed me?” I asked. I bit my top lip and waited.

He remained silent for a while, looked at me. He rested a hand on my thigh. He had the most amazing hands, for an ass kicking biker. They were rough, but had character. I ran my fingers over one of his knuckles.

He rubbed his thumb back and forth on the side of my knee.

I felt it in my core.

“You want to know why I never kissed you?” He asked. Repeating my question as if searching for an answer. Mase didn’t want to hurt me. No matter how subtle or right it was, his rejection always did.

“I guess,” He paused and shrugged his shoulders. “Once I kissed you, I wouldn’t want to stop.”

My insides flipped.

Good answer.

I heard thumping in my ears as Mase leaned over and laid a soft kiss to my thigh.

I gasped and closed my eyes.

He laid his head in my lap. His hair tickled my skin.

I ran my fingers over his close cropped haircut.

“If I kissed you. It would only make it harder for me to leave.” He whispered against my skin.

I was relieved he couldn’t see my face, the tears sliding down my cheeks along with the happy dance my heart was making.

He sat up abruptly.

I sat up.

My legs parted.

He reached over and placed his hands on my hips and pulled me to him.

I grunted from the impact. His face, mere inches from mine.

Sure we hugged, but I'd never been this close to Mase. Our hugs never lasted long enough.

He stared in my eyes.

The intensity of his stare made it hard for me to think.