Page 37 of Word to the Wise

Mason’s quiet and so close his breath tickles the hair on the back of my neck. He waits for me to catch my breath and to find my balance. His silent patience says more than words as he waits for me.

I’ve been clinging to a wall—in love, in life.

I’ve been careful with every move out of fear that one wrong one would send me plummeting. I’ve been up here alone because I refused to believe I needed anyone’s help when I was raised to be independent.

A biker’s daughter.

Fearless.

But at that moment, I was scared just like when I ran from Carter. I was afraid of the aftermath even if there’s no anticipating what’s to come.

And without asking, Mason stayed with me. He caught me. And accepting help didn’t make me weak like I thought it would. It gave me the strength I’ve been missing.

Lifting my forehead off the rock wall, I turn my face to the side and look up at him. He’s so close, our faces are inches apart. The dark blond scruff on his jaw is perfectly trimmed, and his bright-blue eyes shine down at me.

I swear the ocean resides within them. Endless possibility. I’ve always been afraid of the water, and yet, he makes me want to swim.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“Of course, Sticks. I’ve got you.”

Those words. That smile. The fact that he means it. I could be floating.

“You good now?”

I nod, biting my lip, and his gaze drops to my mouth for the briefest second before once more meeting my eyes.

“All right.” He peels his hand off the wall on the other side of me, and I miss his body heat the moment it’s gone. “Race you to the top then, Sticks.”

I thought I was done smiling when I came to LA. I didn’t think it was possible anymore. But every time Mason looks at me, I can’t deny the fire burning in the pit of my stomach.

“You’re on.”

12

Reed

“You had an unfairadvantage.” I roll my eyes, walking past Mason after he opens the door to the apartment.

“Don’t be a sore loser just because you were born bite-sized and I wasn’t.” Closing the door behind him, he follows me into the kitchen.

Mason stops beside me at the counter, and I fill up two glasses of water, handing one to him.

“Bite-sized? Really?” I take a sip, narrowing my gaze.

“I mean…” He plants his palm on the top of my head while he stands up taller, towering over me.

I set my glass down to face him. “I think it’s necessary to point out that my height is only relative to you being a giant.”

Stepping close, I lift onto my tiptoes and reach to plant my hand on the top of his head. I’m not thinking until I realize it’s brought us almost chest to chest. He’s stripped off his hoodie, and when I press against him, every carved inch of his hard chest can be felt through his thin white T-shirt.

“See.” I drop to my heels and take a step back, needing the distance.

Mason must sense it too because he leans against the opposite counter. “Fair enough.”

“I had fun today, thank you.” I change the subject. “Even if you had an unfair advantage for your win.”

“I might be tall, but you’re quick, Sticks. I got lucky.” He grins, taking a sip of his water.