Page 60 of Word to the Wise

“You could never use me.” He smirks, stepping closer. “I’m too willing.”

“How willing?” Grabbing his wrist, I slowly drag his hand from my jaw to my throat, over the center of my chest until it’s resting on my breast.

His palm is large like the rest of him, and even if I’ve got a full chest, he covers me. His fingers twitch to grab it.

“Fuck, Reed.” The growl that vibrates his throat sets my core on fire.

“Don’t be careful with me, Mason.” I look up at him. “I’ve had enough of that in my life. I just want to feel alive again.”

His hand tightens on my breast, and it sends my blood coursing through my veins.

“I’ll always be careful with you, Reed. With your body. With your heart. Because a girl like you deserves that.” He drags his hand up my chest until it reaches my throat.

He grabs on, but not tight. Not taking my air away. Just enough to latch himself to me so he can pull me a step closer to him.

“But if you’re worried that I’m too much of a gentleman to take you like you need me to, then don’t. Because I’ve wanted you since the moment I laid eyes on you. And the second you give me permission, I’ll fuck you exactly how a girl like you deserves.”

I swallow hard. “How’s that?”

He dips his face down, grazing his mouth over my cheek, sending a shiver along my spine as his lips find my ear.

“Until you’re coming on my cock all night long.”

“I’ve never come during sex.” It’s a sad admission, but I don’t want him to feel bad when that doesn’t happen.

“That’s a shame.” He teases my neck with his teeth. “Because that’s not your fault.”

Blood floods my heart. My legs shake as I skim my hands down Mason’s hard chest, tracing the trail that leads to his jeans.

“Promise?”

He pulls back to look at me. His familiar cocky smile crawls his cheeks, and his flirty gaze meets mine. It reminds me of all the moments we shared last time I was in town. Before everything fell apart. It reminds me of all the temptations we’ve been resisting.

“Mm-hmm. You sure about this?” he asks, his fingers twitching where they’re still wrapped around my neck.

Am I sure?

I’ve never felt desire like I do for Mason. I’ve never looked in a man’s eyes and been more certain. I see all his good, even if he doesn’t.

His pause—his question—is all I need to know. He wants this, but he’ll stop himself for me if I ask him to.

“Yes.” I wet my lips. “I’m sure.”

Mason’s fingers grip my throat, and he pulls my mouth to his. Our bodies collide, even as he has to bend down to reach me. Winding my arms up around his shoulders, he uses the leverage to lift my hips, and I wrap my legs around him.

The sheer size of his hard length presses against me, and it has my heart racing.

“Mason.” My hands find his hair, and his tongue slips into my mouth.

I can’t remember the last time I felt wanted by a man. Actuallywanted. Mason kisses me like he’s desperate for every moan he elicits. Like he needs to feel every curve of my body so he remembers it.

His hands grip my ass as he walks us down the hallway, and I melt against him. I sink into his kiss and rock my hips with every one of his steps, loving how his fingersdig into my ass, and his steps falter when I tighten my legs.

When we reach his room, I can’t help pulling back to look around. I’ve been on the other side of this wall for so many weeks, but I’ve never crossed the threshold.

There’s not much to look at. It’s undecorated and the bed’s unmade. There are a few sketches on the dresser, and a pair of jeans on the floor, but that’s it.

“It’s messy.” He nips at my throat. “Sorry.”