As much as it infuriated Izad to admit it, the American had been right. About everything. It was time for Izad to heed the man’s advice.
Age also brought with it humility.
“Go on then,” he said with a nod. “Tell us what you have in mind.”
* * *
9:18 a.m.
Seated as Mason was, across the aisle and one row back from Alex, he was privy to little more than her profile when she finally turned from the window. But that was enough to tell him her face, which was usually in motion—her mouth grinning with devilment, her eyes rounding in excitement—was now completely still.
Closed off.
Blank.
The thought that he was the cause of the change had a deep, abiding regret filling him up, pressing against his skin until he thought he might burst from it. But for the life of him, he couldn’t understand where he’d gone wrong.
He’d done as she asked. Chosen option A and kissed her—boy, had he ever; he was still reeling from it. Then afterward he’d sent Meat to keep her company for the night because that’s what friends do. They lend their lovable animals to those in need of a furry face. And yet the look on her face this morning—
“I’ll give you to the count of one to explain yourself.” Doc, his seat mate, leaned close to growl in his ear, “And then I’m going to punch you in the balls.”
“Huh?” Mason blinked incredulously.
“I know you understand English, cock-holster.” Bloodthirstiness gleamed in Doc’s green eyes. “It’s one of your greatest achievements.”
Mason’s chin jerked back. “Why the fuck are you treating me like a bleached asshole?”
“Because you hurt Alex. Again.” There was a world of accusation in Doc’s tone.
All the air leaked from Mason’s lungs and left him sagging. “I know,” he admitted grievously. “But I dunno what I did!”
“No?” Doc glared at him. “I thought you were headed to her room to explain things. But now I see you went and baked Donna’s cake instead.”
“I did go to Alex’s room to explain things, and we made a pact to be nothing more than friends,” Mason said defensively. “Also, not that it’s any of your frickin’ business, but I didn’t bake Donna’s cake. After I left Alex, I went to Donna’s house to break things off with her. But then I fell asleep on her couch. Blame it on the blood loss.”
For a while, Doc was quiet. Then, “If you and Alex made a pact to be friends, why did you kick Donna to the curb?”
“Fuck if I know,” Mason admitted wretchedly. “Just felt wrong keeping things going with her when…when…” His voice trailed off.
When what?
When what he felt for Alex was so much more than what he’d ever feel for Donna? When his feelings for Alex affected him like he’d never been affected before, even with Sarah? When everything and everyone paled in comparison to Alex, and when the thought of being with someone else held absolutely zero interest for him?
He closed his eyes and saw Alex. Her head thrown back against the hotel door. Her little pink nipple tight and wet from his mouth.
He hadn’t been lying when he told her she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. The sheer magnificence of her in the throes of orgasm had managed to break through the shock he’d felt at watching a woman come so easily.
In his experience, women’s bodies were finely made machines that required a patient, knowledgeable hand to coax them to perform at their peaks. But it appeared Alex was more of a bottle rocket.
Light her fuse and watch her go.
“Will you tell Alex you ended things with Donna?” Doc cut into his thoughts.
Mason shook his head. “Despite our pact, she might think I did it ’cause of her, and it won’t matter what I say after that. She’ll convince herself she should see this as a sign I’m reconsidering her offer. Which I’m not.”
He wasn’t, was he?
No, he was not. But he had allowed himself to fantasize about it. About taking her out to the secluded beach at the back of Wayfarer Island, laying her down on a soft blanket, and teaching her all the things she was so eager to learn.
Afraid Doc might read in his face what was in his head, he turned toward the window and stared out at the endless turquoise waters below. Every now and then, they were interrupted by a speck of brown and green.
Oh, to be an island, he thought.
So simple. So serene. So quiet. No one judged them. No one wanted things from them they couldn’t give. No one was hurt by them.
“I think it’s high time you and I sat crooked and talked straight,” Doc said, cutting into his thoughts again. “You say Alex deserves someone who’ll appreciate the gift she’s offering, and in return, that man should give her a piece of his heart. I’m saying that man is you.”
Mason opened his mouth, but Doc pressed on before he could get a word out. “I don’t have time to play the fiddle to your excuses dance. We’ll be landing in five minutes, and I’ll need every second of that to say what I have to say. Now, here’s the way I see it. Sarah burned you. And you’ve decided you never want to dance close to those flames again. I get it. Love hurts, and who the hell needs that?”
Doc pointed in Alex’s direction. “But she’s not asking you to jump in the fire with her. She’s asking you for one night. You wouldn’t be giving her your whole heart, you’d just be giving her a piece of it. And if you’re worried you won’t know where to stop, where friendship and lust and affection will end and where love will begin, then lay down some damned ground rules.”
Doc made an it’s-so-easy gesture with his hands. “Limit it to one time, or two times, or ten times. Then stick with it. She’ll get rid of her virginity, and you’ll have some fun with a woman you admire and respect and want. Maybe it’ll be enough to wipe away the hangdog expression you’ve been wearing for the last five years.”
The mere notion had all the oxygen leaving Mason’s lungs.
“Fate’s hand has been pushing at your back since the moment Alexandra Merriweather set foot on Wayfarer Island,” Doc continued. “It’s been fun watching you fight it. But for all our sakes, it’s time you gave in.”
Chapter 18
10:26 a.m.
Chrissy loved Wayfarer Island.
Loved the peaceful waters of the lagoon. The crash of the waves against the reef. The rambling old beach house that, despite its lack of modern amenities like Wi-Fi, reliable electricity, and hot water for showers, still felt like a home.