In His Sights Page 13
“Sorry. My favorite mug slipped out of my hand.”
Mason’s story would’ve worked if Mason hadn’t been holding a mug of coffee in his hand—unbroken. It didn’t matter. Noah only said, “Oh, sorry.”
Mason’s smile grew. His gaze no longer harsh, he appeared sleepy, his hair standing on end. His appearance changed from a man about to defend his castle, to one who’d rolled out of bed after a night of debauchery.
Noah remained silent when he smiled back.
“You went for a run. You should have waited. I could’ve driven you over to the lake.” Mason held no anger in his voice.
“I ran around the neighborhood. Thought you could use the sleep.”
“I would’ve gone.”
“Sorry.” Noah was, but he couldn’t have avoided taking off. He needed the time alone to think.
“It’s all good. You hungry?”
“Yeah. I could eat.” Noah still found it difficult to adapt to the suddenly happy Mason.
They both strode into the kitchen. Mason glanced at Noah. “Why don’t you go jump in the shower? I’ll whip up some eggs.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. Go ahead.”
“Thanks.”
Noah grabbed a towel and hopped into the shower. The warm water cascaded down his back and soothed his tired muscles. He closed his eyes, savoring the feel. An image of Mason at the bar the other night flashed into his head. Mason’s expression at the bar had been the exact same one he wore when he came out of his office moments ago. It gave Noah the idea whatever Mason had dealt with the other night had the same effect on him today. But why did he feel the need to hide it? Mason couldn’t go into details, but he still could’ve talked. Noah would’ve listened if Mason wanted to get anything off his chest. Noah would have Mason’s back, no matter what. But instead of opening up, Mason had come up with a quick lie—and a bad lie at that. Next time you say you broke your cup, don’t be holding it in your hand unless it’s in pieces.
Noah shut down the water and hustled out of the shower. After he finished drying his body, he put the towel around his waist and walked into the bedroom.
He couldn’t help but smile when he peered at his clean clothes hanging from the chair. Mason had insisted Noah borrow some of his clothes so he could wash Noah’s. While yes, he’d wanted them clean, it was the fact Mason wouldn’t let Noah touch his washer or dryer that made Noah laugh. The machines were Mason’s toys, and he didn’t like anyone messing with them. Like Noah might do something to fuck them up. Noah pulled his pants on and slipped into his shirt. He needed to go commando, as he’d worn his boxer briefs running. He’d have to do something about getting underwear if they ended up camping. He couldn’t go commando in the outdoors. The hiking would cause chafing, something he’d rather not endure.
He opened the bedroom door and was instantly accosted by the aroma of onions, peppers, and coffee. As he walked closer, he noticed another smell, not as strong but definitely distinct. It had almost a lemony tang to it.
He walked into the kitchen, and stopped short, surprised by what he saw.
Chapter 15
Mason stood at the stove wearing an apron and holding, if Noah had to guess, lemon poppy seed muffins while testing if the top of the muffins popped back. The picture was one of the cutest things Noah had ever witnessed.
“You hungry?” Mason’s stayed focused on the muffins, carefully taking them out of the pan.
“I’m starved. Everything smells delicious.” The aromas of lemon, coffee, and bacon all fought for dominance in the room. Noah’s mouth salivated, and his stomach picked that moment to growl.
Mason put the pan on the counter, then turned toward Noah with a twinkle in his eyes and smiled. “Good. Take a seat.”
“How about I take care of the coffee?” Noah padded over to the coffee pot, picking up the mug Mason had been using and one from the cabinet.
“Perfect.” Mason moved around, putting the final touches on the food and humming to himself.
Noah didn’t think Mason even realized he hummed while he worked. Noah fought himself not to comment, as he walked over to the set table with two steaming cups in hand. He put them down, then made his way back and helped Mason carry the food.
“Mas, this is amazing. You really didn’t need to go this crazy.” Noah took the plate holding the eggs that Mason handed him and spooned a big scoop onto his plate.
“It’s all good. I like to cook.”
Mason kept his gaze on the food in front of him, not noticing Noah staring at him, hypnotized by Mason’s bobbing Adam’s apple. Noah needed to pull himself together, before he ended up dragging Mason onto the table and taking him right there on top of the toast. He shoved a forkful of eggs into his mouth and suddenly had something new to focus on; the flavor brought Noah’s taste buds to life. “Mmm, Mas, these eggs are amazing.” Before he said another word, he scooped more into his mouth, this time tasting the home fries.
“I’m glad you like it.” Mason’s face turned back to that adorable red color. Warmth grew in Noah’s chest.
Both men continued to eat, the occasional mmm and the sound of their chewing the only noises in the room until they finished the last bites.
“You sure you want to hike today?” Noah yawned. “I’m ready for a nap.”
Mason laughed. “Actually, it is kind of late already, and there’s a few matters I need to handle for work. How does taking off tomorrow, first thing, sound?”
Work? What the fuck? “Yeah. Okay. That’s fine.” Noah suppressed the urge to ask Mason what he needed to work on. Noah wasn’t ready to fill Mason in on the fact Mason had told Noah so much the night he’d been drunk. Instead, Noah told Mason, “I need to head to the store to get a couple things. Want to take a ride?”
“You mind going alone? You can drive the motorcycle.”
At the mention of the bike, Noah trembled and a child-like giddiness took hold. “You’re okay with me taking the bike out?”
“Sure. You said you have your own bike, right?”
Noah’s heartbeat quickened, and adrenaline rushed through his body. Noah loved to ride—feel the wind in his hair and the vibrations to his soul.
Mason stood. Noah’s gaze locked on to Mason’s ass as he walked out of the room. Maybe there were some things Noah liked better than his bike. Mason came back with keys in his hand, separating one from the ring. Mason held the lone key out, brushing Noah’s hand, and an electric shock shot up Noah’s arm. “That’s for the house. Why don’t you hold onto that while you’re here?”
“Thanks. But it’s not really necessary.”
“Just in case I need to run out. Don’t want you coming back to a locked house with no way in.” Mason worked another set of keys off his key ring. “Once these are off you can head out, do what you need to, and I’ll clean up and get to work.”
“Not a chance.” Noah stood and put the house key in his pocket.
“What’s up? What’s the matter?” Mason stopped what he was doing and glanced at Noah.
“Nothing. Just that you cooked. I clean.”
Mason stared, his eyebrows raised. “Yeah?”
“Absolutely.” Noah leaned over the table, picked up the dishes, and brought them over to the sink.
“I don’t use the dishwasher. It’s just me, so by the time I load the machine, any food left on the plate becomes a science experiment.”
Noah laughed as he turned on the water to fill the basin, squirting in a little soap. “I’m fine. I’m okay washing by hand.”
“Thanks.”
Mason separated the keys, put both sets on the counter, and picked up a hand towel. Then both men stood side by side at the sink, Noah washing the dishes, while Mason dried and put them away. Doing it together caused warmth to spread through Noah, making him rush to finish before he started to share his true feelings.
Only minutes had passed when Mason moved over to the island in the center of the room, and hung the last pot. “Perfect
. Thanks for helping.”
“My pleasure.” Noah held back a yawn. With his stomach full and his body relaxed, a nap sounded tempting. But something about Mason told Noah that Mason would rather be alone with what he needed to do. So instead of heading to his room, and to avoid getting in Mason’s way, Noah said, “I should head out.”
“Yeah. I guess.” With the way Mason spoke, it was almost as if he didn’t want Noah to go—or maybe Noah read too much into it, thrusting his own feelings onto Mason.
“To the garage?” Any hesitation Noah thought he heard disappeared from Mason’s voice.
“Yes, sir.” The reality of Noah riding Mason’s bike revved Noah up enough to chase away any more urge to nap.
Both men walked out the front door, each taking a deep breath. The air had a bite, but the sun’s strong rays kept the chill from being bitter.
“Shit. I’m going to grab my sunglasses.” Noah turned and went back inside the house. By the time he came back, glasses on, Mason had the garage door open, but with the way the sun shined the glare made it impossible to see inside.
Mason started the bike, and the engine caused vibrations. A chill of excitement raced down Noah’s back, and his heart skipped a beat. It was going to be a good day—without a doubt.
Mason and Noah had spoken about their bikes, but that hadn’t made Noah any less excited about seeing what Mason had. When Mason rolled the machine out of the garage, Noah’s jaw dropped and his cock twitched. The black and yellow sportster was a thing of beauty, and the way Mason’s face lit up sitting on it said Mason knew just how stunning it was.
Mason moved the bike next to his truck, then shut the beast off. “What do you think?” His smile never waned.
And neither had Noah’s. “It’s beautiful.”
“Thanks.” Mason climbed off and handed Noah the keys.
Noah remained still, taking the moment in. The bike was so much more than…Noah wasn’t sure what, and he felt honored that Mason would let him drive it.
“So, what do you need from the store?” Mason asked.
“Clothing type stuff.” Noah’s face heated. He studied the bike, not wanting to peek at Mason.
“I have plenty of hiking stuff. You’re more than welcome to borrow mine.”
Noah’s stare stayed on the bike. “I’ll take you up on most of that, but I want to buy my own briefs and socks. No offense.”
“None taken.” Mason laughed. “Do you remember where the lake is?”
“Sure.” Noah would find it, and if not on his first shot, he’d cruise around a little longer than necessary.
“You’re going to head there, then instead of turning into the park, you continue heading north on Hoffman Road for about five more miles. Then you’ll reach a big intersection. Motor Parkway. There are stores on every corner that should work.”
“Great. You need me to pick anything up while I’m out?”
“Nothing you’ll fit on the bike. We’ll hit the grocery on our way out tomorrow. It’ll be open.” Mason handed Noah the helmet. “Oh, shit. Hold on one second.”
As Noah finished fastening the helmet, Mason came out of the house with something in his hand.
“Here, you’ll need this.” Mason straightened out the backpack he was holding and handed the bag to Noah. “Not much’ll fit in the saddlebags. If you end up buying more than you planned, call me. I’ll come meet you.”
“I don’t think that’ll be necessary, but thanks.” He put the backpack on and started the bike. The vibrations shuddered through his body, causing his heart to pound. With a wave to Mason, Noah pulled out of the driveway and onto the road.
* * * *
Mason watched as Noah drove away. Staring at him on that bike had Mason hard and ready to shoot a load. Too bad Noah left, he could’ve helped Mason out with his problem. Guess Mason would need to take care of it himself. He had to jump in the shower anyway. First, though, he’d deal with work. He pressed the heel of his hand on his hard cock, hoping it’d go down a bit.
Mason walked back into the house and headed straight to his office. He stood at the doorway, his will weak. Taking the shower first might work out better for him. Was he ready to go back to the shit waiting for him in his office? Before he made the choice, his phone rang. He strode to his bedroom—taking a glimpse at the night table, it wasn’t there. As he tried to remember where he left it, he listened more closely to the ring. The sound came from the living room. He moved fast, afraid the call might be Noah and that he’d miss it. He plucked the phone off the coffee table and pressed talk. “Carlyle.”
“Hey, Mason. How are you?”
Great, it’s White. Someone he didn’t want to talk to. “Hey, White. What’s up? I was just heading out. What can I do for you?”
“I’m calling to make sure everything’s okay. There are some rumors going around. Wanted to check in and see if they have any substance.”
Dammit. “Not really sure what you’re talking about. So, don’t know what I can tell you.”
“Heard that our team is getting broken up. Our investigation closed down.”
“Where the hell did you hear that?”
“Went in yesterday and ran in to the asshats from Raddigan’s team. Said they were taking over our shit. That we were being disbanded.” White’s voice screeched through the phone.
“Calm down. If you haven’t heard anything, then it’s work as usual, come morning.” For you, anyway.
“I knew they weren’t doing nothing but shoving their shit in my face. Those assholes.”
“Don’t let them get to you. Hey, listen. I’m running out. I’ve got to go.”
“All right. See you tomorrow.”
Mason hung up the phone and threw it across the room. It landed on the couch. “Dammit.” What the hell was he going to do?
He picked up his phone again and headed for the office. Once he opened the door, he knew going in right then wasn’t a great idea. Not the way he felt. Nothing good would come of it. Instead, he peered at his phone, quickly went through his contacts, and dialed a number.
He didn’t waste time saying hello. “You make it yet?”
“Yeah. What’s up? Just arrived.” If Mason calling surprised Noah, he didn’t seem shocked.
“How long you think that’ll take you?” Mason wanted to be gone now.
“Not sure. Half hour tops.” Noah hesitated. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just want to take a ride. I’m going to meet you there in about fifteen. Shop fast.”
“You sure you’re okay?” asked Noah.
Mason hated the concern in Noah’s voice, but he couldn’t do anything to stop it.
“Yeah, things are fine. Just be ready when I show up.”
Mason ended the call and headed toward the bathroom. He’d take a quick shower and be out of the house before he did anything rash.
He ran the cold water as his body seethed, making him extremely warm. The temperature cooled him, but did nothing for Mason’s mood. He finished rinsing off his body when his phone rang again. Thinking it was Noah, he jumped out of the shower and clutched a towel. His hand dry, he picked up his phone. It was White again. Mason wouldn’t answer. He left the phone on the counter and moved into his room to find something to wear.
He got dressed, grabbed his keys, then went into his closet and opened his safe. Once he had what he needed, he left the house, stepped in his truck, and rushed out of the driveway. The radio blasted, Mason didn’t care what the songs were. Their hard beats helped clear his mind.
He arrived at the shopping center twenty minutes later. Mason immediately noticed the bike, pulled over into the next spot, and parked. People and cars filled the parking lot. Mason was about to step out of the truck, but then he spotted Noah coming out of one of the stores. Noah walked out, paying attention to the bag in his hand, then glanced up and spied Mason. Noah wore a delicious smile. Thoughts of taking the man home and fucking his brains out crossed Mason’s mind. But knowing the way Mason
’s mood shifted and how those actions would mix had Mason tossing the idea away. As fucked up as he was at the moment, he knew he didn’t want to screw up their relationship. And if he took Noah home and took him to bed right then, that’s exactly what would happen.
Mason jumped out of the truck and waited for Noah to traverse the parking lot. As Noah came closer, Mason noticed the smile Noah had worn moments ago was gone. His head was tilted, his eyebrows furrowed, and he frowned.
“What’s going on? Are you okay?” Concern laced Noah’s every word.
“I’m fine. Just had shit I didn’t feel like doing. Let’s take a ride.”
Noah hadn’t appeared convinced. “Where?”
“It’s a surprise.” Mason tried to lighten his voice. “You have everything you need here?”
“Yeah. I’m done.” Noah held up his bag.
“All right.” Mason moved around the truck to get in. “Hop in the truck.”
“What about the bike?” Noah stayed still.
“We’ll be back in an hour or two. It’ll be fine here.”
“You sure?” Noah bit on his lip and gazed longingly at the bike, making Mason smile.
“Absolutely.”
“You sure you don’t want me to ride it home? It’ll only take a couple minutes.” Noah actually took a step closer to the bike.
Mason wanted to leave, not go back home. “No. I want to get the hell out of here.” Mason noticed the way Noah’s eyes widened when he spoke. Mason hadn’t meant for his voice to come out so harsh, but now it was too late to matter.
Noah moved around to the passenger side of the truck and opened the door. About to jump in, he stopped and glanced at Mason. “Where we going?”
Calm washed over Mason, all because Noah was there. “Come on. Stop asking so many questions.”
Chapter 16