It Takes Two Book 5 by Ellie Danes Page A

meant. After talking with him and getting to know him better, I didn’t think he had only wanted a one-night stand, but I had been wrong about men before. Often, actually.
    “Well, why not? Wait, don’t tell me,” Avery slapped her hand across her eyes dramatically, “he showed you his bad side.”
    I frowned. Avery always just assumed I’d perpetually be with the wrong man, especially after seeing me go through many not-so-perfect relationships.
    “Not at all. I just don’t know exactly where we stand.”
    Avery opened her mouth to say something, as my phone rang. I reached over and picked it up, giving her a warning look. If this was Mason, I didn’t want her to start trash talking him and every other man I had dated.
    “Hello?” I answered.
    The voice on the other end of the line sent tingles down my spine. I rubbed my legs together as Avery watched me, listening to my conversation.
    A few minutes later, I had plans for the afternoon.
     
    * * * *
     
    Avery answered the door when Mason arrived. From the end of the hall where I stood I could see him leaning up against doorframe, his t-shirt and jeans made me do a double take. I had always seen him dressed up and I absolutely loved how his t-shirt hugged his body, showing off how fit he was.
    I tried to catch my breath and darted into the bathroom, hoping he hadn’t seen me yet. As I checked myself in the mirror, adjusting my lipstick, I heard Avery’s shrill voice.
    “Hello, Mason,” she said cheerfully.
    “Avery, how are you today?”
    “Wonderful. Harper will be out in just a moment,” Avery replied, and after a pause I heard her voice again. “I guess you get to know all of the girls that come through the mansion, don’t you? Seems you’re pretty good at remembering names.”
    I bit my lip, smudging my lipstick a little. What was Avery trying to do? I resisted going out to save him, finding myself leaning over to hear his answer. Maybe, deep down, I wanted to know how he had known Avery on sight, too.
    Mason’s smooth voice cut through the air, reaching my ears and making me shiver again. “Well, it is my job, and some girls are more memorable than others. For instance, it’s difficult to forget your outgoing personality.”
    “Well thank you!” Avery quipped. I could almost hear the smile on her face.
    I walked out into the hallway, giving Mason a smile. He looked so rugged and handsome, with his hair falling across his forehead perfectly. I suddenly felt glad I had opted to wear jeans instead of a dress like I had considered.
    “Hey there, beautiful.” His face lit up as he returned my smile and his lips twitched a little as his blue eyes took me in, flicking their way up and down my body. “Ready to go?”
    “Yes.”
    As we made our way to the elevator, he grabbed my hand with a grin. “So, I’ve got a few surprises for you today.”
    “Oh, really, like?”
    “You’ll have to wait and see.” He laughed as we stopped at the elevator, pressing the downward arrow.
    It was empty this afternoon, and I felt slightly disappointed at the fact that we didn’t have to squeeze together like the last time.
    Nevertheless, as the doors closed he was on me, pressing my back against the wall as his body leaned up against mine. His lips found mine as he sucked on my lower lip moving his hands around my back, holding me tightly. I could feel him shiver against me as he broke away from the kiss, burying his face in my neck with a long, hot sigh.
    “I missed you.”
    I laughed, gasping a little as I tried to catch my breath. “It’s only been half a day.”
    His head rose, his sea-blue eyes meeting mine. “I missed you,” he insisted.
    I nodded, walking my fingers up his chest lightly, grasping the fabric of his t-shirt in my fist and pulling his lips to mine again.
    The door opened, and we sprung apart as a group entered, giggling to ourselves that we had just been caught.
     
    * * * *
     
    “Oh, my God,” I breathed, looking out over the