It’s not like I ban them from leaving the property. This isn’t a prison, but usually they tell me where they’re off to.
“They were supposed to be finishing up the painting on the barn today. Hayes didn’t mention them going out tonight.”
“Huh. Okay, well, looks like it’s just you and me lugging all these groceries in.”
Cade groans but quickly begins to pile bag after bag onto his arms, causing the veins to protrude ever so slightly. It’s extremely distracting. “Are you going to grab some bags or just stare at me at all night?”
Have you ever? This motherfucker has jokes.
“Funny. I bet you get all the ladies with that chivalry. What happened to men doing all the heavy lifting?”
Cade’s eyebrows pull together as he mulls over my words. Good gracious, it was a joke! Cade, a gentleman through and through, actually feels bad.
“I’m joking. Get that fine ass moving so we aren’t here all night.”
He hesitates, wanting to argue but after a little swat to the butt he gets moving, never uttering another word.
We’ve unloaded and put away ten tons of groceries and are kicked back on the sofa when Hayes bursts through the door, his eyes blazing with something I can’t place.
“Commander, we need you down at the pond. Mason dove in and hit something. He’s hurt.”
Cade and I spring from the sofa, our bodies in motion before Hayes can say more.
“Major!” Hayes reaches out for Cade, stopping him.
I don’t wait around. I rush through the patio door, my eyes scanning for Mason. The dew on the grass causes me to slip as I race to the pond.
I hope it’s not his neck. I can fix anything except for a spinal injury. Images of Mason gasping for breath, waiting for me, push me faster. When I crest the hill, I immediately draw to a halt.
In front of me, thousands of white lights are braided through the trees, creating a shimmering fantasy of stars. The old wooden gazebo is adorned with candles and beautiful calla lilies.
“Madam.” I’m startled by Mason’s outstretched hand.
“You jerk! I should beat your ass!” I swat at him, not sure if I’m more surprised or pissed.
“I’m sorry, Commander. Just following orders.”
My eyes narrow as I try to figure out just what the hell is going on here. And whose orders is he following?
He fists his fingers and stretches them out again, reminding me that I’ve yet to take his hand. Hesitantly, I reach out, securing my hand in his rough, much larger one.
Mason leads me down the hill slowly, mindful of the dew, right to the gazebo where a small two-person table has been placed in the center with two metal chairs. The small café-style table is covered in white linens, a glass vase of calla lilies centered in the middle, matching ones strategically placed throughout the gazebo, accentuating the rustic structure. Beautiful doesn’t even cover it. It’s magical.
“Ma’am.” Mason pulls out a chair for me.
I sit, sliding my hands under my butt to keep my them from shaking with nerves. Now, sitting under the magic of the lights, my leggings and Theo’s throwback college tee seem underwhelming.
Mason excuses himself with a secret smile as Tim approaches with one of my baking sheets, using it as a serving tray. I almost laugh at their improvisation but don’t when I hear Tim’s uneven tone as he struggles to pronounce his question.
“Can I get you something to drink?”
Taking his hand in mine, squeezing softly, I answer, “I would love a water, thank you.”
He nods, turns and heads for the house. I’m looking around, taking in the fairy land that my backyard has become, when the rustling of footsteps capture my attention.
“I see you found the place.” Theo’s cocky smile makes my heart squeeze with sappy love. He’s dressed casually in jeans, a snug t-shirt clinging to his sculpted chest. He looks delicious. And he’s all mine.
“I see you’re late as usual.” I break the intense moment with some shitty humor. I’m not this prim and proper girl who expects to be wined and dined under a canopy of stars. Don’t get me wrong, I love the beauty of it. The whole charade makes me feel small and girly. But I’m more of a beer and quick romp under the moonlight kind of girl. Especially with Theo.
