A beach house beginning, p.23
A Beach House Beginning, page 23
Grams kissed her cheek. “You are a rosebud and it’s time for you to bloom.” She pointed to the bookshelf laden with romance novels. “It’s time you stop reading them—well, not stop—but take a break from reading romances and actually start living one of your own.” She fanned herself. “‘Cause honey, you don’t know what you’re missing.”
With a chuckle, Eden gathered her courage, reached for her sweater on the back of her chair then paused. Squaring her shoulders, she scrambled down the stairs to greet the man who occupied her thoughts more often than she would ever admit.
She found him stretched across the bed, shirtless, in a pair of worn blue jeans, his hands tucked behind his head, looking up at the ceiling. A black duffel bag was in the corner and various toiletries sprinkled across the huge chest in the room. The room had been done over in a blue-gray scheme. Eden watched him with her arms wrapped about her, intense hunger swirling on her insides—and it wasn’t for food. Although she needed to eat.
He picked up his head and spotted her. His eyes went wide before he sprang off the bed. “Eden, you’re here.” The wonderment and joy in his voice boosted her confidence. Mason came to stand in front of her with all his male fineness and she had to struggle to keep from dropping her eyes to his chest. Her hands itched to touch his smooth skin and to see if those muscles were as firm as they looked. “Do you want to sit with me a little?” he asked, tentatively reaching for her hand.
All she could do was nod. Because a sudden onset of nerves made her remain frozen in place. Mason steepled his fingers through hers. Quick tears dimmed her eyes. She placed a hand to her chest. This was the first time in thirteen years she had held a man’s hand.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yes,” she whispered. “I’m more than fine.” She cleared her throat. “Just having a moment and snapping a picture in my mind.” She was going to replay this action over and over tonight. Her heart soared. They sat side by side on his bed. She looked down at their conjoined hands and fought to hold her smile. “I’m sorry if I’ve been avoiding you.”
“It’s all good. You’re here now.” He shifted his weight, so he was closer to her. Searing heat crackled at the spot where their thighs met.
“I’ve never had sex before,” she blurted out.
Mason’s jaw dropped. “Okay... Talk about a conversation shift.” He raised a brow. “And, you’re telling me this because?”
“I thought you should know that because I’m attracted to you. I tried to fight it but since I learned you’re going to be right under me, it’s all I can think about. What is it like to have you under me?” Eden was very aware that she was rambling but her mouth was like a waterspout and she couldn’t stop talking. “I’ve read all about the act but having never engaged in it before, I’m unsure of what to expect and if it is as good as I’ve read about.” Then she plopped back on the bed, folded her arms and waited.
He placed a hand to her lips and gave her a tender smile, before trailing a finger to her neck. Scooping his arm under hers, he pulled her back into a sitting position. Eden closed her eyes and puckered her lips...but nothing happened. She popped an eye open to see a small grin on his face, and for a moment wondered if he had been staring at her scars. But when she glanced at him, his eyes—those eyes reflected a hunger that made her squirm. With eagerness.
Mason peered at her for several moments before saying, “First, I’m honored you have chosen me. Second, I’m not going to give a girl her first experience with her grandmother right upstairs—no matter how soundproof this room is. And third, before I make love to you—and believe me, I will—I would like to take you out on a date. On a real date. Out of this house.” He lowered his voice to a growl. “I want to get to know Eden Tempest inside and out.”
Goodness. She squeezed her knees together. Those words held sexual promise that made her body quiver. “Okay,” she breathed out. “How about later tonight? Let’s go into town for ice cream. Small steps.”
Mason nodded. “You sure? I was going to start with us going on walks and working our way up slowly to venturing back into town.”
“Nope. At the rate you’re talking about, it will be ages before we make it to the bedroom.”
Throwing back his head, Mason laughed. “Eden, I am going to enjoy you.”
Eden was glad she had followed her instincts and visited with him. She jumped off the bed and gave him a wink and a wave. “Later.”
Chapter Eight
Gabe had been good on his word. Four days after Gabe started, he had recruited more helpers and there were now seven of them. Seven men working in various parts of the main level of the bed-and-breakfast to bring the property back to magnificence. But besides their vehicles, there were two other cars he didn’t recognize. Ms. Susan must have visitors.
It was now mid-May. Mason stood outside reviewing the before-and-after shots he had recorded through every part of their labor. He also took daily pictures of Eden’s rose garden.
His heart rejoiced that the bed-and-breakfast would be ready before Eden’s birthday in about five weeks.
Ms. Susan had already started ordering decorations and had begun preparing handwritten invitations. Since Eden loved historical novels from the Regency era, she was planning a tea party where everyone would dress from that era. Ms. Susan disclosed that Eden loved magenta and she was searching for garb to complement that color. The old him would have scoffed at this idea but Ms. Susan’s and Eden’s relationship was pure and sweet and warmed his heart. Which is why he had called his brother, Max, when they broke for lunch. Max hadn’t answered so he had left a message, pleading with his brother to return the call.
After Eden left his room, he had hurriedly dressed before the men arrived. When the electricity went out, Mason discovered all the lodging in a twenty-five-mile radius had been booked. So, he had spent the night in his car and his lower back pain and sore neck made him ask Ms. Susan for housing suggestions. Mason hadn’t expected her to open her home. So fast. So willingly. But that was Ms. Susan. That’s why he was willing to do all he could to help her. Including supplement her budget to pay for these workers.
Mason hadn’t accepted a salary for himself, having only charged Ms. Susan for labor. Ms. Susan had asked to see the books, but he assured her that the funds were okay.
His cell phone rang. It was Lydia. He slapped his forehead. Had he returned his agent’s call that day? He didn’t think so. And he needed to tell her that he had moved out of her home. Mason quickly answered. Gabe and one of the men came out toting some rotted drywall to toss in the dumpster.
“Hey, I have the most exciting news!” she boomed. “Someone posted a couple of photos from your current project and your fans are eating it up. They are demanding your return.”
“Who?” he bellowed, his chest heaving. “Who posted the pics? Because I know I sure didn’t.” The only person besides Ms. Susan he had shown them to was Gabe. Gabe who was out of a job. Desperate, even? Desperate enough to take advantage of Ms. Susan and Eden? Maybe. Mason slid his glance the other man’s way and told himself not to presume. Ask.
“Who knows, but that random posting got you the in you needed. The producers plan to come out there with a film crew to stream and they are ready to put up some serious bank if you agree.”
Mason almost dropped the phone. “What do you mean they are making plans? I didn’t give consent.”
“Well, I sort of did on your behalf.”
He blinked. “You had no right to do that. That is beyond your scope as my agent.” Gabe gestured to him. They were getting ready to rewire the plumbing for one of the bathrooms upstairs and he needed to provide oversight. “I’ve got to go but I’ll call you back. In the meantime, please contact them and let them know I’m not interested.”
“But—”
“This isn’t up for discussion.” He drew deep breaths and changed the topic. “There was a power outage in your neighborhood last night so I moved out of your house.”
“Oh? I didn’t receive any notifications about it... Where are you staying?”
“Here.” He lifted a finger to gesture to Gabe that he was on his way and began walking back inside the house.
“Here where?” Then he heard a sharp intake of air. “You’re staying at the haunted house?” She cackled. “This gets better and better. Please say you’ll reconsider. Your moving into the house provides better access and even better footage.”
“No.”
“Fine. Have it your way.”
“Great, I hope this is the end of it.” Lydia could be tenacious when she wanted something or envisioned something for him. It was what made her a great agent but sometimes not so good a listener. He rushed back inside the house to assist the men.
Ms. Susan stood in the kitchen with two women flanking her sides. They had an assortment of veggies and he saw beef ribs dripping with barbecue sauce and blackened salmon. He could see the steam. And the smell. Mmm. The smell made his stomach growl. He sniffed the air and swallowed. “All right now. It looks like some good home cooking in here.” The women tittered. “Let me go get the men.”
“And Eden,” Ms. Susan called out.
He headed upstairs and called out to the guys in the other wing before jogging down to Eden’s suite. In the middle of the landing was a small sitting area that had a couch, a coffee table and a small bookshelf holding books and games. He could envision guests using this area to entertain and made a mental note to find more comfortable furnishings that had a pop of color. He continued until he stood outside Eden’s room.
Dang it if he’s knees didn’t wobble. Mason pressed his ear to the wood. He didn’t hear even a peep. He rapped on the door, his heart doing a weird sort of flutter.
She opened the door a crack and peered through. “Mason?” She opened the crack wider and stood close to him, propping one leg up on the doorjamb behind her. The tank dress rose high on those tanned legs and his mouth watered now for a different reason.
“Lunch is ready,” he said.
She bit back a smile. “Those words are coming off a bit flirty.”
He stepped back, his eyes raking her body from head to toe. “Can you blame me? Look at all I’m dealing with here.”
Eden’s face flushed with pleasure. “Whatever. Tell Grams I’ll be down in a minute. I just wanted to prep some things before my call this afternoon.”
“Call?”
“Yes, I have to meet with the department chair for the university and a student. I’ll tell you all about it later on our date.” She blew him a kiss and sashayed back inside her room.
He took the stairs two at a time, anticipation flaring in his chest for their date later. With such good food coming from the kitchen here, Mason thought a trip to the beach to enjoy the sunset would be a good idea. He wanted to hear all about her meeting, anything she had to say really, and he wanted to tell her about the television show offer and the photo someone had shared. The last thing he wanted was for Eden or Ms. Susan to learn about that mishap from anybody but him.
Mason planned to ask Gabe if he had sent the photo.
The men were already huddled around the table, helping themselves to all that food. The dining table could comfortably hold twelve, so there was room enough for everyone. The men were already seated on one end with Ms. Susan at the head, her two friends, whom she introduced as Mona and Pearl, next to her. Mason piled his plate with a sample of everything, then took a seat at the other end, making sure to save a seat next to him for Eden.
There was an air of congeniality and a lot of clinking and scraping of utensils from the men getting their grub on.
“We had another table like this one, but it got damaged,” Ms. Susan said. “I’ll have to get another one before we reopen.” The excitement in her voice was palpable.
“I can build you a new set,” Gabe offered, then bit into one of the ribs.
“You’re a carpenter as well?” Mason asked. “Why am I not surprised?”
“That’s right. Your daddy used to own a furniture store before he...” Ms. Susan didn’t finish that thought but everybody at the table nodded then shook their heads.
“This is some good food here,” one of the men said, digging in.
Mason supposed that’s what it was like being in a small town. Everyone knew everything there was to know about a person. He didn’t feel comfortable asking especially since Gabe’s face was now centered on his plate. Mason had his own daddy issues so he could respect someone not wanting to talk about theirs.
But what he couldn’t respect was someone out for personal gain. He asked for everyone’s attention. “I got a call from my agent that someone posted pictures of my gig here and it’s going viral.”
The room went silent.
“It wasn’t me,” someone said loudly.
“Me neither.”
The men went right back to their meal. Unbothered.
Except for Gabe, who pushed his plate aside. “Why would you even fix your mouth to ask us that?”
“Easy now,” Ms. Susan said, putting a hand up.
“Because I didn’t send it... How else would it have...” He trailed off, hating to see the hurt mingled with disgust on Gabe’s face. “Hey, listen, I had to ask, man.”
Gabe stood and bunched his fists. “I thought we were friends. I don’t betray my friends. And you good people.” Was he though? Good people didn’t put others on the spot like that.
Friends? He couldn’t tell the last time someone had called him that. But he supposed making enemies and friends came easy in a small town. Mason stood down, walking around the table to talk to the other man. “I’m sorry, bro. I had to ask, you know what I’m saying? I couldn’t walk around wondering because I was feeling some type of way when I heard somebody sold me out. Nevertheless, I should have pulled you to the side.”
“I’m feeling some sort of way being accused, especially in front of a roomful of people,” Gabe said. Then he relaxed his shoulders. “But I do understand. We good, man.” The chair scraped as he moved to stand and they hugged it out.
“You good with us, man,” another man chimed.
“Good, so we can get back to packing our stomachs because we have work to do,”
The men took their seats. He didn’t know who did it but it felt good to settle the squabble instead of letting it fester until he lost his temper. That’s what had happened before. The worker had shown up to work late four days in a row—his pet peeve—and then had been on his cell phone when he should have been working. Instead of talking to him about it, Mason had let it pile up until it overflowed. Mason wasn’t trying to operate that way anymore.
That’s when Eden trounced inside and gave a shy wave. He noticed she had thrown on a sweater over her dress and he rued missing another chance to see those curves. But, if everything went as it should, he would be seeing a lot more of her soon.
Mason took in the interested gazes of all the men in the room but Eden kept her eyes on him. She gave him a bright smile and came to claim her spot. His chest puffed. The men got the message and returned their focus to their food and to each other. Conversation buzzed around them. Ms. Susan was in her element serving everyone.
Eden helped herself to a small portion of salmon and veggies.
“Is that all you’re going to have?” he asked under his breath.
“I didn’t want to ruin my appetite for later since I wasn’t sure where we were going.”
He might as well tell her. “I was thinking ice cream by the beach?” Saying it aloud sounded corny. He hoped she didn’t get the impression that he didn’t think she was worth a five-star date. Or worse, that he had money issues since the loss of his show and couldn’t afford it. To cover his embarrassment, he bit into his food.
But to his surprise, she smiled. “I would like that. I haven’t been to the beach in years. We could catch a good sunset, listen to the waves and I’ll make sure to bring my book with me.”
He frowned. “You’re bringing a book on our date?” What did that say about his expectations as a conversationalist?
“Good point. I wasn’t thinking. The last time I went on a date it was with my mom schlepping us back and forth. I’m rusty.” She giggled, then heaped more food on her plate. “Oh snap, I’ll have to get a swimsuit.”
Ooh, all those curves. All kinds of salacious images raced through his mind. Maybe he needed to take his own book. The Bible. Because Mason didn’t know how he was going to keep his hands off her. He gave her the side-eye. Maybe that was her diabolical intention.
And, oh, was he looking forward to it.
Chapter Nine
When Eden entered the online meeting that afternoon, she was surprised to see that her former student, Naomi, and Dr. Loft were already deep in conversation, sharing a laugh.
A measure of unease crawled up her spine at their interaction, but she would not jump to any conclusions nor get upset. She placed a friendly smile on her face and greeted the other two women.
Dr. Loft cleared her throat. “I’m glad you could make it, Professor Tempest.” Then she signaled to Naomi to present her concern. Eden folded her lips into her mouth and counted to three.
“I had a lot going on at home and I have to work two jobs but I didn’t want to drop the course. I know I missed the last two classes and the review, but I felt confident I could bring my grades up with the research paper. I followed the rubric and made sure I made all the requirements. When I got my paper back, I got a C. I just happened to mention this to another student who received a B and he let me look over his paper and gave me permission to share. We had almost the same things. So, I feel Professor Tempest was being unfair to me because I talk out against a lot of things in class, and she always cut me off.”
