Mason was unusually quiet on the ride home, but so was Jocelyn. At the charity event he’d been affectionate, touching her back gently, leaning in close when he talked to her, and making sure her drink stayed filled. But all her mind could focus on was what was going to happen next. They’d shared two intense kisses, sort of sexy text, and now the word boyfriend had been thrown around.
What the hell are you doing, woman? she chastised. It’s not that she hadn’t considered having sex with him, but what if that’s all he was looking for? Who are you kidding? She scoffed at the thought. This was Mason, not some random jerk who hit on her. Mason would certainly want more, and that was the part that worried her the most.
Jocelyn sighed inwardly, trying to figure out what she wanted. Spending time with Mason was amazing, and she was attracted to him more than any man she’d remembered. But was she strong enough to ignore the judging looks that she’d already received for being with a younger man, knowing that there would be more to come? She liked to lay low and stay under the radar, and this would put her center stage, just as it had tonight. Women she hadn’t talked to in a long while had made a point of coming up and saying hi to her, and she’d bet money that it had everything to do with Mason.
When the car came to a stop, pulling up outside her house, she was forced from her thoughts. Nothing had been resolved, but one thing was clear—she was in way over her head.
“Mason, thank you for a wonderful evening. Having you there made it bearable. Fun even,” she said, turning toward him in the back of the car.
“It was a great time. Thanks for inviting me.” His was sexy and cheeky, endearing and mesmerizing all at the same time. “Here, I’ll get your door,” Mason said as he turned to exit the car.
“Oh, no.” Jocelyn placed her hand on his forearm, stopping him. “I can get it. I’m tired, I’m just gonna go to bed.”
The look on Mason’s face was flat, but there was smoke in his eyes, a sexy warning.
“I insist,” he said, the demand low in his voice, before he got out of the car, coming around and opening her door. Jocelyn accepted his offered hand before shutting the door behind her.
Mason locked his fingers between hers as he led her up the walk, unspeaking. Not that she would be able to hear words with the whooshing sound pounding in her ears. Her blood was pumping with anticipation, or perhaps panic.
Jocelyn unlocked the door, stepping inside and setting her bag down on the entryway table. She turned to say her goodbyes to Mason, but to her surprise he’d followed her in, closing the door behind him. She opened her mouth to question his actions, but he held up his hand, effectively silencing her.
“Jocelyn, you’ve put me in the friend zone, and I don’t like it. Maybe at first I was okay with it. You intrigued me, and I needed to know you, and now that I do, my feelings have changed. I’m convinced you want me just as much as I want you. I can feel it. The push and pull of electricity between us is undeniable. But more than that, I want to pursue a different kind of relationship with you, something exclusive, something with commitments made.”
She should have been surprised by the confession, but after tonight there was no way around it. It was the candor in his words that took her aback the most. The bluntness of it all, pushing it in her face. She much preferred dancing around the subject, letting the relationship shape itself little by little. As much as Jocelyn had tried to repress any romantic feelings that she might have for Mason, it was now impossible. They’d hit a fork in the road and going back was not an option. There was no taking back his confession, and no missing the sexy huskiness in his tone when he spoke, and the way his eyes lit a fire inside her with every look.
Her breath caught, and her knees wobbled as Mason closed the distance, delicately cradling her face, and without hesitation, he claimed her willing lips. The kiss pulsed through her body, telling her that there was no going back. Her desires, while carnal, were also entangled with worry and trepidation, but they demanded Mason. Her body reacted so naturally; without thought, it pulled toward his strong body.
But her head, as usual, interfered with what her body begged for. Jocelyn wanted to submit to her desires, but her nagging mind wouldn’t quiet. She pulled back from the embrace and turned away from him, breaking the connection. She wrapped her arms around herself as she tried to catch the breath Mason had stolen.
“Listen, Mason, you’re amazingly attractive, kind, and fun. I’ve enjoyed our time together, but I don’t know how to do this.” She puffed out a breath. At her age she shouldn’t be embarrassed about anything. But Mason had pulled her from her normally shy self, and now she felt utterly exposed.
“Do what exactly?” Mason asked.
Jocelyn sighed. Do what? Be a girlfriend, let herself go, not care about what other people thought. Take your pick. Quickly, she shook the thoughts from her head, needing to keep it together. They’d told people tonight that they were together, and it had been easier than she’d expected. The shock and onslaught of questions were overwhelming, but it was out there now.
“The thing is…it’s been a long time for me. My husband passed a couple of years ago, but he had been sick for a while. And I only had one serious boyfriend before him.” The confession made Jocelyn want to bury her head in the sand.
They had been talking about becoming an item, but she wondered if he would catch the subtle hints about her lack of experience in the bedroom. Telling people he was her boyfriend had happened, they’d essentially gone on a dozen dates, and the only thing left to seal the deal was to make love.
“We can take it slow, Joss.”
“Slow.” She whispered the word, testing it. What did that mean exactly? Hadn’t they been taking it slow?
Jocelyn sighed inwardly. It shouldn’t be this hard, but here she was again making everything more difficult than it needed to be. Overthinking everything. She didn’t know if she wanted to go left or right. The idea of sex with Mason both terrified and excited her. But the possibility of making a fool of herself was mortifying.
Not so eloquently, Jocelyn made her way to the kitchen, holding the countertop for stability, desperate for a glass of wine. She’d had a few glasses of champagne, but this called for something stronger. Taking a glass from the cupboard, she poured it nearly full of Merlo.
“So, what about you?” she asked, trying to hide the quiver in her voice.
“No thank you. I’m not much of a wine person.” He gave her a cheeky smile when she turned to look at him, confused.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I know.” He paused before continuing. “I mean, I’ve had my fair share of girlfriends, but I haven’t slept with half of Portland. And if you’re wondering, I’m clean.”
Oh God. Jocelyn choked on her wine. Is that something kids nowadays talk about? Kids, shit. Thirteen years. Why hadn’t she just gone with it, let whatever was going to happen next happen? Now she couldn’t stop overthinking all of it. It had gotten awkward. Shit. Jocelyn felt the heat in her cheeks. Mason hadn’t mentioned anything about sex. He more or less asked her to go steady with him. He had been the first man in a long time to make her yearn for a man’s touch.
“Maybe you should go,” she said, not able to look him in the eyes.
“No,” he said firmly.
Jocelyn was frozen in place as she watched Mason stalk toward her. She allowed him to wrap his arms around her waist, pulling her tight to his body once again. She rested her head on his chest and was surprised how such a simple action felt so natural, so right.
“Asking you to be my girlfriend seems so high school. But that’s what I’m asking for. Let’s see where this goes.”
* * * *
Mason stood quietly holding Jocelyn, knowing he would continue to until she broke the connection, loving the way she fit against him. He knew her well enough now to anticipate this reaction. She was sweet and shy, but he liked that about her. If she decided to turn him away, he hoped she would do it sooner rather than later.
Because of the height difference his hands wrapped around her body rested just below her breasts, and with every inhale she took his hands grazed the base of the perfect orbs. His body was fully alert to the soft mounds pressing into him. With Jocelyn being almost a foot shorter than him, it was only a matter of time before she would notice his growing erection.
“Do you really want me to go?” Mason leaned his head down and nuzzled into her hair, breathing in her intoxicating scent, needing to remember this moment. The moment of truth.
“I don’t think so… I think I’d like you to stay.”
He let out a sigh of relief and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. She didn’t want him to leave; in fact, she wanted him to stay, and that was enough for tonight. He could take it as painstakingly slow as she wanted. Mason let Jocelyn pull out of their embrace. He closed his eyes at the sensual feeling of her hands running up his chest, delicately brushing her nails on his neck, before settling there.
“Stay the night?” Her whispered words were music to his ears.
The silent charge between them needed no words. Mason slid his hand up her back, finding the zipper of the fitted dress she wore. Delicately, he undid the dress, pulling the sleeves down and letting the dress fall to the floor. Her pale skin was smooth under his rough hands that were eager to explore intimate parts of her body. They made their way down to her ass, cupping the cheeks and hoisting her up. She wrapped her legs around his body, and the connection of their cores brushing together had the sound of panting echoing in the kitchen.
“Bedroom,” Jocelyn directed, nodding toward the hallway behind the kitchen, and in a few short strides they’d cleared the threshold of the dimly lit room.
Mason tossed Jocelyn on the bed, climbing over her half-naked body, pressing a hard kiss to her lips. He savored her body, not missing an inch as he placed unhurried kisses along the path to her porcelain breast. He hooked a finger in the thin fabric and, with a swift tug, freed her delectable breast. Goosebumps covered the exposed flesh, and the mouth-watering, perk nipple called to him. His cock throbbed with pride as Jocelyn bucked her hips into his body, rubbing against him the moment his tongue lapped against the sensitive bud.
With a last, firm tug, Mason released the well-loved mound, desperate to explore more of Jocelyn. Licking a trail down her taut stomach, he made a slow, lazy descent down her body. Pressing his lips against her covered pussy, he blew a hot breath against it. Jocelyn’s hands were in his hair, frenzied, and a low moan radiated from deep in her chest as she only held on, not moving him. Taking this as encouragement to continue, his tongue traced her intimate folds through the dainty panties, and he took the opportunity to spread her legs futher apart.
Mason looped his finger in her panties, moving them to the side, needing the connection of flesh on flesh. His cock throbbed painfully as he lapped over her moist center. His pent-up desire for Jocelyn was sure to explode the moment he entered her, but he couldn’t be selfish, he was going to make sure she got what she deserved.
When Jocelyn didn’t protest he slipped his fingers into the tight canal, working them as his tongue massaged the nub hidden between her folds.
“Mason.” His name was desperate on her lips as she rocked in time to his fingers fucking her. “I’m going to…”
Her sentence broke off, her legs thrashed against the bed, hands wrapped in the sheets as her pussy pushed against his face, and a moment later a shudder ran through her body. His fingers continued to work her over, wanting to make sure she got every bit of the orgasm he’d just given her.
* * * *
Spots dotted Jocelyn’s vision as her body tingled with the pleasure she’d just received. She’d contemplated asking him to stop, that the action was too intimate, but her body won that battle and she was happy about it.
A cool shiver ran across her dewy body, and she realized that Mason had broken their connection and he was standing at the end of the bed. She watched as he stripped out of his tux, tossing it with reckless abandon, and that’s when it hit her that he hadn’t gotten his. She’d been so high that nothing else mattered, but now she wanted to make sure to reward him for his good work.
Sitting up, she crawled to the end of the bed, eye level with his now exposed erection. Her mouth salivated at the large, hard member. She couldn’t remember a time where she wanted to give a man a blow-job so badly.
“Not this time,” Mason said, cupping her chin and forcing her to look up at him.
Jocelyn didn’t understand his rejection. Slumping back, she sat on her legs, confused.
“You have me too worked up for that. Come here.” He lifted her from the bed.
Until now she hadn’t noticed the shiny square in his hand that was now ripped open, and with swift, steady hands he sheathed his cock. In her own excitement, she pulled off the rest of her undergarments, ready to connect with him on another level.
Without words, Mason directed her body, bending her over the bed. This wasn’t a position she’d ever found herself in during sex. But when the tip of his cock pushed its way into her body, her mind went blank and a loud moan exited her mouth. Carefully, and all too slowly for her liking, Mason pushed his way in, settling deep.
His loud, controlled breath told her that he was trying to keep his composure, and that made her smile. He had been her undoing, and she was about to be his, but she wanted to let him enjoy every moment of it. He reached forward, his hands cupping her dangling breasts, twirling her nipples between his fingers, and a quiver ran up her body.
“Jocelyn.” His husky voice was close to her ear. “You’re going to come for me again.”
The determination in his words only made her body quake with need. Until this moment she wasn’t sure she had it in her to come again. Twice in one night…two orgasms? Could she? Please!
The slow pull of his throbbing muscle and the promise of another orgasm had Jocelyn more than ready. Mason’s hands found their way to her hips, holding them steady as he pushed into her inch by inch, causing a burst of tiny moans to escape. She pushed back hard, forcing his cock to fill her to the hilt.
“Josss…”
She could feel that slow ache deep in her loins, aching for another release. This was the most sensual, erotic sex she’d ever had, and she was ready for more.
As if sensing her pulsing need building, an arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her, while a skilled hand found her sensitive, hidden button. Vigorous fingers began massaging her clit as Mason held her in place, picking up his own pace, thrusting into her.
“Let go, Joss. Let me have it. Come for me,” he commanded.
The combination of the words, the need, the cock buried in her core, and the capable hands manipulating her body had her coming undone again.
“Oh God, Mason!” she screamed, falling forward on the bed, letting her body enjoy the ripples of passion searing through her.
She was acutely aware of his hands holding her in place and a roaring of her name ringing off the walls. Mason’s body shuddered against hers as he found his own release, and it made her smile like a fool. She pressed her face into the blanket, trying to hide the exhilaration she felt over their lovemaking, inside she was doing cartwheels.
Mason pulled her up, resting her back against his front, his arms encompassing her.
“That was great,” she said, letting out a warm sigh.
“Beyond great,” Mason agreed.
Jocelyn turned in his arms, pushing up on her toes and pressing a chaste kiss to his lips. “I’m gonna use the ladies’ room real quick.”
“Okay.”
Jocelyn slipped behind the safety of the bathroom door and leaned against it. She wanted to jump up and down and squeal. That was beyond. Every inch of her body still buzzed from where he had touched her.
Making her way to the mirror, she was curious to see if the changes she felt inside matched the outside. Leaning in closely, she examined the woman staring back at her, with kind eyes. The laugh lines no longer made her cringe, the crow’s feet in the corners of her eyes didn’t seem as deep, and the harsh criticism she’d once had for the aging woman she was becoming was fading away. She was beautiful, and the years hadn’t changed that. This was the first time in a painfully long time she felt good enough, pretty enough, and surely not too old for Mason…or to find herself.
* * * *
Mason smirked at a playful Jocelyn who came bouncing out of the bathroom, now wrapped in a robe. He’d already made himself comfortable in her bed and motioned for her to join him. Pulling back the blanket, he wrapped his arms around her, spooning her against his chest, as they lay in a peaceful silence.
Though they’d just shared a fantastic time together—the best sex he’d ever had—there was still a question circling his mind. A question that couldn’t wait for tomorrow. He wanted everything out in the open now. He really cared for Jocelyn, and he wanted to make sure he kept her in his life as long as possible.
“So, what made you change your mind about us?” he asked, taking her hand in his, soothing his thumb against it.
Jocelyn took a deep breath, exhaling with a sigh. Her soft cheek rubbed against his arm affectionately.
“I’m still worried about what people are going to say.” She paused. “But you convinced me that that isn’t a good enough reason. You’re stronger than I am, but you also make me feel strong.”
Jocelyn twisted in his arms, turning to meet his eyes, resting her hand on his cheek. Her lips twisted a moment, with hesitation in her eyes.
“You’re going to make sure this is okay, right?” she asked.
Mason’s heart thundered in his chest. He’d never had a woman put so much faith and trust into him. She made him feel like more of a man than he’d ever felt in his life. He was needed and depended on; he would be her protector.
“I’m going to make sure this is perfect. Just like you.”
“Mason.” Jocelyn sweetly kissed his lips. “I’m far from perfect. But thank you.”
The familiar buzzing of his cellphone vibrated from the nightstand, pulling away his attention.
“Do you mind if I get that?” he asked, hoping it hadn’t ruined the moment.
“Of course you can.” Jocelyn rolled her eyes and giggled.
Mason grabbed the phone, seeing Preston’s picture flash on screen before answering. “Hey, man. What’s up?”
“Where you at?”
“I’m with Joss. We had that thing tonight.”
“What thing?”
“The charity event downtown. I told you about it,” Mason said, annoyed that he even had to explain himself to his friend who’d been busting his balls for weeks now.
“Oh yeah. I remember now. When are you going to be home? Bo and I are going back to that club, wanna come?”
“Nah, man, I’m good. I’m staying at Joss’s place tonight.”
“No shit? You close that deal?”
“Yep.” Mason smirked, hoping Jocelyn couldn’t overhear much. He shouldn’t be bragging to his friends about closing the deal, and he’d never give details, but frankly, he wanted to shout it from the rooftops. It wasn’t just the sex, but the whole package. She’d given herself to him freely. He only hoped that it was wholly.
“Good. Now you have no reason to hide her from us. Bring her out.”
“Not tonight,” Mason said. “Soon though.”
“As long as this means you’re done ditching out on us.”
“Listen, I gotta go.” Mason knew this wasn’t the right time to start a conversation with Preston about his personal life. Now that he and Jocelyn were an item he planned on spending just as much, if not more, time with her, especially now that it looked like sleepovers were allowed.
“Fine. But I’m not going to let this shit fly. You’re coming out with us next Thursday. And bring the babe with you.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“No. Make it happen,” Preston said before hanging up.
Mason shook his head at the demand, setting the phone down on the table.
“Everything okay?” the sweet voice asked from behind him as soft nails swept down his back.
Mason turned easily, pushing Jocelyn down to the bed, effectively pinning her, holding his weight on his forearms. “Everything is great.” He placed a kiss on her mouth after a moment of admiring the craving in her eyes. “They’re eager to meet you. How do you feel about nightclubs?” he asked tentatively.
A small crease made its way on Jocelyn’s face as her brow furrowed before she nervously took her bottom lip between her teeth. He could almost see the wheels in her head turning.
“Don’t do that.” Mason pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Don’t overthink this. There isn’t anything to worry about. If you don’t like clubs, we can just meet them for drinks beforehand, but I’d like you to meet them.”
Mason tried to sound confident with his last statement. He did want his friends to meet her, but he wasn’t sure he wanted her to meet his friends. In the beginning, he was positive that the age difference wouldn’t be a big deal, that no one would even care, but now he wasn’t so sure. It hadn’t gone terrible with Jocelyn’s friends, but he wasn’t oblivious to the questioning looks and hushed words. It didn’t bother him so much, he didn’t care, but he worried that Jocelyn might get spooked. But he needed to give her more credit. She’d made it through the night and even agreed to be his girl. If this was going to work, he needed to believe in her strength.
“Okay, I’ll meet them.” She brushed her hand against his face. “I’ve been to a club before, a couple of times even. It’s not really my thing, but what the hell, it might be fun.”
“All right. I like that attitude!” Mason was relieved when she agreed. He was also intrigued. He wondered what she looked like when she really let her hair down, maybe had a few too many drinks.
“You know what else is fun?” Jocelyn squirmed, shifting her body, locking her legs around his waist.
“How brazen.” Mason grinned, and an immediate blush filled Jocelyn’s face before she shyly looked away.
“I blame you.”
“Blame me for what exactly?” This he wanted to hear.
“I don’t know.” She shrugged.
“Blame me for what, Jocelyn?” he coaxed, hearing the huskiness in his own voice.
“Being so handsome, and charming, and sweet, and…” She paused before looking up at him and batting her eyelashes. “…for being so great in bed.”
“Oh yeah?” Mason ground his wakening cock against her core. “Are you ready for round two?”
“Yes.” The whisper rolled off her lips.
“I think you’re going to have to settle for the dreaded cuddling.” Mason gave her a wide-eyed, teasing look. “I’m not about to wear you out on the first night I got you.”
It wasn’t easy for him to turn this down. How he’d dreamed of this—a night he could spend worshiping Jocelyn’s body, touching that smooth skin, driving her to screaming his name in pure ecstasy. Seeing the need overcome her so much that she was asking for exactly what she wanted only boosted his ego.
“Hey,” she squeaked.
“Yes? I waited long enough for tonight, you can wait a day.” Mason shot her a wink.
“Oh, is that the game we’re playing now?” Jocelyn reached up, taking his chin in her hand and giving it a hard shake.
Shit. “No games. Not ever, okay?”
“Deal… Besides, you’re right, I’m exhausted.”
Mason chuckled. “Hit the lights and let’s call it.”