Secretly Hers (Sterling Canyon)(46)

 

“Three and five.” His entire expression warmed. “The loves of my life.”

 

Few things were more attractive than a man who adored his children. So what if Mason didn’t strike her like lightning? Exciting men like Trip had always let her down. She had to wise up if she wanted a family of her own, and give other kinds of men a chance.

 

“My niece is five, so I’m up to speed on all the cool places around here for kids,” Kelsey said. “I’ll send you a list of things to do so you can show them a good time in our little town.”

 

“That’d be great.” Mason flashed a humble smile as he shoved his hands in his pockets, but his confident stare drew her in. “How about a list of grown-up things to do, too? In fact, perhaps you’d agree to be my escort?” Mason winced and his cheeks reddened. “Sorry, that came out wrong. I didn’t mean escort . . . I just—”

 

Kelsey chuckled at his overreaction and discomfort. “Relax, Mason. I know what you meant.”

 

“Good. So, would you consider going out with me sometime?”

 

“Maybe.” Kelsey smoothed her hair to hide a flutter of nerves. Odds were Mason wouldn’t end up being the great love of her life, but at least he wasn’t proposing a superficial sexual tryst. At the very least, he’d be a great business contact. “In the meantime, let’s go back to my office and complete the paperwork so you can move in as soon as possible.”

 

“Perfect.” He held the door open for her. “At least let me buy you lunch today, okay?”

 

“Oh, thanks, but I can’t,” she lied. Trip’s list of tips raced through her mind, followed by an immediate heaviness in her chest. Her reckless heart wished he wanted more from her than sex, but her head knew better. So even though she wasn’t sure she wanted to go out with Mason, she was determined to play hard to get. It felt a bit dishonest, but she’d been getting used to a certain level of dishonesty thanks to her relationship with Trip. “I’ve got another appointment.”

 

“You keep busy.” Mason sighed. “Or perhaps you just don’t want to get mixed up with a divorcée with two kids?”

 

“Don’t be silly. I love kids.” Maybe his situation wasn’t ideal, but at least he’d proven an interest in committing to someone. Unlike Trip, she thought to herself. Trip, who she hadn’t seen in almost two weeks and, despite a couple of pretty interesting rounds of phone sex, was probably spending his nights in Denver with any number of women.

 

“Hmm. You look preoccupied. Is there someone else in the picture?” He tilted his head, narrowing his gaze.

 

Startled by his perception, Kelsey pressed her lips together and shrugged one shoulder. “Let’s just say I’m better off focusing on my professional life than my personal life lately.”

 

“Okay, Miss Callihan. I won’t press you today.” Mason followed her down the stairs and out to her car, where he opened the door for her. “So far, meeting you has been the best part of my relocation. I’m on my way out of town again this weekend, but don’t be surprised when you hear from me soon.”

 

Kelsey’s heart thrummed a little at his compliment. She started the ignition and smiled. “Thanks, Mason. That’s nice to hear.”

 

 

 

Cowboy was lapping up the milk Kelsey had set out when she heard her phone ping. Could it be Mason? He said she could expect to hear from him, but he probably didn’t mean in just a few hours. She glanced at the screen and saw Trip’s name.

 

 

 

I’m outside ur office. Where r u?

 

 

 

Apparently he’d finally returned from Denver. How like him, breezing back into town and expecting to see her as if she were just waiting around for him. Another reason she needed to move on from this secret fling and free—no, force—herself to go out with other men. Available men who wanted a real relationship.

 

This was it. She’d end things today, she vowed while typing: “Home early with Cowboy.”

 

 

 

B there in 5.

 

 

 

Her stomach flipped. Setting the phone down, she steeled herself. In an attempt to create distance between her heart and Trip, she tried to conjure up Mason’s face. Epic fail. Not even his kind eyes could shove away her excited anticipation of seeing Trip.

 

When he arrived, she buzzed him in and unlocked her door. Despite her private pep talk, her lungs ballooned the instant he strode through the door with his characteristic smile and swagger. Dark denim jeans clung to his powerful legs. Legs she yearned to grip again. Why couldn’t he want more from her than a few laughs and good sex?