She let go of her ankle and rolled her eyes. “Oh my god. Can we go now?”
Chuckling he nodded, “Sure. How far?”
“I usually do 5 miles.”
“5 miles it is. But please for all that’s holy, run beside me.”
She chuckled and started off up the trail.
When they hit their fourth mile Mason glanced over to see a light sheen of sweat on Lena’s face. She was breathing evenly, in through her nose out through her mouth, and her form was unbelievable. She could really run. He thought he was going to have to pull back on his pace but she was giving him a run for his money. He paced along beside her and since she was smaller than him he did have to shorten his stride but other than that he found she was an amazing running partner. In fact, he was starting to think everything about her was amazing. He still couldn’t believe it’d only been a couple of weeks ago when they’d first met, not to mention only last week when they’d had their first date. Mason felt as though he’d known her much longer, and although there was a lot about her he didn’t understand he found he didn’t mind waiting to find out. She was smart, witty and prickly as a porcupine, but for some reason the ‘don’t touch sign’ that was hanging around her at times just made him want to touch more. They were just coming up over a small bridge when he saw her glance at him out of the corner of her eye. Turning his head toward her he arched an eyebrow. Then she grinned and he felt his chest tighten, that was worth everything. To see her smile like nothing else was bothering her for that moment. He’d done that, he was making her happy, and he didn’t think he’d ever felt so proud of himself in his life.
“Race you the last mile Langley.”
He kept pace beside her. “What are the stakes?”
“Stakes?” she asked looking a little confused.
“Yeah, what do I win?”
Letting out a quick laugh and breathing a little heavier she asked, “What makes you think you’ll win?”
“Answer the question Lena, we’re coming up on the last mile marker.”
“Bragging rights?” she suggested quickly.
“Lame.”
She narrowed her eyes at him knowing that he was wanting more from her than bragging rights. Then a twinkle appeared in her eye like she was about to do something mischievous.
“Ok then. How about winner decides, but no touching involved.”
Mason felt his heart pick up in his chest and nodded confirming his approval as they rounded the bend to the marker that signaled the beginning of their last mile.
“Go!” she shouted and took off. Damn she was quick. She flew past him and he ordered his legs to get moving. They seemed to listen because they started pushing him forward closer to her delectable ass that was bouncing up and down in front of him. She sprinted round the slight bend at the halfway mark and he watched as she looked over her shoulder and winked at him. Oh hell, this woman was going to kill him. Picking up the pace he started pumping his legs and pounding his way toward her. She thought she had him and he almost let her but no, victory would be his and so would she. Just as they got to the bridge he passed her up and came around the bend and triumphantly hit the marker where they’d started. He turned heaving deep breaths, in and out, and saw her standing just behind him doing the same. She raised her eyes to his, flushed pink with sweat sliding down her temple. Putting her hands on her hips she took in a deep breath and then shook her head. “You don’t play fair.”
He walked over to her feeling the sweat dripping down his back. “Excuse me? I won fair and square.”
She shook her head pouting at him. “You won because I ran full out to the end then was tired and you took advantage and powered the last sprint.”
He burst out laughing at her, she was adorable in full sulk mode. “You Dr O’Donnell are a sore loser.”
“Am not.” she said crossing her arms over her chest like a ten year old. He bent down until they were nose to nose. “Are too.” he kissed her quickly on the nose then stood and walked over to the water fountain. He bent down got a drink then turned back to her.
“And now I get to name my prize.”
Lena stood trying to catch her breath as she watched him look her over. She could only imagine what he had in store for her. Something devious, no doubt.
“Ok Langley, enough with the suspense already spit it out.”
He walked over to her slowly and reached out tipping her chin up. He grinned down at her and said plainly. “I choose a shower.”
She blinked once then again. “Huh?”
“I choose to take a shower.”
Still looking up at him she raised a brow. “I’ve got news for you. It’s not going to happen. I’m not showering with you. I said no touching.”
That was way to intimate. To her that was more intimate than sex. Being close enough to trust someone with your health and care.
“I didn’t ask you to.” he bent down so they were inches apart, his finger still under her chin and said slowly. “I’m going to take a shower.”
Narrowing her eyes still confused she stated, “I don’t understand how that’s a reward. You could do that anyway.”
That’s when a wicked grin tugged on his lips and he nodded, “That’s true but my prize is that you’ll be there to watch.”
He couldn’t have shocked her more than if he’d told her he was an alien. Who in their right mind demands someone watch them shower? A lunatic trying to drive her crazy, that’s who. She felt her face heat and it had nothing to do with the 5 mile run she just did.
“What?” she managed to squeak out.
“I won so I get to choose my reward. I need and want a shower and you’re going to watch.”
Sputtering Lena managed to get out, “That’s kind of kinky Langley.”
“Say’s she who offered to smack me on our first date.”
Lena felt like her whole body was on fire. Just thinking about his big body under water made her want to hyperventilate. The idea was outrageous, but so damn sexy she could feel herself getting damp between her thighs. He dropped his hand and moved back a step and Lena found herself looking him over trying to visualize exactly what he was going to show her. Then her eyes found his and they were burning bright.
“So I’m what? Just going to sit there and watch you take a shower?”
He nodded slowly then stepped in so close to her she could see a small drop of sweat bead up and slide down his neck and into the shirt. “Yes. I told you Lena, you make me want things I’ve never wanted. You make me want to do things,” he paused and took a deep breath then let it out, “Hmm things I would never normally do.”
Licking her lips she asked, “And one of those things is take a shower?” it almost seemed ludicrous until he added.
“In front of you.”
She swallowed slowly, sucked into the sensuality of the moment, then nodded. “Okay. It’s your choice. You won.”
He reached out and she placed her hand in his. “Yes I certainly did.”
Chapter Twelve
Mason didn’t know what on earth had possessed him to choose what he had. All he knew was that when they were standing there, after the race, she’d been looking at him with a sort of hunger in her eyes he didn’t want to stop. So when she’d asked what he wanted that was what had popped out. In all fairness to her, it was a little kinky, but damn the more he thought about it the more he wanted it. They hadn’t spoken since they’d reached the agreement and now that they were getting out of the elevator and about to go into his condo he was wondering if she was trying to think of a way out. Sure, everything about them had been up and down from the start, but right now he would’ve done anything to know if she wanted to bolt. When they finally reached his front door he unlocked it and pushed it open. She walked past him and he could smell the slightest musky scent from her run permeating off her skin. Stopping in his large living room she looked around at the huge open space.