Made to Love (14 page)

“I think I can do that.” Mason mirrored the step, albeit it more slowly than Marly. When she was able to do several in a row, her face broke into an expectant grin. “Was that it?”

Marly bit her lip and nodded. Mason’s moves looked more like someone digging a hole with a shovel, but it was a start. And
, maybe, Mason just invented some new move called the digger that would sweep through the club. “Let’s do two-player. Some of the moves won’t be the same for both of us, but watching me should help you with a few club-worthy moves.” Marly lined up the next song, and they jumped right into a song by One Direction. An hour later, she chose “C’Mon” by Keisha. They started out serious and Mason actually had a lot of the moves down, but when she tried to do something similar to a jumping jack and couldn’t get her arms and legs to jump in tandem, Marly doubled over and busted out laughing. “All those moves and jumping jacks stop you in your tracks?”

Mason smiled sheepishly. “Never have been able to do one. Sad, isn’t it?” She wiped perspiration off her brow and let out a deep sigh. “I guess that’s about as good as it’s going to get.”

“Okay.” Marly pressed a button on the console and removed the disc. “For what it’s worth, you didn’t do too bad once we started dancing together. Hey, if you’re hot, I have bottled water in the fridge.”

“Yes, thank you. Want one?”

“Please.” Marly popped the disc back into its case and set it on the shelf. She picked up a remote and thumbed through her TV guide until she found the music channels. She settled on something slower, and her body started to sway on its own.

“Slowing it do
wn, huh?” Mason handed Marly a water then swigged half of her bottle.

“I thought you might want to learn to slow dance
, just in case.” Marly held the cold bottle to her face and closed her eyes. Another out of character scene painted itself in her head. She was in Mason’s arms with her head resting against her chest. She inhaled slowly, burning Mason’s scent into her brain. Marly opened her eyes and looked guiltily at Mason, but she didn’t need to worry. Mason wasn’t even paying attention to her.

Mason moved through the jumping jack slowly. She looked
very serious as she swung her arms over her head and tried to jump out at the same time. She was getting closer, but still couldn’t quite nail the timing.

“I’m pretty sure they aren’t going to be doing a lot of calisthenics at the club, at least not the ones that take you back to grade school.”

“Mm, probably not.” Mason took a quick sip of her water. “I was actually avoiding the slow dancing. Ever see the cartoon where someone gets their foot run over with a steamroller, and they end up with a flat foot the size of Texas. I see that in your future.”

“Quit it, Coyote. You’re not going to hurt me.”

“Not on purpose anyway. I think that in normal circumstances, I should come with a hazard label.
The risk of engaging in any activity with this person could result in injury. Extreme caution should be taken.”

“You forgot
swim at your own risk, no lifeguard on duty.”

"Or
misuse of this toy could cause death. The seller assumes no responsibility for the use of this item outside the recommended usage.”
Mason laughed at herself. “You should probably sign a waiver; I don’t want to get sued later.”

“I’ll take my chances.” Marly set her bottle down and narrowed the distance between them. “This song is perfect. Let’s teach you to dance.”

Mason recognized “Take My Breath Away”
by Berlin and she chuckled softly. “Man, this brings back memories. My old man took me to see Top Gun at the theater. Probably, a bit racy for a nine-year-old.”

“Umm, yeah, I’m thinking so.
However, it was an awesome song.” Marly held her right hand up and pulled Mason’s arm around her waist. She signaled for Mason to clasp her hand. “Show me what you got.”

Mason gulped nervously and looked down at her feet. She scooted them back slightly before she started to step back and forth and rock her body from side-to-side. “How’s this?”

“You’ve decided to relive the Sadie Hawkins dance. That’s one way to do it.” She pulled Mason tightly toward her, inhaling sharply when their bodies met. Marly felt her stomach flutter. She licked her lips and pushed the feelings as far down as she could before meeting Mason’s eyes. “Can you feel the way my body leans into yours?”

“Yes.” Mason
nodded nervously. Marly wasn’t supposed to feel so good in her arms. This wasn’t what she wanted. Mason willed herself to focus on just the task at hand and not the soft body pressed tightly against her, waking up sensations that she thought were reserved for someone else.

“You’re going to use that closeness to tell me where you want me to move.” Marly took a step forward, the closeness forcing Mason to step backward. “Use the tension in your arm, your palm on my back and your hips to move me around the floor. You’re
leading; you're in control. This is how you tell your partner what your intentions are.”

Mason nodded. She tested it slowly by moving her foot forward just as Marly had done. She was surprised when Marly moved her foot backwards. “It worked.”

“See.” Marly leaned over and hit rewind on the remote. The beginning of the song started again. “Now listen to the rhythm of the music. Let your body move in time with that.”

“Okay.” Mason closed her eyes and listened for several beats before she opened them and met Marly’s gaze. The intensity of it clenched Mason’s chest tightly. She took a deep breath, ignoring the ache in her heart, and took her first tentative step. Surprisingly, Marly moved with her. Soon, Mason’s steps became less unsure. She felt comfortable leading Marly around the floor. It was a feeling that Mason wasn’t ready for. To break the spell, Mason pulled her hand away and spun Marly awkwardly. “I’d say that move needs some work.”

Marly laughed and agreed. “It’s a good start, though. You only got me once.”

“Oh, no. Are you serious?” Mason groaned loudly. “I told you.”

“It’s okay, besides it was just my toes.” Another slow song started and Marly smiled. “I am just going to go out on a limb here and say that Nikki probably won’t be dancing with you this way, so I’m going to show you one more thing.” She took Mason’s arms and placed them around her waist then slid hers around Mason’s neck and clasped her fingers together. “This is the bread and butter, honey. This is where you will show her just what you can do with that body of yours.”

Mason gulped nervously.

“It’s okay, just like the last song. Listen to the music and let your body respond. You’re actually really good at this.” Marly stepped forward until her body brushed against Mason’s. She put her head on Mason’s shoulder and waited for her to move.

“You really think so?” Mason felt Marly nod against her
chest, and she started to relax. She closed her eyes and just listened, letting the song move through her for several beats before she moved her hips in time with the music. She could feel Marly move with her, their bodies pressed together in a way that made everything seem right. Mason tightened her arms and continued to sway. As they danced, Mason began to pay attention to other things. The sweet smell of Marly’s hair, the soft suppleness of her body, the way her arms clung to her like a second skin, every small nuance that made this dance so perfect in Mason’s head.

Marly sensed the change in Mason right away. It wasn’t something tangible that she could put into words, but more a feeling of something different; something that made her think of tomorrow, where normally she only lived for today. It made her heart flutter in her chest. The feeling of being consumed burned in her stomach with delicious intensity. Marly couldn’t remember a time when she felt so at home with someone or with herself. The thought should have comforted her, but instead it scared her. All of this wasn’t for her. Mason wasn’t falling for Marly. This dance between them was Marly grooming Mason for someone else. Everything she taught Mason or helped Mason improve upon was for another woman. Marly had no right to want her the way she did. Mason wasn’t hers to take. But the feeling of Mason’s arms around her, their bodies pressed together felt right. Despite what her mind screamed at her, her body knew a different truth. It only knew how good it felt to be in Mason’s arms.

Mason could feel Marly’s hands against her neck. Her fingers twitched every few seconds, and she knew something was bothering her. She wasn’t sure if she should press. Their friendship, though more open now, was still new and fragile. Mason didn’t want to push her away by delving too deep into her head without being invited. Instead, she did what came naturally to her and that was to pull Marly closer to her in hopes of offering silent comfort and letting her know that she was safe to confide in.

The move had the opposite effect on Marly. Her heartbeat surged at the feeling of their breasts pressed tightly together. It made her body ache with desire. It was almost more than she could take. When the song ended, she pulled away quickly. One look in Mason’s eyes and she knew that the awkward move had not gone unnoticed.

“Is everything alright?” Mason went for Marly’s hand, but she pulled it away. “Have I done something wrong? It’s me, isn’t it?”

Marly shook her head no and stared at the floor, unable to hold Mason’s gaze. “You’re perfect. It’s me. I’m just exhausted.”

“I shouldn’t have pushed you to teach me to dance. That was selfish.” Mason felt horrible. She finally saw the weariness in Marly’s eyes, the dark circles that she tried to hide, the barely noticeable slump of her shoulders. She wasn’t sure how she missed them before. Probably her own blindness of purpose. Something she really needed to work on. “I got so wrapped up…”

Marly squeezed Mason’s hand. “Stop it. It’s not you or this. It’s just the last month is finally catching up with me. Just ignore me, I’ll be fine.”

“I could never ignore you.” Mason caught Marly’s hand in hers and held it. “You’re sure everything’s alright? I’m a great sounding board if you ever need to talk.”

Marly opened her mouth then snapped it shut quickly. She couldn’t talk to Mason about what was on her mind. It was Mason. The sad fact was Marly really had no one to talk to about it. She knew in the
end, she would box her feelings up and put them away somewhere. She was great at compartmentalizing her emotions. She’d done it all her life. This time would be no different for her. “Everything is good. I think I’m going to call it a night, if that’s okay.”

“Yeah, it’s fine.” Confusion flashed on Mason’s face before she smiled. “I need to get going anyway. Thank you again.”

Marly nodded. “No problem. And don’t worry. You will be fine with Nikki.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.” Marly walked Mason out the back door and watched her through the glass. She sighed loudly and rested her head on the doorjamb. “What have you done, Marly? What have you done?”

Chapter 11

Mason knocked on the door loudly. When Marly didn’t answer fast enough, she rang the doorbell twice. Finally, the door opened and the words poured out of Mason’s mouth. “Oh my God, you’re home. I was worried you weren’t here. My hairdresser had an emergency and had to cancel my appointment. I need a haircut for my date
tonight, and I can’t get in with anyone…”

Marly silently dried her wet hair with a towel. She smirked as Mason went on and on about being a shaggy-haired mess, a bemused expression on her face. Marly found it laughable that Mason was so worried about
her hair and showing her how to use the hair-trimming set that she was completely oblivious to the fact that Marly was standing at the door in nothing but a towel, still wet from the shower. When Mason stopped to take a breath, Marly interrupted quickly. “Are you done?”

Mason finally noticed Marly and she smiled sheepishly. “Sorry; I’m a little frantic today.”

“Ya think?” Marly stepped aside and waved Mason inside. “So, I take it from your rant that you hope I have at least some skill cutting hair like my mom, or you’re effed. Is that about the gist of it?”

Mason nodded; forcing her eyes away from Marly’s
scantily-clad body. “Yes, ma’am.”

Marly arched an eyebrow. “Ma’am?”

“Mmhmm.” Mason smiled devilishly. “I thought some manners would get me further.”

“Let me get dressed and I’ll see what I can do.” Marly t
wisted the towel around her hair and headed upstairs.

Mason’s eyes followed her shapely legs as they flexed on each step. She gulped and let out a nervous breath.
God help me.
Always a sucker for nice legs and a tight backside, Mason couldn’t pull her gaze away and even craned her head around the corner until Marly was gone from view. “Damn.”

Marly trotted down the steps a few minutes later, dressed in a tank top and cutoff jeans. She’d pulled her hair into a makeshift ponytail, but several of the strands had already escaped and danced around her face haphazardly. “Let’s do it in the kitchen. It will make less of a mess for me to clean up.”

“I’ll clean up.” Mason followed Marly into the kitchen and sat a kitchen chair in the middle of the floor. “It’s the least I can do for this favor.”

“Wait till I’m done with the cut. You may want to beat me with the broom instead.” Marly took the black bag from Mason and emptied the contents on the table. She pushed the comb attachments out of the way and grabbed a pair of shears. “Oh wait.” Marly grabbed a hand towel from the drawer and clothes-pinned it around Mason’s neck. “High and tight, right?”

Mason nearly choked at the distinct sound of the scissors opening and closing near her head. She preferred her wavy locks just above her shoulders. She needed the longer hair to balance out the size of her head. “Just a trim.”

Marly smiled wickedly and made the first cut. “Oh, shit.”

“What oh shit?” Mason lunged forward and spun around. “What did you do?”

Marly dangled the scissors from her fingers and narrowed her eyes impishly. “Payback for staring at my ass earlier.”

Mason felt her face get hot. “I…wasn’t…you…saw…I didn’t think…”

“Calm down. I didn’t see it, but thank you for admitting it. With your tongue lolling out over Nikki, I figured I had lost the ability to turn a woman’s head. It’s nice to know I still have it.”

“Oh.” Mason finally exhaled. “Well, it is a perfectly good ass. I would hate to waste the opportunity to show my appreciation.”

“You dork.” Marly rolled her eyes and patted the chair. “Sit down.”

Mason started to sit down, then reached over and grabbed the buzzers. “I don’t want you getting any ideas. I stared at your legs too.”

Behind her, Marly’s smile widened. She liked the idea of being attractive to Mason. It was a feeling she was used to, but in a different aspect. For the first time, she wished that it would go further than just a little harmless flirting.
Fat chance with the purple-haired wonder strutting around Burlington.
“So, you're excited about your date?”

Mason shrugged nonchalantly. “Sure, what’s not to be excited about? I have a date with a woman who has been given the world by every other woman she ever
dated, and I’m coming to her with a free haircut and a brand new shirt from Walmart. Oh, and don’t forget, I’m trying out some new dance moves, which may or may not end up with me flat on my face on the dance floor. Yep, I’m pretty damn excited.”

Despite the sarcasm, Marly could hear the smile in Mason’s
voice, and she tried not to let it bother her. She should be happy for Mason, and to her credit, Marly tried to be. It was her idea, after all, to help Mason out. She just didn’t bank on developing a crush along the way. “You’ll be fine.” Marly pulled the ends of Mason’s hair through her fingers and snipped it. It took her a while before she was happy with her progress. She worked her way around the sides then finally stopped. She pulled Mason’s chin up and tilted her head from side-to-side, admiring her handiwork. A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Damn, I’m good.”

Mason snorted out loud. “And so humble. Done?”

“Nope. I need to do the top and your bangs. Sit still, will you?”

“Yes, ma’am.” The comment earned Mason a kick in the shin. She lowered her eyes and sat
dutifully still. The only problem with that was it put Marly’s breasts right in her line of site. Her very full, round breasts bounced slightly with every move of Marly’s arms. Mason swallowed the lump in her throat. She felt herself getting antsy with her efforts to look anywhere but right in front of her. Finally, when she could take it no more, Mason leaned back in the chair. “Well, I’m sure that’s probably good enough.”

Marly pulled Mason toward her and nudged her legs open. “Just be patient. I’ll be done soon. You’re worse than a kid.”

Mason inhaled sharply at the feel of Marly between her legs. This time there was no mistaking the quickening of her heartbeat. Mason attributed it to the fact that she’d been worked up since the first kiss with Nikki. She closed her eyes and pictured Nikki’s lips. She let her mind explore them languorously. She imagined trailing kisses along the soft curve of her neck down to her breast. She could almost feel her tongue as she rolled it around Nikki’s breast. As Mason moved to kiss her again, her face changed, and it was Marly whose lips captivated her. She plundered her mouth hungrily, ignoring her brain telling her it was the wrong woman.

Marly paused and watched the expressions change on Mason’s face. Even with her eyes closed, she was beautiful. “Penny for your thoughts.”

Mason’s eyes flew open, and she glanced up at Marly guiltily. She prayed the emotions she felt were not there for the world to see. “I was just going over dance moves for tonight.”

“Hmm, were you now?” Marly toyed with drawing the truth out, but she took pity on Mason and went back to cutting her hair. “I hope your new shirt is blue. I love that color on you.”

Mason looked surprised. “You do?”

“It brings out your eyes.
They are beautiful.”

“They are
?”

Marly laughed at Mason, mouth agape. “Yes. Don’t sell yourself short, honey. You have a lot to offer, even without the little bit of work we’ve done on you. Nikki’s a fool, if she doesn’t see that.”

“Hmph.” Mason puffed her chest out, more touched by the words than being arrogant. She smiled and shut her eyes again as Marly snipped near her bangs. She felt Marly’s arm brush against her breast, and it sent a shiver down her spine. So far, Mason had been able to mostly ignore the nearness and the feel of Marly’s legs as they brushed against hers, but the latest contact almost pushed her over the edge. The last straw was Marly’s hand against her cheek as she brushed the hair from her face. Mason jumped up, narrowly avoiding the sharp tip of the scissors. “I think that’s good. Thank you.”

Marly hid her shock at Ma
son’s change in demeanor. “You sure? I didn’t take much off the front.”

“Nope, it’s good.” Mason fidgeted nervously and eyed the scissors in Marly’s hand. “I should get going. I have to shower
still, and I don’t want to be late.”

“No.” Marly slipped the scissors into the bag and dropped the combs in after it. She grabbed the buzzer and dropped it in last, cinching the bag tightly. “Wouldn’t want to make a bad impression.”

“So, I’ll see you around.”

“Not for a few weeks. I’ve got to wrap up a few things in the city and clean my apartment out. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.”

Mason frowned, showing her obvious disappointment. “I’m not entirely sure I’m okay with that. Who am I supposed to tell all the sordid details of my date to?”

Marly almost told her to call, but something stopped her. The idea of driving into the city hit her somewhere between Mason’s bangs and thinking about her eyes. Marly was afraid she was getting too close, letting herself like Mason a little too much. This would give her some time and some distance to sort through things, work out what it was that was making her feel this way. She didn’t fall. Marly Cabot wasn’t the
fall in love
kind of girl. Love was complicated and painful in her experience, and she didn’t do complicated.
Kiss. Keep it simple, stupid.
That was her motto on love and life. The less involved she got, the less complicated her life was. No, she resisted the urge to give Mason carte blanche to call. “I’m sure Lex and Aspen would love the scoop.”

“I know. It just seems weird talking to them about it, since they are related
to Nikki. Are you sure you have to go?”

Marly almost caved again. She had no defense against those sad blue eyes, but she mustered the strength and stood firm. “I do. We can talk when
I get back. Deal?”

“I guess.” Mason sighed loudly. “I suppose
I had better go. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck.” Marly kept her teeth from gritting when she said it.

“So…” Mason stopped with her hand on the doorknob. “…I’ll see you in a few weeks.”

“Yeah, sure.” Marly started to put metaphoric distance between them. She needed to let her feelings walk out the door with Mason. It was better for everyone involved. She knew that even if the interest were mutual, she wouldn’t let it go anywhere. Friendship was one thing. She realized it actually felt good to let someone in, especially when there weren’t ulterior motives. But love? No, that was more than Marly would let herself have. Rather than say anything else, she let the silence hang in the air between them. Long after the door shut behind Mason, Marly stared at it, wondering if she’d done the right thing. Finally, she exhaled and resigned herself to her decision.

Hours later, Mason was still bothered by the odd good-bye. It seemed as though Marly couldn’t get away from her fast enough. As she pulled up to the bunkhouse to pick up Nikki, Mason shook her head, trying to clear her negative thoughts from the afternoon. She had little success pushing Marly from her mind.

Mason sauntered up the steps and knocked on the door, forcing a smile on her face.

“Hey, Mase.” Nikki leaned over and grabbed a small clutch before leveling Mason with a smile. “You look great. I like that color on you.”

“Thanks, Marly told me I
looked good in blue. Kind of stuck with me.” She let her eyes travel the length of Nikki’s body, taking in the glittery low-cut, sleeveless shirt that barely came to the top of her skinny jeans. Her legs looked impossibly long in five-inch heels that matched her shirt. Mason swallowed uncomfortably. “You look wow!”

“I’ll take that as a compliment
, and Marly is right. Blue is stunning on you.” Nikki flasher her another dazzling smile. “I have to say I’ve been looking forward to this date all week. I need some culture.”

Mason rubbed the back of her neck and grimaced. “I’m not sure culture would be the right word to describe Higher Ground.”

Nikki pulled the door shut and gestured around the ranch. “Take a look around. Compared to this, I’m sure it’s high society.”

“If you say so.” Mason walked around the car and opened Nikki’s door for her. “My lady.”

Nikki smirked then planted a quick kiss on Mason’s mouth.

Mason’s chest puffed out and she wore a shit-eating grin
until she pulled out of the driveway. “You hungry?”

“Famished.” Nikki reached across the seat and slid her hand into Mason’s. “I would die for a good burger.”

“Seriously?” Mason stared at Nikki incredulously. “I figured with your…”

“You mean because all other women are worried about their figures, I would be too. U
nh-uh, I like to eat.”

“I have just the place then. Great burgers. A pretty decent beer selection. It’s all farm to table.” Mason said the last sentence hoping to impress her date.

“As long as it’s medium-well with a side of fries, I don’t care if they grew it on the moon.” Nikki smiled and ran her finger up Mason’s arm. “You have a very cute profile.”

Mason blushed. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”

“No, not really.” Nikki’s tone suggested a feeling of disinterest in giving compliments. Normally, Nikki was the one who got flirted with, complimented, and drove women wild, but not lately. Her ego had taken a huge hit when Katherine dumped her. She realized that she wasn’t the hot, young paramour that she used to be. Her looks weren’t getting her the same place they had before and that realization stung.