“Masen!” I shout, annoyance clear in my tone. “He thinks he can walk in here and tell me we’re having a ceremony in a week and run out the door,” I say out loud as I dress in my last pair of clean jeans and a t-shirt I steal from Masen’s closet. After some quick alterations to the shirt, I’m ready to go and in serious need of coffee.

“Did you cut up my shirt?” His voice is laced with humor.

“Yes, I wanted to be comfy, and this” —I pluck the shirt from my tummy— “is comfy.”

He grins and shakes his head. “We need to get going. You are not off the hook for running out on me when you knew we had more to talk about. I just need coffee too badly to argue with you now.” His grin turns to a smile, and he dangles keys in front of me. I snatch them and rush out to the garage. When I hit the fob, the lights flash on one of his many vehicles. My Jeep is parked next to his motorcycles farther down. “Masen, why do you have so many cars?”

“Some out of necessity, but most just because I liked them. My bikes are my favorite, but I like speed in any form. So, most are just for fun. Anything in particular you want to take?” He waves his arm, motioning to his impressive collection.

“There are a few I would like to drive, but I think we need something with some space today for groceries and the things from my place but next time,” I say, hopeful. He leads me to the passenger side of the same SUV we’ve driven a couple times and opens the door for me. When we get on the road, he asks where I’d like to get coffee.

We don’t talk about anything important until I’ve finished half my large coffee. “I’ve had someone at your place since we were there last. They haven’t come back, but I still don’t want you there longer than needed. I’d actually rather just buy whatever you need than take anything from here. Do we even need to go in?”

“Yeah, I want my clothes, shoes, and my coffee maker, but that’s about it. We’ll be in and out. I don’t like being there anymore either.”

When we get close, Masen takes my keys and unlocks the door. “I’ll go first, just in case, Little One. Wait until I come back out for you.” He leans down and kisses me warmly before opening the door.

Masen’s been inside for about two minutes when I hear him shouting, “Motherfucker!”

My heart rate triples. I call his name three times before he walks out looking ready to kill someone. “Are you okay? I was just going to come in and check. What’s wrong?”

He looks to the parking lot without answering me. “HERE, NOW!” he bellows, still staring at the parking lot. “That would have just pissed me off more. When I tell you to stay put, you stay put.” He’s so angry.