I feel him nod. “You’re right. I won’t let it happen again, no matter what.”

Masen steps into a pair of gym shorts he left in the garage before we enter. The house is dark and quiet. I pass through the rooms quickly on the hunt for a nice long shower. Masen stays behind in the kitchen when I tell him my plans.

When the water is hot, I stand under the spray, soaking my hair and muscles. Seeing my shampoo and conditioner amid his reminds me of his other shower. The hurt is too fresh to dismiss so I embrace it this time, telling myself I’ll never let the woman make me cry again. By the time I get out, my skin is bright pink from the overly hot water, and the room is filled with steam making it hard to breathe. I wrap myself in a towel and brace for the cold air I’ll feel when I open the door to his room.

Surprised, I find Masen carrying the same tray he brought me breakfast on just days ago covered with sliced cheese, crackers, a small bunch of grapes, and a large glass of wine. The sweetness of the gesture makes me swoon. After he sets the tray on the bed, he grabs a long, silky black robe from the end of the bed. He comes over and drapes it on my shoulders. It pools at my feet, and we both laugh. “This was a gift from my parents years ago, but I’ve never worn it. I thought you might like it, but I can see I’ll need to get you another.” He chuckles warmly. I tug the towel I was wearing free and pull the sash tight. It’s still much too long, but I like the feel of it against my skin.

“Thank you,” I say, meaning it.

Not willing to fill the bed with crumbs, I sit on the floor in front of his wood-burning fireplace, wishing it was cold enough to light it. Masen joins me, and we sit quietly enjoying each other’s company.

CHAPTER 29

The next three days are filled with Masen’s mom helping me prepare for the Mating ceremony. I miss my mother more than ever, but I’ve grown to love his family so quickly. I’m grateful for her guidance and acceptance. When I didn’t come in with him Monday afternoon, he explained some of our history and what happened at his office that day to his parents. I think Mickey was more upset at him than I was. Today is the first day she’s spoken more than one word to him.

His dad however retaliates by stealing Masen’s food. Every time I’ve prepared a plate for Masen, Caleb materializes and takes the plate right from his hands. Making sure Masen knows he’s gotten first dibs, an honor that always goes to him when I’m cooking. He hasn’t said a word, just makes himself a new plate while staring at his dad enjoying his food. I’m not sure how much longer he’ll get away with it though. Today when Caleb snatched his steak, Masen growled and didn’t release the plate so easily.