Chasing You

Chapter 11

Kelsie's POV

The next morning, I was exhausted. Ryan had left my house pretty late. I had been tempted to ask him to stay, but I knew that would have been a bad idea. Given they way I was feeling about him, there was no way I would have been able to keep my hands off of him, and I was not going to do that with Mason in the house. He promised he would come over this afternoon.

I didn't get much sleep last night. I was worried about Mason. I was feeling guilty for not being with him sooner, and I was second guessing everything with Ryan. On top of that, what little sleep I did get, I must have slept wrong because I woke up with a terrible crick in my neck. It could also be tension as well, but I was feeling cranky and irritable.

I was not the only one feeling irritated. Mason was in an even worse mood. My sweet child with the normally sunny disposition was sulking and bratty. He was acting more like a four year old than a fourteen year old. He was bored, restless and just lashing out. I thought about calling Ryan and telling him not to bother coming over, but I really wanted to see him. I also wanted he and I to talk at some point. I wanted to open up to him more. I wanted him to understand why I was so guarded. There were things about me he needed to know before we continued on with whatever this was between us. I at least owed him that.

Before too long, Ryan had arrived. It actually surprised me a little by just how happy I was to see him.

"I hope you don't mind, but I brought a friend. He was feeling a little neglected." He grinned at me, and it was then I noticed Sturgill sitting obediently by his feet.

"Not at all. I'm so glad to finally meet the famous Sturgill. Riley will be happy too. He's also feeling a bit neglected.

He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my head. My heart soared at that moment over his small gesture. I guess I really did need a hug.

"How are you doing?" His eyes raked over me in my denim shorts and t-shirt, causing me to blush a little, but when he looked into my eye, he began to look a little concerned. Did I look that bad?

"Just a heads up, Mason is in a very crappy mood. Riley has been extremely rambunctious today, Mason won't go out and play with him, so I'm worn out trying to entertain a moody teenager and a hyper dog. I just put Riley outside, hoping he could burn off some energy. You can let Sturgill out in the backyard." I realized I was rambling. I guess to try and draw attention away from myself, and how I probably looked.

"Did you get any sleep last night?" He asked, the concern even more evident.

"Very little. In case you haven't caught on yet, I'm a worrier." I forced a weak smile.

"I should have stayed last night." He said wrapping his arms around me once more. I could really get used to this.

"Then I really wouldn't have gotten any sleep." I laughed.

"Hey Mace. What up bud?" Ryan asked in a cheerful voice when we walked in the the living room where my son sat pouting.

"Bored, bored, bored." He gave an overly dramatic sigh.

"I brought some video games we can play." Ryan offered.

"I can't get a good grip on my controller with this stupid cast." He rolled his eyes.

"Mason." I said with a warning tone.

"What mom? It's true. This sucks. I can't go swimming. I can't play baseball or football. I'm tired of being stuck in here watching the same stupid movies."

"You can still go out and ride your bike." I said in a sharp tone.

"Don't want to." He snapped, sticking out his bottom lip in a pout.

That was the final straw. I had dealt with his bad mood all morning, but for him to act like a brat when we had company, I had to draw the line.

"Mason Alexander, you are being extremely rude. You need to..."

"Can I just go up to my room now?" He interrupted me.

"Yes. By all means, go up to your room, and you can stay there until your attitude improves." I snapped.

Mason didn't say a word, he just stormed up the stairs, and a minute later, I heard his door slam.

I was a little embarrassed by his behavior. I turned to Ryan and sighed. "I'm so sorry for that. He never acts this way."

"Maybe you two just need a little break from each other." He put his arm around me and gave me squeeze.

"Are you sure you want to date us?" I asked in a half joking tone and gave him a little smile."

Instead of saying anything, he leaned in closer and pressed his lips to mine in a soft, sweet kiss that literally had me melting. That was the only answer I needed, and I sighed softly into the kiss, allowing it to get deeper. When his tongue entered my mouth, tracing every inch of it, my sigh turned into a moan. When he placed his hand on the side of my neck and tilted my head to get a better angle, I winced slightly. He pulled away, and looked at me with a worried expression.

"I must have slept wrong, or I'm just tense." I explained.

"Turn around for me." His soft voice captivated me.

When his hands settled in the junction between my neck and shoulders, I turned to putty. His hands were warm and strong, and I knew what they were capable of.

"Here?" He asked, his fingertips pressing into my flesh.

"A little higher." I replied, then flinched when he hit the sore spot.

As his fingers began to work their magic, I let out a moan. "Mmmm. That feels nice." I then let out a sigh and began to relax into it, but I heard his sharp intake of breath, and wondered if my little sighs and moans were affecting him.

His hands began to rub my shoulders, and I felt his warm lips on the side of my neck. For a fleeting moment, I wondered once again what he saw in me when their were so many women out there with way less baggage than me. He must have felt me tense up again, because he started kneading a little harder on my shoulders, still trailing kisses along my neck. I pushed the nagging thoughts out of my head, and focused on how good he was making me feel, and I began to relax again.

"How long do you think it'll be before Mason gets that attitude adjustment?" He asked with a wicked gleam in his eyes, just before his lips moved to mine.

I savored the kiss for a moment, then broke free, my lips still tingling from the taste of him.

"Not long enough." I laughed.

He resumed rubbing my neck and shoulders, until I was literally a puddle of goo. Great hands indeed. I wished I could feel them all over my body, but this was not the time or place.

"So does this mean y'all are dating?" Mason's voice had Ryan and I jumping apart. Busted.

"Have you gotten an attitude adjustment?" I asked, ignoring his question, wishing I could also ignore the burning in my cheeks.

"Yes ma'am. I'm sorry I was such a brat to both of y'all. I was rude and I promise my attitude is going to change." That"s my sweet boy.

I noticed Ryan's cheeks were also red, as he looked at Mason. I hoped he could come up with something to keep Mason from asking questions about us. "I'm starving. Who wants pizza?"

Thank you Ryan!