Free Ember by K.T. Fisher

mansions and has more than likely bought his parents’ home, too.
    “Wow, this place is amazing, Mason.” I look around in awe.
    “That’s why we couldn’t let it go.” He looks around and nods his head.
    “Why are we here?” I ask him. “Not that I don’t appreciate you bringing me here, but still...?”
    “I know, I just thought you might want a break from everyone.” He looks a little unsure so I quickly reassure him.
    “You’re right, that does sound good. Thank you.” I walk into the kitchen and look out at the garden from the window. This house really is beautiful.
    “I’ve noticed how you never get a minute alone, so I thought you might like to spend the night here.” Spending the night alone, with Mason, sounds like heaven.
    “Sounds like my kind of night,” I grin.
    Mason scratches the back of his neck. That’s his sign of nervousness, and I realize what I just said, and how that might sound.
    “Look, Rox...,” he begins but I stop him.
    “I didn’t mean it like that.” He immediately relaxes and I silently swallow down the feeling of rejection.
    That night, Mason and I are snuggled up on the sofa with a takeaway pizza and a film. I really couldn’t be happier. Being alone with him like this reminds me of the time before I fucked everything up. When Mason isn’t looking, I cradle my stomach and make a silent wish that Mason is my baby’s father. I want more nights like this.
     
    Mason
     
    I hear the sound of heavy breathing and notice that Roxie’s head feels a little heavier. Trying not to disturb her, I look down at her and see that she has fallen asleep. I carefully take the can of Coke from her hands, and then decide to carry her up to bed.
    It’s not a difficult task, because she’s a small woman, and I’m used to holding her in my arms. I make the journey to the bedroom as slowly as possible, just so that I can hold her a little bit longer. The feel of Roxie in my arms again feels so natural, it’s scary. She sighs and her breath spreads onto my neck, covering me in goose bumps.
    I don’t even bother lying to myself that I don’t want her. That I don’t crave her touch and desire her, but I can’t let myself down that path again. Roxie has the power to crush me. I’ve barely been able to put myself together after the last time, and I don’t think I could do that again.
    I lay her down on the bed and watch over her as she dreams. Her black hair stands out against the white sheets and her lips are so red that I feel the need to bite them. She’s my own Snow White, but I can’t allow myself to be brought down by her beauty. I have to be stronger than that.

Chapter Seventeen
    Roxie
     
    When Monday arrives, the mood is low. Everyone is feeling down. Lacey has been dreading this day, and until Mason and I cleared the air, so have I because today is the day that the guys go back on the road.
    Yesterday, Mason brought me back from a wonderful night. I’m just upset that it’s all over. God knows what he will be doing, and who he will be doing it with, while he’s back on tour. I know what happens; I’ve seen it all with my own eyes.
    I’m just happy that I now know that Mason and I are talking again and at least are friends, even though the word friend hurts to say. At least we’re not arguing or ignoring each other. I should be grateful.
    I look over at Lacey and she’s grabbing onto Cole as tight as she possibly can. Poor girl. It’s obvious she wants to go with him. I know she doesn’t want to be separated from him again, even if it is only for two weeks this time. It’s still a really long time for a couple in love, and those two are definitely in love.
    “Why doesn’t she just go with them?” Paige whispers next to me.
    “Because she doesn’t want to leave me,” I answer back just as quietly. “Even though I’ve told her so many times to go.”
    “She’s worried about you,” Paige says as we watch Lacey and Cole.
    “I know, but she really