Free Unnaturals by Dean J. Anderson Page B

head. `He's going to remember it for sure. Shoes?' She pulled out the shoes that `went' with the dress. Diamonds flashed back at her. `Crap. Titty, crap. What was I thinking?'
    `What's wrong?' Mason walked in, naked, towelling his head.
    `Knock, knock. It's us. You two decent?' Wilson's voice came from the far end of the patio.
    `Coming!' Ruth slipped the shoes on. Mason had stopped moving, his eyes on the dress. `Mason, put some pants on. Sally's here. Remember?'
    Ruth went out onto the patio, leaving Mason staring. `Hi, Sally. You look great.'
    `Wow, Mrs D.' Sally stepped up onto the patio. `You've pulled the bling out tonight. Awesome shoes.'
    `Thanks.' Ruth avoided Wilson's eyes. He knew the dress too. `Are you going to the seafood buffet tonight?'
    `Yeah, Wilson booked us a table out on the deck.' Sally hugged her, whispering, `You look awesome, Ruth.'
    `So do you.' Ruth hugged her back.
    `Is Dad here?'
    `Inside getting dressed.'
    `Hi, Sally.' Mason stuck his head out of the doorway beside Ruth. `Um, I can't find any shirts.'
    `Men.' She rolled her eyes at Sally. `I'll get you one.'
    `It's okay, Mr D. It's only Wilson who is funny about the clothing thing.'
    Ruth nearly snorted at Wilson's expression. She glanced at Mason, who at least had jeans on. `Go and say hi. I'll find you a shirt.' Ruth poked him as she went inside.
    `Yes, dear,' he drawled, eyeing Sally. `Hello again, Sally.'
    Ruth watched from inside.
    Sally beamed as she let Wilson go, then her eyes drifted to Mason's scars. `Hi, Mr D.'
    `Mason will be fine, thanks.' He stood, hands behind his back, and Ruth nearly threw a shoe at him. He was doing it — being intimidating without knowing it.
    `Okay, Mason ,' Sally said and, without hesitation, wrapped her arms around him. `I'm happy to see you again. You probably don't remember me that much but you were very nice to me last time we were here.'
    An almost comical surprise touched his face. He hesitated, then put his arms around her.
    Ruth found his shirt and joined them. Sally was smiling in Mason's hug and he held her like she was made of glass. Ruth touched him and nodded. He half-smiled. She patted him on the shoulder. `See, a shirt. There's a suitcase full of them.'
    Sally let him go and Ruth caught the look on Wilson's face. `Are you going to say hi to your mum or stand there all night?'
    `Hi Mum.' He stepped over and looked at his feet, then took Sally's hand. `You look great.' He glanced up with an eyebrow raised. Mason snorted and pulled his shirt on.
    `Good god, Wil. Mrs D is hot.'
    `Yes, she is indeed, Sally,' Mason said putting his hand on Ruth's bare back. `Lucky we're having dinner with some, ah, friends tonight.' He bumped Ruth with his hip. `Otherwise, we'd be on a double date.'
    `Oh god,' Wilson groaned, closing his eyes.
    `Stop moaning, will you?' Sally pushed him. `We'll have to do that while we're here. Have some time with your parents. Maybe dinner tomorrow night?'
    `Sounds like a plan.' Mason grinned at her.
    `Try and stay out of trouble tonight, will you?' Wilson muttered, eyeing Ruth. `Come on, Sal, let's eat.'
    `See you!' Sally waved.
    `Bye Sal.' Ruth waved back as Mason slipped his hand down further and squeezed.
    `So you packed that dress for me, then?'
    `Look.' Ruth turned and he rolled her into his chest, arms around her. `When I packed, it just went in. I know Sacha gave it to me, and I know what it does.'
    `Uh-huh.' He let her go. `She did have a great sense for style. The dress is made for you, but tonight it will get you into trouble. It screams sex.'
    `Maybe.' Ruth smiled as his eyes roamed over her. `Maybe not.' The tight shirt he wore made her heart thump. She loved him in black jeans and a tight shirt.
    `What about shoes? I gather you packed them too.'
    `Of course.' She went to the wardrobe and dug out a pair of shoes. When she stood up she stopped at Mason's expression.
    `If you do that tonight anywhere, make sure you roll the hem down again.' He winked. Ruth felt it, the