CHAPTER 20: Isabelle

I closed my eyes after we made love, feeling safe in his arms. I was worried about Kendra finding me this way for the first time in her life but we both listened for her. I closed her door as well as mine for some privacy and we were quiet. It wasn’t the same as the hotel but we were together and that was what mattered.

Kendra cared for him as well. I smiled and rested against his chest as I tried to ignore the fact that it was after midnight. We had to get up early, and I felt him slide his hand up my bare back. “We are going to be so tired tomorrow.”

“I think I’ll go in with a smile on my face,” Mason told me as I laughed. I snuggled closer to him and closed my eyes wearily as I pushed aside the worry of Kendra finding us and suddenly resenting Mason for taking me away from her.

The alarm seemed to go off five minutes after we fell asleep and I asked Mason if he wanted to shower first. He looked at me suggestively and I shook my head as I promised to make some coffee. He sighed, and I pulled on a robe as I walked to the kitchen, checking Kendra’s door to hear that she was quiet in there. She was probably still sleeping. I continued to make the coffee and smiled as I heard the water in the bathroom.

The last six years that I spent alone were worth it but I was enjoying this thing with Mason. He made me feel beautiful and safe and I stared through the window of my small apartment as the coffee started brewing.

I glanced at the clock and noted that I should get Kendra up. I stretched and tightened my robe, feeling the ache between my legs as I walked to her bedroom. I opened the door and walked in, leaning down to kiss her soft hair. “Hey, baby girl. It’s time to get ready for school.”

Kendra opened her eyes and blinked at me as she stretched. “I’m tired but I want to go to school and tell my friends all about the weekend.” She looked behind me and then back at me. “Is Mason here?”

“Yes. He’s getting ready for work. I am going to take a shower so I need you to get yourself ready. Okay?” I asked as she nodded. “Do you want some juice? I’ll make toast after my shower.”

Kendra nodded, and I went to pour her some orange juice, telling her not to spill it as I left her room. Mason was standing in the bathroom, messing with his hair as I watched for a long moment. Mason glanced at me, asking if Kendra was up as I nodded. “I am going to take a shower and make her some toast after. She eats fast.”

“Take a shower and I’ll make her toast when I am dressed. Enjoy the peace.” Mason told me as I raised an eyebrow at him. He stepped into my room to get dressed and I looked at the door. “Shower, Isabelle.”

I walked into the bathroom and turned on the hot water before reluctantly closing the door. I wanted Mason in here with me but that would have to wait for another time. I stripped and stepped under the water, wetting my hair as I closed my eyes. I washed my hair and body, enjoying the soap and warmth of the water before conditioning my hair. I rinsed everything and wrapped a towel around my hair before drying off. I listened for a moment as the house fell silent, hearing Mason and Kendra in the kitchen. I glanced at the window and saw that it was bright outside, drying my hair quickly before I brushed it out. I put some product in it to help control it and then did just a little makeup before pulling on a burgundy wrap dress and black heels.

I walked into the kitchen, seeing Kendra dressed and eating as she talked about school with Mason. He laughed, and I smiled as I paused in the hallway. I had always wanted this for Kendra and it fell into my lap. I never wanted to try this with any other man before and now I had someone that I was in love with.

Wait. Was I in love with him?

We left the house once everyone was ready and Kendra got into the back of the car and buckled in. I handed Mason my keys and slid into the passenger seat as I smiled. He got into the drivers side and I sipped my coffee as he asked where we were going. We both directed him to school, and I hopped out to give Kendra a hug and kiss. “Have a great day.”

“Can we make dinner for Mason?” She asked as I smiled.

“Sure.”

I walked into the door to make sure she got settled and then headed back to the car as Mason watched me. “Are you good from here?” I asked as I looked at him.

“Yeah. I’ve got it.” Mason started the engine and pulled out to the road, turning right towards the freeway. “How old is this car?”

“It was my Granma’s car. I got it once she couldn’t drive and I love it. I hate the idea of losing her.” I pouted as he chuckled, pretending to glare at him. “Don’t.”

“I am not saying a word.” Mason merged onto the freeway and I sat back, taking in the sights from the passenger seat. We parked in the garage and I looked around nervously for a moment. “It’s going to be fine.”

Driving to work together became a habit on the nights that Mason spent with me. Sometimes it was my car and others his, but we had a nice routine. I think Kendra preferred the mornings when he took her to school but he didn’t spend every night with me.

I wanted him to do that, though.

The office was tough for me. Arriving together started some gossip, but Mason had a way of acting like he didn’t care. He kept on doing what he always did and I focused on my job. I saw how Hannah went to his office to talk to him a few times after giving me searching glances and just kept reading. I looked over the rules and dating my boss wasn’t the best idea but I put my faith in Mason that he would take care of me if something happened here. It was scary knowing that I was taking a chance being with Mason but I couldn’t help myself.

Kendra wanted to spend a lot of time with him as well. He took us out to dinner often and we started Kendra in swimming lessons at the nearby indoor pool. I brought my tablet along sometimes to work while she swam, but I watched her more than I read. Kendra was gaining confidence, and I smiled as she progressed in her lessons.

The day that I met Mason’s uncle was one of the worst ones of my life. He came in for lunch and introduced himself to me before heading in to talk to Mason. He was a nice man, and I frowned as he closed the door. I knew that Mason was going to tell him about us but it still took two weeks.

I hoped that he was okay with it. Mason had a great job here and a future and I couldn’t be the reason that he lost it all. I bit my lip and tried to look at my computer as I felt someone stop by the desk. I glanced up to see Hannah, and she smiled at me. “His uncle is awesome. I think that you’ll love him.”

“Will he be okay with this?” I asked softly as I shifted in my chair.

“I was worried about the two of you in the beginning. I knew that you had a daughter and wasn’t sure if there was room for that in Mason’s life. I saw him go through the break up and he wasn’t good at first. I could see that you were hurt as well and the attraction between you two could have been a train wreck.” She smiled and I let out the breath that I was holding. “It isn’t. You guys are good together and so far, this is working.” Hannah looked at the closed door and frowned. “I am almost certain that he will think the same. He loves Mason like a son.”

“I hope so,” I said softly as we both stared at the door. Some people seemed jealous and petty over this relationship between Mason and I but Hannah was supportive. I had gotten to know her well, and we were getting to be friends.

Time dragged for me as I watched the door, wondering what the hell was going on in there.