CHAPTER 7: Isabelle

I heard the beeping on the computer and blinked as I realized that lunch was soon. I ran a hand through my hair and reached for my purse to take a quick look at my face in a compact. The cool air in this office did the job, and I didn’t look sweaty despite the fact that I was nervous about today. I was happy to go to lunch and learn about every part of this place but spending time outside of the office with Mason unnerved me.

At least we weren’t going to be alone.

I grabbed my purse as I heard his door, standing and sliding my hands over my dress. “Ready?”

We walked down to an upscale cafe, and I looked around as Mason opened the door for me. He glanced around and headed to a table in the corner, his stride strong and confident. I glanced at his ass in the slacks that fit him perfectly, blushing as he greeted some people in front of us. Mason shook the hands of the couple before us, telling them that it was great to meet them before he turned to me. “This is my assistant, Isabelle Evans. I invited her to sit in and get some experience in this. Isabelle, this is Mark James and Monica Norris. They have a new manuscript that they’d like to pitch to us.”

We ordered, and I sipped my water as the two told us about their new adult romance. It was a common genre, but they seemed to have an interesting idea that would draw the readers that didn’t involve the idea of a stepbrother. I was tired of those books even if they did sell well. The food was amazing, and I took small bites of the hot pastrami, trying not to make a mess or inhale it the way that I wanted.

Mason was seated in the booth with me and I felt his heat through his pants. It was a small booth, and I shifted slightly as I reached for my water. Mason kept talking steadily to the other two as he twirled pasta onto a fork, eating it smoothly as they responded to a question.

The man was flawless, and I fell quiet as I observed the conversation. I memorized his heat and the way Mason made me feel again even if I wasn’t going to do anything about it. Monica smiled at me and asked what I thought of the plot and I considered my answer as I sipped my water to wash down the sandwich. “I like the fact that it is a bit different from the rest. It has the usual young girl going through a transition, but the fact that she is doing it at a job over college. I like the fact that she’d been through something and is growing from it.” I felt Mason’s eyes on me and smiled at the petite blonde woman. “I think that it has promise.” I glanced over at him as he nodded encouragingly at me and turned his attention to them.

He told them to send him the manuscript before we all shook hands. We left first, and he held open the door as he watched me lead the way down the sidewalk. “So, what did you think?”

“I loved their enthusiasm and thought the story had potential. I mean, it is a common genre, but it stood out to me. That was great.” I looked at him as we walked down the sidewalk. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Thanks for joining me.” Mason said as I licked my lips and stared forward.

“The food was fantastic. How often do you do things like that?” I asked as he chuckled.

“They are co-authors of a New York Times best seller. I make time for people like that.” Mason told me as my mouth dropped open. “They were indie authors that are looking for a deal with a traditional company. They picked the place and bought the lunch. Get used to it.”

“Best-sellers?” I asked as he nodded.

“That’s who I like to take on.” Mason assured me as he met my gaze for a long moment as I paused. I realized what was happening and started to walk again. I couldn’t look at my boss that way because I was a mom that had a daughter to take care of, not some single woman flirting with her boss.

Her gorgeous boss.

We got back to the office, and I sat down to start reading again. I was stuffed and shifted in my seat as I wondered what to make for dinner. I didn’t normally eat such big lunches and might never eat again, at which point my mind wandered to something that Kendra liked all on her own. I idly opened the document and found where I left off and thanked God for this job even if I did have the most gorgeous man in the world for my boss.

Life just wasn’t fair but even if he wasn’t my boss, I wasn’t willing to risk my heart with someone. It hurt when Jackson left us alone and I wouldn’t let Kendra meet anyone just to be left alone again. I made that vow when I had her and stuck to it, never tempted by anyone before Mason. I looked at his cracked office door and let out a slow sigh, knowing that I needed to ignore this.

The story was great once I managed to focus on it and I made the usual notes as I read along. I looked at the corner of the monitor and realized that it was almost time to leave. I had such a great job, and the salary was more than I could have ever expected. I thought about my paycheck next week and considered the budget for the moment, grinning as I decided to get pizza for Kendra. She loved it like most kids but it was a very rare treat.

“What are you smiling about?” Mason asked as I blinked and looked up at him, my face dropping.

“I was just thinking about something.” I stammered as he searched my face.

“Do you have a date tonight?” Mason pressed as I blushed and bit my lip.

“No. Nothing like that.” I glanced at the clock again and saved my work, telling him that I didn’t finish the story this time.

“I don’t expect you to.” Mason assured me again before he turned to return to his office. The look in his eyes was intense as he spoke and I wondered if he asked about a date for his own personal reasons. I gathered my things together and turned off my computer before standing to join the rest of the people at the computer, not waiting for Mason. I didn’t want to think about him and hurried to my car to go and get Kendra to surprise her.