A Chance Encounter

Blurb

It just takes one casual encounter to find your someone special!

 

WOMEN - I had sworn them off my life!

Yet, I feel something in my heart when she crashes into me

Those wide green eyes and the embarrassment in them… They almost stop time for me

But then she runs away.

I never thought I would ever see her again

But, later in my office, the same green eyes meet mine!

I try to resist but my heart can’t.

And soon, there was that first amazing kiss!

 

Can I keep myself from falling in love again, especially when I know she’s having a child already!

or Was it the chance encounter that I’ve found the love of my life!

CHAPTER 1

Isabelle

I pulled into traffic after taking a long look at the yellow building, merging with the other commuters. I was so nervous about my first day at work and spent extra time getting ready this morning. My dark red hair was pulled into a smooth bun at the nape of my neck and my dark green eyes popped with the light liner and mascara that I picked out at the store over the weekend. I didn’t usually wear a lot of makeup but this was a new start for me and I wanted to present myself as best I could. I licked my glossed lips and sighed as I got on the freeway, singing along to the song that was playing through my speakers in the beat up Honda that I’d had for several years.

She was old and probably ugly to some people but my Grandma handed the car down to me. She died ten years ago, and the car was a way for me to remember her by. Well, if I was being honest it was also due to the fact that I was just starting a job in Seattle after moving to a cute little neighborhood just outside of the city. I did love the car though.

I exited the freeway and looked ahead for a coffee shop. If I hurried and there was one near to the building, I could sneak in for a cup. I grinned when I saw the building that housed the publishing company that I was now employed at and saw one right across the street. This day might go well after all. I parked in the designated lot and slipped my purse over my body before I walked to the crowded intersection, looking around at the tall buildings and gray sky with a rueful smile.

It was sure different from San Diego where I’d moved from.

The light changed, and I followed the crowd, separating myself along with a few others to head into the coffee shop. It was crowded, but I had enough time to grab a cup and make it to work. I stood in the fast-moving line and ordered a large cinnamon brew before stepping into the group that was waiting for their orders. I looked around, trying to fit into this business crowd as I swallowed the lump in my throat. When they called my name, I stepped forward and thanked the barista for the coffee before making my way to the counter to add some cream to the cup, inhaling the spicy scent. I loved cinnamon coffee. I finished the preparation and sealed the cup before I turned to leave and go to work.

As I was walking towards the door, someone bumped into me and I almost lost my footing as I pitched forward. I squealed as someone caught me, closing my eyes to avoid seeing the hard floor and then opening them to see arms holding me steady. “I am so sorry. Someone bumped into me…” My voice trailed off as I noticed that my precious coffee was staining his pristine white shirt and dripping from his black tie. I blushed as I looked into his face, stunned momentarily by the bright turquoise eyes gazing back darkly at me. “Oh my God. Can I get you a napkin or something?” I knew that my voice was shrill, but this was too much for my first day at work. It was too much to process, and I turned to look at the counters for a napkin dispenser.

“It’s fine. I can change at work.” The voice sounded irritated and curt as I looked back with wide eyes. He looked angry and started to brush past me as I opened my mouth to speak. The man disappeared into the crowd to stand in line as people glanced between us, making me heat up even further. I dropped my shoulders and sulked out the door, mourning the loss of my coffee as well as the horribly awkward moment.

I did think about his eyes as I stood empty handed on the curb. They reminded me of the photos I’d seen online of tropical beaches in lands far away and those could be beautiful if he wasn’t angry. I sensed that he was the kind of man to show his emotions well and I was not his favorite person right now.

Oh well. It wasn’t like I’d see him again in this city. What were the chances?

I strode to the intersection, vowing to make the rest of this day better. I still needed coffee, but I’d get some on break since the shop was so close. I walked across the wide street with a crowd, feeling important as I turned to the right and walked over to the square building that stood out with the flawless brick and windows everywhere. Stanton Publishing was one of the biggest publishing companies on the West coast and I was thrilled to be getting a job as an assistant editor to the head honcho of the department, working under some bigger names in the company. I'd always loved writing, using it to get through the harder times in my life. I didn’t expect it to take off but you never know. I’d be around books all day now and it might rub off, making me the newest billionaire author. I giggled as I walked along the sidewalk and then to the tall glass doors, thanking the man that opened the door for me. I followed a group to the car and stood back as I looked surreptitiously around the massive lobby.

The floors were a warm marble in shades of brown and orange that somehow worked. There was a big desk that had three women working behind it, helping people that had questions. I heard the ding of the door and looked forward to make sure that I could fit, stepping inside with a small smile as I saw the space available.

Looking around the inside of the elevator, it seemed like I was going to some lawyer’s office. The colors in here were dark but warm like the lobby and I smiled as reality hit me. I had a job in Seattle working for a publishing company. This was a dream job for me and I tucked my purse in front of my body as I took a slow breath. The doors opened on the floors before mine and people exited as I looked out to see what their company looked like. Stanton took of the top three floors and I exited the elevator on the fifteenth floor and looked around. It was nice in here with a hipster feel to the room, complete with a small coffee stand in the corner.

Perfect.

I approached the desk and told the smiling blonde woman behind the counter my name and that I was there for my first day at work. “Isabelle, here you are. I’m going to send you over to HR to get some paperwork done and to meet your immediate manager. Go past the desk and take the next right. You’ll see HR at the end of that hallway. I’ll let them know that you’re here.” She smiled, and I nodded at her with a soft thank you on my lips. This was happening. I followed her directions and approached the door that boasted the name Human Resources, suddenly feeling nervous.

CHAPTER 2

Mason

I slipped into one of the new shirts that I kept in my office, thinking about the redhead that spilled her coffee all over me a few minutes ago. She was almost hot enough to excuse for her mistake, especially with the way that she blushed and apologized. Her coffee smelled good as well and I wish that I’d asked her what it was other than cinnamon.

It’s not like I’d ever see her again, anyway. I buttoned the shirt and slipped it into my black slacks, thinking about the new assistant that was starting today. I’d been thinking too hard about that when I walked into the coffee shop and a lot of the accident was my fault, though I wouldn’t admit that. I liked seeing her flustered, like I did most women. I reached for the new blue tie and knotted it around my neck as I walked into the attached bathroom to see how it looked.

I knew that I was attractive to women. I was getting a new assistant because of that fact since the last one became a bit obsessed with me. She hounded me at work, showed up at bars and restaurant and even drove through my neighborhood. That was too much for me and I didn’t want to hook up with her to begin with, employee or not. She was gone the following day, and I left for vacation while my partner promised me that he’d hire someone great, even if he did admit that it was another woman. I hoped for the best as I ran my hand through my tousled brown hair and reached for the coffee I decided to buy in the building after the disaster at the coffee shop. Everyone was staring at me and talking about it and I left quickly to head down the street to my building. I didn’t like the coffee there as much but I just needed some energy after staying out late with friends last night. It would have to do. I decided that I looked as though I’d never had coffee spilled on me and walked back into my office, sipping the coffee. I had a gorgeous view of the city with the water just past that, and I just stared for a moment. I loved living in Seattle.

I glanced at the clock on the wall, realizing that the new girl had arrived. She had a mountain of paperwork to contend with so I had some time and I walked over to the window and thought about my ex-girlfriend Lana. I never got serious about women and the one time I did, she ended up sleeping with my brother. Lance wasn’t as good-looking as I was but seemed to have something because they were getting pretty serious. I hardly loved Lana at the point we fell apart, but she was fun. I was going to give it a go but now I realized that I wasn’t cut out for love. I’d just keep playing the field.

I shook my head and grabbed the cup from my desk, walking out and around to HR. I looked around as I headed there, seeing the way that everyone glanced at me and started to appear busy. I was the head editor and the last one to see all the books that came in, so they worked hard to send me quality pieces to read. I made the final decision on everything and it felt good. I grinned to myself and saw the door to Human Resources, taking a deep breath. My bad luck with assistant editors was going to stop here. Ned hired someone good for me that could work at my pace and heed my demands, and I forced positive thoughts through my mind as I opened the door and walked towards the small conference room that they took the newbies to for paperwork and to go over company policies. I saw that the door was cracked and heard voices as I pushed it open, looking inside to see Hannah chatting with the girl next to her. I didn’t have a good view from here and walked in further, moving to sit across from them as a soft curse word slipped through my lips. I saw the shock on Hannah’s face out of the corner of my eye, staring at the woman from the coffee shop as she gave me a wide-eyed look.

“Mr. Drury,” Hannah said as she shot me a dark look. “This is Isabelle Evans, and she is going to be taking over as your new assistant.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said as I offered her my hand across the table. Isabelle looked flustered all over again and she shook it as she pressed her full, sexy lips together. This girl was more gorgeous than I remembered and I took her in slowly as we shook hands. She did have a firm grip, and I wondered what was making her so nervous.

“Yes, it is,” she stammered as Hannah looked curiously between us. “We ran into one another at the coffee shop, quite literally.” She looked over the pristine white shirt and raised an eyebrow, her eyes bright as she looked at my broad chest. “You did change here at work, didn’t you? You were a mess back there.”

“Your coffee smelled good. Cinnamon?” I asked her as she blushed and nodded. All my previous thoughts about Lana were gone while I stared at Isabelle as the silence filled the room.

“Do you want to go over the job duties while you’re here?” Hannah asked as I blinked and looked at her.

“Yes, that sounds great. I assume that you were told some things during your interview but you will be working directly under me. I am the head editor here and you will be the last one to read the submissions before it goes to me. Prior to that, I have a large staff that splits up the genres and makes a decision whether to forward the manuscript. Are there any that you’re not comfortable with, Isabelle? We’re open to nearly everything.” I watched as she tapped her pen against the table and smiled.

“I am fine reading anything. I find it easy to get to the meat of any genre and make it the best story that it can be. I have been editing all through high school and college and my major was English. I am prepared for this job.” Isabelle sounded confident as she sat up and pushed her generous chest forward, making me want to unbutton that shirt to see what they looked like. I blinked and brought myself back to reality as I nodded at her.

“Ned knows what I look for as far as experience goes and he was impressed with you.” I wondered if he flirted with her during the interview, knowing that dating at work was prohibited. It was a rule that worked all around but one that I was tempted to break with Isabelle.

“That makes me feel good about this. Thank you,” Isabelle murmured as I thought about what else I needed to say.

“I put in overtime when the work gets heavy. Is that an option for you?” I asked as she seemed to consider her answer.

“Yes, it is. I can work around a few things with some notice,” she replied as I wondered what those things were. Was she married? I saw no ring on her long, pale fingers as I looked and then gazed into her eyes.

“Good. I work hard and I work fast. I expect my staff to do the same which is why your salary is generous. I am sure that Hannah has covered the benefit package that we offer?” I looked at the brunette as she smiled at me.

“I was going to get there after she finished paperwork,” Hannah assured me as I leaned back and sipped my coffee as Isabelle looked longingly at my cup. I stayed while the paperwork was finished, listening to Hannah explain everything and adding to it as Isabelle looked between us with an overwhelmed expression.

“That’s wonderful,” she murmured once the process was done, smiling as she looked down at the table. I am so grateful to you for this opportunity.”

“You had the qualifications. I just hope that it works out for all of us.” I told her as she gave me a wary gaze. Her eyes were a soft green but bright as they locked with mine for a long moment. “I’ll take you to your desk and get you set up, if we’re finished here. Hannah?” I looked at her and she nodded, assuring both of us that we were. We stood, and she told Isabelle that we would be out in a moment and to wait just outside. Once we were alone, I crossed my arms and stared at her. “What is it?”

“First, you know the rules here and they apply even more to your own assistant.” Hannah hissed at me as her brown eyes flashed. “Second, she is a nice girl and you are way too much for her. I can’t even imagine the trauma that you would put her though.”

“Anything else?” I asked lightly as she collected the paperwork and slipped it into a folder.

“She’s too much for you, Mason. Trust me on that.” Hannah left the room, and I frowned before following her, telling Isabelle to come with me. I led her out of the office to the main hallway, falling into an easy pace with her as she tucked her purse against her slim waist.

“How many people work here?” Isabelle asked as she glanced around. I could see the curiosity in the eyes of the staff, aware that there was a lot of gossip about me and Nadia, my former assistant.

“We have a staff of two hundred people, being a full publishing company. There are departments for every part of the process and I hired the best people on this coast.” I glanced at her as she nodded and kept looking around, seemingly nervous. “Have you ever done any writing yourself?” I had the sudden urge to know her, longing to ask everything about her.

“I have dabbled, but it’s nothing too serious. I lean more towards the editing side of things and being behind the scenes. It seems like an amazing process to me.” She smiled and her appreciation for reading was obvious as I felt a smile pass over my lips. I’d never sensed that from an employee before and now I cursed the attraction that I was feeling towards her. We moved towards my office and I walked around the large desk that was waiting for her in her own cubicle. I preferred her to have some access to privacy so she could work though I was headed towards getting my assistants their own office.

“Here is where you’ll be working. There’s a top-of-the-line MacBook, an iPod that you can take home to read new submissions if you choose to, as well as the newest Kindle Fire if you prefer that to Apple products. All submissions that pass the test from the others gets to it and you’ll have access to everything. I do have a smaller desk in my office for the times when we’ll be working together, complete with the same computer. I like to have privacy to discuss things at times.” I walked behind the desk and powered the computer on as she watched me with another overwhelmed expression. I showed her our programs as I gave her the seat, leaning over her to point things out as I breathed in slowly.

Isabelle smelled like cherries and I inhaled again to make sure. That was the best scent that a woman had ever worn, in my opinion. I kept going over the software, showing her the company email account that was set up for her over the last twenty-four hours. I made a point of getting her number programmed into my phone so we could keep in regular contact.

I excused myself to let her adjust to the new programs as I walked to the lobby. I saw that the coffee stand was empty and asked the young barista if they offered a cinnamon blend. She nodded, and I asked for a large, slipping her a bill as she rang me up. I watched as she prepared the cup, securing a lid to it as she handed it to me. I thought back to the stain on my shirt and thought that she had some cream, so I grabbed a few containers and a stir stick. I set the cup down and tucked a few sugar packets into my pocket before turning to walk back to Isabelle. She was sitting up, reading something on her monitor as I set the cup down on her desk. I dropped the creamers and sugar into a neat pile as she looked up at me with surprise in her eyes. I handed her the stir stick, and she took it, thanking me softly.

“It’s not from across the street but I know how I feel about my coffee in the morning,” I told her as she smiled at me, her pink gloss smeared from the way that she’d been nervously pressing her lips together.

“It’s a must to get going in the morning,” Isabelle told me solemnly as I told her to take a look at everything before I headed into my office, pausing to tell her to pop in if she needed anything. I gave her a long look before I walked into my office, cracking the door as I headed to my own desk.

CHAPTER 3

Isabelle

I wanted to die when he walked into the room. The very man that I spilled coffee all over was my boss. My very gorgeous boss.

I had stayed away from men since my last breakup. They were heartbreakers, and I had other things to focus on now, but Mason Drury was gorgeous. I’d heard his first name during the conversation between him and Hannah. He looked to be a bit older than I was and his eyes were mesmerizing.

Somehow, I managed to get through my paperwork as they both told me about the company. The pay was higher than I expected to get this soon and the benefits were amazing. I could afford to take Kendra to the doctor more often with my own money now and I thanked God for this job. I could afford our apartment and cook us decent meals. I didn’t have immediate family here, but the point was to get out on my own and be a mom to my six-year-old daughter. I just didn’t move so far that visits weren’t possible on a regular basis since I lived with my parents for most of the last five years. They watched her while I went on with my plans to finish college and get a degree that would allow me to have the job of my dreams. I appreciated them every moment of the long days at school and nights studying while Mom handled everything for me.

Once I graduated, I started sending resumes around California and the surrounding states. I’d always been interested in Oregon and Washington and saved enough money to move here, lucky enough to find this job just before the move. It all worked out too perfectly and Mason was going to be the hard part of the situation. I hadn’t dated since I broke up with Kendra’s father shortly before her birth. He didn’t want anything to do with her so we did our thing and moved into my parents. I didn’t want to, but I knew that supporting her and our own place would take all of my time and money. I’d have no time for school and Mom assured me that it was a good idea. She was a wonderful grandma, and I felt the sting of tears in my eyes for a moment.

I knew this was the best. I looked around my cubby for a moment, imagining the pictures I could hang here. I glanced towards Mason’s cracked door before I focused on the screen of the computer, reading over my welcome emails. This was going to be a great job, and I needed to keep my mind on that.

I researched the publishing company for a little while, recognizing some big names on the author list. The company had been around for some time and had a great reputation in the book world, so I felt like I scored a great job.

I knew that I could handle the programs and working with books felt too good to be true. I had lined up a great place for Kendra to go in the mornings and afternoons before and after school that had hours that went perfectly with mine. I had an older neighbor that I knew and loved they could watch her in a pinch. I felt like a responsible adult that was getting ahead of the game.

I was still close enough to visit my parents without too much of an issue. Dad was an airline pilot and got me free tickets even if standby was a regular occurrence.

I opened the company email that I was going to be reviewing with Mason and the list of books in the in-box was intimidating. He’d already shown me that departments were separated within the system and it would be relatively easy to remember the names after a few thousand emails. I took a deep breath and figured I’d go in order, reaching for the coffee and taking a large sip. It wasn’t bad but the best part was that he made the effort to get this for me. I figured that he would hate me forever for what I pulled this morning and I looked at his door for a moment and I took another drink from the cup.

I started with the oldest book, using the cues that Mason gave me to determine if they were being read yet. This one wasn’t, and I opened the document to see that it seemed to be a paranormal romance that I was going to read. Mason did tell me that he didn’t dislike any particular genre that the publishing company worked with so this might be fun. I reached for my reading glasses and pushed them on as I settled into my chair to begin reading. This was something of a dry run where I’d make notes about big changes before sending them on to Mason for the final thorough editing. His were the last pair of eyes to see the books before they went to production and I smiled at the idea.

I was a shy kid and spent most of my time reading. I had my close friends in school and out but once I arrived home, the house was overflowing with testosterone from my older brothers and I needed an escape. I started reading at an early age and grew to love it my whole life. Reading for a living was going to be amazing.

It didn’t help that I read extremely fast while still managing to be thorough. That was certainly a bonus. I read and jotted down notes about the story of all sorts, suggesting any changes that I’d make and blinked when I felt someone staring at me. I glanced up to see Mason looking down at me with an amused smile. “Are you going to read right through lunch?” He asked me as I glanced at the corner of the monitor to see that it was inching towards one. I brought a variety of snacks to work with me and nibbled all day. Blushing as I realized that my desk must be a mess.

“It would seem so. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. You might have to tell me to leave at night, too.” I made the bad joke and smiled weakly as he raised an eyebrow at me. “Is there an outdoor eating area?”

He explained that he was going with a manager to grab a bite, inviting me along. I held up my lunch bag and smiled again as he told me that he’d point me in the right direction. I didn’t have the money to just grab lunch out every day so I packed something every day for both myself and Kendra. I certainly wasn’t going to get assistance for that with this job, but she liked her lunches. We’d plan them together and pack them the night before. I found a table in the courtyard and opened my salad before I cracked open my La Croix. I already arranged with the supervisor of the Adventure Club that I could text and get little updates and I reached for my phone, nibbling my lip. I asked how Kendra did this morning and Terry assured me that she had a great time and happily went off to the school around the corner with a few of the student aides.

I breathed out a sigh of relief and closed my eyes. My daughter was sweet and confident, given that we moved away from her only home and stuck her in a brand new school for first grade. She had dark hair like me with a hint of red and light blue eyes like her father and was getting tall already for her age thanks to Jackson.

Jackson Carter. He was my weakness in high school and I’d foolishly fallen for his lines in Junior year. We dated, or so I thought for six months and then I ended up pregnant right towards the end. It was foolish on both our parts but I was willing to accept that and run with it after a few tearful conversations with my mother. Jackson had already graduated, and I realized that he was moving on.

He left me and my baby behind, but my parents stepped up to help me. They knew that I was not going to be the kind of mother to let them raise my kid. I didn’t, either. I was there for every milestone and still finished school and even went to the university in San Diego. Mom stopped working when Kendra was born and helped me out so I could focus mostly on my classes. It was a tough choice to move here all on our own but when I was looking for jobs, this position jumped out at me. I applied, and the rest was history.

I stabbed the salad and took a bite as I looked around. The sky was cloudy but dry and I glanced up at the covering that might allow me to be out here in the light rain. I thought ahead to tonight where we would eat, do homework and try to start a normal routine that would allow us both to get some sleep. My apartment wasn’t in a quiet complex but Kendra slept like a champ. I appreciated the near constant noise since it was a new house and we lived there alone.

I heard the ding of my phone and cleaned up to go finish my day at work. I noted that Mason was walking to the elevator with another man and watched quietly. He was a handsome man but even if he wasn’t the boss, I’d never have a chance with someone like that.

CHAPTER 4

Mason

I was talking business with Mark as we made our way to the elevators, but I was thinking about dark green eyes. Something about Isabelle struck me from the moment that we made contact and I wondered if I could break my own rules. If things worked out, she could transfer within the company or even to another one altogether. I blinked as I stepped inside and laughed at something Mark said.

I didn’t date women. I met them and usually didn’t see them again. I was approaching thirty and my mom wanted me to settle down but I was busy working. My uncle ran the company, and I loved it there along with the travel that was included for some events. I had met a lot of great authors in the last seven years while I was moving up in the company.

I made a mental note to ask Isabelle if she could make some trips with me. We went to the bigger signings to represent our authors if they chose to go that route and attended many private ones all over the United States.

I told him that I’d see him Friday night for our traditional dinner and headed to my office, grinning as I approached the door. Isabelle would be back and I could approach the subject of travel. I glanced over to see her desk still empty and frowned as I walked through the door to my office and turned to look through the window. I stood at an angle where I wouldn’t be seen and noted Isabelle walking towards me. She was wearing a loose, black skirt that moved around her thighs, displaying tight calves along with some great curves in the fray blouse that clung to her. She was a gorgeous woman, and I noted the small stain on her shirt, more than likely from the incident this morning.

I was irritated by that but when I looked into her face, I was caught off guard. She looked mortified, but I was only thinking about the heat of her skin and those mesmerizing eyes. I hadn’t been affected by a woman like this in quite some time. I moved as she stepped behind her desk, setting her can down and pulling up the book with a smile on her face.

Isabelle loved to read.

I moved to my desk to get started on the novel that we were supposed to release next month. It was a little difficult to focus on it as I kept thinking about my new assistant but I turned on some classical music to get me into the book. It needed to be perfect since this was going to be a profitable release for everyone involved.

I worked through until five and saved my progress. I was supposed to meet my family for dinner tonight and I closed down the computer, pulling on a light jacket as I stood up. I looked through the window to see Isabelle still lost in the book and I grabbed my keys as I walked out, closing my door. “Are you planning on leaving tonight?” I asked her as she pushed back and looked at me.

“It’s five. Oh, God. I have to go.” She saved her work quickly and licked her fill lips as she forced a smile. “I finished the book. I think it will be a hit.”

“Finished it?” I asked dubiously as she nodded proudly. “Do you remember what you read?”

“Completely. I was blessed with the skill of speed reading.” She gathered her things and stood up to leave, making me wonder why she was in such a hurry.

“I see.” We walked to the elevators and joined the crowd, pressing together as she flushed a deep pink. I was getting to her and smiled at the idea. We left the building together, and she told me to have a good night as she headed to the parking lot with rapid steps.

I watched as I moved with the slower crowd since I had an hour before dinner. I just liked to allow myself time to do things, and I wondered again if working late would be an issue for Isabelle. She didn’t say so during the orientation so I hoped not. It happened once a month or so depending on releases.

I was first at the restaurant and ordered a drink at the bar to settle down. My small family made their way through the door and I waved at them as Mom spoke to the hostess. She and my sister headed to the table and Dad walked over to order a drink, giving me a curious look. “Was it that hard of a day?”

“I just got here early,” I replied as he clapped me on the back. Lance was nowhere in sight, but he’d been like that since hooking up with my girlfriend. They lived in another part of Washington now and he only spoke to my parents every so often.

“Come to the table. Your mom has been missing you.” I was without an assistant for a few weeks and did all the work myself, so I’d been missing in action. We headed over and I hugged Mom and Reanna before sitting down with them. Mom asked me all about work and whether I hired someone new as my sister rolled her eyes. She knew the real reason I went through assistants so fast and teased me that I’d meet one that I couldn’t resist. Reanna was just a couple of years younger than me but we were close. She wanted me happy with a woman again and she didn’t know how close she was to her prediction.

“I hired someone. She started today and finished a book before leaving for the night. I am wondering how the notes will be but this girl might be a dream come true.” I admitted as Mom smiled.

“That’s great. You need to have more time to relax,” Mom told me as I laughed. I didn’t do a lot of that between work, the gym, and social time. I might not be dating but I wasn’t home feeling lonely.

“Nah. I have time for that.” I told her as she shook her head and picked up the menu. We ordered appetizers and dinner before settling in to talk about the upcoming holidays. They always had the family over at their big house without my brother over the last three years. I felt bad about that but he made the choice to sleep with my girlfriend. I listened as Mom talked about the menu and who would be staying at the house opposed to who would get a hotel. My family couldn’t be together for long periods of time and I smirked as she mentioned my aunt. Noel had a way of alienating herself from everyone in her life and I sipped my drink as Dad laughed.

I walked the few blocks to my condo after dinner, thinking about Isabelle. I wondered where she lived as I walked through the lobby and greeted the doorman before taking the elevator to my place on the seventeenth floor. I could have easily hit a bar and found a woman to take home tonight, but I wasn’t in the mood. I might actually go to sleep at a reasonable time tonight.

I went to bed with the TV on, trying to shut my mind down as I idly listened to the guest on the late night show. I always got up early if at all possible to hit the gym before work and I closed my eyes as I took in a slow breath.

I imagined Lana’s face in my mind for a fleeting moment and tensed. I wasn’t ready to marry her, but I was more serious about her than anyone else. It hurt when she cheated on me and I hadn’t been with anyone more than casually since that night. Why did the woman that brought me back to life have to be my assistant?

I woke up early for a morning run and made it a long one. I needed the exercise, and I felt my feet hit the pavement steadily as I stared forward with the music blaring into one ear. I knew that I could get Isabelle with a little work and something inside of me sparked to life at the idea of it. I was going to try to deal with the consequences later.

CHAPTER 5

Isabelle

I chose a plum shift dress for the following day with black heels, slipping a cardigan on the dresser to wear. Kendra was happy to return to school and had a blast yesterday. We talked all about it over dinner and homework and I even convinced her to take a shower.

Once she was asleep, I wandered into our small living room to drop in front of the TV. I needed to wind down and found one of my favorite shows as I curled my legs under me. I thought about the last few years, knowing how hard they would have been if it had not been for my parents. Jackson certainly didn’t want anything to do with us and since she’d been born, I couldn’t imagine risking our hearts again. Kendra had no idea that hers was broken, and I’d managed to answer her questions vaguely so far about her father.

My eyes started drooping just about half an hour into the show and I sighed. It was time to be an adult, and I paused the recording as I wondered how far behind I would be by the end of the week. I missed my parents, and I rubbed my eyes as I decided to wash my face and go to bed. I checked her small room to make sure that she was sleeping before I went into my master bedroom and washed off my makeup and pulled on the big shirt to sleep in, frowning at myself.

It was Jackson’s shirt, and I ended up with it back in school. I didn’t wear it because I was pining away for him at all, but it felt like I had support this way. It made me feel less alone as I looked into the mirror and took slow breaths.

I could do this. I had help for the time that I needed it and now we were on our own. My parents would visit us and we’d go there as well. I preferred to go there so they wouldn’t have to get a hotel room because we had no room here. Perhaps once I was settled a bit more and in a house I could welcome guests, but not now.

I sent my parents a text to tell them that my first day went well, and that I was sorry I didn’t call them earlier. Things happened so fast and I told them that we’d call the following night. I smiled as I plugged in my phone and crawled under the covers, thinking about Mason for a moment. He would never want a woman with a child and I was nowhere near ready to date someone or introduce them to Kendra. That was going to be tricky when the time came and I would have to go about it the right way.

I could never date my boss to begin with.

I imagined dating again and my eyes filled with tears. I remembered when Jackson broke up with me to date a college cheerleader and when I found out that I was pregnant. It hurt knowing that I was doing this on my own and I cried when I told my parents. I sobbed as I admitted to them that I wasn’t always careful with Jackson and regretted it now, but I wanted to keep my baby.

Mom soothed me and assured me that they would help me. They both knew that I wasn’t going to be the kind of mom that would make them raise the baby. They wanted me to succeed and would help every step of the way. It was a tough choice to make but aborting my baby was not an option. Adoption would be a reasonable thing to consider but I already wanted this tiny being growing inside of me. I might regret Jackson but having this baby was not his fault as much as it was the responsibility of both of us. I never even told him, hearing around town how he moved on easily.

Mom suggested that I contact him as the pregnancy progressed but I told her that he wouldn’t be interested. She didn’t like him to begin with so she didn’t push the idea.

I was so grateful to my folks for being there for me throughout the pregnancy and for my mom for holding my hand through the long labor. We both cried when Kendra was born and she slept on the couch in my room, just in case I needed help.

I closed my eyes and reminded myself that things were different now. I was a single mom working to support my daughter, and I didn’t need that much help anymore.

I still didn’t know what to make of my new boss but it wasn’t worth stressing over. It was impossible on so many levels to begin with. He was gorgeous, but I needed to focus on my little family. I needed to focus on my future.

I got up early enough to shower and get dressed before waking Kendra up. She was looking forward to school and dressed as I finished in the mirror, looking critically at my appearance. I sipped my coffee and laughed to myself, reminding myself that Mason would never want me. I saw how pretty the girls were in the building and assumed that he’d seen someone there at some point. Come to think of it, he had an interesting relationship with the girl in HR.

“Are you ready, sweetie?” I called out as I left the bathroom to slip my shoes on.

“All set.” Kendra appeared before me with her lunch in hand and a sparkle in her bright blue eyes. Jackson’s eyes. She looked at my dress as I slipped on the sweater and wrapped her arms around me as I smiled. “You look so pretty, Mommy. They must like you at work a lot.”

“I hope so,” I murmured as I held her close, being mindful of this moment. I knew that they would fly by and she wouldn’t be my little girl forever.

CHAPTER 6

Mason

I looked in the full length mirror on my closet as I perfected the knot on my black tie. I had a meeting with some possible new clients today and I wanted to bring Isabelle along. It was a lunch meeting but she would make a good impression on them. I could also spend some more time with her and smiled as I ran a hand through my dark hair.

I found it comical that I fired my last assistant for being too much into me but liked this one enough to get to know her. I could see a lot behind her eyes, suggesting that she’d lived some hardships before getting the job. Hannah also hinted to that fact, and I walked into my kitchen to finish my coffee before leaving for work. I made a mental note to pick her brain for more information, knowing that she wouldn’t budge.

I left the condo and headed to my car, breathing in the cool morning air. I’d ran a few miles in it earlier this morning as was my usual habit in good weather. I had a gym for the winter months but I had some time before that to enjoy and I wondered what Isabelle would be wearing to the office today.

I drove in and parked in my spot, joining the others that worked in the building as we headed to our respective offices. I looked around for Isabelle, surprised to see her sitting at her desk sending a text as I approached her. I smiled and set down the coffee that I grabbed on the way in for both of us, watching her jump as she looked at me with big eyes. “You caught me off guard!”

“Is everything okay?” I asked her as she looked at her phone with a soft smile.

“Yeah, it is. Thanks for the coffee.” Isabelle smiled and pulled it towards her, sipping it slowly. “Should I start on the next book today?”

“You know you don’t have to read them that quickly. We have reasonable deadlines.” I looked into her pretty face as she blushed and shrugged. Isabelle was fucking beautiful.

“I just naturally read fast. I won’t if I feel like I need to slow down. This is an important part of the process.” Isabelle smiled, and I felt my phone in my pocket. I pulled it out and glanced down to see that the client was emailing me.

“Oh, there is a lunch with potential clients today at one. I hope you can make it so you can get a feel of the process as well as give me your thoughts. I think we make a good team so far.” I held her eyes as Isabelle flushed again and nodded.

“I’d like to be there. One?” She confirmed as I nodded and watched her do something on the computer.

“It’s just a few blocks down and we’ll be meeting them. I’ll come out just before.” I smiled. “Don’t get lost in your book today.” I turned and walked into my office, playing back my words as I cracked the door. Was I flirting with my assistant? I’d slept with a few women but I typically tried to keep it separate from the work place.

I opened up the book that Isabelle completed and started to read her notes as I drank the coffee I bought in the lobby. It happened to be cinnamon, and I smiled as I inhaled the spicy scent. Isabelle already showed me something new, and I glanced at the door for a moment. Her notes were good, and I admitted that while she read fast, Isabelle seemed to comprehend things just fine. In fact, she had some great insight, and I told myself that I needed to think of her as just an assistant. I had a good thing going at this company and could not fuck the staff, no matter how hot they were.

I heard Hannah’s voice a little while later and glanced up as I rubbed my eyes. She made her way into my office, tapping on the door before walking in and grinning at me. Hannah and I got along well, and I appreciated her honesty, most of the time. “How’s it going?”

“It’s great. I think she will be a great help to the company.” I reached for my coffee as Hannah dropped into the seat across from me.

“You’re behaving yourself? I saw the way that you were looking at her yesterday.” Hannah told me as I leaned back in my chair.

“She spilled coffee all over me moments before we met. I was surprised to see her,” I informed her as she raised one of her perfect brows.

“I hope so. I don’t think you’ve gone that route here and doing it with your own personal assistant is not a great idea.” I frowned at her, wondering why she was so intent on this subject.

“I didn’t plan to. I take my position here seriously and I had her hired here to help me, not hinder me.” It annoyed me that she was one of the few people that could read me.

“I hope so.” Hannah said as she glanced towards the door. “I did a great job with her, didn’t I? Something about her resume stood out and I liked her the moment that I met her.” Hannah was the one that took care of it while I was gone on a trip. She’d done it a few times for me when the assistants became too interested in me and I contributed that to this behavior.

“Did you ask her if she was into women for me? You seem so worried about us.” I said softly, seeing that Hannah closed the door behind her.

“She’s not.” Hannah smiled sweetly, and I laughed. She was into women and seemed to have a good radar about the ones she had a shot with. She burst out laughing and leaned her head back, her dark eyes filled with mirth. “Not at all.”

“What is it about her that you’re being so weird about?” I demanded as her face fell and she went serious.

“Nothing. I tease you a lot but I know that you wouldn’t get involved.” Hannah excused herself and closed the door behind her as I watched curiously. I went back to the document and realized that her notes matched what I’d write myself. That was hard to manage, and I glanced at my clock to see that I had another two hours before lunch. I didn’t take a lot of breaks here at the office and ran a hand through my hair as I considered a quick walk to the break room, possibly the break room for some hot coffee.

I stood and left, glancing at Isabelle as she smiled at something in the book. She blushed as she met my eyes and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. It was down today in loose curls and I wanted to feel the silky locks. “Don’t rush.” I warned her before continuing down the hallway and turning into the break room.

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 it 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.

CHAPTER 8

Mason

Isabelle looked beautiful with the smile on her face, making me pause and question it. I immediately went for the question about a date since she looked like she was thinking about someone that she cared for. Her answer made me wonder just what it was, but I sensed that she wasn’t going to tell me. She seemed to freak out, and I wondered what was going on but chose to leave it alone. I watched her hurry out of the building, following the crowd as I watched her walk to her car.

Isabelle was a complex woman and while I saw some pain in her eyes as I looked at her, I also saw a deep-seeded need there. Isabelle was a woman, and she had an interest in me whether she admitted it or not. I had not wanted a woman the way that I did her for some time, but it felt like more to me.

I met my friends for dinner and drinks, opting to go home alone instead of bringing a woman with me. I worked the following day though my friends pointed out that they never stopped me before, making me tell them to shut up. I sounded irritated and could tell by the looks on their faces but I wasn’t ready to talk about Isabelle yet.

I knew the rules of the office but for the first time, I didn’t care. I wanted her. Not only did I want to fuck her, but I wanted to know her as well. Isabelle was not the kind of woman that you slept with once, but she was also a fantastic assistant. Hannah warned me against doing anything to pursue her but there was something between us from the moment that she crashed into me. I feigned the irritation there because I thought that she was one of the most beautiful women that I’d ever laid eyes on. I was drawn to her and ran instead of asking for her number, but my luck made me bump into her within the hour. It caught me off guard and I’d been arguing with myself ever since that day.

I was used to women and their needs and wants. I romanced them as much as casually sleeping with them and I walked to my car to start the engine and head home for the night. I barely drank at dinner so I knew that I was good to get there and unlocked the door and walked inside, looking around the spacious living room. I lived here with my best friend, who worked as a traveling photographer for National Geographic. Most of the time, it was like living alone.

I showered and dressed in shorts to sleep in, turning on the television low as I grabbed my laptop. I still had some energy, and I pulled up the document that Isabelle forwarded to me. I read further into the story, still liking her suggestions for the strong plot as I weighed the option of pursuing her. Was it worth it? I’d lost a few due to their attraction to me that wasn’t returned and Isabelle was the best one yet. I could fuck nearly any woman that I wanted but there was a challenge to her that made me much more interested in sex.

I had not felt this way since the beginning of the relationship with Lana. Would it fade as it had with her?

I turned out the light once I grew tired and thought about how to begin this. I was going to have her and go about that the right way.

I rose early enough to jog and came back to shower again, dressing in my black slacks and blue shirt that brought out my eyes. I knew that I looked good in it and if she was interested in me at all, this would pull her closer to me. I made a point of going to the coffee shop where we met to order us both large drinks, walking them across to the building and getting on the elevator.

I saw her settling in when I came to her desk, wearing a soft pink dress that had a vintage style to it. I handed her the coffee that I purchased for her and Isabelle looked at the cup in surprise. “Thanks.”

“I was going for myself and I’ll never forget the smell of your drink,” I told her as she looked up and met my eyes.

“I thought it was the assistant that was supposed to bring coffee to the boss,” Isabelle murmured as I smiled crookedly, knowing what it did to women.

“Not when I know what my beautiful assistant likes to drink. I am the aggressive one, it seems.” Isabelle widened her eyes and pressed her full, pink lips together as she reached for her cup, inhaling it. “I told you I knew what it was.”

That was enough for now and I walked into my office, leaving the door open. I smiled as I went to my desk and set the steaming cup down, going to take a look outside at the city as I typically did. It made me feel alive though my cock hardening in my pants was from something else entirely.

I got to work, setting up another lunch and sending Isabelle a message to save the date. I had a great time sitting beside her in that booth, feeling the heat of her skin as I carried on business. I wanted to reach down and touch her under the table, but resisted because I knew it was too fast for her. She responded with something positive and I smiled before I opened the story from the previous night to read, leaving email and messaging open in case Isabelle had anything else to say.

I got an invitation to lunch from a manager and agreed to it since I wasn’t going to ask Isabelle yet. I did give her a long look when I passed her desk, seeing her flush a deep pink as she pretended to read the screen. I smiled as I went to meet Nathan and we talked business over the meal since he had a potential client that wanted to meet up with me. It sounded promising, and I agreed as I reached for my water, sipping it slowly. I made a note to contact them and set up lunch as we moved on to other topics, looking forward to inviting Isabelle to another meeting.

We stood to leave, and I told him that I was going to order something for dinner and that I might be late a few minutes. I ordered some pasta for Isabelle to bring back, selecting a chicken Alfredo dish since I knew how good it was. I walked back to the building with the bag, walking right up to her desk to see her still reading. “I thought I might find you here. I brought you some lunch.”

“Oh. You didn’t have to do that,” she said as she looked at the bag.

“I thought of you while I was there. We might have another client meeting soon. Will you accompany me?”

“Of course. It’s my job.” Isabelle agreed, smiling politely.

“Will you have dinner after work with me, Isabelle?” I asked as she looked stunned.

“I can’t. Not only because you’re my boss, but I just can’t.” I saw pain cross her face and then Isabelle looked down at the desk. “I can’t lose this job. It is everything that I need right now.”

“You wouldn’t. That can be handled down the line,” I promised as I stared down at her. “Who hurt you?”

“I’m fine. I just can’t date at work, because I need this. I’m sorry.” Isabelle tried to give me a confident look, but I saw the hesitation in her eyes, still filled with fear.

“It’s fine. Enjoy your lunch,” I told her, pushing the bag towards her before turning towards my door. I focused my energy on contacting Nathan’s guy and setting up lunch at the end of the week. I notified Isabelle about it and assumed she got it since she didn’t respond.

I backed off a bit for the remainder of the week, bringing her lunch if I went out and insisting that she take it. I’d bring coffee if I got it first as well. I let her know that I was still interested that way, but I didn’t pressure her again. We had the long lunch on Friday at one of the best places in town and I could work her then while negotiating with the client. I did my research and found that he had some talent and sold a few books on his own. An author that brings readers with them is always a good thing and I wrote up a basic outline of what to talk about with him.

I came out to get some coffee on break on Friday since I went through mine so quickly. I saw Isabelle on the phone, her face filled with concern as she leaned forward and spoke in a low voice. I paused and looked at her, realizing that she didn’t even know that I was standing there until she ended the call and set the phone down. “Is everything all right?” I asked her, making her jump as she pressed a hand to her chest and took a deep breath.

“Yes, it’s fine. I just had to make some arrangements.” Isabelle had worn a black pencil skirt with heels and a burgundy blouse today and she looked good, making me think that she was doing some shopping for work clothes. “Is lunch still on?”

“Yes, it is.” I assured her as she nodded and reached for her coffee. Isabelle had stopped for both of us today, teasing me that she could do it as easily as I did. She was in a good mood then and I thought that I was getting somewhere with her but now she looked shaken.

“Okay, good.”

“Isabelle, what is it?” I asked her as she sipped her drink.

“It’s fine, Mr. Drury.” She assured me as I stared at her.

“It’s Mason. Call me Mason,” I reminded her as she jumped and stared at me. “If you need anything, please let me know.” She nodded quickly, and I turned to leave, annoyed that she wouldn’t tell me what was going on. The emotion on her face was as strong as the smile that I’d seen that day, making me assume that it had to do with the same thing.

What was so important in her life? Isabelle wasn’t wearing a ring on her hand but I knew little about her. I sat down and looked at the door again, vowing to dig deeper with her. Whatever was going on was something that meant a lot to her and a part of me wanted to help with that.

I didn’t care about women this way. Not since Lana.

I prepared for lunch and left the office, watching her apply some lip gloss for a moment before she grabbed her purse and stood up. “Ready?” Her smile was brighter, and she seemed composed now even though I sensed that she was faking it a bit. We took a cab to the steakhouse and met Nathan’s friend, hitting it off right away. He had a great positive outlook about writing and just wanted to try traditional publishing for a change. He interacted with both Isabelle and myself, making her laugh and relax a bit. I didn’t get to sit beside her here and I had to force myself to look at Brian, wishing that I was the one making her laugh. When we were finished, and a contract was in the works, we finished the meal and stood up. He walked with us to the door and shook my hand before leaning in to kiss Isabelle’s cheek as he said something softly to her. She responded in something like a whisper and pulled away before looking at the floor.

I held in my emotions as he left before us, taking a moment to ask if she was okay. I seemed to be asking her that a lot today. “I’m fine. He just asked me to dinner, and I told him that I wasn’t interested.”

“Son of a bitch,” I muttered as she looked at me with shocked eyes. “I knew that he was flirting with you.”

“He is a great writer. A good guy. What’s your problem?” Isabelle asked as I took her arm and pulled her from the building and around the corner as I stood in front of her. I pulled out my phone to call a cab and then stared into her eyes.

“Do you want him and not me?” I finally asked as she blinked slowly at me.

CHAPTER 9

Isabelle

I heard the words, but they didn’t register as I looked into his stormy eyes. How could Mason think that? He was perfect, and I opened my mouth to speak.

“No, it isn’t that. Not at all,” I protested before I felt his mouth on mine, his lips hot against my skin. It was both intense and comforting and I whimpered as he reached up to cup my face tighter in his big hands. It was everything that I’d always wanted and I felt one of my hands wrap around him as he tilted my face to deepen the kiss.

Oh, God. I wanted to do this all day and my body started to throb deep inside, filled with want. We both moved closer together until a horn sounded and he jumped away. “That might be the cab.” Mason made sure that I was steady and then led me back to the curb where a yellow car was waiting, leaning inside to talk to the driver before telling me to slide into the back seat. I did, watching him as he moved beside me and leaned back for a moment.

The driver didn’t know us but I didn’t want to speak in front of him. My body was alert, and I felt every nerve ending from that kiss, still shaking as I told myself to calm down. I had a daughter, and that was just a kiss. Why did it affect me more than when I slept with Jackson? What was this feeling inside of me?

It was a short ride to work, and he got out and helped me slide out before handing the driver a few bills. I walked with him to the front door and he opened it, still standing close to me. We boarded the elevator and stood side-by-side silently as I played back the hungry kiss and the way that his tongue felt against mine for that moment in time. It was just for a second but it changed my life and I stared forward. I had a great job that was supporting my daughter and I didn’t want to blow it.

Mason led me to his office and closed the door behind him, closing the blinds. I gasped as he kissed me again, pressing me against the wall. This seemed to happen so fast but not fast enough and I wrapped my arms around his neck as I pulled Mason closer. In my head, he did this with every woman in the office and I told myself to prepare for the end.

Mason kissed me to the point that I couldn’t breathe, pulling away to gaze into my eyes. “I told myself that I was going to take this slowly, Isabelle. I can’t fucking do that now.”

“Will it be over as soon as it starts?” I asked, torn between wanting that and fighting it. This felt good. I felt alive in his arms.

“What? No, this isn’t like that. I might date casually outside of work but I prefer to not ever get involved with anyone here. That’s why you are working here. My last assistant got a bit obsessed with me.” His voice was rough as he spoke, and I stared at him. “I felt something the day that you crashed into me and ran away from it. I didn’t know what to do when I realized that you were going to be the woman working for me. I tried to resist this but I can’t.”

“Mason… I don’t have anything to offer you,” I tried to speak but my heart screamed at me to shut up.

“What do you mean?” He asked as I caught my breath. I just wanted to kiss him again and push away all of my responsibilities.

“Mason, I have a daughter. I’m raising her on my own and she’s still young. She just started the first grade.” I heard the words and cringed inside, knowing that a young child was not appealing to many men.

“You are a mother?” He asked as I looked into his face. I nodded, and warmth crossed over his face. “Is that what was wrong earlier? Something to do with her?”

“She was sick at school. I have a neighbor that helps me, and she went to get her for me. I just started this job and didn’t want to put it in jeopardy.” I admitted, smiling gently as he leaned in and kissed me again.

I returned it, reveling in the pleasure as responsibilities nudged at my wild side. I wanted this so much but there was a lot at stake. “You wouldn’t, you know. I’d let you leave. I’m close to my family.” Mason told me as I laughed and looked at him.

“Here I thought you lived in some tall building all alone reading books and counting money,” I said, laughing softly. It felt good to let my walls down though I knew they could not go down too far.

“I live with my best friend, Tanner. He travels for work a lot so he is rarely home. You are partially right.”

“I won’t hurt my daughter. I won’t let you meet her. We’ve been through enough already,” I told him as something dark passed through his eyes.

“I am not asking. I just want to enjoy this here and now,” Mason told me before he kissed me softly.

“Can we work together?” I asked in a whisper as he clutched my face again.

“Yeah. You’re the best assistant that I’ve had.” Mason kissed me again, and I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him closer. We pulled apart and looked at each other for a moment before I pressed my tingling lips together. I knew that if I stayed in here, this would go further than it should and I watched him step away. “So, no dinner after work?”

“I could have my friend watch her for a while. I just can’t go out a lot at night because it is the only time I feel like I have with her,” I replied as he nodded. “I’m sorry. You probably go out a lot. I forgot what that was like.”

“How old are you?” Mason asked as I smiled weakly.

“I’ll be twenty-four in a few months. I was a young mother.” I said as he ran his hands through his hair.

“You missed a lot?” He asked as I shrugged.

“I guess.” I made my way to my desk when we realized that we needed to work. It was hard to walk out of that office but I needed to keep a level head about this even if I did feel like a teenager all over again. I pulled up the document and enjoyed the feeling of the food in my stomach even if it was doing flip flops right now.

I found it hard to concentrate on the words but forced it, knowing that it paid the bills for me. I wasn’t going to lose everything I had here over a crush or kiss. This wasn’t serious, and I was going to take it day-by-day and not let it ruin anything.

We left the building together and walked to our cars. “I am sending something to your place for dinner for the two of you,” Mason told me as we looked at each other before going our separate ways. “What is her name?”

“It’s Kendra,” I whispered as he nodded and looked down at my lips for a long moment. The heat was intense between us as I stood still, wanting to call and ask for a sitter for Kendra. That was wrong though. She came first, and I told him to have a good night before walking to my car. I drove past him, trying not to look but unable to help myself as I met his gaze. He was dialing something on his phone with a grin on his face and it took my breath away.

I made it home and went straight to Nan’s apartment where Kendra was on the couch under a blanket, fast asleep. I smiled as I looked down at her and then looked at Nan. “Want to call me when she wakes up? She looks so comfortable.”

“That’s fine, sweetie. I don’t mind if she sleeps here all night if that’s okay with you. You need some sleep after working so hard all week.” Nan smiled at me and I went to hug her. “Get some rest, Isabelle. I’ll call you if she wakes up enough to get over there.”

I thanked her again and walked to my apartment just as a young man approached it. He had a bag of food in his hand and I stared at him as he asked if I was Isabelle. I told him yes, and he handed me the bag and told me to have a great night, turning to leave as I watched. I unlocked my door and stood in the silence after I locked it behind me. I told myself that Kendra was safe and took the food to the table, unpacking it to see a variety of Thai food, making me smile. I loved this kind of food and set it down on the flimsy table before I went to get a fork.

It was delicious. I laughed as I took bites from the containers, hearing my phone chime in my purse. I went to get it, concerned that it was Nan calling about Kendra. I was surprised to see a text from an unfamiliar number, opening it to see that it was Mason.

Mason: How is it? I love Thai and hoped that you did as well.

Me: It is great. Thanks so much.

Mason: Is your daughter enjoying it?

I took a moment to chew my food and considered my answer. I knew how Kendra was when she was sick, and she would sleep hard. She was completely safe with Nan and I would be informed if anything changed.

Me: She is sleeping next door. Still sick.

Mason: You’re alone?

Me: Yes, I am. Do you want to come over and see how long we have before she comes back?

It was such a risk to ask that, and I swallowed the lump in my throat. We’d just kissed, and I was inviting Mason into my apartment where anything could happen.

Mason: Are you comfortable with that? Nothing will happen that you don’t want. We can just eat.

Me: Come over. You have the address?

Mason assured me that he did, and I squealed as I put the phone down. I went to look in the mirror, fixing my gloss and makeup a bit as I wondered what would happen. If Kendra came back, I’d make him leave and that could happen at any time. I knew that she’d probably sleep through the night just based on how she looked, which meant that Mason might be here all night.

CHAPTER 10

Mason

I looked at her words and then looked around my apartment. Isabelle was alone and inviting me to her apartment and there was no reason to say no to her. I could still taste her sweet lips and I loosened the tie around my neck and smiled. We could just eat and talk and I didn’t need to sleep with her tonight.

I grabbed my keys and headed over to her place, noting that it wasn’t the best complex in town. It also wasn’t the worst. I parked near her car in an uncovered spot, getting out and walking towards the building where she was located.

I looked at the doors on either side, wondering which one was the neighbor watching her daughter. I’d never been involved with someone with a kid before and knocked gently as I listened to steps approaching the door. It opened and Isabelle smiled at me as she looked out. “Hi. Come in. She’s still sleeping.”

“Thanks,” I told her as I walked inside the small living room and looked around.

“I started eating out of the cartons, so you can start with the ones I set aside.” She gave me a rueful smile as she walked towards the table to sit down. She was nervous, and I watched her stir something in a white box before looking at me. “I don’t know how to act. It’s been a long time for me.”

“How long?” I asked as I realized she was wearing the same clothes, just barefoot now. I walked towards the table and took the fork that she gestured to. There were some sodas on the table and I reached for one as she smiled.

“I haven’t… dated since Kendra was born. I was so busy going to school and just keeping ahead of that and dealing with the fact that her dad wasn’t around.” She frowned as I watched her, clearly upset.

“He didn’t want her?” I asked as Isabelle shrugged.

“He didn’t want me. I never even told him about her because he was off to college. It was easier that way and my family saved me.” She finally took a bite, and I nodded as I reached for one of the containers closest to me. I opened it to find my favorite kind of noodles and offered her some as she shook her head. “Please enjoy it. This was so sweet of you.”

“It’s nothing. I want to do as much as I can for you,” I assured her as Isabelle smiled at me. “I don’t expect anything in return.”

“Look at you. Of course, you do. You can probably get anything that you want from a woman, Mason. I am not that experienced and I have no idea what to do, apart from save my job. It is a big help for us.” She spoke slowly, and I caught the urgency in her voice.

“I haven’t dated anyone too seriously in a few years myself, Isabelle. I’ve been focused on work so much and meeting you was like a shock to me. I know there are rules at work but we can keep this to ourselves and deal with it if this lasts, like I think it might.” She gave me a scared look, and I held up my hand.

“No pressure. Just relax. Eat. Talk to me. Let yourself just be in the moment.” I knew what she was experiencing, and we ate together, slowly starting to talk about our interests.

We finished eating, and I helped her put the food in the fridge, listening for her phone the entire time. We made our way to the couch and sat down as she turned on the TV, clearing her throat nervously. I watched her shifting in her seat, taking in the curve of her neck and the way her breasts pressed against her shirt. I loved her curves, and she looked at me with a small smile as she leaned closer to me. “I want to kiss you again.” I let her take the initiative this time and felt her press her lips lightly to my mouth. Isabelle groaned at the heat between us and I let her guide things, not sure what she wanted from this.

The moment that her lips parted for me, I kissed her harder. I couldn’t help myself and pulled her closer to me as our tongues danced together. It was rough and needy and I slipped my hand down to her hip as she moaned against me. I moved my lips down her jaw and neck, smelling a sweet cherry scent that I breathed in. “Your scent is the best thing I have ever smelled. What is it?”

“Just a cheap scent made from oils that I got addicted to back home. This one is cherry blossom” Isabelle told me as I drew her skin between my teeth. “No marks, okay?” I realized that her daughter would be old enough to ask questions, and I let her skin go and kept kissing her skin.

I looked down at the button to her blouse, longing to open it and free her nipples. I wanted to taste her entire body and kissed her neck again as I forced myself to calm down. Isabelle pulled away and looked at me with hungry eyes before she kissed me again. Her mouth nipped at mine as I held her, wanting more as I felt her hand sliding up my chest. She worked a button loose, and I groaned as her hand touched the skin of my neck. “Isabelle,” I choked out as she pulled away and kept unbuttoning the shirt.

“I want to touch you. I haven’t touched anyone for so long,” she told me, sliding both hands up my bare chest as I sucked in my breath. “Why do you even want me? Why are you risking your job for me?”

“I have no idea. I felt something the moment that I met you. I’ll sort the job thing out and you won’t lose your income. I can see that you try hard to make this a home for Kendra.” I glanced around, seeing photos on the wall and placed on shelves. The little girl had dark hair, and she was beautiful. She looked happy. “I promise that nothing will happen. I’ll line up another job for you if need be.”

Isabelle answered me with another kiss and I returned her passion as she traced my skin with her fingers. I moved mine down her neck, moving slowly towards her shirt as I waited for a signal of what to do next. Isabelle reached down and loosened her first button, telling me to get it off. We worked together, and she shrugged it off as she shifted on the couch in her tight skirt. “I won’t do anything if you take that off. You look uncomfortable,” I whispered before kissing under her ear and feeling her moving underneath me.

Isabelle was down to her bra and underwear and I looked her over in the light from the kitchen. She was curvy and gorgeous and I leaned in to kiss her mouth again. My hands wandered over her skin, unhooking the bra and letting her spill into my hands. I stroked her pert nipples as she shuddered under me, making my cock harder as I kissed her deeply.

Before too long, I was bent over Isabelle and sucking on one nipple while I played with the other with my hand. I wanted her so badly and judging from the noises that she made, Isabelle felt the same way. I stopped holding back and pressed against her, her legs spread before me as she cried out. We moved together, my body ready for her as I bit down on her nipple and smiled when she cried out my name. I looked up at her as I moved further down her body, kissing her stomach and inhaling the musky scent of her desire. I slowed down, knowing that it had been a while for her as I slipped my hand over her cotton panties. Isabelle stilled as I pressed gently against her, feeling the intensity of the moment as she closed her eyes.

I stroked her after she seemed to relax, over the soaking cloth. I could feel her clit and centered my fingers over that as I watched her face. Isabelle’s breathing became labored as her legs dropped apart for me and I watched her trembling as she let out a soft moan, coming for me. I reached under the material as she dropped back, feeling her warmth as I circled her clit again.

CHAPTER 11

Isabelle

The feeling was explosive as I peaked, crashing over the edge. I had never come like that before and felt like I never would again as his hand slipped over my bare folds and stroked me. It had been since before Kendra was born that I was with anybody and I breathed in deeply as he teased me. I wanted to give myself to him but I tried to remember that this was my boss. He had exact control of my future at this time and I knew that I should stop this. It felt too good to stop.

I felt something tingling as he circled my clit again and bit my lips as warmth surged through my body again. I gasped as I opened my eyes and looked into his face, tense with need as he pulled his hand away and resting beside me. “Was that the first time in a while?” Mason asked me as I smiled weakly.

“Yes. It felt amazing,” I replied as he traced his hand over my stomach. “Are you okay?”

“I didn’t mean for it to go this far, Isabelle. I’m fine,” he said as he rested his head against the cushion. I relaxed, knowing that there was something to this. I felt happy inside and not at all ashamed to be nearly naked beside him. I didn’t know what Monday was going to be like but I could deal with that later.

I felt alive again.

We stayed there for a while before Mason asked me if I wanted him to tuck me in bed. I assumed that Kendra was still sleeping and nodded as he went to get my phone before helping me up. I walked with him as he asked if he could lock my door before leaving. A part of me didn’t want him to leave since this was such a rare opportunity. It was also the first time we’d been together outside of work and I needed to slow down. “Yes. You can lock the knob and pull it closed. It’s a secure door.”

He got me under the covers of my queen bed and tucked me in before giving me a soft kiss. I watched as he made sure I was okay before telling me that he’d contact me tomorrow and left the apartment.

I knew that he might never call me again or be over here. It was so rare that I got the apartment to myself, much less any time to go out. How could I be anything to Mason?

I turned and pulled the covers over myself after checking to see if my phone was fully charged. I saw that it was going to die at some point during the night and reached for the cord to plug it in. I closed my eyes, thinking about the night as I hoped that there might be another. If not, I had to be an adult and move past it. This might just be a great night and nothing more.

I slept hard and woke up early the next morning, listening for Kendra. I remembered that she was sleeping next door and guilt washed over me as I thought back to what I’d done last night.

“She’s safe,” I told myself as I looked at the clock to see that it was seven in the morning. Nan was usually up early and I sent her a text asking how everything was. I meant to do the same last night but fell asleep too quickly. Nan responded to tell me that Kendra was up and hungry, so she was making breakfast for her if I’d like to come over. I told her that I was going to wash my face and would be right over, smiling as I took a deep breath.

I washed my face and brushed my teeth before pulling on leggings and a sweatshirt. I checked my neck and sighed with relief when I saw that there were no marks before pulling my hair into a messy bun. I grabbed my keys and walked over to Nan’s, giving Kendra a hug when she answered the door. She led me in and I looked her over, seeing that she looked perky again. “Glad to see that you’re okay, bug. I hope you didn’t mind sleeping here. You looked so comfortable.” I smiled gratefully at Nan as her blue eyes twinkled.

“I didn’t, Mommy. Nan took good care of me yesterday.” Kendra told me as I took into account how lucky I was to have people like her in my life.

“She sure did.” I went over to hug the woman when Kendra went to watch TV, thanking her for being such an angel.

“You deserve a break. You worked all week, and she was fine here. I locked up tight and left my door open so I would hear her.” Nan smiled. “Once a mother, you always have that instinct.” Her kids were grown and had children of their own. I’d met them before.

“That’s so true. Can I help?” I asked her, glancing back at my daughter before going into the small kitchen with her. We made up some bacon and eggs together and Nan looked over at me as she plated the eggs. “Who was the man that came over last night? I couldn’t help but to notice the footsteps.”

“Oh, God.” I shook my head. “It was a friend from work. I invited him over for dinner.” I looked at her with an apologetic smile. “It was nothing.”

“He was mighty handsome,” she told me as I laughed out loud. I pressed a paper towel over the bacon and made some toast as she told Kendra that the food was ready. We sat down at her table and ate as I asked Kendra how her day was before she got sick and she told me all about her first two classes and what she did with her friends before the virus hit her.

We made plans to take it easy for the most part today. I told her that I’d watch movies with her and we’d just eat in, since there were so many leftovers. She might like some of it. I helped Nan clean up and left to go back home with Kendra, letting her in first. She hurried to her room, and I watched with a smile as I locked the door and looked around. I felt so awake today, and I heard my phone in my bedroom. Mason had sent a text while I was gone asking how I was and I responded by telling him I was great. I wanted to thank him for contacting me but that was immature, so I left it alone. We sent a few messages back and forth before I joined Kendra on the couch to watch some of her favorite movies.

Memories of last night kept playing through my mind as I snuggled beside her. I called my mom to tell her that Kendra got her first sickness of the year, and we talked for a little while before I handed the phone to my daughter. I watched as she talked to her grandparents, feeling sleepy as I dropped my head back against the cushion.

I dozed when she was finished talking and she snuggled against me and closed her eyes. We were close due to the situation and during moments where I woke up, I wondered how a man would fit into this. How would Mason fit in? I had no plans on introducing her to anybody until it was serious enough to do so. I thought that I would know, and this was still new. I didn’t even tell my mom about the night before. Well, that and the fact that Kendra was sitting beside me.

We relaxed all day and did a little shopping the following afternoon together, getting home and preparing for the week. I made lunches the night before every night and she took a bath before bed. I read her a book that she picked at school before shutting the light off and walked to the living room, dropping to the couch and breathing in deeply. I reached for my phone and considered sending a message to Mason but I decided to wait until the following day to see what happened at work.

I woke up early the next morning before my alarm. I took a slow shower and made some coffee while I got ready, paying special attention to my makeup and hair. I was nervous but forced myself to accept whatever happened today. I wanted to think that this was more to Mason than just getting me off at my house. If not, then I was strong enough to deal with that. If anything, it opened up the fact that I might be ready to date again.

I dropped Kendra off with a hug and a kiss and headed into Seattle to work, grinning like a fool as I sang along to the song on the radio.

CHAPTER 12

Mason

I dressed for work and wondered what to expect today. I hadn’t been in contact with Isabelle since the text on Saturday morning and though I was certain that I wanted to continue seeing her but had no idea how she felt. She might regret everything and I secured a tie around my neck before running a hand through my messy hair.

I headed to the car to go into work, listening to the news on the way. I was only twenty-seven, but I grew up with a family that was always watching what was going on in the world. I suppose that it stuck with me. I pulled into the garage and looked around to see if Isabelle arrived yet, looking through the crowds of people that were walking to the building.

I didn’t see her, and I checked the clock in my car to determine if I had time to get coffee. That was a nice move, and I darted across the street to buy us drinks, laughing when I turned with them in my hand to see Isabelle in line. She looked at me and grinned widely as I approached her, offering her a cup. We didn’t touch or kiss but I knew that something was still between us as we walked out of the shop together.

We walked across the street and to the elevator, talking and laughing. Hannah joined us on the car and greeted us with a curious smile as Isabelle smiled widely at her. I leaned back and sipped from my cup, trying to appear casual as Isabelle turned her attention to her phone that suddenly appeared in her hand. Hannah shot one of her brows up as she gazed at me, leaving to go to her office before us as Isabelle let out a soft breath. “Don’t worry,” I told her as she followed me to the corner, setting down her stuff on the desk as I asked her to come into my office for a moment.

Isabelle kept her purse at her side as she followed me and I closed the door and pressed her against it. She stared at me with bright eyes, wrapping her arms around me as I kissed her hungrily. I didn’t tell her that I thought about her this weekend, wondering what she was doing and how her daughter was feeling. I didn’t mention how much I wanted to call her. I pulled away for a moment and she dropped her head to my chest. “We are going to get no work done like this, Mason.”

“I won’t keep you in here all day. Don’t worry. I just need a morning kiss, maybe lunch every day in here that we don’t have a meeting, and a good night kiss. Is that too much to ask?” I asked as she laughed and kissed me again. We parted, and she went to her desk after fixing her gloss in my mirror, settling down to finish the book she’d started two days ago.

I ordered lunch in and asked if Isabelle wanted to join me for sushi. She did and closed the door as she looked over the generous plate of various kinds. “How is your daughter feeling?”

“She bounced back the next day. We kept the weekend low key, but she was ready for school today.” She smiled after reaching for a piece once she checked with me to make sure that it was cooked.

“That’s great. She stayed with the neighbor all night?” I asked as she nodded, chewing slowly. “Where does your family live?”

“San Diego. Dad is a military man though he recently retired. I wanted to get away and be on my own without being thousands of miles away. Kendra loves them and we try to visit one another as much as possible.” Isabelle shrugged as she watched me reach for another piece. “How about you?”

“My parents and siblings are all local, apart from a brother. We’re very close and my uncle owns this company.” She smiled and nodded as I laughed. “I worked my way up. Trust me. He’d never been easy on me.”

“It seems to have worked out well for you.” Isabelle told me before finishing off her sushi and sipping her water. “Is this going to make people talk? Eating lunch like this?”

“I order in sometimes when I’m busy. You’re my assistant. It’s as simple as that.” I smiled wickedly at her as she blushed and ran a hand through her hair. We finished eating and put the rest of the sushi in the break room with a note to enjoy it before Isabelle followed me back into my office. I closed the door and kissed her since the windows were already closed, dropping to the couch as I pulled her over me. Isabelle groaned softly as she straddled me, feeling my hard cock against her. I slipped my hands down her body and pulled her closer as our tongues danced together.

I knew that this was risky but I couldn’t help myself. Isabelle was all too eager with me and I slipped a hand into her hair and held her still, kissing her harder.

The phone rang, making us both jump as Isabelle pulled away. I reluctantly asked her to move to I could answer it, surprised to hear my uncle’s voice on the other end. Isabelle waved and headed back to her desk with a smile, and I watched her hungrily. “Mason? Are you there?” Ken asked as I blinked.

“Yes, I am I was just telling my assistant something before she left. Continue.” I urged him as there was a pause on the other end.

“I heard that it didn’t work out with Brianne. How is the new one?” Ken asked as I smiled to myself.

“We work well together. I hope that she lasts,” I told him, meaning the words in more ways than one.

“Good. You have a lot of work on your plate.” Ken replied as we moved on to the holidays. Our families spent them together apart from Logan and it was a big affair. I thought about Isabelle and her daughter, wondering what they did. Maybe they went home to be with her parents, which was a good thing. We ended the call about a half hour later and I pulled up my email to see what was in the queue. I knew that Isabelle would be finished with her current project soon and decided to pull something off the list to start until then.

We met back in my office before it was time to leave for a goodbye kiss. I longed to ask her to go out to dinner even if it involved bringing her daughter, but I knew that she wouldn’t do it. I didn’t know if Isabelle ever would and I watched as she pulled away and looked at me. “I have to go get Kendra. I’ll see you tomorrow.” One more soft kiss and she left before me to pull any attention from us leaving together. I stepped out of my office a few minutes later and took the elevator down, seeing Isabelle speaking to one of the guys that worked at the coffee stand, her face creased with worry. I looked at him, closer to her age and clearly into her as he smiled and said something to her. Isabelle glanced at her watch and said something before leaving, a small smile on her face.

Did she like the attention?

I walked to the door and followed behind her a bit as she hurried to her car, hopping in and leaving the garage. I started my car and wondered what kind of future this might offer me if any. Did I want a future that involved a child?

I pulled out and headed home for the night, making some pasta before I sat down to watch some football. I normally didn’t mind being along but tonight I kept thinking about Isabelle. I pictured her coming for me again, her face twisted in pleasure as she rocked forward against her hand. I could see that it was a meaningful release for her and wondered if it was due to the amount of time that it had been for Isabelle or the fact that it was with me.

Jesus. I sounded like a teenage boy and I thought back to the days when everything was casual in my life. The betrayal of my girlfriend and brother had hit me hard although more from him than Lana. I didn’t want anything more than that until I met Isabelle.

I also didn’t want to risk my job or hers. Isabelle needed it with a daughter and I was trying to work my way to replacing Ken when he retired. Isabelle could get another job with her skills but it might not be as good as this one, leaving her to struggle. I sighed and wondered if I should end this thing between us. She was beautiful and would find someone that was worthy enough to meet her daughter and move into their lives. Isabelle had a bright future ahead of her, full of accomplishments and hopefully someone to love her.

I pushed away the nagging thought that I already might. I didn’t know her that well and we’d only fooled around a few times. We never went out together one-on-one and that was probably going to be rare. Was that what I wanted?

I fell asleep on the couch, missing the win. I woke up in the morning and went for a run before showering for work and getting dressed. I was sore from my sleeping position and walked through the building feeling irritated. I noticed that Isabelle wasn’t at her desk yet and kept walking into my office as my phone vibrated. I set my coffees down and checked it to see a message from Isabelle explaining that she had a hard time waking Kendra up. She apologized and promised that she would be here as soon as possible and I told her to drive carefully.

I set her cup on her desk and turned on my computer to start the day. I hoped that she was all right and worried about her daughter as I opened up my programs. Was she getting sick again?

CHAPTER 13

Isabelle

I pulled my hair back into a ponytail as I called to Kendra to hurry. I was going to be late to work, and I wasn’t even there three weeks yet. I missed Mom so much in this moment as panic filled me, knowing that she handled a lot for me when I lived there.

I checked my gray shift dress and flats before I walked through the house to see Kendra pulling on her boots. “I’m sorry, Mommy. I couldn’t sleep last night.” She gave me a sad look as I walked over and gave her a hug.

“Is everything okay?” I knelt down and pushed away the worry about arriving even later. “We all have trouble sleeping sometimes, Kendra. It’s okay.”

“I was just having bad dreams. I kept waking up, and it was hard to go to sleep again.” Kendra told me as I smiled.

“If you need to talk at any time, come get me. I don’t want you sitting in your room like that. I went to talk to Grandma all the time when I was little. I loved it.” I knew that Kendra had a special relationship with my mom and missed her. “I think that we should go see her again. Maybe next weekend?” I knew that I could pay for plane tickets with my job, assuming I didn’t get fired today. My probation was six months long, and I wanted to do my best.

“Can we?” Kendra asked as I nodded. I would look for deals over lunch and hopefully get there for under three hundred dollars. I knew that we were going for Thanksgiving and Christmas as well and looked forward to relaxing in my childhood home again. We finished getting ready and went to the car as I wondered what Mason did for the holidays. He had family here, so he probably spent it with them. I thought for a fleeting second of a time where we would be there with him, sitting close on the couch as I felt like a part of his family.

I turned on the radio and pushed that image out of my head. This was not going to turn into that. We’d probably end badly since we worked together and I just hoped that he would help me with a job like he promised he would. I dropped off Kendra with a hug and a kiss and got on the freeway, groaning at the brake lights in front of me. I called my mom on blue tooth and told her about the morning to distract myself from my growing anxiety. “Oh, sweetie. Is she okay?” Mom asked as I narrowed my eyes at the inch that I moved.

“I guess. She stayed in her room so I had no idea that anything was wrong at all,” I told her. “I told her to come talk to me anytime the way that I used to do with you. I thought that she knew she could.”

“I think that Kendra is probably still adjusting a bit. This is all new to her, but she’s handling everything well otherwise.”

“I told her that I’d look for plane tickets for next weekend. Is that okay for you?” I asked as Mom told me that I could come for a visit anytime. She was home a lot and her and Dad only traveled at certain times of the year. “I am going to get a new car as soon as I can so we can drive but I didn’t think that Gert was going to make it here the first time.”

“How is work?” Mom asked me as I struggled with my answer.

“It’s going well. I love reading for a living and I’ve had the chance to sit in on client lunches as well. I feel like I’m learning a lot, assuming I don’t get fired today. I am still on probation.” I sighed and pulled forward as traffic started moving.

“They know about Kendra, right?” I assured her that most did. “Life happens. I’m sure they’ll understand that you are going to have bad days. You’ll be fine. Stop worrying, Belle. You’re going to give yourself a heart attack,” Mom told me, knowing me all too well. “How do you like your boss?”

“He’s great. We seem to work well together,” I stammered as Mom laughed.

“I looked up the company online. He’s quite handsome, isn’t he?”

“I guess. I am there to work and you know how I feel about dating,” I reminded her softly as Mom went quiet on the other end.

“Isabelle, Kendra is six now. She’s in school and you’re working and you deserve to have a life for yourself. You’re still young. I know you won’t be out every night partying or anything but it would be okay to date. Kendra could handle that.” Mom told me as I thought about Mason.

“I don’t want her to meet anyone until I am serious about them. Her own father walked away from her and I can’t risk that again,” I told her as Mom told me that Kendra didn’t know Jackson. She accepted what we’d told her fine and Mom told me that she would be fine with me dating someone. I didn’t tell her that Kendra had hinted around to having a Daddy.

“Let me see if I still have a job, Mom. I’ll find a man tomorrow,” I joked as she laughed and I exited the freeway. “I am just a few minutes away. I’ll call you later.” I drove through the streets and parked in the garage, noting that I was an hour late. “Damn it,” I muttered as I got out of my car and hurried towards the building. I waved at Stan as he called out to me, getting on the elevator without even making eye contact. I practically ran down the hallway to my desk, feeling sick when I saw the coffee waiting for me. I paused and took a deep breath for a moment before tapping on his cracked door. He told me to come on and I pushed it open and gave him a small smile. “I am so sorry. She had trouble sleeping last night and was a bear this morning. I had to have a pep talk with her. I still have a job, right?”

“Of course. Things happen. Is she sick again?” Mason asked as he leaned forward to look at me.

“No, I think she’s just adjusting. I promised her a quick trip to visit my folks this weekend.” I glanced towards my desk. “Thanks for the coffee, even if it’s probably cold by now. I’ll get to work and skip my lunch to make up the time? Maybe come in early tomorrow?”

“Either option works for me, Isabelle. Mason stood up and walked over to me, glancing at the closed door before kissing me softly. “The company has a jet. I could fly you two to San Diego that way once I check the schedule.”

“A jet? Are you serious?” I asked as he smiled and nodded.

“We travel a lot. It made sense.” Mason assured me as I backed up towards the door. I was already late, and I felt worse staying in his office this long. “I’ll check and let you know.”

“Thank you,” I told him as I walked to my desk and dropped into my seat. I sipped the coffee, finding it spicy and still warm before turning on my computer and getting right to work. Mason was a good man, and I smiled as I pulled up the email for a new read. I saw that he was working on something new so I selected a different story and pulled it up as I settled in my seat.

I worked through my lunch, nibbling on the sandwich that I’d packed as I kept reading. I preferred to cover my time right away, and the book was so good that I enjoyed staying at my desk. Mason left for lunch, shaking his head at me as he walked by. I went to make coffee and came back to a small pink bag at my desk. I sat down and opened it to find some chocolate truffles inside and looked at his door for a moment.

I picked up my phone and considered what I should send him.

Me: Do you do this for women all the time?

I hit send and winced as I imagined him reading my thoughts.

Mason: No. I just feel like spoiling you a little. You work hard and deserve that. If your daughter likes chocolate, bring one for her dessert tonight.

Me: She does. Thank you.

This might not be serious but Mason was treating me better than anyone ever had before. I wonder if it was the fact that he seemed to have the money. His family had a jet. I shook my head and went back to the story.

I felt better at the end of the day when I left to get Kendra. Mason never made me feel like a bad person for being late and I walked out with him to our cars. “I swear this won’t happen again.” I looked at him, licking my tingling lips from the kiss inside of his office.

“Don’t worry about it.” Mason walked towards his car and I took the elevator to mine since I was late. He told me that the plane was free and the times the pilot could fly us. I was overwhelmed with this and wondered what to tell my parents.

I picked up Kendra, and we went to get some pizza after the long day. I ate at the restaurant with her and we sat at a small booth as she told me about school, eating cheesy slices of the pizza in between stories. She seemed better, but I reminded her to come and talk to me anytime that she needed to. We headed home to get homework done and a bath before bed.

I fell asleep on the couch in front of Grey’s Anatomy. I was so tired after stressing earlier and couldn’t help it, but I woke up at two and checked on Kendra before continuing to my own bed. I crawled under the covers and passed out again, waking up on time with relief when Kendra popped out of bed. We left the house on time and I pulled into the garage early, running over for coffee for both of us. I went into the building and set mine down, walking his into his office as I watched Mason standing by the window. He was knotting his tie, and I stared quietly for a moment, mesmerized by his flawlessness. He glanced over to see me and I walked over to join him, handing him the coffee as I looked over the city. “I love this city,” I said softly, taking it all in as he stood behind me, his hand around my waist.

“Me too. There’s something about it that makes me feel alive, rain and all.” Mason pulled me against him. “Thanks for the coffee.”

“You deserve to be spoiled as well,” I assured him as I smiled.

“You are a different kind of woman,” Mason told me as I turned to look at him.

“I am?”

“You are,” he assured me as we stood together and looked over the beautiful view. I made my way to my desk and pulled up the current book, sipping my coffee as I started to read it. This was a dream for me and I smiled to myself as I took notes on a plot gap, suggesting something to bring it all together.

Mason sent me a message telling me about another client lunch on Friday, this time at a sushi place. That made me smile as I thought about the lunch in his office where we just talked and got to know one another better. I told him that sounded great and worked until lunch, deciding to get a sandwich from a deli down the street. My paycheck was great and I could afford to splurge a bit.

CHAPTER 14

Mason

I made arrangements for the plane to leave at seven on Friday evening, returning at five on Sunday night. I had a friend that lived in Carlsbad and checked into visiting myself, deciding to surprise Isabelle by joining them on the flights. I was looking forward to seeing her interact with her daughter a bit.

The week passed quickly with a few new projects coming in and I was heading out to get Isabelle for our lunch on Friday before I knew it. She was wearing a cute full black skirt and a purple blouse with heels and I could see the excitement in her eyes over the trip.

We took a cab to the sushi place on the water and met with the clients in a back booth. Isabelle sipped green tea and listened to their plot idea with a small smile, distracting me with her beauty. The clients had a few books under their belt already and I thought their idea was great but I was moving forward to the luggage in my condo and the long weekend away. I might not be spending it with Isabelle but I could spend time on the plane with her.

We finished lunch and went back to the office for the few hours that we had left. Isabelle was planning on going to get Kendra and their bags and meet me at the airport so I could get them on the plane. She had no idea that I was flying with them and I smiled as I assured her that I’d see her there.

We left together and walked to our cars as she chatted about her parents. Kendra had been talking about the trip all week and I smiled as Isabelle waved and walked over to her car. I drove home and changed into jeans and a t-shirt as my phone chimed. I glanced down to see a message from a girl that I saw occasionally and read her proposition for tonight with a bored expression. I told her that I was busy and checked my luggage and house to make sure everything was set before I caught a cab to the airport. I pictured Isabelle and Kendra in their own car, excited and talking about the trip as they got closer to my surprise.

I got out and paid the driver before going to the back of the airport where we were to board the plane. It was a lot quicker than traditional travel and I looked around for Isabelle. I was a bit early, and I set my bag beside me and kept an eye open for her. I saw her after a while, still wearing her outfit from earlier as she pulled some luggage behind her and holding Kendra’s hand. Her daughter was beaming, and I pushed away from the wall as I watched them together, feeling warmth wash over me as Isabelle looked up and saw me. She waved and walked over, looking nervous as she introduced me to Kendra. The little girl looked shrewdly at me for a moment as I cleared my throat. “I am flying with you, if that’s okay. I have a friend in Carlsbad that I am going to hang out with.”

Isabelle looked surprised as she looked down at Kendra. “That’s fine. It is your plane after all.” We walked out to the plane as she looked around in wonder, telling Kendra that this was a special treat. We stepped into the cabin where there were seats for twenty as well as a bed to sleep in for longer flights. Isabelle opened her mouth in surprise, making me want to kiss her as I watched her look around. “This is incredible.”

“It makes flying a lot easier for everyone. You can sit anywhere and there’s snacks on board once we’re in the air. This is a short flight, but it is going to be comfortable.” I assured the girls as Kendra walked over to a seat by the window, setting her backpack down to pull out coloring books and crayons as Isabelle chuckled.

“Well, then you look like you’re set,” she said as she looked around, choosing a seat right across the aisle from Kendra. “She’s flown a few times.”

I took the seat beside her as Isabelle gave me a long look. She glanced over at Kendra but the little girl was making herself quite at home. “I am not going to do anything inappropriate.” I said softly as Isabelle smiled weakly.

“I didn’t even know you were joining us. Why didn’t you tell me?” She asked as I shrugged casually.

“It was a last minute trip. I didn’t have anything going on and I haven’t seen Colby in a while.” I explained as she nodded and leaned back, telling Kendra to buckle her seat belt for the flight. The engine started and Isabelle rested her hands beside her as we took off, glancing over at Kendra. “She’s great.”

“Yeah, she is. This trip is going to be so good for us.” Isabelle told me as she looked over, meeting my gaze. I watched as she moved her hand beside her, out of sight of Kendra and I reached for it. Our fingers intertwined as she smiled and looked past me out the window. I had almost three hours with her and I was going to enjoy it.

We settled in the sky and I asked Kendra if she wanted any snacks. She asked what I had with a mischievous look in her eyes and I went down the list. We were prepped for long flights and her eyes lit up when I mentioned popcorn and chocolate candy. “Are you the man that sent Mommy home with the fancy chocolate for me in the pink bag?”

I pressed a button on the microwave and nodded. “I am. I was out to lunch and thought you two might enjoy that. Was it good?”

She smiled just like her mom and nodded. “It was the best chocolate that I’ve ever had.”

“I second that,” Isabelle agreed as I looked at her smile. I got the popcorn and candy and set it on the tray in front of her as Kendra dug in. I grabbed a bag of candy for us to share and sat back down as she looked at me. We shared the candy and chatted about what we liked in San Diego and I glanced over at Kendra an hour into the flight. “She’s out.”

Isabelle looked to see her daughter resting against the window surrounded by books and snacks, laughing. “She sure is. I think that she’s been up all week thinking about this trip.”

“I can use the jet for that any time it’s not booked.” I told her as I reached for her hand again.

“Why are you so nice to me?” Isabelle asked as she looked at my lips.

“I told you that you’re a different kind of woman,” I reminded her as she nodded. “You make me want to do things for you.”

“Is there a bathroom on the plane?” Isabelle asked as I told her it was in the back. She got up and walked to the door as I watched her, glancing at Kendra again. I grinned and stood, heading to the back and leaning against the wall to wait for her to come out. The door opened and Isabelle walked out, raising an eyebrow when she saw me. “What are you doing back here?”

“I just wanted to do this,” I told her as I leaned down to kiss her, pulling her against me. Our lips molded together as she slipped her arms around my neck.

“Is she still sleeping?” Isabelle asked against my lips as I nodded. She kissed me again, and I turned her back to the wall, listening for Kendra as our tongues danced together. I wanted to take her to the bed and worship her body but this was not the time or place.

We made our way back to our seats after some heated kisses and settled back in for the remainder of the flight. I held her hand as we watched the land below us and talked about places we’d been and wanted to visit. I realized that she didn’t travel too much before Kendra and certainly not after. I was lucky enough to travel a lot as a kid and young adult. “I am hoping that I can save for something with the job. I at least want to take her to Disneyland, even Disney world. There’s so much to see out there.”

“If we went somewhere fun for a work trip, I think you could bring her. Could your mom come and keep her busy while we’re working?” I suggested as she looked at me with a big smile, making me look at Kendra and kiss her again.

“I think so. We’ll see what comes up.” The pilot came over the speaker to announce that we would be landing in forty-five minutes and Isabelle stretched. “I’ll wake her up when we’re closer to landing. She is going to be up late tonight.”

The plane began to descend, and Isabelle walked over to rouse Kendra out of her sleep. “We’re almost there, Ken. Wake up for Grandma and Grandpa.” Kendra stretched and looked around as Isabelle started cleaning up the surrounding bags.

“Someone cleans it after every flight,” I told her as Isabelle gave me a stern look.

“I am going to clean up after my daughter, Mason.” Kendra helped her and Isabelle took the trash to a small can in the corner. I laughed as we nodded and she sat down for the landing. I let them exit the plane first, getting their bags for them before we walked inside to meet her parents.

“My girls!” A voice called as I glanced up to see a woman that Isabelle strongly resembled. She ran over to hug both of them before fussing over the little girl for a moment. She stood and looked at me in surprise before glancing at her daughter. “Mason Drury. It’s nice to meet you. I didn’t know that you were coming as well.” We shook hands as she took me in carefully.

“I got a last-minute invite to visit a friend. I wanted to see that they made it okay as well.” I looked at Isabelle and Kendra, who was hugging her Grandpa. Melanie Evans looked between us as a smile spread over her face.

“Why don’t the two of you go out for a while? Get some dinner. We can take Kendra back to the house.” Isabella’s mouth dropped open as she stared at me.

“I am sure that he has a friend picking him up,” she protested as I grinned.

“I am renting a car. He works a lot, so I wanted my own transportation.” I looked down her body, keeping the look clean. “You’re dressed for dinner.”

“Go, sweetie. We’ll take your bag for you.” Melanie told her as Isabelle shook her head. “How does pizza sound on the way home, Kendra?”

“Yummy, Grandma. I had popcorn and candy on the plane,” Kendra told her as she grinned as Isabelle and I. She walked over and hugged her mom tightly before turning and wrapping her arms around my legs. “Thank you for the plane and candy.”

They made their way to the car, and I looked at Isabelle standing beside me. “Let’s go get my car. What do you like around here?”

CHAPTER 15

Isabelle

I couldn’t believe my mom. Mason was my boss and she shouldn’t encourage this. Could she see that there was something between us?

Mason walked forward, and I followed him, slipping my purse over my body. He walked to the car rental section and walked up to the Hertz counter, giving his name and smiling at me. When we walked out to the convertible Mustang, I laughed and gave him a long look.

Mason opened the door for me, giving me a slow kiss as I closed my eyes. I slipped into the seat when he pulled away and stared forward. We could do this here. Mason put his bag in the trunk and got into the driver’s seat, starting the engine. “What’s good here?”

“There are a lot of seafood places on the water that are good. Just catch the freeway and head towards the ocean. We can decide there.” Isabelle leaned her head back and laughed. “I can’t believe my mom.”

“You deserve to have some time to yourself. She’s right.” He told me as I smiled at him. “Maybe she knows that there’s something going on. Have you told her?”

“I didn’t tell anybody anything. I wouldn’t know how to explain this,” I said slowly as he merged onto the freeway. Mason moved past all the other cars and I smiled with the feeling. Life had been so safe for so long. He got off in La Jolla and headed along the water, both of us searching for somewhere to eat. “Lucy’s is great.” I told him, pointing to a sign.

“That is where we shall go,” Mason told me as he eased the car into the small lot. We parked, and he opened my door for me, offering his hand before we walked inside. I took it with a soft smile and we walked together as I looked at the waves rolling up to the rocks to my left. Mason opened the glass door, and we walked to the hostess asking about a table as I looked around. She gave Mason an appraising look before glancing at me and calling out to one of the waitresses to seat us.

I chuckled as we followed a blonde to a table that overlooked the cliffs where the full moon was shining in the sky. It cast a beautiful reflection on the water and I smiled as I looked out. “You’re a popular guy,” I told him as Mason stared at me.

“I am with you, Isabelle.” I looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. “I knew when I met you that you were special but I’ve gotten to know that more over the last few weeks. This is probably wrong and risky but I will handle anything that comes about in your career. I just want to be with you.”

“Mason,” I murmured as he leaned closer to me to kiss me. We were seated beside each other, and I parted my lips for him to deepen the kiss. I wasn’t the kind of girl to make out in a restaurant and I giggled as I sensed someone at the table. I looked up to see the waitress staring at us as Mason reached fluidly for the wine menu.

“White or red?” He asked as I told him that white sounded perfect. Mason ordered a bottle of the house wine and we looked at the menu together as we decided on our entrees. Dinner was relaxed with a lot of laughter and talking and he paid the bill when we were done, leading me outside as he looked around. “There’s a path down there. Want to walk for a bit?” I nodded, feeling the glasses of wine that I enjoyed with dinner. We headed down and walked along the cliffs as I told him how gorgeous it was here during the day. He nodded as he listened to my rambling, stopping as we reached a rock. Mason turned to me, cupping my face with his hands before he kissed me. I returned it, feeling the strong emotions between us as I wrapped my arms around his waist. Mason didn’t hold back here, and he kissed me hungrily, telling me that he wanted more with me with his lips and tongue. I moaned as I kissed him back, my mind wandering to being alone with him somewhere where we could take this to the end.

“I want you,” I murmured against his lips before I kissed him again.

“I have a hotel reserved in Carlsbad. Want to go there with me?” Mason asked as I considered my answer. I could text Mom and tell her that I was going to be late. Kendra was fine with them.

“Yes,” I told him as I kissed him again. We hurried to the car, and he got me inside with another long kiss as I clutched his shoulders. Mason drove through the dark streets and I watched as he pulled into the parking lot of a five star hotel. We went to check in and he took my hand and pulled his luggage to the elevator. I pushed the button, and he kissed me as the doors closed, pressing me against the wall. We stumbled out when the door opened, searching the doors for his room before he unlocked it and pushed me inside.

Mason dropped his bag down and it fell over as he stepped towards me. He kissed me again, gripping my ass as he carried me towards the large bed in the center of the large room. I clung to him, craving his mouth all over my body as the dam broke inside of me. I couldn’t fight this anymore and I slid down to the mattress, unbuttoning my shirt and dropping it to the floor and removed his shirt as well. Mason unbuttoned his jeans and kicked them off as I dropped to my back and slipped the skirt down over my hips.

He crawled over me on the bed, claiming my lips as he slid one hand down my body. I arched against him, needing the feel of his skin against mine as our tongues crashed together. I wanted Mason tonight as well as forever and I moaned as he kissed down my neck and chest. Mason moved slowly, but I wanted him to taste me and I rocked up against him, feeling his hands opening my bra and cupping my breasts. He brought his mouth down to a nipple, sucking it into his mouth as I cried out. “I’ve wanted you since I met you,” Mason told me before moving to the other one to draw it between his teeth. I cried out, wrapping my legs around his body as he groaned and thickened against my thigh.

Mason made me crazy with his mouth and I was weak when he kissed down my stomach, slipping my underwear down. He tossed them and moved between my legs, inhaling deeply as he stared at me. “You smell like fucking honey,” he told me as I gazed at him with hooded eyes. I was going to come fast tonight but it would be the best feeling in the world. He bent his face down between my legs, stroking me with his tongue as I moaned. Every part of my body came alive with the sensation and I slipped a hand into his hair. Mason focused on my clit as I cried out, knowing how close I was.

I crashed, screaming his name as I came. I couldn’t stay still as I came, rocking against him. Mason watched me, moving to his pants and pulling something out of his wallet. “Do you want this?”

“Yes, more than anything.” I replied as I watched him slip his boxers off and drop them to the floor. I swallowed thickly as he walked towards me, kissing up my thighs as I closed my eyes. I was going to sleep with Mason, my boss. He moved back up my body, sheathing himself before he kissed my lips.

I always thought that I’d never want to kiss a man after he’d gone down on me. It sounded gross in theory but I ate away at his lips now, feeling him position himself between my legs. Mason eased himself slowly inside of me, filling me and stretching me open as I whimpered. “I’ll go slow. You’re so tight,” Mason whispered as he moved forward, holding me tight. He felt so good, and I arched my back as he slid deeper. Mason was larger than Jackson from what I remembered, but the memories were suddenly vague. The feelings I held towards him disappeared as Mason moved and stilled, giving me a moment to adjust to him.

We started to move together and my body burned with need. I clutched him, scraping at his back and crying out his name. Mason moved back, filling me as he rocked forward and I cried out louder. It was just a few thrusts before I was toppling over the edge, and he moved slower before he was coming with me. Mason groaned, burying his head in my neck as he jerked inside of me.

Mason rolled to his side, drawing me close to him as I drew in a breath. “I have wanted that for so long. At least, it feels that way.”

“I waited for six years for that. I never thought I’d find someone that I trusted again, but you changed that. I don’t remember anything about Kendra’s dad now. I think I’ve finally put it in the past.” I smiled at the idea and gazed at him in the light from the entry.

“Good, because you’re mine now. This isn’t it for us, Isabelle.” Mason stroked my damp hair back and stared at me.

“What about work?” I asked as he shrugged.

“The rules aren’t that strict, Isabelle. Hannah likes to give me a hard time and I suspect that she was protecting you, due to your daughter. I have been casual with women and nothing more. I have an ex that slept with my brother a few years back and it hardened me.” I reached forward to wrap my arm around him as best I could. “When you crashed into me in that coffee shop and I looked into your eyes, I wanted nothing more than to ask you for your number. I took the high road and acted angry, never thinking that I’d see you at work.” Mason kissed me softly. “The rules are there so it doesn’t get crazy but I can talk to my uncle. He will support me knowing that this is real for me.” I stared at him, watching his eyes lock with mine. “I am falling in love with you. I know that you don’t want to have me in Kendra’s life this fast, and that’s fine, but I want to keep seeing you.”

“Actually… she hugged you at the airport. That was big for Kendra. Maybe she is ready for someone to be in our lives.” I smiled at him. “We can take that part slow because I am falling for you as well.”

“Sounds great,” Mason agreed as we kissed again. I stayed a little while longer with him and then he drove me to my parent’s house. We made plans to meet up the next day and take Kendra to the beach casually, and I looked at him as I kissed him in the car.

“Are you here to see a friend?”

“In part. We are going to have dinner tomorrow night and he does work a lot, hence the car and hotel. I didn’t think that we’d get together like this, but I’m glad we did.” I kissed him one more time before running to the door and unlocking it. The light was on in the kitchen and I saw the light on in the living room as I ran a hand through my hair. I walked in, seeing my parents snuggled together with Kendra sound asleep on Mom’s lap.

“How late was she up?” I asked as Mom smiled.

“Ten. That nap on the plane gave her a lot of energy but dinner and playing wore her out. How was your night?” Mom asked as I smiled.

“It was fun. Thanks, Mom.”

“You don’t get that chance in Seattle as easily. I can see that Mason has feelings for you.” Dad looked at me as I blushed.

“He’s my boss,” I reminded her as Mom shrugged.

“It will work out,” she assured me as I walked over to pick up Kendra. I carried her to my room and put her in the big bed, changing into pajamas before I crawled in beside her.

I thought about Mason sleeping alone in his hotel room, but that was okay. I could balance time between him and Kendra but she would always come first. He understood that but the way she hugged him tonight was so different for Kendra. Maybe she could see something in him, in us.

CHAPTER 16

Mason

I had trouble sleeping after I took Isabelle back to her parent’s house. I wanted to spend the night with her and wake up to go for breakfast, but this was different. She had a daughter that she had to put first and I respected that. Our time together would be precious but it felt like I would be a part of their lives very soon.

I turned to look out of the window at the clear sky, playing back the way it felt to be inside of her. Isabelle was perfect, and I’d start locking my office door if that’s what it took to feel her again.

Not really. I had to respect the basic rules of the company and keep us under wraps as much as possible. I closed my eyes and drifted off for a little longer, not planning on getting to the house until later in the morning. Her family deserved time with her and I could see them after that.

I woke up to a call from Colby, canceling dinner tonight due to work and I told him it was fine. I might be busy but I didn’t tell him that I planned around our visit. I ended the call and dressed to go check out the gym before running along the sand instead. It was still cool out, and the sun was bright with the air salty from the ocean.

I loved Seattle but it would be nice to have a place by the ocean as well. Maybe I could get a vacation home down the line and bring Isabelle and Kendra here for a break. They had family here and it would be perfect. I looked down the long beach to see other joggers as well as people just wandering along and smiled as I ran past them.

I showered and changed into some shorts that would work as a suit and a t-shirt, packing some extra clothes in a bag that I added to the back seat of the car. I checked with Isabelle that it was okay for me to come by and she told me to hurry. I started the engine and pulled out to the road to head to the freeway, turning on the news as I drove. I liked to keep up on the things going on even if most of it was depressing. I merged into the lane and pressed the gas to speed ahead, wanting to be with Isabelle as soon as I could.

I pulled into the driveway and parked off to the side, hopping out and walking to the front door. I heard laughter inside and stood for a moment to listen before ringing the doorbell. I didn’t want to interrupt them but I sensed last night that Isabelle’s mom welcomed people with open arms. I pushed the button and the sound of a chime broke through the chatter and I heard someone walking towards the door. Isabelle threw it open and smiled, looking gorgeous in a light dress with a cardigan. “Hi.” She greeted me, opening the door and ushering me in as her father stood up from his seat at the table.

“Mason. I hear that you’re going to join us today,” he said as he shook my hand firmly.

“I was hoping to. Isabelle mentioned the beach.” I replied as he nodded and looked warmly at Kendra.

“That girl loves the beach. She could spend the entire day there. We might come back and grill for dinner or go out, depending on what we feel like. You’re welcome to join us.”

“Perfect day,” I agreed as I turned to see Melanie walking towards me. She wrapped me in a tight hug, asking if I wanted some coffee. “I’d love it.”

She poured me a cup, and we sat down in the cozy living room to talk about the afternoon. Kendra wanted to go to her favorite beach and Melanie decided to pack a cooler with some food. Isabelle went into the kitchen to help her and I watched her walk by, longing to kiss her. Kendra walked over to me and sat down with a ball in her hand a few feet away, asking if I’d play with her. I nodded, and we began rolling it back and forth between us, getting more aggressive by the moment. We were laughing when Isabelle poked her head out to look at us and I winked at her. I asked Kendra if she’d ever played air hockey and she told me that she was the best at it. I challenged her to a game as soon as we found a table and we shook on it.

Isabelle got Kendra dressed and slathered in sunscreen before we went out to the large SUV parked beside me in the driveway. Kendra sat in the very back in a small car seat that Isabelle buckled her into before sitting beside me in the second row. I buckled in and grabbed her hand as she smiled at me, glancing back as we moved out of the long driveway.

We went to a large beach with a lot of rocks and places for kids to play and Kendra hurried towards the steps as Isabelle called out for her to slow down. I watched as she chased after her daughter, chuckling along with her parents. “That will be the whole weekend,” Melanie told me as I nodded. She looked at me and I knew that she was going to say something with regard to last night. “Did I do the right thing last night? It looked as though you care for Isabelle and she needs that.”

“I do. I care for her a lot but I am willing to give her the space that she needs where Kendra is concerned. I don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable.” I looked at Melanie as she smiled.

“If you ask me, it is time for her to move on. What happened with Kendra’s father was bad but she gave her soul to that baby. Kendra is old enough to handle Belle dating, and she seems to like you. I would swear that she picked up on her mom’s fear or whatever you would call it of men. This is a good sign.” Melanie smiled at me. “Push it a bit with her. It’s not an issue at the job, is it?”