by Ellie Danes
My attention immediately turned back to the dark hoodie clad attacker. I heard him huffing and puffing as he came at me, fist raised. I sidestepped, grabbing his arm again, twisting it around his back, and slamming him up against the beat-up car just as Harper got out of the way. Leaning in close, I could smell cigarette smoke on his hoodie. I spoke right into his ear, my tone much calmer than the beast inside of me felt, teeth gritted as I gave my warning. “I would advise you to leave Miss Browning alone.”
He laughed, trying to struggle against me. I could feel his muscles pop with the effort, but I didn’t let up on the arm I had pinned behind his back. He was immobile. “Who the hell are you? Her bodyguard?”
I smiled, twisting his arm a little bit further back until he panted. “You bother her again, follow her, or even breathe in her direction, you’ll regret it. Got it?”
He let out a short, clipped sound as I dug my fingers into his wrist before spinning him around, releasing him. I then placed myself in front of Harper, crossing my arms, willing my hands to regain control. Beating this guy in front of Harper wouldn’t do any good, and I didn’t want to bring her into any more trouble.
The man didn’t look in Harper’s direction at all. He met my eyes briefly. “This isn’t over,” he snapped, spinning on his heel and walking back to his mustang.
Harper and I watched as he drove off.
I felt the vein throbbing in my neck and the adrenaline still pulsing through me as I attempted to calm myself. I exhaled, attempting to release the tension as I smiled at Harper. “Hello,” I managed, still struggling with my emotions.
“Hello,” she stared at me in shock. “I guess you just met Jake.”
Asshole. I remembered her little joke from earlier. I tried to smile, but found doing so difficult. I had thought the thrill of the chase was exciting with Harper, but it was nothing compared to the hunt I wanted to have with Jake. “You were right.”
“What?”
“You were right,” I forced the smile now, letting out a small laugh. “He is an asshole.”
“Tell me about it.” Harper rolled her eyes, stepping a little closer. “Are you okay? Your face is all red.”
“I’m fine.” I shook my head side to side as I wondered what Jake had hoped to accomplish by his confrontation.
“Well—thank you,” she said. I could see her shift her weight from side to side. “But.. how? I just left your place… how did you know to be here, or that he would be here?”
“I saw that man—Jake,” I spat the word out, “sitting in front of the mansion when you left. The security team had been watching him, and then he followed you. I don’t have your phone number, and I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
Despite everything, she smiled. I felt my body relax at the sight of it. Suddenly she was next to me, bringing her lips to my cheek. “Thank you,” she breathed. “Again.”
As she pulled back, I could feel my fingers twitch, wanting to fold my arms around her and bring her in for a real kiss. Her lips against my skin had set me off, transferring all the heat I had felt in my chest and head down to lower, less angry, regions. My eyes involuntarily traveled down her body again, taking in the small amount of cleavage her dress revealed. Not to mention her long, smooth legs.
If anything had happened to her... I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.
“Do you want to come in?” She asked me. “We should probably look at your bruises in the light. Jake really had the upper hand for a second, there. I can get you some ice.” My body tensed at the comment, and I searched her face as she winked and smiled.
Chapter Three
Harper
The shock of what had just happened with Jake wore off instantly when Mason took my hand, squeezing it as he grinned. We made our way toward my apartment and I couldn’t help but think that Avery would be proud of me; I was taking the initiative.
As we continued up the stairs to the building, though, our footsteps echoed against the concrete and stone and my thoughts turned more frantic. The only place I had ever seen Mason at was the mansion, a neat masterpiece with architecture and couture to die for. My apartment, on the other hand, was often a disaster. It was a typical college apartment that reflected my busy schedule between work and school.
I immediately began to regret inviting him upstairs.
We slid into the waiting elevator and I pushed the button for the third floor. Mason’s shoulder pressed up against mine as the doors closed. We were alone in the elevator and I felt my heart begin to beat faster. I could feel his heat as he turned to look at me, his eyes scanning up and down my body slowly before coming to rest on my face. I noticed his slight stubble again, trying to remember if I had felt it against my lips during my brief kiss.
The elevator reached my floor and I took Mason’s hand and led him passed one of the windows in our hallway, noticing that the sun had now set. Darkness crawled in. I crossed my fingers mentally, hoping that Avery would be on her date.
I reluctantly let go of his hand to unlock my door, my face heating at the thought of what might lie beyond. I whirled around, blocking his way in.
“Mason... Uh... Would you mind waiting out here for a few seconds? I just want to make sure my roommate doesn’t have any guys over or anything.”
He looked at me, amusement overcoming his features. “Sure.”
Flustered, I attempted to give him a smile and scrambled into the apartment, stopping only for a moment at the big mirror near the entrance. I hardly recognized myself in Avery’s dress, my hair and makeup done. Wiping at my blotched eyeliner, I cursed the spring heat and Mason’s presence for making me sweat so much.
I looked around. Avery had gone, but the apartment was just as I had left it: messy. Flipping off my heels, I scrambled to pick up the clothes, paper plates, and beer cans.
When I opened the door back up, a little out of breath, Mason still stood at the doorway, arms crossed, laughing.
“You’re a terrible liar. You didn’t need to clean up for me. This is your place, after all.”
I grinned, feeling myself blush. “Come in?”
I shut the door behind him as he walked in, kicking my shoes out of the way. He looked around, shoving his hand casually into his pockets, peeking around corners to get a glimpse of the inner rooms. Again I noticed just how slightly his hair curled about the collar of his white shirt, the way the material hugged his toned body.
“Nice place.”
“It works for us,” I said casually. “Plus, it’s juts about all we can afford as working students..” I admitted. “Would you like some wine? I think we have some, unless Avery drank it while I was out.”
I could tell he could sense my nervousness as he smiled at me, nodding; rarely, if ever, did I bring guys home to the apartment. I led him to the kitchen, swiping a few crumbs onto the floor, hoping he didn’t notice.
Looking in the fridge, I realized Avery had, in fact, finished off the wine. I looked around, frantically trying to find something else instead. A jug of almost-expired milk and a few bottles of Avery’s cheap beer. Great.
I turned around with a sigh. “No wine, how about a beer?”
Mason had made himself comfortable at the little island near the fridge, settling into a bar stool, watching me. “Toss one over. Didn’t peg you as much of a beer drinker.”
I took two bottles out of the fridge and gave him a smile as I searched for a bottle opener.
“I’m not much of one. It’s my roommate’s.”
“Allow me,” he offered as I held up the bottle opener, placing the two bottles on the countertop.
The bottles opened with soft pops. I watched as he took a sip, noting the way his lips curved around the bottle. His eyes never left mine. I leaned over the counter, taking a swig out of my own bottle, wincing a little at the bitter taste of very cheap beer.
“So, Miss Browning.” Mason grinned at me. His calling me “Miss Browning” sent a little shiver down my spine. “I’ve asked you
a lot of questions today. Anything you want to ask me?”
“Anything?” I joked, giving him a mischievous look.
He laughed softly. Just like earlier, my body reacted to his laugh in more than one way, and I had to consciously pull myself out of the feeling. Focus!
I decided to start small. “Did you grow up here?”
He ran his finger along the side of the bottle, smearing the droplets of condensation that had gathered on the surface. “No. I grew up in a small town not far from here, moved to a big city for college, ended up here years ago where I started—” he hesitated, taking another sip of beer. “When I started working for the mansion. Been there ever since.”
“Playing love games? Helping Asher find love for all the desperate single people of the world?”
He smiled, bringing his hand up and thoughtfully stroking his chin. “Sure, but I think it’s a bit more than that. What we do isn’t just helping people find lifelong love with another person. We give them a chance they might not otherwise have to explore not only others, but themselves as well.”
I nodded, thinking about his words and watching him.
He saw me watching and his grin grew a little. “Think about it; Would you have ever felt comfortable coming to a huge mansion to see someone you hardly knew, like you did with me today, if you hadn’t come to the mixer in the first place?”
I thought for a moment. “No, I suppose not. I felt a little more sure of myself after going the first time, for some reason.”
“And telling me your fantasy?” He asked, leaning in a little, tilting his head up so he could see my reaction.
I let out a slow breath. I could see the slight stubble on his chin in the light of the kitchen, and I wanted to stroke it, to feel it all over my body. My dream, the fantasy that I had only really half-told him, came back to me. His head dipping down between my legs, blue eyes looking up at me with lust and desire. Would I ever get that chance? My body shivered involuntarily. I hoped he couldn’t see. His eyes were trained on my bottom lip as I bit it.
“I guess I never would have done that, either.” I conceded. “If I hadn’t gone to the mansion.”
“Because you were out of your comfort zone.”
I felt disappointed as he leaned back away from me. I wondered if he had even felt a fraction of what I just had.
“Once you get out of your comfort zone,” he continued. “You learn. You’re more willing to try new things. That’s why I do what I do. To help people break out of their shells and really go for it. You only get one life, after all.”
I listened attentively. His eyes danced as he looked at me, finishing his sentence.
I had to admit he had a point. Suddenly a smile grew on my face. “Well, for what it’s worth, I guess I’m glad I came to the mansion.”
He reached out, taking my arm and stroking the inside of my wrist. I could feel the movement go all the way through my body, sending sparks into every fiber of my being, coaxing me to open up to him. “Me too, Harper. And I’m sorry for following you home.”
I shook my head, taking a swig of my beer and grimacing at the stale taste once again. “I’m glad you did. Asshole was getting a bit out of control.”
I really had been scared out of my mind when Jake had grabbed me, but I didn’t want Mason to think I was a helpless woman.
He gave my wrist a squeeze. “It won’t happen again. I think we scared the shit out of him.”
“Yeah, you did.” I glanced over at him, briefly meeting his eyes.
He shrugged. “What else you got for me?”
I thought for a moment, tapping my finger on the glass of my bottle. “Ever have any vengeful exes?” In truth, I wanted to find out just how many girlfriends this suave man had been through in the past.
Not that it mattered, I reminded myself, giving my mind a mental kick. I didn’t think Mason would be much of a long-term relationship kind of guy. He was too exotic—too untamed.
He laughed. “Sure I have. Not one who has ever followed me into a parking lot, though.” He drew in a deep breath through his mouth, eyes traveling downward to stare at his bottle as he grew serious. “My last relationship was a bad break-up.”
“Did you love her?”
“I thought I did.” I felt his fingers pause their movements on my wrist as he remembered. Suddenly he continued, moving his thumb in slow, long circles. “But she was just like a lot of the other woman I’ve dated in my life. They always want and take, but never give anything in return.”
I couldn’t speak. His touch and words captivated me. He continued anyway.
“Don’t get me wrong, I like helping out whoever I’m in a relationship with...” His voice trailed off, fingers traveling up my arm to reach my elbow, then up a little further to touch my face. I froze, hardly able to think.
“I don’t mind being the provider, but a relationship can’t be one-sided.” His voice was lower now, barely above a whisper. “If there’s anything I’ve learned from the mixers, it’s that.”
A soft breath escaped from my lips. He was drawing me in, closer and closer. His fingers trailed down the edge of my cheekbone, face seemingly mesmerized by the sight of me. They came to rest beneath my chin, making me lean over a little closer. My fingers moved toward him, beginning to reach up toward his head, hoping to force him closer.
He shook his head, laughing at himself. I didn’t laugh, and stopped my hand from moving any further. I knew he was serious, and that it was possible he had never confided in another person the way he just had with me.
I also knew he wanted me, maybe just as much as I wanted him.
“I’ve taken up your entire evening.” Mason glanced at his watch. My eyes followed as he slowly took his hand away from me, the void felt on my skin almost instantly. “I’m sure you have some hot plans for later.”
I laughed. “I wish.”
Besides soaking my feet, sore from the stiff high heels I had been wearing for half the day, I had nothing planned.
Mason stood, leaning over the countertop so his face was alarmingly close to mine. I willed myself not to look at his lips. “In that case, maybe you’d like to go with me to a new restaurant?” Mason spoke perfect French as he told me the name.
I had heard the name before, but had never planned on going there. The restaurant was famed for its great French food—and expensive prices.
“I—” I hesitated, getting a whiff of his cologne. “Yes, I would.”
“Well, I’m going to have to run home and change, but how about I pick you up in an hour or so?”
I nodded, following him as we walked through the apartment. The door opened just as we approached it. My heart dropped. But it was just Avery that walked through. Thankfully, she hadn’t brought her “hot date” back with her.
“Oh,” she made a sound of surprise and looked up at Mason, her eyes widening. “Hi.”
“Good to see you again, Avery.” Mason brushed past her on his way out. He turned back toward me, meeting my eyes with his blue gaze before nodding, and walking away.
I leaned up against the wall, trying not to blush.
“Who the heck was that?” Avery mouthed, shutting the door behind her as she walked in.
“That’s him, Mason.” I breathed.
“Mason? From the mansion? The guy you got all dressed up to see?” She looked back toward where he had been. “But how—”
I grinned. “Long story.”
She walked in further, looking around. “Where is our apartment? Everything is gone.”
I laughed, butterflies filling my stomach with the thought of going out to dinner. I skipped over to the closet, opening it as trash and undergarments and God-knew-what-else fell out, spreading all over the floor.
“Oh, there it is,” Avery gasped through her giggles. “What are you so happy about, Harper?”
I giggled along with her, my laugh echoing in the small space. I was going out with Mason! “Do you have another dress I can borrow? I’m going out
to dinner with Mason.”
“What?!” Avery rolled her eyes, flipping off her shoes. “Are you kidding me? But I wanted to tell you all about my date.”
“Oh come on, Avery,” I yelled over my shoulder, flying down the hallway to grab a curling iron. Hair first, then makeup, then clothes. “You can tell me about it while I get ready.”
“I know that tone,” Avery shouted back. I could hear her drop her purse into the closet. “You think he’s Mr. Right, don’t you? Just like you thought Jake was?”
“Don’t mention Jake.” I grabbed the curling iron from my room and, bringing it into our tiny bathroom, plugged it in. “Mason is different.”
“Sure he is. Let’s be honest, you have a type.” Sarcasm coated Avery’s voice. “When do you think his evil side will come out?”
I thought about Mason’s body, the way he looked at me. The way warmth had flooded my entire body when he had pressed up against me in the elevator, when his fingers had stroked the inside of my wrist.
I peeked around the corner of the bathroom, finding Avery still standing in the hallway.
I gave her a wink. “Hopefully in bed.”
I heard her giggle as I started to get ready.
I chose a spicy red dress similarly cut to the black dress from Avery’s collection, and was just making sure everything was in place when I heard Mason knock on the door.
“You can get it.” Avery yelled from the small living room. She turned the TV up, still moping that she’d have to spend the night alone.
I felt as if I was floating down the hallway, the feeling only deepening when I opened the door to reveal Mason, suited up and ready to go. His eyes instantly took me in, every part of me in. I shivered, stepping over the mess I had made earlier to grab a black sweater out of the closet, even though I knew the shiver wasn’t from me being cold.
“Wow,” he said, looking down at the huge pile of random things and trash. “Did Jake come back when I was gone? Was there a fight?”