by Jessica Marx
“I’m stuffed,” I say, leaning back in my chair.
“This meal was better than most of the fancy, expensive meals I’ve ever had,” Mason says.
“Only most of them?” Ginny teases.
“Okay, all of them,” Mason winks.
“I’m exhausted. It must be the wine,” my mother says.
“You can go relax. I’ll clean up,” I reply.
“Yes. You’ve outdone yourself, Ginny. We can take care of clean up.”
“You know what? I’m going to take you up on that.” My mother looks from me to Mason and smiles, “a charming, handsome, man who cleans? Seems like a winner to me, Sam.”
Oh my God. My mother still has the power to embarrass me no matter how old I am.
“Good night, mother,” I say through gritted teeth. I see Mason smirking out of the corner of my eye. I’m too mortified to look at him.
I get up and begin clearing the table, still unable to make eye contact with Mason who is undoubtedly enjoying my shame. He rises from his own seat, picking up plates and scraping the little bit of food left on each into the trash can.
“Tupperware?” he asks, opening and closing cabinets.
I point to the correct door and he proceeds to take out what he needs for the leftovers. I’m actually surprised that someone who was raised by nannies and is used to the finer things can so effortlessly clean up and take care of himself. It sounds silly, I just picture people waiting on Mason hand and foot. His employees sure jump at any of his commands. I just assumed he told people what to do more often than actually doing things himself.
“What’s so funny?” Mason asks.
“What?”
“You’re smiling to yourself over there. What are you thinking about?”
“Just…I don’t know,” I begin hesitantly, “I didn’t think you did things like this.” I wave my arms around, motioning to the cleaning he’s doing in the kitchen.
Mason steps in front of me, “I’m not afraid to get dirty,” he says mischievously, “I actually enjoy it.”
A shiver goes through my body. I stare blankly at Mason. I can’t form a clever response. He narrows his eyes and takes another step toward me, closing the space between us, “How about you? Do you like to get dirty, Samantha?”
My jaw falls open. I’m so aroused by Mason’s words. The effect he has on me is intoxicating. He has total control of this conversation and whatever happens after.
“Yes,” I whisper, unable to speak at my normal volume.
Mason leans forward and kisses me gently on the lips. The way he’s making me feel right now, I just want to wrap my body around his and make love right here on the kitchen floor. I don’t care that my mother is in the next room. But he stops our kiss - once again. He stares at me with eyes full of lust. I know he wants me. Why does he keep leaving me hanging like this?
“Why do you keep teasing me?” I ask.
A sly smile forms on Mason’s lips, “I’m not teasing you.”
“You are and you know it.”
“Just getting a little taste. I didn’t mean to upset you,” he says more seriously.
“Well, it’s not cool,” I huff. I start to turn to face the counter so I can wash dishes and ignore Mason while I cool myself off, but he grabs me by the waist and pulls me into him.
He backs me up to the counter and kisses me again. This time, Mason slides his tongue into my mouth, engaging me in a deep kiss. I feel how hard he is already and press my body into his. I want him - bad.
Mason slips one hand down between my legs and runs his hand over my core. The thin cotton of my leggings does nothing to shield the sensation of his fingers moving back and forth over my heat.
“Don’t call me a tease, Samantha,” he whispers, still caressing me.
“Mmm hmm,” I reply meekly.
“We’ve had a case of poor timing so far, but don’t be mistaken - I want you - and I’m going to have you.”
“Now. I want you now,” I say breathlessly.
Mason bores into me with his stare, “we can’t right now. You’re mother is in the other room. I can’t disrespect her like that.” His hand is still moving so expertly that even through my pants, he’s bringing me close to the edge.
“You’re teasing me again. We can be quiet. Just…come on.”
“If we’re being quiet, we’re not doing it right.”
Oh. My. God. This man is driving me insane right now. I need him inside me. I rub my hand over Mason’s stiff cock. It’s all but bursting out of his pants. If my mother were to come in right now, it would be pretty evident what was going on anyway. Why can’t he just give it up?
“Please?”
Mason manipulates his hand just right. My body shudders. I grasp at his erection, trying to touch him any way I can. His mouth forms a satisfactory grin as he feels me release myself to him.
“That’s it baby, let it go,” he instructs me.
“Mmm hmm,” is all I can manage. I feel so stupid. Is it always this easy for him?
I lean back against the counter, feeling exhausted. Our whole encounter could have only lasted a few minutes. I’m overcome with a plethora of emotions. How can this man have such an effect on me?
Mason straightens himself up and fixes his clothing.
“What just happened?” I ask.
“I told you years ago that you would be begging for it, Samantha. You just made my dream come true.”
Shocked, I feel like the wind was knocked out of me, “is that what this was? Some kind of joke to you?”
He pulls me close to him again, “not even a little bit. You made my dream come true, I mean that.” Mason kisses me softly, “next time, I’ll do the same for you.”
I roll my eyes playfully, “you don’t even know what my dream is.”
“I’ve been fantasizing about you for years. I’ll just have to keep trying until I find the right one, won’t I?” Mason winks.
Right here in my mother’s kitchen, I’m melting. Mason is the one and only man that has ever made me feel this way. I hope he sticks around. I don’t think I’ll ever find anyone else that can make me feel like this. I don’t care what everyone says about him. I want him. I need him. I just might love him. But right now I’m not sure who I trust less - him or me.
13
Mason
I have never once went to a woman’s house unannounced. Nor have I ever met any woman’s mother. I just couldn’t wait to see Samantha again. I need her. I don’t want to be without her. I’ve waited long enough for the chance to be with her and now I don’t want to let go - not even for a minute.
I don’t think of it as ‘obsessed’. It’s just part of who I am. I take what I want and make it mine. I nurture it, care for it, own it, protect it. I’m only lucky that Samantha seems to feel the same way about me. She likes being with me as much as I like being with her. She is free to do as she pleases, but I am going to do whatever I can to make sure I’m on her mind as much as she’s on mine.
That little ‘episode’ in the kitchen only proves that she wants me. She will give herself to me - as much as I want to take. Samantha’s mine - finally. It’s been such a short time, but I’ve already fallen hard. Harder than I ever have. She doesn’t have to beg for me - or anything - ever. Whatever Samantha wants, she can have, and I will give it to her, but hearing her ask for it - ‘please’, Jesus. There is nothing hotter than a woman who can’t take another second without my cock. I haven’t decided if I’m going to get her to that point again, but whenever we get there, I know it’s going to be incredible.
14
Samantha
I usually read a book while I sit on the train, but I can’t concentrate today. All I can think about is Mason. He wouldn’t tell anyone at the office about us, but I feel like it’s written all over my face.
I’m ashamed that I let him control me like that. Even if I wanted to say ‘no’, I couldn’t have - not that I wanted to anyway. I trust that his in intentions are goo
d, but I don’t know if that’s because I really believe it to be true or I just want it to be.
We had a great time at dinner on Friday. We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company - at least it seemed like we did. Mason showed up at my door on Sunday which confirmed those feelings. He charmed my mother so much that as soon as he left last night, she started talking about what a great husband he would be! Husband. She’s crazy. We’re just getting to know each other. Not to mention, he’s my boss.
I hope I can play it cool at work today. I may have to avoid Kaitlyn for a while. She’s pretty intuitive. She will know something is up simply by looking at me.
I definitely have to stay away from Mason. I’m not sure I can act professional around him now - at least not yet. I’ve never been in a situation like this. Keeping our relationship or whatever happened between us, a secret, is going to be hard. I’m a terrible liar.
Entering the building, I spy Kaitlyn walking ahead of me. I slow my pace and effectively avoid her seeing me - for now. I work directly under her. It’s inevitable that I’m going to have to face her at some point today, but I’ll gladly put it off as long as possible.
I ride the elevator up to Grant and Son. I feel like everyone is staring at me, but I know it’s in my head. I’m really good at keeping other people’s secrets, but managing my own is too much.
When I get to my desk, I immediately bury myself in work. I scroll through emails and read through some daily reports and numbers. There are several clients I have to reach out to. This is one Monday I’m relieved to have a lot to take care of. I want to avoid human contact for as long as possible.
The sound of someone clearing their throat startles me out of my deep concentration. I look up and there is a delivery man standing next to my desk with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
“Ms. Roberts?”
“Yes?”
“These are for you. Enjoy your day.”
I reach into my bag to get a tip but the man holds up his hand, “don’t worry. It’s already been taken care of.”
“Thanks?” I reply, curiously, almost as a question.
He leaves the flowers on my desk. I notice the attached card and take it off to read it. They’re from Mason - of course.
I had a great weekend. Miss you already. Dinner tonight?
…Please?
I laugh to myself at Mason’s attempt at humor. Or is it another sexual innuendo? Either way, it made me smile.
“Wow, nice,” my coworker comments as he walks passed my desk, “someone must have had a good weekend.”
I laugh uncomfortably. How am I going to explain the flowers? Hopefully no one will ask where they came from. Just in case, I stick the card in the pocket of my bag.
I get back to work but can’t concentrate like I was before. Thoughts of Mason are now consuming my mind. I try to push them aside so I can focus on what I’m actually supposed to be doing.
“Ooh la la,” Kaitlyn says, approaching my desk. Shit.
“How was your weekend?” I ask, trying to change the subject before she asks who the flowers are from.
“Not as good as yours apparently.” She raises her eye brows, “no matter. You can tell me all about it at lunch today.”
“Lunch?” I ask. I don’t remember making plans.
“Yup. My treat. Come by my office at noon.”
“Okay,” I reply meekly. I really don’t want to go. Normally, I would jump at the chance, but this is going to be rough.
Kaitlyn leaves my cubicle and goes to speak to one of the other employees.
I try to focus on work again, but my computer chimes with an interoffice message. It’s Mason. I smile.
‘You look very pretty today.’
I turn around expecting him to be behind me but no one is there.
‘Thanks? How do you know?’
‘It’s my job to know everything. Besides, why wouldn’t you?’
I blush. He’s good.
‘Thanks for the flowers.’
‘No problem. I can’t stop thinking about you.’
‘Don’t you have a billion dollar company to run?’
‘I’m multitasking. So what’s your answer?’
‘Huh?’
‘I asked you to dinner tonight. Are you free?’
‘Yes. Where should I meet you?’
‘My office. We can go together.’
‘Okay.’
‘Good. Now get back to work.’
Oh my God. He wants me to go to his office. What are people going to say? If he doesn’t care, I guess I shouldn’t either, but I do. No one is going to say anything about him. It’s me who’s going to become the subject of water cooler gossip. Mr. Grant’s flavor of the week. Fuck.
I work until about one minute before noon, procrastinating as long as I possibly can before going to Kait’s office. I walk there slowly, giving myself a pep talk on the way. You can do this. Mouth shut, Sam. When it’s time for Kaitlyn to find out, you can tell her.
“Hey, Kait,” I greet her cheerily when I enter.
“Hi, Sam. Alex will bring our lunch in when it gets here. I couldn’t decide what I wanted,” she says, looking through some papers.
I was hoping to have a mouthful of food so I didn’t have to talk too much.
“Sure. No problem.”
Kait finishes her paper shuffling and takes a seat on the couch, “come sit.”
I walk over and sit across from her.
“You seem so quiet today, Sam, are you okay?”
Shit, “yeah. Just a little tired. You know, it’s Monday,” I say, trying to make a joke.
“I know all about Mondays. Looks like you had a very nice weekend,” she says.
“What do you mean?” I ask defensively.
“The flowers. Must have made someone happy.”
“Oh. It’s nothing…no one,” I stammer.
“Sounds like ‘no one’ is pretty special,” she winks.
“Where is Alex with that lunch? I’m starved,” I say, trying to change the subject again.
“Oh, don’t even want to tell your best friend? Scandalous,” Kaitlyn teases.
“Aw, how sweet, I didn’t know we were BFFs.”
“Don’t try to change the subject. I’m not going to judge you, Sam,” she says in a more serious tone, “but you’ve piqued my interest now by not telling me.”
There’s a knock on the door. It’s Alex with lunch.
“Thanks, Alex,” Kait says. She closes the door and sits back down, “don’t think I forgot.”
I roll my eyes.
“It’s someone at work, isn’t it?”
The look that passes over my face confirms her suspicions, “the plot thickens. So spill it. Who is it? It’s Ryan isn’t it? I caught him staring at you a few times last week.”
She opens the bag and takes out the lunch boxes as she speaks, “Come on, Sam, you know you’re going to tell me anyway, might as well spill it so we can eat in peace.”
“Ugh, you’re relentless,” I reply.
“Yeah, well, it’s exciting to me. Being a married woman now, I can live vicariously through you.”
“Honestly, Kait, it’s complicated.”
“Of course it is. That’s what makes it interesting,” she laughs.
“I don’t even know how to tell you,” I answer, taking a bite of my salad.
“Just say it.”
“It’s Mason,” I blurt out, surprising myself, but happy to tell someone.
Kaitlyn laughs louder, “come on, Sam, just tell me.”
“It’s Mason. Mason Grant.”
Kaitlyn puts her fork down, “shut the fuck up.”
“Okay.” I fork another bite into my mouth.
“Sam. You know he’s a snake, right? I mean, you know that. He’s also a billionaire and my boss - our boss.”
“Like I said, it’s complicated.”
“No shit. I mean, he did always seem to have a thing for you, but I thought it was just because he didn’t
get his chance with you before you left.”
“What do you mean?” I ask curiously.
“I mean, he would randomly ask me about you over the years. He always wanted to know what you were doing and that kind of thing.”
I smile to myself. It’s nice to know Mason was thinking of me while I was gone.
“He’s trouble though, Sam. He doesn’t have ‘girlfriends’, he has a different woman every week.”
“It’s not like that,” I say defensively.
“How can you be so sure?”
“I just know. It’s different. He’s different.”
“Isn’t that part of his game?”
“No. He’s for real.” I’m not even sure if I believe it yet myself, but I feel the need to defend whatever it is that we have.
“I don’t know, just be careful, Sam. Guys like that…”
“I’m a big girl now, Kait.”
“I know, I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
Too late. I’m in too deep not to get hurt at this point. I’m fucked.
“Thanks. I guess it’s true, you really are my best friend,” I say with mock enthusiasm.
We each laugh. I dodged a bullet - for now anyway. I know Kait’s going to be watching my every move now - and Mason’s. She’s going to be waiting for him to let me down. Not that she wants him to, she’s just trying to look out for me.
Five o’clock rolls around and my nerves get the best of me. I wish I had known this morning that I would be going out with Mason. I would have brought a change of clothes, or less baggage with me. I make my way to his side of the office. I’m walking slower than normal, hoping a lot of my coworkers have already left for the day. It’s almost like a work version of the ‘walk of shame’. I don’t want to have to explain what I’m doing leaving the building with the boss at the end of the day. My position doesn’t require me to deal with him at all - ever.
As I approach Mason’s reception area, I see that Kim is still there. Super.
“Hi, Kim,” I greet her in my friendliest voice.