Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

Mason

"He's alive," Hawk says as I exit my office.

So much for going to take the day off. Ainsley stopped answering my calls. Matt says she's okay, and she'll get back to me soon. I planned on getting breakfast. Well, that was before Hawk arrived. I rub my neck and move my head from side to side. I have to stop sleeping on a futon and find a good bed. I could've gone to the Deckers' penthouse, but I'm not in the mood to discuss what's happening with Ainsley.

"Did you get the email?" My assistant stares at me with annoyance.

I nod. "Yes, and the three before that one."

"I know a good realtor who can get you into an apartment as early as next week," she says.

"Thank you," I growl.

"The email… they need to talk to you ASAP." She taps at her monitor.

Working as a consultant for government agencies is a pain in the ass, but it pays well, and I have fun most of the time. Not this one, though. Drugs are on my list of must avoid. Drug lords remember your face.

They track you like bloodhounds and fuck up your entire family after killing you. That's why we have to kill everyone involved—even their dog, in case they sniff your ass and bite it without mercy.

"What email?" Hawk asks.

"Money laundering, drug trafficking—the works. If we accept, we will be working on this side of the border and have a connection down in Mexico. Interested?"

He drops his head, taps his foot, and seems to be deep in thought. We both know a job like this isn't a walk in the park. If we go in, it might become a full-time commitment. A project like this can take years.

"Yeah, I'm in." He scratches his bald head. "Who's going to be part of the team?"

I shrug because I haven't gotten that far yet. "Before I agree, I want to meet with them," I offer. "I want you with me in that meeting, and if we decide to go in, then you'll help me design the team."

"So, we might be gone for a while?"

"Uh-huh," I respond absently, instead of saying, "I hope not." Because if we do, then I'll be away from Ainse.

I call her one more time. My chest tightens when I hear the recording. The number has been disconnected. What the fuck?

"I'll be back."

Ainsley

"You changed your phone number," Mase says when I open the front door. "What happened?"

I move away so he can enter. I'd rather have this conversation without witnesses. My neighbors like to snoop around. I saw Mr. Smith from across the street stand in his window with binoculars.

"I had to switch numbers. It wasn't because of you."

His brow arches, and some strands of his hair cover his forehead. Mason's crossed arms show every ridge of his muscles. I slowly start to melt and crave the safety of his embrace.

"It's Porter. I had to cut the only way he could reach me."

Mason's jaw twitches.

"He's been calling and texting nonstop. He went to the music school. He told me he won't stop calling and texting me"—I shrug— "I handed over my phone to the first person who walked down the street."

"If he harasses you, you call me so I can take care of him."

"I can take care of myself," I fight back. "Plus, I'm not happy with you. You left without saying goodbye."

"I didn't want to wake you up," he argues. "What if I take you out on a date?"

I search for the best way to say no. I like him, but I didn't love how I felt when I woke up feeling empty.

"Did I fuck up because I left?"

"You didn't fuck up anything." Honesty will take me further. "I'm a hopeless romantic, and I don't know. Having you here felt like more. Maybe I want different things from this dating exercise."

He looks toward the door, then at me. "Different?"

"Dancing with you was fun, but at the end of the night, there wasn't even kissing. Which I understand since it's just practice. Maybe I should try a dating site or something."

He steps closer to me. "Kissing?"

"Yeah, you know it's a touch of the lips as a mark of affection. You place them either on the cheek or… never mind."

He lifts my chin. "A kiss, huh?"

He presses his mouth against mine.

It's tender. Soft.

His tongue licks my lower lip.

His teeth nibble it.

I open slightly for him. He deepens what I can only describe as the best kiss I've had in my entire life. It begins with a slow, delicious tempo that makes me want to keep this going forever. It's a kiss that says I crave you, but I won't devour you just yet.

It makes me want more and more.

A love story.

Suddenly, I want it all, but can I have it?

Suddenly, I want us .

There's a buzz.

"Fuck," he mumbles against my lips as he pulls out his phone. "I have a meeting. If it wasn't so important, I'd reschedule. Sorry."

"That's okay."

"No. It's not okay. We have a lot to talk about. I'll take you on a date tomorrow night." He strides toward the door.

"A date? Where?"

He winks at me. "Dress casual, but not too casual."

I stare at him in shock before he leaves.