Chapter Nine
Mason
I push hard in the gym as I run through rep after rep. I can’t get Chloe from my mind, and I’m absolutely stumped the woman has turned me down. It’s been a few days, and I’m trying to forget her... but I can’t. What the hell? I hate this obsession because it’s a form of weakness, and I never show weakness.
I have an empire to run with many people who depend on me, and this means I have to keep my head high and never allow anyone to get beneath my skin. I knew as a young man a lot of weight would be put on my shoulders because of who I am. But my dad dying so early shortened my timeline of when things in my life were supposed to happen.
I didn’t want to run my dad’s business at such a young age, but I stepped up, and I tripled the profits. Now I don’t put up with nonsense. Even knowing this, I still want to chase the girl...
My usual moves to get a woman have failed miserably. She isn’t interested in my charm or my money. She doesn’t seem to find me attractive, which boggles my brain. I’m not sure what in the hell to do to get this woman. I should give up. Even having this thought makes me laugh out loud. I don’t quit. Not only do I not quit, but I don’t lose. There’s no way I’m not getting what I want. Maybe this is a test for me. Maybe it’s to humble me. I laugh again. I don’t think that’s possible.
Chloe is working late tonight. Looking at the bus schedule, the last one just pulled out, and she’s still here. Is she waiting for me? As much as I want to believe this, I know it’s not the case. I can, however, play a knight in shining armor. Maybe this will get her attention. I’m on the fourth down, and so far, I’ve been blocked at every single play. But I’m not one to punt.
I pace in my office, trying to decide what to do. I’m not sure how to chase a woman. She’s the first to turn me down... ever. Maybe I’m trying to prove a point. Whatever it is, Chloe intrigues me, and I need to make her mine.
I walk from my office, take the elevators to the garage, then watch the cameras and wait in my car. She finally exits the building, and I see her move around the corner of the building. I know she lives a fair distance from here, and I wonder if she’s planning to walk all of the way home right about the same time the bars are letting out. This doesn’t seem too smart. And so far, Chloe has impressed me with her intelligence in addition to her good looks.
But I’m here to save her, so intelligence doesn’t matter right now. I drive up behind her and honk my horn. She jumps at least a foot in the air. The evil part of me doesn’t mind her uncomfortable for a moment since the woman’s made me miserable since our first chance encounter.
She looks adorable as I pull up next to her, her bag slung over her shoulder, her cheeks red. She’s stunning, and age is only going to be kinder to her. She’s one of the few that can be said about. For her to not realize her beauty is another shock to me.
“Chloe, let me give you a ride,” I say. I hate how eager my voice sounds. I never sound this way. Most would describe me as cold.
She looks at me as if she’s planning to tell me no, and I search my mind for ways to talk her into getting into my car. Hell, I’d like to haul her over my shoulder, slap her fine ass, then plant her in the passenger seat. This is another first for me in what I assume will be a lot of firsts where Chloe’s concerned.
Just as she seems to make up her mind, the sky opens, and a few fat raindrops come down on top of her pretty dark hair. She looks panicked as she tries to decide whether she’s going to drench herself or accept a ride with her arrogant boss. I can live with this description.
I open my mouth to say more when she finally grabs the door handle and climbs in next to me. The rain doesn’t become a major downpour; it’s just enough to make the car space intimate and somehow more private. I want to find a dark road to drive down with her, the two of us in a perfect cocoon. I already know where she lives, though I haven’t driven by the place yet.
“What are you doing out so late?” she asks.
I don’t want to seem too desperate in my pursuit of her, so I’m not sure how to answer. I’m grateful for the darkness of the car and her seeming inability to look at my face for too long.
“I work late more often than not.” This is actually true, but not usually this late. What is it about the two of us that seems to make the world stop spinning? Are we meant to be together? I don’t believe in fate or destiny.
We don’t speak as we make our way to her house. I’ve never had trouble getting people to talk to me. As a matter of fact, the real trick is to get them to shut up... especially females wanting to impress me. Even the most introverted people end up telling me their life story. Chloe certainly doesn’t feel a need to impress me, which is leading to the opposite outcome. It makes me want her more.
I’m getting close to her place and have to keep an eye out on the streets so I don’t miss my turn, but my anxiety grows as we draw closer. I don’t want this drive to end without words being spoken. I’m wasting time with her.
“What are you doing tomorrow?” I ask.
“Uh, I don’t know,” she answers, caught off-guard by my question.
“You’re doing a project you need supplies for. I’ll pick you up and take you shopping.” I don’t phrase this as a question. If it’s a work-related project, she can’t refuse. It’s a good thing I stay up on what my employees do on a regular basis.
“I was planning to go on my own if I needed anything,” she hesitantly says.
“You’re new,” I remind her. This stiffens her back. I’d rather see the fighter in her than a defeated woman. What a fool her boyfriend must be to have her all to himself and to not see her.
“I know, but I have a list,” she tells me. She pauses. “I can’t imagine the owner of the company takes lowly employees for supply runs.”
I laugh, but there’s no humor to the sound. I’ve never taken an employee on a supply run. Hell, I don’t have anything to do with the supply department of my company. She doesn’t need to know this, though.
“You don’t know. Maybe you’ll find out more about me as time presses forward.”
She still seems unsure, but she can’t keep refusing, not if she wants to do well in the company. I’m well aware I’m overstepping. I don’t care. I need to be with her, and I don’t want to go the entire weekend without seeing her again. This again, is something new for me.
“I guess it will be okay then,” she answers with far too much hesitancy for my liking. Excitement stirs within me. My first victory when it comes to this woman.
“Great. I’ll pick you up at seven.” There isn’t a chance I’m letting her out of this. I’ve finally gotten her to see me outside of the office.
Oddly I feel like a kid in a candy store at the thought. But I’m not going to analyze my feelings. I’ve convinced her to agree to see me. Step one is complete. I park my car in front of her place, jump from my door, and move to her side. She’s fumbling with the seatbelt when I open her door. She looks at me with confusion.
Good. I want to keep her guessing. I have a feeling not too many men in her life have been taught basic manners such as opening a lady’s door. My dad always told me he’d thump me over the head if he ever saw me standing back while Mom or Sis were opening the door. He’d told me from the time I was walking, it was a sign of respect to the women we love.
Chloe mumbles a thanks to me as she climbs from the car. It’s dark at her house. Why isn’t the porch light on? What in the hell is wrong with her boyfriend... her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend? I’ll make sure of it. I grab her bag. It’s surprisingly heavy. I place my other hand behind her back and lead her to the front door. She’s more nervous now. Let her boyfriend come out. I want to see the foolish man who’s about to lose her.
I have a massive urge to take her away from this place, to save her. What in the actual hell? This isn’t the type of thoughts I have. I don’t save women. I have a need for them, and then I forget them. I’m always respectful, and I make sure they’re pleasured as much as I am, but they are always temporary. There’s no need to save this woman. I need a damn drink.
We stand for a few brief moments on her porch, and I desperately want to lean forward and connect my lips with hers. I’ve never in my life wanted to kiss someone so desperately. It’s as if a magnet draws me closer to her each minute of the day, and there’s no chance I can escape the pull.
“I’m glad I found you tonight, Chloe,” I say, hearing the huskiness in my voice.
For the briefest of moments she leans toward me as if she wants the exact same thing I do. But then her eyes widen, and she sucks in a breath. I know the kiss isn’t going to happen... at least not tonight. She seems unsure for another moment, then she grabs her bag, gives me a quick goodbye, and rushes inside her place... that isn’t locked. I seriously want to know what’s wrong with the man who’s had her for ten years. This woman needs my protection. I can’t give it to her for very long, but I can teach her a lot while we are together. The idea of even wanting to help her, to protect her, shocks me.
I quickly walk away and jump into my car. I blast my music on the way home, and try to wipe all thoughts of Chloe from my mind. It doesn’t work. Hell, when it comes to this woman, I don’t think I have any idea of what is even up or down anymore, let alone what I’m feeling. Only time will tell.