Chapter Forty-Four
Mason
I don’t want to wait to make Chloe my wife, so we plan the wedding quickly. It takes a few months to bring it all together. I would’ve run to the justice of the peace the day after I asked her to be mine, if I could’ve gotten away with it, but my mother would’ve killed me.
Since Chloe’s mom left when she was very young, my mom has stepped up and helped her plan every step of the wedding, making it a perfect day. I don’t care about the flowers or decorations. I don’t care what the cake tastes like. I don’t even care about the music. I just want to make Chloe mine... and make me hers for the rest of time and all eternity. I don’t want to ever be without this woman.
Our wedding day is finally here.
I’m alone in my dressing room, and more nervous than I’ve ever been. I know this is right, and I only want to say our vows. I’ll feel so much better when it’s official, when I know nothing will ever come between us. People have surrounded me for seventy-two hours straight, and I need these few minutes on my own. I never knew weddings could be such productions.
I don’t mind the production, though, because it’s just one more day in a beautiful relationship, and after today, I get her all to myself for two weeks straight on a fantastic honeymoon. And then, I’ll have Chloe at my side every single day after. We’ll work together, paint together, pursue our dreams, and grow old together. Our lives will be perfect in every way.
I smile at this thought. Life isn’t meant to be perfect, but I can’t imagine anything else with this woman at my side. I love the messiness, drama, and excitement that comes with a relationship, too. If things were too easy, life would be boring, and I’ve never been bored in life.
I have my back to the door when it opens. I barely manage to keep a groan from escaping. I simply asked for thirty minutes alone. How is that so hard for people to respect? I don’t think it’s too much to ask for. Maybe if I ignore whoever is here, they’ll take the hint and walk back out.
“You always have looked spectacular in a tux.”
The low, sultry voice comes closer as the words are spoken. My entire body tenses. Slowly, I turn. Bella stands before me in a blue dress clinging to her curves. She’s always been a beautiful woman — and time hasn’t changed this.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, my voice cold.
She steps closer, and I back away. I don’t like retreating, but I figure this is the safest option for both Chloe and me.
“My invitation must’ve been lost in the mail,” she says with a laugh. There’s zero merriment in her expression.
“You’re my past, Bella. You need to stay there,” I tell her.
She doesn’t so much as blink at my cruel words. She slowly stalks toward me. I quit backing away. I’m not giving her a lick of power. She stops with only inches separating us. Her delicate hands raise, and she attempts to adjust my tie. I slap her hand away, my body tense.
“It’s not over between us, Mason,” she says, her red lips tilting up before parting. Her tongue traces her bottom lip before she smiles again. She attempts to raise her hand to my face, and I push her away again. Anger rises within me.
“You’ve gone too far this time, Bella. Our working relationship is officially over. If you come near me again, I’ll destroy your business along with your life. Am I making myself clear?”
Her smile falters, but she quickly tries to cover it up. I see the panic in her eyes, though. She can see that I’m not bluffing. This looks bad, though, with her in here with me. If anyone walks into the room, it could be a disaster.
“Don’t do this, Mason. We have something special together. Why don’t you and I get out of here? It’s not too late,” she pleads.
“I’ll say this one more time, then I’m calling security and my lawyer. We’re done, Bella. Turn around without saying another word and leave.” I mean every single word.
She gazes at me a moment as she assesses my words. She wises up and realizes I really am speaking the truth. Tears appear in her eyes, but she finally turns and walks away, less confidence in her steps. I don’t take in a full breath until the door closes behind her. I’m pissed that she’s put even the smallest damper on this magical day.
Today is about Chloe and me. I won’t let Bella ruin it. I shake off her visit and push all thoughts of her from my mind. It’s odd that I was ever attracted to a woman like her. It had to be because I was searching for Chloe all along, and all of the other women were simply filling a shallow need until I found her.
I turn and move to the mirror. My eyes are blazing; I force myself to take in deep breaths. I gain control over myself and calm. My door opens once more, and my entire body tenses. I seriously will destroy her if she attempts to come in here again.
“Was that Bella I saw coming out of here?”
I let out a breath of relief as Rex walks toward me. He’s been in my employ for a long time, and I trust him more than most people. He’s one of the few people who knows most of my dirty little secrets.
“Yeah, it was,” I say with a sigh.
Rex’s eyes are wide as he looks from me to the closed door as if my ex is going to walk back through it at any minute.
“Damn. Do you need to talk?” he asks. The tension begins to leave my body.
“No. I want to get married,” I tell him, giving him a smile.
Rex grins back before thumping me on the back. “I sure as hell like Chloe. You’ve chosen well,” he says.
Now, my smile’s real. “Yes, I have.” I know I’m doing the right thing. It’s time to meet my bride at the front of the aisle. I have no doubt she’ll take my breath away just as she does every time I see her.
She’s perfection in a way that women like Bella can’t compete with. She doesn’t even have to try.
“I’m ready, let’s go,” I tell Rex. We leave my room, and I look around, seeking out Chloe, though I know they have her behind closed doors. It’s okay. I’ll be with her soon, and then I’ll never let her go.