Chapter Thirteen
Mydreamsthatnightwere tumultuous, filled with creeping shadows, green eyes, full lips, secrets, lies, and pain. But when I woke to a bright fresh day, I couldn’t deny my newfound optimism; Mason and I would be together tonight and sort this out. It was the only option that made sense, the only possibility that didn’t leave me hollow and aching.
I dressed up nicer than necessary, even though I would go home and change before the date. The whole day felt like an event. I waited so long for this, and I’d never been with someone I wanted more than my next breath. Perhaps I should mind that there was so much unknown between us, or that I sat a hair’s breadth from falling in love with the man. With everything else I had to consider, I couldn’t force myself to care.
I left my apartment early, too energized to sit around. I went to a newly opened coffee shop a block over from the library to kill time. The sleek and modern storefront had glass windows set in a historic red brick building. The cool decor accented the stylish vibe with leather couches and subway tile lining the walls. Fresh pastries overflowed the case and thousands of dollars worth of shining espresso machines sat in rows.
The place stood empty except for the barista, who happily designed latte art behind the counter. Her name tag readLeyla.She tied her long, sleek, chocolate hair back in a ponytail. Her blue eyes dove deep like the ocean. Her loveliness stunned me, andI needed a minute to remember English.
“Good morning,” Her voice sounded patient and sweet, and I finally remembered I should act human.
“Good morning, can I have a cappuccino, please, and what’s your favorite pastry?” my gaze flicked down the rows of options. I would be here all day if I had to choose it myself.
Excitement crossed her face as she thought, “Well, if you enjoy sweet, you can’t go wrong with the pain au chocolat, but if savory is your thing, the chef is British, and he makes these sausage rolls. Oh my God, they are amazing,” her eyes rolled back, and she made a little sound of enjoyment.
“Sounds lovely,” I smiled, unable to help myself. Her happiness was contagious.
“Sit, I’ll bring everything out to you when it’s re-” she stopped speaking, her gaze trained somewhere far off.
“Are you okay?” she didn’t answer me right away, and I waved my hand to draw her attention. “Hey, what’s going on? You look... scared.”
She shook her head, clearing her thoughts, “Yeah, I’m fine. There was a guy staring in the window and he was... intense. I don’t know, he was probably looking at the pastries, but it seemed like...”
“Like what?” I coaxed her as I turned to see if I could catch a glimpse of him, but the street was empty except for a couple walking with their young child.
“Like he was watching you,” I turned back to Leyla, hoping she was joking even if it would be totally odd and inappropriate. She fiddled with the ends of her ponytail, “Be careful, okay?” her eyes widened with genuine concern, and an uncomfortable feeling curled in my stomach.
“I will,” I forced a smile and went to find a seat facing out. The city milled by, and no one stopped to stare at me. After a while, I defrosted. She was overreacting. No one would watch me. I walked to the library even though it was still quite early. I left the lights off as I walked around, not wanting people knocking, hoping I would let them in.
Closing the door to my office, I sat at my desk and opened up my email program. There was one from Gavin telling me that a paid employee gave their notice, with the letter of resignation attached. I rolled my eyes at the fact she went over my head. Most of the employees remained Eileen loyalists, but the trial basis of my employment was not common knowledge. Going to Gavin was a slap on the face, and she knew it.
I groaned as I started working through the schedule, seeing how I could fill this new opening. The days weren’t far off from what Emma worked now, and according to the lists Eileen left me, she had more availability. She did a good job, knew the library well, and even though she needed the volunteer work for her degree requirement, she never treated it like a chore.
No one else came to mind for the position. A few of the volunteers would be up for consideration, but they were all retired, and being paid could mess up their retirement. I glanced over my desk, thinking of how to solve my staffing problem, but instead remembered the way Mason pushed me against it and the things his hands did to me.
My nipples hardened in excitement and pressed against the lacy material of my bra. I walked to the door and turned the lock. The place was empty, but I wanted to be sure I wouldn’t be interrupted. I undid the buttons on my shirt and pulled my breasts up and over the cups. I clicked a few pictures of myself, showing the desk in front of me, hoping the reminder would make him as hard as it made me wet.
Claire: I can’t wait to see you tonight.
His response came quickly. He still lay in bed, wrapped in nothing but a white sheet. I noted he slept with a top sheet and laughed to myself. He was one of those types. Why didn’t that surprise me? His perfect pecs and abs glowed in the morning sun, making him appearmore god than man. His powerful fist grabbed a shapely bulge covered only by the thin fabric. The impressive outline made me shiver, the suggestion of his cock enough to soak my panties.
Mason: I was already thinking of you. Glad to see you’re still looking forward to our date. I wasn’t sure after our conversation last night. Let’s have dinner at 7. I’ll pick you up at your apartment at 6:45, sharp.
I rolled my eyes at the irony,oh really Mr. Sharp.That stupid smile he always inspired spread across my face. Once I put myself together again, I checked the time and walked through the library, flipping on lights and starting up the computers.
Claire: Where are we going?
I texted him as I stood beneath the skylight.
Mason: Wouldn’t you like to know?
Claire: You get off on surprising me and telling me what to do, don’t you?
The image of him getting off popped into my mind, and I bit my lip hard to temper the aching response within me.
Mason: Be patient, Claire. I’ll show you how I get off tonight.
My thighs pressed together, trying to bring some friction to my desperate pussy. I looked around the empty library, glad there was no one here to witness my pitiful reaction to him. I needed to remember he still had secrets left to discover.Stay vigilant, Claire,I tried to remind myself. His secrecy should break the spell he cast on me, but it only increased his power.