I bend one leg over the other and clasp my hands in my lap. “Bailey’s ex, Luca’s dad, showed up. I saw how upset it made her. I don’t want him anywhere near Bailey or Luca, so I intervened. When I knew that he was long gone, the only thing on my mind was taking her into my arms and never letting her go. My adrenaline was through the roof when I came into the backyard. I yanked her into my arms and kissed her in the middle of the backyard.”
Travis’s eyes were practically bulging out of his head. “And Harry saw?”
“Yep.”
“He was pissed?”
“Yep.”
“And from that shiner under your eye, it seems he lost more than just his cool.”
“Yep.” I nod.
“Damn, Mason.”
“Yeah, this”—I point to my eye—“was because I told him I’m in love with his sister.”
“You didn’t hit—wait. You’re in love with Bailey?” He draws his head back in surprise.
I smile. “I am.”
“Alright, my brother. Finally. I thought you’d be single forever,” he says.
“I was always meant to be with her, Travis. It just took me a long time to realize it.”
“I knew you guys had a thing for each other, but I definitely didn’t think it was that serious,” he says, leaning back with his fingers linked behind his head.
By now, I hear other members of the kitchen staff arrive.
“It is for me. But she seems to need more time. When Harry and I spoke this morning, in an effort to clear the air between us, he mentioned that Bailey admitted to him that she’s in love with me too. But when I spoke with her after the party, she was still confused. So, I don’t know, man. I’m going to give her some time, but I’m not giving up. It’s only been two days, and I miss her already.”
“Wow. Okay. It does make sense why she’d be unsure. She has her son to think about,” he says.
“Yes, but it doesn’t make it easier.”
What if Bailey doesn’t come around?She will. I know she will. She has to.
Bailey is like a starfall. A point of light in the darkened sky of my life. I won’t let my world fall victim to the dull shadows that once dominated.
Travis slaps me on the knee before lifting off the leather chair. “I’ve seen the way she looks at you. Just give her time,” he says before leaving the office and heading into the kitchen.
I spend the rest of the morning and into the afternoon channeling my energy into work. I assist in food delivery, prep, and even roll some dinner napkins, which I thoroughly hate.
As soon as the lunch rush begins to settle, I head back into the office. On my way down the hallway, my phone vibrates in my front pocket. My heart beats faster, thinking it might be Bailey, but then I’m quickly let down when I see it’s an unknown number. I answer anyway.
“This is Mason.”
“Hello, Mr. Miller. This is Cameron with your security company. We’re here at your residence for the complete install.”Shit.
After all the chaos the last few days, I completely forgot that my home security system was being installed this afternoon.
“My apologies, Cameron, but unfortunately, I am still at work. It should only take me about ten minutes to get back. Are you able to wait?”
“Yes, sure. You’re the last install of the day. We’ll see you soon.”
I hang up the phone, grab my jacket, and head toward the front of the restaurant.
A short time later, I pull up to my house. Cameron and another man exit their company van as soon as they see me round the circular driveway. I quickly apologize then let them inside the house so they can get started.
