So good.
“Give him my best, and tell him I’ll call next week.”
“Will do. And thanks again.”
“Bye.”
He sat with his head in his hands, and after a minute, picked up his phone.
“Mason? Is something wrong?” Warren’s concern settled the fear running through him.
“Can’t a guy call without something being wrong?” His attempt at humor fell flat even to his ears.
“A guy could, yes, but you’re not simply some guy. You’re special. You call out of the blue, and you think I’m not going to be concerned?”
Eyes burning, Mason could only whisper. “Thank you. You gave me a chance and treated me like I was more than a boy toy.”
“So you want to come back? I’d hire you in a minute.”
“I’m working for my brother now and loving it.”
A hearty laugh rang in his ear. “So you took the job? When I talked to…what was his name?”
“Jude. Jude Staubman.”
“Right. Well, Staubman seemed to have his doubts concerning you and your abilities.”
Mason couldn’t keep the smile from his voice. “We’ve buried the hatchet.”
“Did you now? Care to elaborate?”
Not really. What he had with Jude was too special. “We’ve decided we’re better off as friends than enemies.”
“How about lovers?”
Highly successful people in business could always read the room or hear what people weren’t saying, and Warren was one of the most successful at what he did.
“It’s complicated.”
“Love usually is. And Mason?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t worry or think you need to hide your feelings to spare mine. I always knew you’d never be mine forever. But I hope we can always be friends.”
“Of course we are. And thank you for being my friend. Can I ask you something? Do you remember Whittaker? The owner of Whistler?”
“Yes. I heard he sold the company. Thirty-five and retired already. I can’t imagine what he’ll do with the rest of his life, but not my issue. Don’t tell me you’ve heard from him?”
“No, but his assistant, the one I once had words with? I think—well not think, I’m almost positive he told the account manager I work with about my relationship with you. I know that’s going to blow up in my face.”
“Then don’t let it. Speak to Jude and tell him everything.”
Mason huffed out a breath. “I’m wondering if that will hurt more than help.”
“If he cares about you, he’ll understand why you made the choices you did. None of us are perfect, Mason. Will it be painful for him? Possibly. But it might show you how strong you and your relationship are.”
“Jude isn’t one for giving second chances.”
