Liar. You are so head over heels for him.
“I’ll be damned. I’d always hoped…well, let’s not say anything just yet.”
“No, Dad, please tell me.” Curious, Mason had to know what his father thought of their relationship.
“When Jude and Doug became friends and then partners, I’d hoped you two would somehow bury your differences and see how good you were for each other.”
“Dad, were you matchmaking? Do I have to be worried about you too?”
“Every parent wants their child to be happy. And I know you acted out when you were younger because you were searching for your place. My hope was you’d find it by Jude’s side. He’s a good man. Steady and strong under pressure and kind to a fault. And that you’d bring him the joy for life he was missing, with him always worried about his family.”
His heart swelled, and his eyes burned. “Thanks, Dad. I’m really happy.”
“I know. And your mother and I couldn’t be more thrilled. We love you. I’ll call you soon.”
“I love you too. And thanks.”
Taking the news of Doug’s scan as positive, he felt the heavy weight lift off his chest for the first time since he’d heard about the accident. Knowing Jude would want to hear the news immediately, he checked the calendar and saw Jude was clear at the moment, so Mason jumped out of his chair, and with a smile, left his office and walked across the hall to Jude’s. He knocked but didn’t wait for an answer, opening the door and sticking his head inside.
“Hey, I just—oh, sorry. I didn’t know you were here with someone,” he said, noticing Pryce sitting in front of Jude’s desk.
Jude beckoned him in. “No, it’s fine. I was going to call you when we were finished. Any news?”
He opened the door wider, and the floor tilted under his feet. Next to Pryce sat the man who’d confronted him coming out of Warren’s room that morning a few years ago. The man who’d called him a whore. And from the amused light in Pryce’s pale eyes, he had a plan, and it wasn’t going to be good for Mason.
“Uh, yeah. Doug’s scan is normal, so they’re hoping he’ll come out of it soon.” He forced a smile to his numb lips. “I’ll let you get back to your meeting.” He reached for the doorknob.
“Mason, it’s Dex Hollister. Don’t you remember me?”
That same sneering voice reached into his brain.Whore, whore.
“I’m sorry, I don’t…”
All his worst fears were confirmed when Hollister grinned, about as friendly as a rattlesnake in the grass. His chest hurt from failed attempts to draw in air.
“Oh, you probably met so many people being with Warren. I know he liked to take you and show you off wherever he went.”
Jude frowned, and Mason rushed in. “I’m not sure what you mean. I was his assistant. I worked for him.” He licked his dry-as-dust lips.
“You mean under him, right? I had a feeling, but it wasn’t until I caught you coming out of his room in your underwear that morning that I knew for sure.” Dex threw him a conspiratorial wink and chuckled. “Come on, we’re all men here. Assistant, Boy Friday, doesn’t matter what he called it, we all knew better. I mean, you’re a good-looking dude, and Warren had the hots for you. Nothing wrong with sleeping with the boss to make as much as you can and get ahead.” He snickered, and Mason flinched at his crudeness. “So to speak.”
A quick glance at Jude found him pale, his eyes bleak.
Just as Dex was about to continue, Jude interrupted. “That’s enough, Hollister. You can leave. There will never be a place for you here. I don’t like people who enjoy spreading malicious gossip.”
“It isn’t gossip if it’s true. Everyone who dealt with Colchester knew Mason was his lover and that he took the job knowing he’d have to sleep with the boss. No shame in it. If a guy as rich as Colchester wanted me to work for him, I’d be his bitch too and spread my legs. Not like Mason was the first.”
The longer he stood listening to Hollister, the greater chance he’d either throw up or punch the guy, and Mason wanted to do neither. He had to get away from Jude’s shocked face before he started asking questions.
“I-I have to go.” Mason rushed out of the office, grabbed his phone from his desk, and ran.
He didn’t stop running until he pushed the key into the lock and entered his apartment, where he sank to the floor and began to shake.
“Oh my God, what am I going to do? What the hell do I do now?”
His phone rang, and seeing Jude’s name flash on the screen, he backed away like it was alive and might bite him. It stopped, then started up again. This happened three more times, until it stopped, and a voice-mail notification chirped.
“I can only imagine what he said,” Mason muttered, and finally screwed up enough courage to listen.
