Jennifer, who had been putting a stack of files together, froze for a moment.So did Mason.He felt like he shouldn’t breathe or he might mess something up for Jensen.If Baby was doing what Mason thought he was doing, it had taken him a long time to get here, and he didn’t want to mess it up for him.
“I… ah… like, together?”Jennifer’s confusion was obvious as she stared at Jensen, still holding the files between her hands.On the other side of the desk, Audrey’s eyes had gone wide with interest, and Mason had to wonder how much she knew about the situation and if she understood how monumental this was.
“Yes.Like a date.”Though Jensen kept his voice casual, his shoulders and body were tense as he waited for her answer.“Unless you and Dr.Dick are seeing each other exclusively.”
“His name is Richard.”Jennifer’s voice sharpened.
“Fine.Richard.Are you seeing each other exclusively?”
“No.We haven’t discussed that.”
“Then do you want to go with me to Audrey’s soft opening?”
“You don’t care that I’m seeing someone else?”
Mason bit his lip against telling her that the competition was likely what had driven Jensen to finally face his own feelings and act.When it had been just the two of them dancing around each other, he hadn’t been risking anything by denying his attraction to her.Now that there was someone else interested, he risked losing Jennifer, and he couldn’t wait any longer.
Whether that would lead to a successful relationship was debatable, but he was glad to see that Jensen wasn’t just sitting on his ass and letting what he really wanted slip through his fingers.
Something about that thought sent a tingle down Mason’s spine, but he ignored it, too caught up in the drama playing out before him.
Jensen shook his head in answer to Jennifer’s question.
“Not as long as you’re also seeing me.”
Finally letting go of the folders, Jennifer crossed her arms over her chest, leaning back in her chair and facing Jensen full on with her eyes narrowed.
“I’ve done some scenes with him.Do you have a problem with that?”
“Nope.Although I hope you’ll let me scene with you, too, eventually.Probably not at Audrey’s soft opening.”Jensen glanced at Audrey, grinning at her.“Unless you’re opening a kink-friendly bakery.”
“Um, no.”Now, Audrey was definitely blushing, and she glanced at Mason before her gaze darted away.
He would pay so much money to know what she was thinking right now.
“Right.So.Friday?”Jensen returned his attention to Jennifer, who had lifted her chin and was looking a little more confident.
“Sure.It’s a date.”Finally.The unsaid word hung in the air.
Not that Jensen seemed at all bothered by it.He grinned widely as he straightened up.
“Great.It’s a date.”Shoving his hands in his pockets, he sauntered back toward the offices, proving that he’d come out for one reason and one reason only.He might not have known about the soft opening before he saw Audrey, but he’d taken full advantage of the event.
“Well, I guess I’ll have two customers, at least,” Audrey joked.Jennifer nodded, though now that Jensen had disappeared, she looked a little shell-shocked.To say that was unexpected was an understatement.
“You’ll definitely have more than that, I’m sure the whole office will come,” Mason said to reassure her.“It’s not like you’re far, and we all love baked goods.Plus, you’re David’s sister.”
“Right.”Audrey glanced at the watch on her wrist.“Well, I should get back.You guys were my last stop, and I have employees to train this afternoon.”
“I heard you hired Ashley,” Jennifer said.“She’s excited.”
“Good, I’m excited to have her.”
“Ashley… as in Lincoln’s wife?”Mason asked, surprised.He hadn’t realized she was looking for a job.She didn’t need one if she didn’t want one.
“Yeah, she said she loves the idea of working in a bakery.Personally, I think David said something to her, because I was having trouble finding a second employee.”Audrey shrugged, looking a little sheepish.“I’ll take what I can get, and she seems enthusiastic.”
“Right well, I was headed out to get some lunch, so why don’t I walk you back?”Mason suggested.
