“Hopefully in this century. Took this goof the better part of an hour just to find the right button to open the schedule.”
“I guess that’s my future job prospects gone. Well, good seeing you, Frank, despite you calling me a few bad words,” Landon said, not looking the least put out by his mishap. He backed away from the desk, winking at me.
“Yeah, yeah, good seeing you too,” Frank replied and waved Landon off when he disappeared through the door.
He turned to me and motioned to the computer. “Do you have anything next week?”
I checked the program and noticed a lot of the days had been overbooked. Which would mean I’d have to call a few customers and reschedule.
“I don’t have anything that soon. Can you do the week of the 23rd?”
“I guess so. Rather get it done here than anywhere else.”
“Excellent, you’re all booked in. Just drop the car off in the morning, should only take a day to get done. If the guys find anything unusual or need more time, they’ll give you a call.”
“Thanks, darling. Hope you’re not planning on taking another holiday anytime soon.”
“No worries about that.”
“Good to hear. I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
He left and I started cleaning up the schedule. It took me hours of swapping appointments and calling clients to fix everything. I didn’t mind though, even if I wasn’t supposed to actually work today.
The door to the garage opened again for the first time since Landon had left. I guessed he was hoping I’d had time for a donut run. Too bad he would be disappointed.
I looked up but the smile slipped right off my face when I saw Mason walk through the door. His eyes were on me, and they looked angry. He stomped his angry stomp in my direction, his intentions unclear. I stood up and stepped back, stumbling over the chair that rolled off to the side.
“Mason,” I breathed and backed up further.
He didn’t say a word, just continued stalking closer, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Willa said it was okay to come back.” I searched for an escape route, my eyes darting around the office. “Did you change your mind?”
I was ready to climb over the desk and bolt out the door. He made it to me, and I tilted my head back. We studied each other, our eyes roaming, our breaths short.
“Why did you get engaged?” he finally asked.
“It was the right thing to do.”
“How romantic.”
“I don’t need romance.”
“Since when?”
“Since reality knocked me on my ass and refused to let me get back on my feet unless I grew up.”
“So you don’t love him?”
I swallowed and shook my head. No use lying about it. And my answer wouldn’t change anything between us anyway.
“I spoke to Willa. Enlightening conversation,” he said.
“Fuck. She needs to learn to respect the ho-code,” I said and finally his face relaxed. He reached out a hand and brushed my hair behind my ear. The side of my face tingled at the contact. His hand travelled down my arm and stopped at my hand and his fingers tangled with mine.
“You should have told me about the contract.”
“And when would I have done that? When you disappeared on me? Or when you fired me?”
