Finding His Sun

Chapter Four

Erin went to work and made her peaceful exit. Only a few kids today, and she loved spending the time to clear her head. She got in her car and suddenly her happy heart fell into the reluctant sadness she now lived in. She headed to Mason’s office to bring him dinner since he was working late. 

“Hello gorgeous” Mason examined her as she walked through the door.

Her heart smiled at his acknowledgment of her being pretty, even after a day of work. She handed him the brown paper bag and he swooped her in his arms. She let herself sink into his body and find comfort. He wasn’t all bad… he really loved her. 

“Hello love” she said genuinely smiling. 

They talked and talked about their prospective days. Mason had a big case he was researching for his father, but of course she couldn’t know the details. This case was apparently important because he had been working into the late hours of the night for weeks, except when he went to the bars to party. Mason had told Erin the bar is where he can blow off steam with the guys and she was okay with that. She didn’t own him. But she felt like he owned her… 

“I’m sorry I’m working late again tonight…. I know you miss me” he teased. 

She smiled and kissed his cheek. 

“I understand. This case could be huge for your father’s firm. And I’m probably just going to stay for Ryan’s party tonight anyways”. 

When she said that his eyes darken and focused on her. Her heart stopped for a quick second while she tried to think, think of something to say. 

“You know because they will probably trash the house again and I need to supervise” she said with a nonchalant tone. What is he thinking? 

He smiled at her and his eyes and perfect teeth made her melt. She relaxed, but he still hasn’t said anything. That was unusual. 

“I’m sorry dear. You know I’m just not a fan of your party animal of a cousin. It doesn’t look good for me when you’re fraternizing with him”. He said bluntly. 

She sighed. “I know. Once I earn some more I’ll move out”. 

“How are you supposed to earn anything taking care of those silly babies? Take my father up on his offer for you to be a secretary here”. 

Erin’s heart broke again. He had been bugging her for weeks to get a better job, and then Mr. Benjamin Mallard offered her a job as a secretary paying double what a secretary should make. She knew Mason had a hand in that. She hated his charity, and for some reason she just did not think working with Mason would be a good idea. 

“What do you not want to work with me?” He asked as if he could read her thoughts. His eyes narrowed. 

“No! No, that’s not it at all! I just would hate for anyone to think I got the job not on my own merit” she halfway lied hoping it was convincing. 

He let out a sigh and threw his fork down. She braced herself. 

“You are a stubborn little kid sometimes. I’m offering you a lifeline. I may not be there next time you fall” he said with more of a condescending tone than anger this time. 

Erin thought back to when her mom left, and she first started talking to Mason. He had seen her at the supermarket, and she was gathering her cash. He pitied her but was struck by her beauty. He paid her bill and walked her out of the store. From then on out he was ‘saving’ her all the time. Erin could be independent… should be. But taking care of herself through senior year, then college and Ryan’s actions made it difficult. Mason had money and was willing to give his life to her, but paradise always has a price. 

She looked at him and did not know what to say. He stood up and threw his food away. He opened the door and just looked at her. She knew it was time to leave. Better for the both of them. 

As she was leaving, he caught her arm and pressed his lips to her ear. 

“You may try to forget it, but I know who you are. I’m the only one willing to take an orphan in. Don’t be stupid and reckless next time. Or you’ll find yourself alone”. 

The whispers rang through Erin’s ears like a sharp and brutal winter chill. She got into her car and drove home. 

When she got home, she made sure to text Mason an apology and showed her love. She of course got no response. He needs time to cool off, she thought to herself over and over. She was glad he was too busy with work to be busy with her.