A playboy's proposition

CHAPTER TWO

She jabbed her index finger into the air in front of her. "I promise that if you don't leave me alone, I'll kick you so hard in the balls that there won't be any more questions." Mason groaned and got up from his chair, putting his arms about his head. Taking his suitcase, he made his way to the door. His stomach growled as he turned off the lights in his workplace. He would most likely need to stop and pick up food on the way because there wasn't likely anything to eat at the house. For a split second, he hoped a woman was there to greet him and serve him a homemade dinner. He dismissed the idea with a swift shrug. The trouble of committed relationships wasn't worth a few dinners. Ultimately, he found greater satisfaction in pleading for dinners from a married sister. Until they went on one of their rants about how, at thirty-two, he should settle down and start a family and that he couldn't live a bachelor's life forever.

He murmured under his breath, "Bullshit," at the concept. Down the corridor, the pretty cleaning lady looked up.

Then she flashed him a seductive smile. "Mr. O'Connell, good night."

"Lucy, good night," he answered. Fighting the need to get closer and start a conversation, he slammed the lift button. Shaking his head, he ran a hand through his sandy blonde hair. As much as he would love a tryst in the storeroom closet, talking to Lucy would probably lead to some type of hook-up that he was growing too old for.

He was startled to the first level by the lift. Mason grunted in irritation as soon as he stepped off because he was confronted with heated remarks. Oh no, the last thing he wanted was to get into a domestic argument after working late and getting c**k teased by the cleaning lady. And that's precisely what it was, based on the tones of the voices of both men and women.

A lady shouted, "Michael, I can't believe you cornered me here at work!"

"What action was expected of me? You refuse to respond to my emails or calls. I needed to make sure you were okay."

"I really did mean it when I told you to leave me alone!"

But Kelly, you have my affection. I don't want to part from you.

The woman's voice grew by one tone as she heard scuffling. "Avoid! You dare not even touch me!

Mason's defensive nature sparked at the woman's tone, causing him to suddenly turn sharply. Hello! He yelled, "Get your damn hands off her!"

When they saw him, the couple gasped. The woman bowed her head to escape Mason's piercing stare as her face reddened from tears. He recognized her right away as Kelly Armstrong, the lady he'd attempted in vain to take home from the company's Christmas party, and the face of 4th floor advertising. He could tell she recognized him too, by the way she avoided looking him in the eye.

Mason looked at Michael, the man, whose eyes were incredibly wide with terror. He quickly removed his hands from Kelly's shoulders and retreated a few paces. Michael appeared prepared to dash for the closest door. Then Mason realized how fierce he must seem with his jaw set firmly, and his hands clenched at his sides. He attempted to soften his stance, but he was unable to do so because of the intense blood flow in his ears.

Michael raised his palms in submission. "It's unclear what you perceived, but we were merely conversing."

Mason's eyes went narrower. "I believe it was much more than just talking, based on the way she was sobbing and pleading with you to stop touching her." Kelly rushed by him and fled into the bathroom as he began to ask her if she was okay. He gave Michael a scowl.

"Look, dude, you're completely incorrect. I —

"What's not to acquire? Even if your ex-girlfriend, ex-wife, or whatever she is can't bear it when you touch her, you definitely can't let her go!

A nervous giggle sprang out of Michael. The moment Mason arched an eyebrow at him, he muted it and moved on. "You're so, so incorrect, I assure you. I am not Kelly's ex.

"So, what's the issue?"

Michael gave a throat clearing. Okay, so you'd want the facts? This is it. Kelly has been my best buddy since middle school, and I'm g*y.

Mason became silent for a moment. Sincerely?

"Yes."

"Well, then I'm in error. I apologize for that.

Michael gave a shrug. It's alright. If I had believed that some assholle was harassing a woman, I probably would have acted in the same way. In any case, I doubt I would have if he were twice as big as you. His eyes darted beyond Mason to the lavatory, and he winced. "God, I detest it when she gets upset with me. She's never been more upset and angry, in my opinion. You know, I simply don't know how to put it correctly."

Mason got up and moved because he sensed the talk was going into an emotional place that he sought to stay out of at all costs. He raised one hand. "Hey man, I really have no say in this." However, as soon as he spoke, he knew his comments had been ignored. Unless he actually tried to outrun him, Michael wouldn't be getting away without hearing the whole dramatic narrative, based on the agonized expression on his face.

Michael sighed and combed through his brown hair. He replied softly, "She's obsessed with having children, and she's been agitated about getting pregnant for the last two years." I told her that I would be the father and make donations to the charity since I love her so much.

Alright, so perhaps Mason hadn't anticipated that particular tale. "Avoid telling me. When it came time to carry out the deed, you gave up?

Michael gave him a scowl. "Aw, yeah, that's funny, asshole. Just so you know, the procedure was scheduled to take place at a clinic."

"What's the point of that?" Mason smiled slyly and pondered.

"Hey, gay, remember?" I'm sorry. Mason was so engrossed in the tale for reasons he could not begin to understand that he felt compelled to ask Michael to go on. "So what took place?"

"My spouse isn't prepared to start a family. Kelly didn't necessarily want me engaged, as I assured him, but he won't back down. Having to decide between my closest friend and the man I love has been unbearable.

"Why is she unable to visit a sperm bank or another facility?"

Micheal laughed. "Kelly believes there will be a terrible mix-up in which the sample from a prime donor she selected is replaced with that of a serial killer."

Mason's smiled. "Well, I suppose I get her point."

Michael felt a tingle in his pocket. After extracting it, he sighed at the ID. "Hey, it's Alex," I'll give him hell for coming here and attempting to speak with Kelly. I really, truly must leave. His eyes darted back to the lavatory. "But I hate to part from her."

"You proceed. I'll make sure she gets safely to her car.

Actually? It would be fantastic. He extended his hand. It was a pleasure to meet you.

Masonry. John Mason O'Connell

"Anthony Anderson." They shook hands, and Michael grinned. "I appreciate your assistance greatly and your complete misinterpretation of the situation."

Mason scoffed. "I enjoyed nearly kicking your ass."

"Hello now," Michael answered. His phone rang, making him flinch and wave briefly before he brought it up to his ear. "Yes, honey, I apologize for missing your texts. I'm currently travelling home. Pushing through the glass doors, he vanished into the darkness.

Mason shook his head and headed for the loo on the other side of the foyer. He gave the door a tap. Kelly yelled, "Go away, Michael!" in a high-pitched voice. I'm at a loss for words with you! In addition, you just gave me the worst possible embarrassment in front of the biggest assholes in the company.

"Greatest asshole, huh?" he said to himself. Certainly not a label he was particularly proud of—especially from a lady. They used to describe him in far more positive terms, which was something he was used to. Well, before he left, at least in the beginning. Usually, things took a bad turn after that.

"I won't leave this bathroom until I'm positive you've left!"

Mason let out a sigh. She was undoubtedly a determined individual, not to mention quite stubborn. His thoughts quickly returned to how stunning and alluring she had seemed at the Christmas party, and how her silky green dress had accentuated her curves, making her seem completely tempting. He'd been eager to spend the night with her when he'd noticed her across the room with several pals. He had been encouraged to bridge the short gap between them by her bashful grins and sidelong looks up at him through her eyelids. Naturally, her meddling pals had already alerted her to his questionable reputation as a heartbreaker and serial womanizer by the time he got to her side.