Embedded

Difficult

Her heart raced, and she felt herself flush with heat at his words. She shifted her gaze to his, realizing he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. His proximity made the air around her sizzle. “Don’t ever put me in that position again. I can’t be accountable for what will happen,” he prowled towards his closet with a hunger in his step and moments later reemerged, dressed in just his underwear. The sight of him sent a tightening sensation through her body, and she struggled to focus on what he was doing rather than how he looked. “From now on, only five glasses max for you,” he said, laying two designer suits on the bed and weighing his options with a discerning eye. “So, which one do you think looks best?”

Thea eyed the suits; her mouth pressed into a thin line. She crossed her arms, her posture defensive. “You’re asking me for fashion advice now? What’s really going on?” she searched his face for answers.

He held up a navy blue tie and a black one, studying them for a moment. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, his other hand still gripping the ties. “My mother is coming to the office today,” he said, his voice strained. He shook his head with a slight grin, “I just want to make sure I’m dressed properly, so it’s one less thing for her to complain about.”

Thea noticed the tension in his voice. She cleared her throat and asked, “Does she usually nitpick at what you wear?”

Mason pulled the crisp fabric of the sky-blue shirt over his shoulders, adjusted the collar, and met Thea’s gaze with an exasperated expression. “Is there anything she doesn’t nitpick at?” he asked.

Thea’s fingertips carefully pulled the buttons of his shirt through their holes as she leaned closer, her eyes studying his face. “How does that make you feel?” she whispered.

Mason inhaled deeply and exhaled, his shoulders dropping in defeat, “Honestly? Like a failure. Like I can never do anything right in her eyes.”

Thea lightly touched his chest with her soft hand, looking into his eyes and offering a gentle reassurance. “You’re a fantastic lawyer. I’m sure your mother’s proud of you,” her voice was soft and encouraging.

He ran his hands through his hair, pulling it back in frustration. His face was tight with aggravation as he said, “No matter what I do, it’s never enough. She’s never satisfied.”

Thea’s gaze bore into his, and her brows knitted in concentration, “That sounds like a difficult relationship to have,” she uttered softly.

Mason stepped in front of the full-length mirror, grabbed his navy tie, and looped it around his neck. He smoothed out the wrinkles of his dress shirt, noting how his reflection looked surprisingly sharp for a Monday morning. He sighed and muttered, “It is, but what can you do?”

Thea stepped out from behind him, her hands already deftly weaving a perfect Windsor knot as she spoke, “I’m not going to lie. It sounds awful. But that’s what I’m here for.”

Mason’s eyes widened, and his mouth hung open as Thea’s unexpected words echoed in his ears. He expected the usual polite platitudes when Thea asked for his opinion. Instead, her gaze had an intensity and a genuine curiosity in her expression. He sensed sincerity emanating from her that he had never seen before. He swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and spoke. “Thanks, Thea.”

Thea’s fingers paused on the knot of Mason’s tie. She was taken aback; Mason usually followed a show of gratitude with a sly comment or an attempt at flirting, but today he looked sincere in his appreciation. Thea’s expression softened, and her lips curved into an understanding smile. “Anytime,” she said.

Thea peered at the clock and saw that the hour hand was already close to seven. She sighed and began heading towards the bedroom door. As she was about to leave, Mason’s voice filled the room as he called out, “Make sure to wear something more modest today.”

Thea rolled her eyes and clutched the doorknob as she called over her shoulder. Her hand was firmly planted on her hip, and she shook her head in disbelief. “Oh, now you want me to dress more conservatively?” She exhaled sharply in frustration.

Mason stepped closer, his face mere inches from hers, and the familiar twinkle she loved so much returned to his eyes. His husky words seemed to linger in the air. “I can barely keep my eyes off you,” he said, his gaze drifting down to her lips, “and I really need to focus, especially with her being there today.” He stepped even closer, drawing her body against his. His hand drifted up to her shoulder, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His fingertips grazed along her collarbone in a feather-light caress as though she was made of something delicate and precious.

Thea was frozen in place, captivated by the intensity of Mason’s azure eyes. She felt the pull of his gaze, her flames of desire for him threatening to take over. She lowered her fluttering eyes to his lips, imagining their taste, and her heart pounded. Mason leaned closer, and she felt the heat radiating from his imposing frame as he pressed against her. Mason’s fingers were gentle as they brushed beneath Thea’s chin, tilting her face upward until their eyes met. He moved in close, and she felt his breath on her lips before they touched in a slow and languid kiss. Mason’s hand rested at the base of her neck as his mouth moved hungrily against hers. He murmured softly against her lips, “If you keep looking at me like that, Thea, we’ll never get out of this room.” she could feel the tension between them and opened her eyes to meet Mason’s, searching for a sign that he would take things further. His expression was a mixture of hunger and restraint as he held back, wanting to ensure Thea was ready before taking things further.

Thea felt like she couldn’t breathe. Her flushed cheeks and racing heart were evidence of the passionate kiss she’d just shared with Mason. She quickly mumbled, “I’ll get dressed,” and opened the door, her gaze lingering on Mason’s expression, a look of delight and want.

Thea moved quickly, her hands tremoring faintly as she whisked a pearly blush across her cheeks before pulling a pair of stockings up her long legs. She stepped into a pair of heels, adjusted the waistband of her black skirt, and shrugged on a peach silk blouse. Her mind was chaotic with what Mason might do if she defied him, yet strangely, her lips curled into a faint smirk as the thought surprisingly amused her.