Page 17 of Mason: His to Convince

Maggie patted the stool and Mason sat back down running his hand through his hair. Pushing the plate of cookies in his direction she smiled as he automatically reached for one, looking remarkable like Jason had when the most popular girl in the eighth grade stood him up for a movie.

“She won't marry me, Maggie,” he told her his voice low, “but she will have an affair,” he continued, louder now as anger took over again. “Can you believe it? She actually told me that she'd rather just keep it temporary. The little witch wants my body for God sakes.”

Maggie whistled low. “Just how far has this gone Mason?” she inquired softly, and when he turned his head away she had her answer. Mason was not the type of man to settle for less than he wanted. Under normal circumstances Rebecca didn't stand a chance of changing his mind once it was made up but then these weren't normal circumstances. Mason was in love.

“Has she told you why she won't marry you? She's loved you for years. If Rebecca's anything, she's honest, sometimes painfully so. I can't imagine why she won't admit it.”

“Oh, she admits it,” he told her, “and I can understand why she's afraid of commitment after losing both of her parents like she did. I know what it did to her father when Judith died, but I can't involve myself in a relationship with no future. I really need the whole package Maggie, not just the physical side.”

“It sounds to me like you're already involved. No one's ever sure of the future Mason,” she told him sadly, gazing out the window at the softly falling snow. “I had love with and without the ring, and believe me there are no guarantees.”

Mason’s heart turned over. How could he be so stupid?

“I'm sorry, Maggie,” he said putting a hand on her shoulder in understanding. “I wasn't thinking.”

Laying her hand on his Maggie nodded, accepting his comfort. Jason chose that moment to barrel into the kitchen. Snatching up a handful of cookies he danced away as his mother reached out to smack his hand.

“I'm a growing boy,” he told her, stuffing in another treat.

“Don't I know it,” she laughed. At fourteen he already topped her by several inches. His black hair glowed with a life of its own, blue eyes sparkling with mischief. For a moment she went back in time and a giant fist clutched her stomach. He looked so much like his father. Panic took her humor and she glanced quickly away, reminding herself that some things were better left buried.

“Why don't you go get the saw and some rope and put it in Mason's truck?” she told Jason sharply.

Mason, surprised at the sudden change in her, went to get his boots and jacket. Carrying them through to the kitchen he put them on and taking the thermos of coffee Maggie handed him he bent and kissed her cheek.

“Thanks for listening, Maggie.”

“Don't mention it.” As he turned to leave she put a hand gently on his arm, stopping him.

“Rebecca loves you very much Mason. I think she always has. Just give her time.”

“That's just it. I don't know how much longer I can…,” he stopped, embarrassed. “I just don't want a shotgun wedding, with me holding the gun.”

Maggie laughed but when she continued he was surprised at the sadness in her voice. “Not many women can resist the Kord charm for long, Mason. She'll come around.”

Mason, wondering what she meant had a fleeting memory of Maggie dating his older brother Nicholas. What had it been fifteen, sixteen years ago? A blowing horn pushed the thought from his mind.

“Don’t worry. We won’t be late,” he promised as he hurried out to the truck.

Chapter Seven

Rebecca applied extra makeup to hide the circles under her eyes. It had been a long sleepless night, the hours ticking by one after the other until she finally took two sleeping pills. It seemed like a good idea at four a.m., but when the alarm went off at seven-thirty she knew she would pay for it today. Grimacing at her reflection she pulled her hair back into a clip, too tired to fuss with it. Dressing she chose a cheery red skirt and a soft matching sweater hoping the bright color would make her look less washed out. Her movements felt oddly mechanical and sluggish. Her leg throbbed as she slipped on a pair of low red heels, the first she had worn in almost two months. Deciding this was as good as it was going to get she went into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee.

Standing at the window, hands wrapped around the warm cup, she thought about her argument with Mason. Why did he have to be so stubborn? What they had together was good and had the potential to grow even better if only he would lighten up and stop making demands she couldn’t fulfill. Making love should be a part of their relationship, not something that might end it.

Yes, their romance was perfect the way it was, she assured herself. Why ruin it with promises of forever? Yawning she stared at her reflection in the window.Yeah, well, if it's so perfect, why are you standing here half sick with fear that he might decide to call it off any time. Why are you resorting to sleeping pills just to get some rest?

“Shut up,” she said out loud.

Rebecca pushed the alarming thoughts aside. Glancing at the clock she went to the hall closet to get her coat and a wave of dizziness assailed her. Sagging weakly against the closet door she tried to slip her arm into the sleeve and kept missing. Better not drive today she told herself and going to the phone she dialed Mason’s number. After several minutes she got through his receptionist and heard his deep voice.

“Yes,” he answered so harshly that for a moment she couldn't respond.

“Mace, it’s me,” she answered softly.

“Who's me?” he shot back, his voice still hard.

“The woman of your dreams,” Rebecca told him sarcastically, peeved that he either didn't recognize her voice or wasn't interested in talking to her.