Page 18 of Mason: His to Convince

Mason gave a harsh laugh.

“The woman of my dreams doesn't exist. I have to settle for a stubborn twit who's only interested in my body and doesn't have the sense to know a good offer when she hears one.”

Rebecca put a hand to her aching head.

“Oh please Mason, let's not fight this early in the day,” she sighed. “I'll talk to you later,” she told him, deciding she'd rather risk another accident than beg him for a ride when he was in such a foul mood.

“No,” he almost yelled into the phone, realizing she was on the verge of hanging up. “What did you call for?” he asked trying to sound reasonable.

“Forget it, Mace. It's not important.”

“Now that's scary considering it’s eight-fifteen in the morning. Add to that the fact that you totaled your car and didn't see fit to call me; I can only assume there is some type of emergency. Let's see,” he drawled. “Has there been an earthquake, a flood, or did you decide to sleep with the mailman? After all, this isn’t the dark ages. A woman can do just about anything she wants.”

The silence at the other end was deafening.

“Well come on, spit it out. It must be something really special to rate a call to me.”

Rebecca held the phone in a death grip. Why she hadn't hung up she didn't know.

“I called to see if you could give me a ride to work because I wasn't feeling well, but faced with the options I think I'd rather chance the traffic,” she choked out, so angry she could barely speak.

Mason groaned. Finally she needed him and what did he do? Act like a total ass.

“I’ll be right there,” he told her quickly.

“Don't bother,” she shot back. “I won't be.”

“Set one foot out of that house and a car accident will seem like a picnic,” he growled. Before she could get out another word she heard the slam of his receiver.

Mason drove with his usual care but managed to get there in record time just the same. He was surprised to see her new little car in the driveway. Will wonders never cease, she actually did something I told her to, he thought as he parked and got out of his car.

Rebecca was waiting with her coat on and she looked like hell. Her anger had cost her some energy she didn't have to spare and now she was mechanically making the moves that got her ready and out the door. Wondering briefly if this was all due tothose stupid pills or she was really coming down with something she let Mason help her into the car and sat quietly while he settled himself behind the wheel.

“What's wrong, sweetheart?” Mason asked gently, unable to understand her docility. She had been ready to come through the phone ten minutes ago and now she was almost sleeping.

He reached over and laid his hand on her forehead to see if she had a fever. Frowning, he felt her cheeks which were flushed, but didn't feel especially warm. Rebecca still didn't say anything, just yawned and settled deeper into the seat.

Puzzled and not a little worried Mason didn't pursue the reason for her illness, thinking it might be a female problem and not wanting to embarrass either of them. Backing out of the driveway he started toward the senior center, totally amazed that she wasn't ranting and raving at him for the way he'd treated her. Not that he didn't deserve anything she wanted to dish out. She was certainly in no condition to drive to work and he was damn glad she had the sense to realize it.

Full of remorse for the shabby things he'd said he turned to look at her.

“Honey, I'm really sorry for the way I acted this morning,” he told her, navigating the traffic.

Great, she's not even speaking to me. Mason tried again. “I put in a bad night and there's trouble on the new mall site. Jason insisted on cutting down the tree all by himself and it took forever. Maggie was almost frantic by the time we got home. I'm sorry I took it out on you.”

Still no response from Rebecca; she wouldn't even accept his apology and he couldn't really blame her.

“Please talk to me, sweetheart. I said I'm sorry.” A soft snore from the other seat was his only answer and when he turned to look at her he found her head down, chin resting on her chest. Golden hair spilled out of her clip and down her coat. Pullingsharply over to the curb he released his seat belt and turned to take her shoulders into his big hands.

“Rebecca,” he called softly, fear making his throat tight. “Honey, answer me.”

Green eyes flickered open for a moment and a small moan escaped her as she tried to snuggle back into the seat.

Not sure what was wrong with her Mason made the decision to take her home and call the doctor rather than have her in the local emergency room for hours. Turning the car around in the nearest driveway he drove back to her house. Pulling into the driveway he jumped out of his side and hurried around to hers. When he opened the door she almost fell into his arms as he tried to help her out. Giving up he bent and slipped her gently over his shoulder, striding to the door. Fear made his hands shake as he struggled with the key. Was she too young to have a stroke? Could pneumonia come on this quickly? He tortured himself as he kicked the door open and strode in. Setting her on her feet his hands shook as he removed her coat. She seemed to come to for a moment.

“Mason?” she questioned, yawning, her eyes barely open. God, she sounded so weak.

“It's all right honey, I'm here,” he told her, trying to be reassuring when he was terrified. “Everything's going to be fine. Tell me where you hurt, baby. I'm going to get you into bed and call the doctor,” he rambled on, scooping her up into his arms and striding down the hall to her room.