“Date?” I smile, curious.
“One of our clients is having a soft opening. A sushi bar.”
“You built a sushi bar?”
“We did. Well, we didn’t build it from the ground up. It was once a rundown donut shop.” Mason turns on the shower and then removes his boxers, the evidence of my getting wet comment front and center. “I want you with me, so you’ll come?”
I pull off my shorts and underwear, then step past him and into the shower. “I want to be with you too, Mason. And yes, I want to come,” I say seductively as the water pours over me.
Lust darkens his chestnut eyes and he steps in behind me.
Chapter 19
Mason
I wake to what feels like an earthquake. Usually I’d just roll over and go back to sleep but this one is rough and steady. I reach my arm across to the other pillow to find it empty. I know I shouldn’t assume Ari would stay in my bed the whole night since she hasn’t once yet, but I did have hope. The vibrating continuing, I turn the other way and find Ari, foot on the mattress, glaring down at me. She stops her simulation of a natural disaster and plants her foot back on the ground, arms crossed.
“What’s wrong?” I lean up on my elbows and try to clear my vision, hoping the pissed look on her face is not really there.
She points to the round wood table in the corner where I sometimes do work on my laptop. It’s on. “Why the hell are you doing searches on me?”
I collapse down on my back and look at the ceiling. “Ari, that’s nothing… I was just thinking about you last night after you went to sleep and—”
“You still don’t trust me? After everything?”
I let out a breath and sit up, the sheet covering me at the waist. “Of course, I trust you. It had nothing to do with that. I just wanted to help you find some family.”
“Help me?” She gestures with her hands, obviously not appeased by my answer. “Did I ask for help or tell you I wanted to find family?”
“No, but you did mention a grandfather, and a cousin you were going to look for that one time.”
She’s smirking and shaking her head before I finish. “I thought you knew that was bullshit. Well, the part about my grandfather was true…but there wasn’t a cousin. I was just trying to let you off the hook.”
I scoff and run my hand over my jaw, which reminds me I need to shave and get to work. “Well, shit, Ari, I can’t keep track of your… I mean…” I stare at her, knowing I’m just going to keep saying the wrong thing.
“You were going to say my lies.” The angry lines on her face soften, and she walks to the end of the bed like she needs distance. “Hey, I get it. I told you a bunch of bullshit in the beginning and now you’re confused. Not your fault.” She straightens and seems to revitalize. “But I’m not one of your projects. You don’t need to fix me up and make me better.”
I can’t help but laugh. Not just because I can see why she’d use the analogy but also because she’s so wrong about all of it. “Come here.” I reach my hand out and leave it there until she takes it. I guide her back to my side of the bed and she sits. “I don’t know how I can convince you that you’re much more to me than what you see. And because of that, I want to help you.”
“I appreciate that, but I don’t like when things feel out of my control. You’re doing all this stuff and not telling me about it.”
“Ari, it was just some internet searches.”
“Yeah, then what about going to Alex’s? Why didn’t you tell me last night that you went?”
My eyes go wide and I bite my lower lip. “Damn, now I feel like a jackass. You’re right, but I didn’t tell you because I felt like I failed you. And there was no point in upsetting you.” I look down at my hands. “That guy’s an ass and he wouldn’t budge. I don’t know what I expected, but I let you down. I mean, maybe I should have clocked the guy but—” My gaze shoots back to her. “Wait? How did you know I went yesterday?”
Her lips pull tight and then up in an awkward curve.
“What?”
“I’m sorry. Alex was here yesterday.” She cringes in anticipation of my reaction.
“What the hell, Ari?” I let go of her hand and jump off the bed. “Did you tell him where you were?”
Ari pops up and faces me. “No! He got your license plate and his cousin got your address.”
“Son of a bitch!” I step toward her, my breathing hectic. I’m angry not just at Alex but Ari too and I’m not sure why.
“It’s okay. He just wanted to talk.”
“Talk?” I say in a scathing tone.
“Please don’t get mad. He brought me this doll.”
“He brought you a doll?”
“Yes. It was one my mother gave me. He said it was a peace offering. That he’s clean and getting help.”
“God, Ari, please tell me you didn’t fall for anything he said.” I turn my back on her, suddenly more fearful than angry. I open my dresser drawer as if I could simply forget this and get ready for work. Then I slam it shut. “Dammit!” I don’t know what the hell I’m doing or thinking. I pause, take a few breaths, and then catch Ari’s gaze in the dresser mirror. Her eyes are watery and she touches a finger to the corner of one. I turn and go to her. “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “Did I scare you?”
She shakes her head with a small grin. “No. I’m just upset…about all of it. I hate that I’ve caused you so many problems. That you’re mad. Alex said this would happen.”
I can’t believe he fucking manipulated her like that. I take her by the shoulders and pull her to my chest. “I’m not mad, Ari. To be honest, I’m scared.”
She lifts her head and tilts up to look at me. “Are you scared of Alex?”
“Not the way you think. I can handle him.” I narrow my eyes and smile. “And if I need any help, you’ve seen my brothers, right?”
One side of her mouth quirks up. “Then what are you afraid of?”
I sigh and kiss the top of her head, the only sound the hum of the air conditioner and us breathing. We stay that way a moment until I decide I can share my next words. “I’m afraid he’ll get to you. I’m afraid that your past connection with him is stronger than what we have. I don’t want to lose you.”
Her arms squeeze me around my waist and then slide up to my shoulders. The action gives me reassurance, but it’s not enough to assuage my fears.
“If we want to be stronger,” she says pulling up on her toes. “We have to start being honest with each other. No more secrets.”
“Um, that goes for both of us,” I reply against her lips. When she gives me a slow nod, I press our lips together to seal the deal. Then another thought occurs to me while Ari has taken to sealing the deal over each of my cheeks. “Wait.” I pull her back by the shoulders. “There’s something else.”
“What?”
“You have to promise not to talk to Alex again. I don’t want you answering the door or having any contact with him.”
Her mouth quirks to the side and she takes a hesitant step back like this is something she actually has to think about.
“Ari? I’m serious.”
“Oh, el hombre es serio? Entonces la mujercita tiene que obedecer?”
“I’m guessing whatever you just said was not so flattering to me.”
“It wasn’t the best,” she says sarcastically. “Let’s just say I’m not the little woman,” she says, making air quotes on the last two words.
“So, keeping you safe and away from problems is what…me being a chauvinist or controlling? What?”
“Take your pick.”
“Come on, Ari.” I glance to the clock next to my bed. “The other night you said you trusted me.”
“I do, Mason. I just need to be in charge of my own life. If I wanted a man telling me what to do, I’d have stayed with Alex.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it.” Though it was a snap reaction, I still keep my tone low.
“Okay, I exaggerate. But give me some cr
edit please. Trust me.”
I do understand what she’s saying and feeling but the problem is that I in no way trust Alex or what he’s capable of. But for now, I’ll let this go, because I’m not ready to stick to our deal yet and I still have one thing I’m keeping from Ari. I can’t worry about that now, so I take her hand in mine. “At least promise me you’ll tell me if he tries to contact you. In any way.”
She makes a cross over her heart. “Te lo juro.”
“Great. Now let’s get some breakfast before I have to go.” I glance over my shoulder to the laptop as we leave the room. “So why were you even on my computer in the first place?”
“I was looking for a job.”
We maneuver around each other in the small kitchen, grabbing our own usuals for breakfast—Ari, yogurt and fruit, me, hard boiled eggs from the fridge and then popping in toast. “You don’t like working for Mr. Phan?”
“He doesn’t really need me. Plus, I need to make more money. And to think about the future.”
The word pops between us, and we share a glance. I don’t think we’re ready to talk long-term, but I can’t picture anything in the future without Ari by my side. Her glowing olive skin. Her thick, silky hair. The way she moves her hands like a dance when she speaks. Her kind heart and her sassy attitude that don’t work against each other, but actually, are better together. I could go on and on. And when I watch her sitting at the counter in a loose cotton tank and matching shorts, all I want to do is take her in my arms and tell her how much I care for her. Instead, I smile and hand her a napkin because we both know she always drips yogurt on the counter. “Have you thought about what you want…from life? For a career?” I glance to the flower mural she painted. I can’t believe I got agitated over it when it’s added so much brightness to the area. “You haven’t talked about painting in a while and you’re so talented.”
“I’d love to do something with my painting. But what? Paint houses? Go to fairs and paint portraits? I’ve loved painting all my life but I have no education, connections, or any—”
I lean over the counter and cover her mouth with mine. “Ari, you’re amazing. Don’t ever sell yourself short. You can do whatever you want to do.” I straighten and take a bite of toast. “I honestly don’t think you understand how talented you really are.”
“Painting has always been a sort of therapy for me. So, I don’t know. I guess the dream, which I’ve never thought was an option for me, would be to be an artist. Like with a gallery.”
“I believe in you. It’s something to work toward. For now, how about you go shopping today? You’re off, right?”
“Shopping? Where did that come from?”
“The opening I told you about…it’s an evening event. Pretty sure I didn’t see a dress among your things.”
Her eyes drift away. “I know I said I’d go but weekends are busier at the restaurant…”
I brush the crumbs from my hands over the sink and come around to her side. “Do it for me?” I say because I’m guessing her hesitation is more about paying for a dress. I hug her from behind, nuzzle into her neck. “And because you’re sacrificing, a good tip night, I insist on paying for the dress.”
I feel her draw in a breath and she turns her head to the side. I look up and see a wide grin of relief. “You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to. These openings are so boring. Having you there will make it fun. It’s the least I can do.” I lean over and grab my wallet from the table. “Here, take my credit card and get whatever you want.”
She turns in her seat. “Um, this scenario sounds vaguely familiar.”
I cock my head to the side as she takes the card from my hand.
“Really? This doesn’t remind you of a nineties movie?” she asks.
I feign ignorance and shrug my shoulders. “I didn’t see many movies in the nineties.”
“Whatever. And thank you. I’ll get something appropriate.” She turns back to her yogurt but peeks at me from the side.
“Okay, I’m going to get dressed.” I head toward the hall and stop just before it. “For the record…you’re a much prettier woman.”
“Hey!” I hear her say as I chuckle and leave the room.
Chapter 20
Ari
“Am I going to know anyone at this party?” I was nervous for the rest of the week thinking about it, but I didn’t tell Mason. Now that we’re in the car, I’m having second thoughts. I hate that the reason I wasn’t sure I should go is because I was afraid of embarrassing him.
“My dad will be there.”
“What about Logan?” I don’t know him well but at least he’d be familiar. Honestly, I wish Justice was going to be there because I actually consider him a friend but I know that’s not possible.
“No, he tends to steer clear of social events like these.” He glances my way, looking sharp in a black suit I haven’t seen before and crisp white shirt, no tie. Lately he’s been dressing more casually, which I love, but business and formal attire actually suit him and his broad shoulders. “I’m not a huge fan either, but these openings are important.”
“Why? The job is done.”
“Many times, there are potential clients there. And sometimes just being there reminds the client you made it possible and it’s like free advertising. Plus, it’s a pretty great feeling seeing the final product.”
“I can imagine,” I say playfully.
“Yes, I’m sure it is a little like painting. But when you see your work, you know it’s all yours.” He pauses but I can tell he has more to say. “I’m not an artist but I know with you, everything you do has a part of you in it. So it must feel…I don’t know, maybe you can explain it.”
He’s right but I’m not sure I can articulate it. “It’s a pretty amazing feeling but yeah, it’s hard to explain. Maybe something like a parent feels seeing their child. Obviously not the same but…” I wish I could latch onto that feeling right now, but it only makes me sad. I miss painting. I miss my mother. I’m so grateful to have found Mason, but part of me still feels lost. Alone.
Mason’s hand lands on my knee. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“You seem…upset.”
“I guess I’m just a little nervous.”
Taking his hand from my thigh, he pulls into a lit parking lot. “Well, we’re here. And there’s nothing to be nervous about. Just pretend we’re going out for sushi.” On the building in front of us the sign reads: Hirota’s Sushi and Sashimi Bar.
“One, I’m not used to eating sushi, and two, I don’t want to do or say something stupid.”
“You’ll be fine,” he says, pulling into a space. “You didn’t seem nervous at my dad’s barbecue.”
“That’s different. It was a small gathering and your family is great. This is bigger and important to you, and I know I’m going to either stand there in silence or never shut up.”
“I don’t think it matters either way.”
“What do you mean?”
“In that dress, they’ll either be hanging on your every word or not hearing a damn thing you say.”
“Gee that’s helpful. Will Ray be there?”
“Maybe. He’s been to these before, but his wife is very pregnant, so I’m not sure if they’ll be up for it.” He pauses, looking hesitant.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before, but Megan might be here. Well I’m pretty sure she will be here. This was a job we got through The Myers Group.”
“It’s okay. I can handle her.”
“I have no doubt. But we should probably get in there. We’re getting wrinkled sitting here.”
A laugh busts from my chest. “You didn’t seem too worried about wrinkles when you had me up against the bathroom counter.”
“Good point. But the sooner we get in there, the sooner we can get home…and out of these clothes.”
Mason gets out and rounds the front of the car, and I wait for him to open
my door. I might be an independent woman, but I find myself up for some chivalry whenever I’m around Mason. He helps me out of the car and I give him a thank you peck on the cheek.
“God, you look stunning…and you smell heavenly. Did I tell you how gorgeous you are?”
“I think I got the hint earlier when—”
“Yeah, the bathroom counter. Got it. But did I tell you?”
“Um, a few times before and after that. Don’t you remember?”
“I’m sorry but I can’t get over it. It’s literally like looking at one of your paintings. You just stare at it and notice something different about it every time, yet it’s all beautiful.”
“I like it when you compare me to my paintings.”
“I like everything about you.”
My stomach flutters and I feel like a girl at the prom. I’m riding high from his words, his nearness, his attention. I don’t want to go inside and have it all washed away so I take a deep breath and concede to making it a great night. No matter what happens, I’m going to be by his side and the perfect date to make him proud.
Upon entering, we are greeted by Sharon—as per her nametag—who shakes both of our hands and then points to a table in the corner. “Thank you for coming, and please grab a welcome bag on your way out. Just some take-home goodies from Mr. Hirota and some of his partner companies.”
“Thank you,” we both say.
We step inside and pause at the entry. People gather around high-top tables, loading tiny delicacies onto their plates. Some are already sitting and eating, while a few others are standing with drinks only.
Oh God. This is so not my scene. I don’t know if Mason sensed my unease, but he takes my hand and laces his fingers with mine. “I just realized I don’t have anything to talk about. What if they ask me questions…about me? About us?”
“You don’t have to say anything you don’t want to. Talk about art, your painting… Make fun of my wardrobe. I don’t care.”
Broken Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book 2) Page 15
