“Did you have a run-in with an employee?”
She shook her head and Mason felt a small measure of relief.
“No. I’m just doubting myself a little. Sometimes a woman has days when she feels…less than beautiful. I guess this is one of mine.”
Reaching for her hand, he pressed it between his. “Sophie, listen to me. You don’t have any reason to doubt yourself as a woman or as the assistant HR director. You’re beautiful and capable. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Okay?”
Her somber gaze slowly surveyed his face and Mason suddenly felt a connection between them that he’d never felt before. It was warm and strong and deep enough to make his heart beat with hope.
“You’re right. I shouldn’t allow anyone or anything to stop me from feeling positive about myself.”
“That’s the spirit.” He tucked his forefinger beneath her chin. “Now let’s see that gorgeous smile of yours.”
Her cherry colored lips automatically curved into a smile, but the expression didn’t light her eyes and that worried him.
“That’s better,” he said, “but you still don’t look completely happy to me.”
Shaking her head, she glanced away, then bit down on her bottom lip. “Mason, do you think—well—that Thom is really interested in me?”
Thom! The wolf in designer clothing! Mason would like to punch him in the jaw and warn him to stay as far away from Sophie as he could possibly get. But Thom appeared to be what Sophie wanted and it certainly wouldn’t score any points with her to beat the jerk to a pulp.
“What makes you think Thom might not be interested? He’s dated you twice now. By the way, how did last night go?”
With her stare glued to the window, it was impossible to see what was going on behind her eyes. But Mason got the impression she wasn’t ready to talk about any of it. Whether that was because the date had been good or bad, he could only guess.
“Oh, it was…enlightening. Thom seems to think we’re perfect for each other. He believes if we registered with My Perfect Match, the computer would put us together instantly.”
Sure. Perfect for Thom, Mason thought. He ventured to ask, “Is that what you think? That you’re perfectly matched?”
She shrugged and the indifferent response surprised Mason. It also sent his spirits on another soaring leap. She wasn’t singing Thom’s praises. She wasn’t prattling on about having a fabulous time in his company. According to her less than enthusiastic reaction, something wasn’t working out quite right with the two of them, Mason decided. Which meant he still had a chance to win her over.
“I’ve always thought he would be perfect for me. But I’m realizing now that I need to get to know him better. People are always different outside of work. But then, you probably see that same thing with the women you date.”
Oh, yes, his women. He scoffed inwardly. He hadn’t dated since his fiasco with Christa, but that was a fact he was going to keep to himself. For now, at least.
“Yes, sometimes people can turn into real monsters when they’re not under the scrutiny of a boss. Actually, once I leave Robinson Tech in the evenings I grow fangs and wolf hair.”
She looked at him and giggled and the sound made him smile. More than anything he wanted Sophie to be happy.
“Mason, you’re so funny.”
“It’s good to hear you laugh,” he told her.
She squeezed his fingers and Mason wished they were in a private place where the rest of the world couldn’t intervene. He wanted so very much to pull her into his arms and tuck her head beneath his chin, to show her how much he wanted her. But would he ever have that chance? And even if he did, how would she react? She seemed to like him. But liking was nothing like wanting. Or loving.
“You always make me feel better,” she said softly.
His thumb stroked the back of her soft hand. “Sophie, if anyone ever hurts you—if you ever need me—I’m right across the hall. All you have to do is come to me for help. You know that, don’t you?”
Smiling now, she leaned close and pressed a kiss to his cheek. The touch of her lips, the scent of her skin and hair whirled his senses to a drunken daze.
“Yes, I know,” she whispered. “Thank you, Mason.”
She rose to her feet and Mason was forced to release her hand.
“I’d better get back to my desk,” she said. “Dennis just handed me a new project this morning.”
Rising from the couch, he took hold of her arm. “Come on, I’ll walk you back.”
At the door of the HR department, Mason stood with his hand still wrapped around Sophie’s arm and even though it was time for him to let go, he was reluctant to end the sweet contact.
“So will you be working late tonight? Or do you have another hot date with Thom?”
She glanced up and down the busy corridor as though she expected the suave snake charmer to appear at any moment. Did she think Thom might actually be jealous of him? The notion made him want to puff out his chest.
“What makes you think it was hot?” she asked guardedly.
“Hmm. Well, isn’t Thom in the running for sexiest man alive?”
“I don’t know about that,” she replied and then her gaze landed back on his face and she smiled brightly. “Uh, I’m pretty sure I’ll be working late tonight. What about you?”
He nodded as he anticipated spending a few private minutes with her. “Definitely. Mr. Robinson—your father—and Wes have given me the task of producing a health app to go along with the Sports & More app. And they both want the finished product on their desks as quickly as possible.”
She smiled again and this time her eyes sparkled. Mason wanted to shout hallelujah at the sight of her lifting mood.
“Congratulations,” she said. “Obviously you’re doing all the right things. Maybe you’ll have a chance to tell me more about the new project tonight.”
This had to be his lucky day, Mason decided, as a ridiculous thrill rushed through him. He’d climbed out of bed this morning feeling as though winter was never going to end. Now, just hearing Sophie suggest she’d see him tonight made it feel like daffodils and green grass were just around the corner.
“Sure. We’ll have another coffee or something.”
Nodding, she started through the door. “That would be great. See you later.”
Mason was walking down the hall, whistling happily under his breath, when he noticed Thom approaching him from the break room. Judging by the smirk on his face, the other man wasn’t exactly in a friendly mood.
“Hey, Montgomery, having trouble with your job?”
Mason arched a brow at him. “No. Are you?”
Thom inclined his head toward the human resources department. “That’s where an employee goes when he feels…slighted.”
Mason had never liked Thom Nichols and the feeling had only intensified since Sophie had told him her plan of trying to snare the man for her Valentine’s date.
“I couldn’t be happier about where my career is headed. And my private life,” Mason said coolly.
“Same here,” Thom quipped. “Dating the boss’s daughter certainly has its merits. Before long I might be moving to an office on the top floor. Maybe right next to old man Robinson himself.”
Only in your dreams, Mason thought. “She has a name. Why don’t you use it?”
Thom rolled his eyes. “Montgomery, you always were a polite sap. If you’d loosen up and quit the stuffed-shirt act, you might get somewhere with the women. In fact, Christa might still be around.”
It was all Mason could do to keep from ramming his fist into Thom’s gut. But Mason wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he’d gotten under his skin.
“Christa is none of your business.”
A phony smile exposed Thom’s white teeth. Mason figured he’d spent thousands to make them perfect.
“Just like Sophie is none of yours.”
So that’s what this little chat was all about, Mason concluded. Thom had
spotted him and Sophie talking. Well, well. Who would’ve thought Mr. Sexy could ever doubt his ability to keep a woman interested?
“Sophie is a friend,” Mason said flatly. “And I don’t want to see her hurt.”
Thom’s nostrils flared as he unnecessarily straightened the knot of his tie. “I have no intentions of hurting Sophie. So don’t give her a second thought.”
Like hell, Mason muttered to himself. To Thom, he said, “I hope you don’t try to tell Sophie who she should be thinking about. Women aren’t too keen on that sort of domination.”
Thom shot him an incredulous look, then after a moment, burst out in sarcastic laughter. “You? Giving me advice on handling a woman? That’s hilarious, Montgomery.” Then he abruptly walked away.
Mason stared after him, thinking he’d rather be struck by lightning than to let Thom get his greedy hooks into Sophie’s soft heart.
*
Later that evening, well after most everyone had left, Sophie continued to work at her desk. She told herself she wasn’t going to cross the hall and seek out Mason. No, if he wanted to have coffee with her, then she’d wait until he showed up to ask her. And if he didn’t, she’d go home and forget about him.
Which was exactly what she should do. After all, Thom was the man she was after. He was the man who should be inviting her to the coffee shop. Not Mason. But the only time Thom had mentioned coffee was when they’d been sitting in front of the Robinson doorstep.
Olivia would warn her that Thom was using her to wiggle his way into the bosom of the family. Although Olivia was so jaded she would naturally think in those terms, Sophie was beginning to realize her sister might be right. The more Sophie thought about Thom’s behavior, the more she was realizing his feelings for her were far from sincere. She didn’t want to believe she was dumb enough to have developed a crush on that sort of man, but it appeared as though she had.
Eventually, her rambling thoughts got the better of her and she grabbed her handbag and headed to Mason’s cubicle.
Mason was the only person left in his department and as she neared his desk, she paused to take a longer look at the man who’d always been so kind to her. At the moment, his head was bent over a stack of papers, causing a lock of his dark hair to flop away from his forehead. His brows were pulled together in deep concentration as he shrugged one shoulder and then the other in an effort to ease the stiffness.
She must have unconsciously made a move or taken a step, because he suddenly turned toward her. As soon as he spotted her, he stood and smiled.
“How long have you been there? You should’ve yelled at me.”
She entered his cubicle. “You were in deep thought. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“You could never disturb me.”
He pulled up an extra chair and gestured for her to sit. “Make yourself comfortable, Sophie, while I clean up. Have you finished work for the evening?”
“Yes. My mind refused to focus any longer so I gave up and decided to see if you were faring any better.”
Sophie sank into the chair and all of a sudden a strange awareness came over her. For no reason at all, she noticed the room was quiet and practically dark. And Mason was sitting only inches away from her. He smelled like piney woods and fresh rain, and she noticed the dark hair inching over the back of his collar had a rich, shiny texture. Beneath his mustard-colored shirt, the muscles of his back and shoulders rippled ever so slightly as he moved. What would it be like to touch all that masculine strength? How would his lips taste? How would his hands feel against her skin?
The thoughts stirred the feminine parts of her and stung her cheeks with unexpected warmth. What was she doing thinking such erotic things about this man? He was her friend, not her lover!
“I’ve accomplished enough for one day.” He stuffed the stack of papers in his desk, then swiveled his chair toward hers. “There. That’s out of the way. Are you ready to head to Bernie’s?”
As she crossed her legs and smoothed the hem of her skirt, she noticed his eyes traveling down the length of her calf which was covered with the soft brown leather of her dress boot. It was the first time she’d ever seen him looking at her in such a physical way and it only added more fire to her heated thoughts.
“I—uh—well, I thought we might talk a minute before we leave.” She nervously licked her lips as her gaze dropped to her lap. “Unless you’re in a hurry.”
“No hurry. I don’t have anything waiting for me at home. Do you?”
Home. Not since she and her brothers and sisters had been children and the house had held the sound of voices and laughter had she thought of the Robinson estate as home. The place she lived in now was little more than rooms that provided luxurious shelter.
“Not at all.” She lifted her gaze back to his face and as their eyes met, her heart gave an odd little jerk. “Uh, do you live alone? I mean, you don’t share the place with a friend?”
He shook his head as his eyes remained locked on hers. “I have an apartment on the north side of town. And the only one I ever shared it with was a dog, but he’s not there anymore.”
“Please don’t tell me something happened to him.”
A faint grin cocked the corner of his lips and Sophie felt a breath rush out of her.
“Andy is just fine. He lives with my oldest brother down in San Antonio. I didn’t feel right about leaving him alone in the apartment day after day with no place outside to run and play. With my brother, he has a fenced-in backyard and another dog to be his buddy. I hated giving him up, but I wanted him to be happy.”
“You did the right thing,” she said softly. “We all need companionship.”
He cleared his throat, then absently rubbed a hand against his chest. Sophie wondered what he would think if she moved his hand aside and placed hers there. How would it feel to slip her fingers between the pieces of fabric and touch his warm skin?
Shocked by the naughty thought, she tried to focus on Thom and Valentine’s Day and all the hopes she’d had for the two of them, but at this very moment, none of that seemed to hold any importance. Had she lost her mind?
Clasping her hands together and resting them on her knee, she forced her gaze to move from Mason and on to something else. Beyond his left arm, she spotted a framed photo on his desk and she peered at it closely, trying to discern if Mason was one of the three men in the picture.
“Is that some of your family in the photo?”
“That’s me and my brothers. We’d been fishing that day down at Corpus.”
Curious now, she left her chair to pick up the frame. The three men with windblown hair and sunburned faces were smiling and laughing. Mason was only wearing a pair of swimming trunks and Sophie was mesmerized by the chiseled abs and long, muscular limbs.
“You three look like you were having lots of fun.”
“We always have fun when we’re together.”
Sophie wished she could say the same about her own family. Most of the time they were discussing their father’s philandering and whether any more of his illegitimate children were going to show up.
“You’re so lucky, Mason. More than you could possibly know.”
She leaned over to replace the photo on his desk. At the same moment, his chair swiveled toward hers. When the arm made contact with her thigh, the bump knocked her off balance and she teetered toward him.
“Oh!”
She managed to drop the photo onto the desktop without breaking it, but lost her footing in the process. Instinctively she grabbed his shoulder for support and then suddenly she found herself draped across his lap, her face only inches away from him.
“Sophie.”
He whispered her name and the sound caressed her like a ray of hot sun on a cold day.
“Mason, I—”
She didn’t have a chance to say more. Somehow, someway, their lips had made contact and her senses were rocketing upward with such a force, she couldn’t think or breathe.
The taste o
f his lips was like a rich dessert. The more she consumed, the more she wanted.
Oh, my. Oh, my. This was a kiss. This was paradise! Now that she’d found it, she didn’t want to leave. She wanted to let herself be carried away on the shiny stars exploding behind her eyelids, sending shards of tingling heat throughout her body.
But eventually Mason eased his mouth from hers and reality came rushing in like a gust of cold wind.
Scrambling from his lap, she turned her back and quickly straightened her clothing. Behind her, Mason rose to his feet.
“Sophie, I—” His words broke off as his hands settled over her shoulders. “I can’t explain what just happened. I hope you’re not angry with me.”
Angry? A choir of voices were still rejoicing in her head. She’d never been so happy in her life. She wasn’t a chunk of ice! She could feel and want and burn with need just like any normal woman.
But what did this mean? And what could Mason possibly be thinking of her now? That she was a promiscuous two-timer? Oh, Lord, she was making a mess of everything.
Passing a hand over her heated face, she said, “How could I be angry, Mason? You didn’t ask me to fall in your lap.”
She suddenly realized she was trembling all over and she wondered if their kiss had affected him as deeply as it had her.
“I didn’t mean to bump you with my chair. But I—I’m not going to apologize for kissing you. It was nice. Very nice.”
The sound of his hushed voice so close made her shiver and for a split second she considered giving in to the wild impulse and throwing herself straight at him. But Mason wasn’t the man of her plans! She had to remember Thom and resist the crazy urges that were trying to take control of her senses.
“It was nice for me, too. I—I didn’t know that friends could kiss that way. But it’s done. So let’s forget it and move on.” She turned to face him and her heart made a silly leap at the look on his handsome face. There was something very mysterious and sober in his brown eyes. Something she’d very much like to unravel. “Okay?”
He gently touched her cheek and the tender gesture melted Sophie like candy in the hand of a child.
Her Sweetest Fortune Page 8
