I pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before rushing out the door with my hair still wet. I had to tell Mason good-bye. I had to go before Chris had a chance to get me.
I walked into the shop and was greeted with Joey sitting behind the counter. “Hey, Joe. Is Mason around?”
She smiled sweetly before replying, “He’s in his office, honey. But be careful, he’s on a rampage today.”
I knocked on the door.
“What?” Mason yelled.
I cracked open the door and peeked inside. “Can we talk for a minute?” I took a step inside and closed the door behind me.
His eyes shined from clear across the room. I saw so much brewing behind them.
“I don’t think that would be a good idea. I really made a mess of shit last night.” He shook his head.
“This isn’t about last night or us for that matter.”
He had to force himself to look at me and that made my heart fall to my stomach. I hated that was what we had become. “I just wanted to let you know that those pictures have been released and I’m leaving.”
“Where are you going?” I saw sadness flash in his eyes as he pulled his brows together.
“With those pictures being out there, Chris has found me. I have to leave before he gets here. I’m sorry for the mess I made for you, but I won’t be here anymore to make a mess of things. I hope you and Nicole can get over this and have happy lives.” I turned for the door when I felt my eyes tear.
“Stop,” Mason said as soon as I reached for the doorknob.
I turned to look at him, not sure what I would see.
When I turned, he was standing directly in front of me. “You’re not going anywhere. I can’t let you leave. I will always be wondering if he’s found you and I can’t live knowing that he may be hurting you.”
My eyes met his intense gaze. “I can’t stay here, he will find me.”
Something flashed in Mason’s eyes. “Go home and pack. You’re staying with me.”
I let out a bitter laugh “Mason, you know that won’t work.”
He shrugged. “Why won’t it?”
“Nicole will have a fit. Not to mention, we can barely keep our hands to ourselves in a crowded room, how are we supposed to stay in the same house?”
Mason walked across the room and sat on his desk, watching me. “I promise, I won’t come near you. After last night,” he shook his head. “I really fucked up. I know that and I’m determined to make this work with Nicole for the sake of our child.”
I nodded, not sure what to say.
“Look, I will talk to Nicole. Don’t worry about her. Do you trust me?”
I wasn’t sure what to say, I did trust him. I always had.
I nodded.
“Okay, go home and pack a bag. I will meet you there after I talk to Nicole.”
I nodded and left his office. I went home but didn’t begin to pack. I wasn’t entirely sure it would happen.
What I didn’t expect was Mason showing up like he said he would. He walked straight in and looked at us confused. “Why aren’t you packing?”
“What’s he talking about?” Alissa asked, completely lost.
“I didn’t think it would happen. I didn’t think Nicole would allow it.” I shrugged, not moving from the sofa.