Page 18 of Between the Paragraphs

“You have to be tall to be a good hurdler,” Jeff teases. “No other sport moments?”

“Sports just didn’t agree with me,” Maria says with a laugh, “There was this time I was in high school when I was giving a presentation. The fire alarm went off, and I was so into my talk, it startled me. I choked on my words and let out a squeak that had me called squeaky for the next few months.”

“That’s not so bad,” Kevin says.

She shrugs. “Okay, fine. I was at a homecoming dance and doing some great moves when I tripped and fell into the refreshment table. The punch flew into the air and soaked a group of snotty girls standing near it. I was slightly embarrassed but hailed a hero by two-thirds of the student body as they went screaming from the room.”

“Nice,” Tom says, holding up his hand for a fist bump.

The night continues on with more stories, and my friends are as utterly captivated by Maria, as am I. She’s witty, charming, and definitely holds her own. I might’ve planned for a quiet, romantic evening, hopefully ending with her in my bed, but this is better . . . for the most part. This allows me to see her letting her hair down and being herself. I love it. Maybe I want more than to bring her to my bed, maybe I want to try a relationship, something I haven’t wanted to do in five years.

The guys finally say their goodbye’s and Maria tries to sneak out with them, but I hold her back, telling her I need to show her something on the computer. Kevin gives me a look, but luckily leaves without another word.

“Finally got rid of them,” I say with a laugh.

“They were great. I know there’s a ton of work to do, but that was wonderful.”

I love that she means this. She truly enjoyed the boys. There isn’t a drop of food or wine left, but the evening really has been great.

“I can’t believe how well you fit in with those boys. They can be a bit overwhelming,” I tell her.

“I have brothers and lots of cousins so I fit in well with the guys. Sometimes I’m more comfortable with men than women, especially when I’m not being hit on every five minutes.”

“With your looks and personality I see why all of the boys are hitting on you,” I tell her.

“Like you?” she teases.

“I’m past hitting on you, Maria. I’ve told you I want you already,” I tell her. My tone lowers and I want to pull her to me.

“Don’t give me that look, Mason. We have work to do,” she warns, but she’s still smiling which I consider a win.

We move to the couch, and I bring out my laptop. As much as I want to put work away for the night, that’s why we’re at this conference. We still have time, and I’m going to make the best of it. I might not be getting her horizontal yet, but this is a close second because we’re side by side and doing something we both love. Relationships are about more than sex, I remind myself. Sure, sex is certainly a goal, but I’m liking all the rest when it comes to Maria. She stimulates me in more ways than one . . . and I want it to keep happening.

Chapter Seven

Maria

The next day of the conference dawns with a flurry of anticipation. I still haven’t managed to get to Ruth, but it will happen. I go through my morning routine, then walk down to the grand conference hall, the buzz of conversations and the hum of excitement filling the air.

The area is already packed with people, all eager to make connections, see old friends, and visit with fans. There really is pure happiness in the air at a conference. How can there not be, when the space is filled with people who all love books?

I’m lost in my thoughts when Robert approaches. “Maria, I need you to bring Mason to the company party tonight,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument. I blink at him, caught off guard. What is his obsession with Mason? I can see him wanting Miles there, but why Mason? Does he want Miles publishing with us so he can get to Mason? This is so strange. What does an ex NFL player have to do with my publishing house? It isn’t like I’m a journalist looking for a scoop.

“I’m sure I can get him to come,” I say. I wish I knew why this was needed, though.

Robert nods, already turning away to talk to the next person. I’m glad to see him go. I’ve never had a problem with my boss before, but right now, I’m not thrilled with him. I haven’t been micromanaged in years, and I don’t like it. It was bad enough being told to get Miles as a client, but bringing Mason into this is a step past my comfort zone.

I take in a deep breath and scan the area for Mason. It doesn’t take long to find him. His tall frame, wide shoulders, and confident demeanor truly make him stand out in a crowd of thousands. It’s most likely been this way for him since middle school, heck maybe even since elementary school. I weave through the crowd toward him. He looks up and smiles, seeming pleased to see me coming. Yep, my breath hitches again.

“Hello, beautiful,” he says, interrupting the conversation he was having so he can pull me in close to him.

“Hello,” I say, hating the heat in my cheeks. I wonder if I’m around him for any length of time if this will ebb a bit. I’m not sure. I don’t think we’ll be around each other for long enough to make that happen.

We visit with the people he’s standing with for a moment before we walk off together. “Do you want to come to my company party tonight?” I ask. I don’t tell him it’s a request from my boss. I don’t know why I don’t tell him this, but I don’t like the situation at all, and feel uncomfortable about it. I guess I don’t want him feeling the same way I am.

“I’d love to come with you. What kind of boyfriend would I be to let you attend parties by yourself?” he asks as he leans down and gives me a kiss. I barely hold back my sigh.

“Good. Pick me up at six,” I tell him. “I have to run for now, but dress code is business casual.” He winks at me before I rush off.

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