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“I’m looking forward to meeting with her. I have a feeling we can create some serious magic together,” he says.

“I know I won’t always love every author I work with, but it helps to like them, and I really like Ruth. I think doing this project with the two of you will be wonderful.”

He grins at me. “I love the passion you have for this world. It makes a difference and inspires creativity.”

“I love what I do. It helps that I’m such a fan of reading. There’s real magic in the written word, and there’s nothing I love more than being a part of bringing a story to life and sharing it with the world. I understand how much work’s involved, but when the work is magical, it doesn’t matter.”

“I feel the same. There are times I have a difficult time forcing myself to sit and write when I’m not feeling it, but that never lasts. The second my fingers are on the keyboard something shifts within me, and I become a part of the story,” Miles says.

“It shows in your work. I’ve read a few of your books now and love how unique each one is. You’re incredibly talented and so diverse in your writing. You certainly can’t be categorized. I love it.”

“I appreciate that. Sometimes I’ll re-read my old work, and I’m horrified that I came up with it. There are also times I know I’ve hit a home run, as my brother likes to say, when I get lost in my old work. I had to write a spin-off of one of my series, so I listened to an older book to refresh my memory, and there was a point when I was listening where I forgot it was my own book. I was thrilled to be lost in my own story. That rarely happens.”

I laugh at this. “I’m not a writer so I don’t know what that would feel like, but I know I’ve re-read some books I liked in the past that I didn’t love later, and some that I loved even more.”

We continue chatting for a moment when Mason returns and hands me a coffee. We both want to be fully present tonight to enjoy every moment of our alone time.

“What are you two talking so intensely about?” Mason asks.

“Books, of course,” Miles says.

“I shouldn’t have had to ask,” Mason says with a laugh. “My brother has been lost in the world of books since Mom was reading us stories at a year old. She has videos of Miles bringing her one book after another. When we were about eight he took over storytelling time and Mom and me would sit there while he read the bedtime stories.”

“I’m happy to be the designated storyteller,” Miles says with a grin. I notice that Mason and Miles have Patty’s eyes when they smile.

“I might need you to come over and read my kids stories when the time is right.”

“You know I’ll be the best uncle in the world and will gladly do that,” Miles says.

Something in my stomach tugs as they speak of children. It’s not something I’ve thought about in a long time. I’ve always assumed I’d be a mother someday, but work has consumed me for so long that motherhood has been put on the backburner. Miles and Mason talking so openly about future children has a longing running through me.

I’m quiet for a moment as the brothers continue talking. I can picture a sweet little boy with Mason’s hazel eyes sitting in my lap while we read stories together. It sounds like total perfection.

The night winds down and I’m both excited to be alone with Mason, and a little bummed to leave such a great group of people behind. But as I do walk away with Mason’s arm wrapped around me, I’m right where I want to be. As we drive together in my vehicle, as Mason anticipated this and didn’t bring his car, he keeps his hand on my thigh making me lose my concentration.

This has been one more perfect day with Mason in a long line of great times with the man. Anticipation fills me. One thing I know for sure is that whatever comes next will be wonderful. I’m starting to believe nothing can pop this bubble the two of us are enclosed in.

Chapter sixteen

Maria

The office is unusually quiet as I sit at my desk, my fingers flying over the keyboard. I only spend one day a week in the office as most of my work can be done either at home, or out on the road. I typically have multiple meetings on location, and spend the majority of my time with my authors. I enjoy the time at the office though, where I get to catch up with my team and visit with everyone. The only thing I don’t like is the seemingly unending paperwork.

Normally when I’m at the office, I don’t have time for any thoughts other than work. Today, however, my mind’s elsewhere, distracted by thoughts of Mason. I try to push that aside as I have way too much to do to spend time daydreaming.

I’m deep in thought when my boss, Robert, walks in. I glance up to see that he looks preoccupied, his brow furrowed as he approaches. This is nothing new. He’s a busy man, and doesn’t like having to hunt anyone down. This must be important.

“Maria, how’s that interview with Mason Bennett coming along?” he asks, his tone casual, though I catch a hint of impatience. This again? I was hoping it would be forgotten.

I push down my irritation and tell a white lie. “It’s progressing, Robert. I’ve spoken to Mason about it, but we’ve both been swamped and haven’t had time to formally sit down. I have an angle I’m thinking about to support the PR of our publishing house when it comes to this interview. You know I always like to do things outside of the box. I have some informal notes now, but will get it done within two weeks.” I hope I can make this happen. I haven’t even spoken to Mason about it since the conference. When we’re together work’s the last thing on my mind.

Robert nods, but his expression doesn’t soften. “Good. Keep me updated. I want a completed draft in two weeks at the latest,” he says. He doesn’t normally act this way with me. He knows great work can’t be rushed. I don’t like this at all. “I want this done yesterday.”

I bite my tongue, resisting the urge to ask why this is such a priority when Mason isn’t even an author. I know better than to voice this, though. I force a smile. “Of course, sir.”

As usual, he walks away without another word, leaving my mind buzzing with questions. What is his obsession with Mason? Is he secretly in the closet and has a crush on him? No, he’s far too much of a womanizer for that.

As feasible as this is, I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off that’s bigger than Robert’s sexuality. This has something to do with work, but I can’t figure it out. I’m only in this office one day a week, but something’s different. There seems to be a lot more whispering behind closed doors. Is my job secure? I love this place, love my co-workers, and absolutely love my work, but I’m not worried that I won’t be able to find another job. I’ve had offers, many times over, from other publishing houses. I simply can’t stand a mystery.

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