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Sabrina takes a step back, clearly seeing she’s pushed this too far. Her mouth gapes open for a moment before it shuts again. She then glares at Mason before giving me a disgusted look. Without another word, she turns and rushes away.

“I’m so sorry about that,” Mason tells me. “Please don’t let her ruin our evening.” He looks down at me, his expression instantly softening.

I smile at him as I take his hand. “Thank you. She’s a pest. Hopefully you’ve finally managed to get rid of her.”

This makes him chuckle. Before we can sit again, the waiter appears. “Is everything okay here?” he asks, looking worried as he glances in the direction that Sabrina left.

“Everything’s wonderful. We’re ready for dessert,” Mason says while placing our orders.

Once the waiter walks away, I turn to Mason. “I need help with something,” I say. I then take his hand and pull him behind me. He doesn’t protest.

I move down the hall into the quiet bathroom area, then head inside one of the private rooms. His eyes widen in shock as I lock the door behind us. I press him against the wall as I kiss him. I pull back and look into his delighted eyes.

“You’re amazing. No one will ruin our time together,” I assure him. “I’m also incredibly turned on right now.” Before he can respond, I drop in front of him, reaching for his pants.

“Maria,” he groans as I wrap my hand around his very thick hardness. Just a kiss does this to him. I love how much he desires me. I close my lips around him, and he bites his lip to keep from calling out.

He doesn’t allow me to suck him for long before he lifts me up, then pushes my dress above my hips and rips off my panties. He pushes me against the wall, and before I can say a word, he presses his mouth over mine and slams into me. Our kiss muffles my scream.

Our movements are frantic, our desperation for each other more than clear in the small space of the bathroom. I hold on tight as he pounds in and out of me, grateful for his lips on mine as an orgasm rushes through me, and I shake in his arms.

He soon follows, and I whimper when he pulls out of me and sets me back on my trembling legs. I then chuckle as I lean against him. I’ve never done anything like this before, and I absolutely love it.

“We better get out of here before there’s a line,” I tell him.

“Hopefully they don’t think we dined and dashed,” he muses. I look at him with wide eyes. That hadn’t been something I thought about.

He grins, more than happy with this turn of events. He then grabs some towels and helps me clean up before pulling my dress down. I straighten my hair as best I can and make him exit before me. He winks before heading out the door. I take another two minutes before I follow him. I don’t meet any of the dinner guests eyes as I make my way back to our table.

I’m sure the flushed cheeks, ruffled clothing, and satisfied smile give it all away. I don’t care, though. It isn’t as if I’ll see any of these people ever again, and that was too wonderful to have any regrets about.

I get back to the table where our dessert is waiting. We share them together and nothing else in life matters but this moment with Mason. No exes can put a damper on how we feel about each other. No stress at work can make a dent in it. We’re perfect together, and I don’t see anything that can come between us. I know without a doubt that I’m Mason’s, and he’s mine. I hope this will never change. For the first time ever, I’m hoping for forever.

Chapter eighteen

Maria

It’s finally the day for Mason and I to get Miles and Ruth Cardello together. There’s no way I’d have this meeting without him since he’s been such a key part in bringing this duo together. Sure, he’s Miles’s brother, but it’s Ruth we had to win over, and I credit him for ninety percent of that.

The moment we come together in the restaurant, smiles are all around. I move up to Ruth who gives me a hug. Some authors like hugs, some don’t. Ruth is certainly a hugger. I love it because so am I.

“It’s so good to get together. I know it’s been busy since conference,” Ruth says in her cheery voice that’s so infectious you can’t be in a bad mood around this woman.

“I’m excited for you two to officially meet. I hope we can all work together,” I tell Ruth. I then step back as Mason and Miles move forward. “Miles, the fantastic Ruth Cardello. Ruth, the super talented Miles Bennett,” I say with a flourish. Both Ruth and Miles laugh at the introduction.

“It’s a pleasure to meet in person,” Miles says.

“I’ve read a few of your books since the conference and I have to say they’re incredibly good,” Ruth tells him.

“I’ll take that compliment from such a talented woman. Thank you,” Miles says. I can clearly see this isn’t just words. He means them. I know some of my authors are very nervous to have other authors they like and respect read their material. Authors are their very own worst critics. There’s nothing anyone can say that they aren’t already beating themselves up over. Hitting the end on a book is nearly impossible as an author feels there can always be one more edit.

We all sit, and the conversation immediately begins as Miles shares his vision. Ruth’s eyes light up as she listens to him, adding her input. It’s phenomenal sitting here with them and listening. It’s like they’ve been partners forever instead of just now meeting. This duo was meant to happen. I love that Mason and I have managed to bring them together.

Our food’s served and then Ruth turns to me. She gives me a worried expression that has me concerned. I wait to see what she has to say.

“Maria, I truly am excited to work with Miles. I think our two minds can come up with something fantastic. I have to be honest with you though,” she begins.

“Of course. I never lie to my authors, and I appreciate the same from them,” I assure her.

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