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He grins at me. “I have to say this has been one of my favorite interviews. It’s relaxed and feels more like chatting with a friend. You have a way of drawing out information,” he says.

“I appreciate it, Miles. I think it’s because I truly love talking with people and want to know their history and what makes them who they are. I know your readers will love getting to know you more on a personal level.”

“As much as I’d love to watch my brother squirm for his portion of the interview, I have a woman to help make dinner with,” he says as he stands. He moves up to me and gives me a hug. I gladly hug him back. He says goodbye, and then Mason and I are alone together. We’ll see if we can get through it before we end up naked.

Mason and I have spent so much time together that it’s almost silly to do an official interview, but this is what the boss is demanding. We can do this. I like to push myself, and if we never get into uncomfortable situations then we aren’t prepared to face the real world.

I sit across from Mason. He grins at me with a look in his eyes telling me he’s picturing me naked. I take in a deep breath and decide not to call him out on that.

“Thank you for taking the time to do this,” I tell him.

He laughs. “You know there’s nothing I won’t do for you.”

I get right into the interview, and soon Mason settles in with me, his normally charismatic self coming to the forefront. He talks about his career, about his relationship with his brother, about his old team and the friendships he still maintains.

Some of the things he tells me, he says is just for the two of us, not the interview. I assure him I won’t add anything he doesn’t want. What I’m most impressed with is his determination and his love for the people around him.

“It’s clear to see why you’re so successful,” I tell him. “I also love how diverse your career has been. Some people think of athletes as one-note, but that’s certainly not the case with you. What do you think has been the driving force behind all of your adventures?”

He considers this for a moment. “I’ve always believed in following my instincts. Sure, I make business decisions, but I also trust my gut. Whether it’s a business deal, a new project, or something I’ve done for a long while, I trust myself. So far, this hasn’t steered me wrong.”

“When you decided to retire, was that your gut?”

He nods. “Age is a factor in athletics. I was reaching the peak of my career. My last injury made me decide it was time to go. I could’ve pushed through it, but I didn’t want a permanent injury that would last me for life to play another month. I don’t regret that decision.”

I smile at him. “From a personal perspective, I’m pretty pleased about that,” I tell him.

“Don’t worry, baby, cause even injured I can take care of you right,” he assures me. I feel my cheeks heat.

“What’s been the biggest challenge in your career so far?”

“Sometimes the biggest challenge is in who to trust. There are so many vultures out there. I’ve been burned a time or two as have many of my friends. It makes it hard because you think someone has your back, and then you come to find out they’ve been stabbing you the whole time. I guess the biggest challenge would be trust.”

I nod. “There is some of that in the publishing industry as well. It makes it hard.”

We move on talking about his highlights, mentors who have guided him, and on how important leadership is. Mason shares more personal stories with me as the interview becomes less formal. I can sit and listen to him for hours. I forget to take notes, forget this is an interview at all. He explains how all of this has shaped him into who he is.

“What’s your favorite activity to relax?” I ask.

“Now that football isn’t my career, I love gathering with the guys and playing for fun. It keeps me connected and grounded at the same time. Football will always be my first love and I hope to be playing when I’m eighty.” He then laughs. “Don’t share this, but I’ve also really gotten into gardening. There’s something incredibly satisfying and therapeutic about planting a seed, seeing it develop into a plant, plucking the vegetable, and then cooking the food up.”

I don’t think it’s possible for this man to be any more perfect than he already is. I’m ready to end this interview and get him naked. We wrap it up with a couple of more questions.

I wink at him as if I don’t already know this answer. “Is there any truth to the rumors that your brother is entering a deal with a world-famous author?”

He throws his head back and laughs. “I cannot tell a lie so I’ll keep my lips sealed,” he says.

“Is there any truth to the rumors that you might be joining your brother in the world of publishing?” I ask.

He again winks. “You never know. The Bennett brothers are full of surprises.”

“That’s a wrap,” I tell him.

“About time,” he says as he jumps to his feet. I squeal when he rushes to me, making me drop my notebook as he lifts me up and throws me over this shoulder. I forget all about the article as the two of us make our way down the hall, me giggling as he spanks my butt and rushes to the bedroom. Life truly can’t get better than it is right here and now.

Chapter Twenty

Mason

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