Page 36 of Holiday Hoax

“Yes. I’ve been accompanying him the past month to all his work functions as his date with the knowledge that it was just a favor.” I’m not comfortable divulging why, it seems like something I shouldn’t share. “I even hosted a dinner party with him at his penthouse last week to show off the art he purchased.”

Understanding flickers in Sylvia’s eyes. “Which gave you access to a new set of potential clients.”

“Exactly. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.” I take a sip of the coffee Mason brought. “And it went really well. The whole night was successful on both ends, so we decided to finish off one of the bottles of wine to celebrate. One thing led to another.”

“And you fucked,” Mason exclaims.

My cheeks flame. “Yes.”

“Was it good?” He leans against the counter, nosey bitch that he is.

“The best sexual experience of my life.”

Sylvia smirks.

Mason looks like he’s about to ask for details, so I rush on. “I thought it was a one-time thing. Just scratching an itch for eachother. We had breakfast and then I went home. We didn’t really talk about it, so I figured it was just casual.”

“You stayed the night and had breakfast together?” Mason rolls his eyes. “That isn’t casual. Casual is a blowjob in the bathroom of a club. Not sleeping beside someone all night and then sharing another meal.”

Sylvia glances back and forth between us, amusement shining in her eyes. “I’m not seeing a problem here. Why the sleepless night?”

“Last night he told me he has feelings for me.”

Mason gasps, dramatically throwing his forearm over his eyes and falling back on the counter. “Oh no, Mia banged a billionaire, and now he’s caught feelings for her. Whatever will she do?”

Sylvia pokes him in the side. “Do you not feel the same way?”

“No. I do.”

“But you’re scared.”

I nod at her. “I could fall for him. I’m already starting to. Our conversations are great, he takes my snark in stride and banters back with me. But he’s my brother’s brother-in-law. He’s from an entirely different universe than I am. What can I really offer him?”

Mason’s expression turns serious. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean? What can you offer him? Everything. You’re gorgeous. Talented. Witty. Driven. Book smart, although you have a critical lack of common sense at times.”

“I tend to agree with Mason on this,” Sylvia says. “If he didn’t think you had anything to offer, why would he have chosen to engage in a fake relationship with you? You possess something he values enough to bring you into his world on his arm. That says a lot.”

Mason nods his head.

“But you don’t have to make any hasty decisions. If he actually cares for you, he’ll give you time to get your head on straight,” she continues.

“He said that last night when he dropped me off at my apartment. He told me he’s a patient man.”

“Well, there you go. Let’s just take it a day at a time. I’m here if you need to talk.” Sylvia pats my hand.

“And I’m here to slap some sense into you,” Mason says.

The door chimes as a delivery man comes in with a huge bouquet of flowers. “Mia Mattia?”

“That’s me.”

He sets the vase on the counter. “These are for you. Have a lovely day.”

“Thank you.” I reach for the card.

Mia,

I’m as determined as I am patient.

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