Page 68 of Roman & Olivia
“Ms. Whitten?” Someone’s voice grew louder, and her head snapped up to see her boss staring at her with a look of concern in his eyes.
“I’m sorry, what were you asking?”
“If the scouting program has everything in place for the community event they’re hosting next weekend. Were there any loose ends we need to tie up?”
“Oh, yes. I mean,no, there’s nothing more we need to do. Yes, they’re ready,” she stammered, her face flushing. She could feel Mason’s eyes on her, and she focused harder on not looking directly at him. She didn’t need to see the expression she knew he’d be wearing.
Embarrassment, probably. Or maybe irritation? He didn’t like to be associated with people who weren’t on their A-game.
She cleared her throat and looked down at her tablet if only to stave off further attention. Normally, she was on top of things. Now, it felt like her world was crumbling because she’d lost her best friend.
He’s more than that, and you know it. You’re just being stubborn.
Her cheeks flushed hotter even though no one could possibly hear what was going on in her head.
When she no longer felt Mason’s stare, she risked a glance. He was leaning closer to the girl and saying something. She was all smiles.
It made her wonder if Roman had been right about Mason not being interested in something exclusive. He’d always been flirty. It had never bothered her before.
So why was she suddenly irritated?
The ironic thing was that the irritation she felt didn’t have anything to do with the fact that he was blatantly showing another girl attention.
No. Her annoyance went deeper than that.
Mason had told her that he wanted her to pick between her best friend and him. He’d wanted their relationship tostrengthen, and he’d insisted Roman’s part in her life would thwart that.
Maybe it had.
Maybe it still was.
Her jaw tightened as she shifted her attention to her tablet once more.
If she hadn’t pushed Roman away, she would have called him and vented. She would have asked his opinion—coming from a man. Roman would have teased her about it. But then he would have gotten serious and told her straight up what was going on—he wouldn’t have held back.
And what would he have said?
Her jaw ached from how clenched it was. Head pounding, she stood from the table. It had become a habit to rise when those around her had done the same, even if she wasn’t prepared to leave. It was like she was in a fog as she headed back to her desk.
Roman would have told her that Mason wasn’t worth her time if he was causing this much strife. Relationships weren’t supposed to be easy, but they were supposed to be balanced. If she was struggling, then there should’ve been something as good on the other side of the scales making her want to stay.
The problem was… there wasn’t.
That realization hit her like a blow to the chest. Her heart ached. She thought she’d be getting a guy who was perfect for her. Mason had checked all the boxes when she’d practically dragged Roman into this whole plan to win him over.
But now that she had him?
A bitter tang coated her tongue as she settled down in her chair and placed her tablet on her desk. If she didn’t figure out a way to get everything she needed from this relationship, then everything she sacrificed hadn’t been worth it.
That was when she realized something. Part of the reason she was miserable was that she wasn’t having fun. Roman was so easy to be around. She could prank him and vice versa until they were both out of breath from laughing so much.
Mason was stiff, and she wanted to loosen him up.
She straightened in her chair as she glanced toward his office. Then she scooted her chair closer to the computer and clicked to wake it. According to the schedule, Mason had a lunch meeting with some business owners in the community.
Olivia grinned. If she left right now, she could head to the craft store. Mason’s office had a fan, and he usually ran it in the afternoon when the sun streamed into his office. It wouldn’t take much to sprinkle some glitter and confetti on top. Then he’d have a shower of rainbows to contend with.
As far as pranks went, it was mild. He wouldn’t even have to clean most of it. She’d get what was on the desk, and the night cleaning crew could get the rest with their vacuum. This was what she needed. Mason would be able to unveil a different side of her, and she’d be able to share with him what she had with Roman.
