Page 32 of If You Could Only Imagine
I decided to be honest. “I don’t know what to think,” I told him, pointedly.
He nodded and leaned back in his chair. “That’s a fair point,” he conceded. “From everything I know, things have seemed to have gotten a bit out of control rather quickly.”
I could feel my eyes bug out of my head. “Out of control?” I squeaked. “I’d say things are a little bit more than just out of control.”
He shrugged a shoulder. “Uh…chaotic, perhaps,” he graced me with, “but it’s certainly not the end of the world, Ms. Hart.”
I felt like such a tool. He’d given me permission to use his first name, and I was so caught up in my emotions and confusion, I hadn’t extended him the same courtesy. I could feel my face flush. “Please, call me Denise,” I mumbled. And then Mason Buchanan did something I was not expecting.
He laughed.
A full-on, deep belly laugh.
It sounded amazing, and it looked absolutely stunning on him. I mean, Mason Buchanan was just as striking as his brothers, but happiness looked divine on him. Maybe it was because he was rumored to never laugh.
He finally settled down and gifted me with his smile again, his grey eyes still laughing. He didn’t have The Buchanan Twin’s lethal dimples, but he did have a beautiful smile, nonetheless. “I’m sorry, Denise,” he chuckled. “I’m not laughing at you, and I hope you don’t think I am.” I just shook my head at him. “I just think you’re refreshing and actually pretty perfect for my brother.”
My entire body deflated.
This man was going to be no help to me. He was Team Dibtab.
So, I just asked the question that had been plaguing me since I left HR. “Why didn’t Aiden tell me he had spoken with HR about our association? And why did he make it sound as if we’ve been dating a lot longer than before he took over the reins?”
Mason placed his elbows on the desk and leaned forward, clasping his hands together in front of him. “I don’t know how much you’ve heard about me and my wife, Denise, but the rumors about love at first sight are true.” My lips parted quietly at the shock of Mason Buchanan daring to share details about his personal life with me. “I took one look at Shane, and after that, I couldn’t look past her long enough to even notice anyone else.”
“That’s…” I had to clear my throat. “Uhm, that’s what they say.”
He smiled again. “Good,” he stated. “Because it’s true.” I was about to ask him what this had to do with me and Aiden when he continued on, “The first time Aiden met you, he came to me and told me he fell in love over a handshake, and he was letting me know that he was going to pursue you to the ends of the earth.” This time, my gasp was audible. “However, he was determined to do it in the most respectful fashion he could muster, and so, he met with HR the very next day.”
“But why not say anything?” I asked again.
“He wanted to pursue you, Denise. He didn’t want you thinking he thought you were going to be easy or a foregone conclusion,” he explained. “Honestly, what would you have said if Aiden had told you he had already gone to HR and told them you guys were dating before he even had gotten a first date with you?” Mason answered before I could. “You would have instantly been turned off by the presumptuousness and his audacity. It would have made him look like an entitled prick and that’s not what he wanted. He wanted you to spend time with him and get to know the good man that he really is.” Mason’s face softened. “Because, Denise, Aiden really is a good man. He’s probably the best man out of all of us.”
Since he was being so open and honest, I decided to continue with my dose of honestly, as well. “I don’t know what to do, Mr. Bu…Mason,” I admitted, lamely. “I heard about your fathe-”
“Denise?” I stopped short at the coldness in his voice. One second, he was all sweetness and understanding, and the next, all ice cold. “Whatever you do or don’t do in regards with your relationship with Aiden, do not make my father a factor in it. Do you understand me?”
I didn’t, but I agreed, anyway. I was not going to go up against Mason Buchanan. “Y...yes,” I muttered.
He let out a sigh. “Denise, all I can tell you is that my brother loves you. I know it sounds impossible and ridiculous and all that, but it’s the truth. So, while you’re deciding what to do, please keep in mind that this is not a game for Aiden and his feelings for you are very real.”
I looked Mason Buchanan in the eye and replied, “I care about him very much, Mason. It’s just a lot, too soon.”
“I understand,” he said. “I understand, and if you need anything while you’re…processing all of this, my door is open anytime for you. I mean that.”
I stood up and gave him a shaky smile. “Thank you.”
Chapter 18
Aiden~
How in the fuck is it only Tuesday afternoon?
This had to be the longest week in history with this fucked up day being the longest in its wake.
I had a shitload of stuff to do, but between beating the shit out of my dad, Mason’s visit, knowing everyone was talking about me and Denise, I don’t think I’ve gotten a motherfucking thing done.
After Mason had left this morning, I cleaned myself up as best I could-there was nothing I could do about the cut on my forehead and split lip-and got to cleaning up my office. Nothing had broken that couldn’t be replaced-my dignity notwithstanding.
