Page 5 of The Partner Predicament

Mason looks completely stressed out. I understand his point, but I want to fight against his decision and tell him that he could share his room with me. I don’t, though, because it isn’t what I was taught at the House of Fertility. Instead, I bow my head in acquiescence to his request before heading upstairs to move my belongings.

The room I have been staying in these past few days is simple but offers more than enough space. Decorated in cream with accents of lavender and purple, I fell in love the moment I walked through the door. Staring at the bookshelf Mason installed on my second day, I wonder if I’ll ever be able to have it near at hand again. I wished I didn’t have to move.

Instead, I gather a few of my things and make my way down the hallway. When I reach the door to Mason’s room I hesitate for a moment before inhaling deeply. This is what my Partner wants and thinks is best, so this is what I will do. Turning the handle, I push open the door and make my way inside. The smell of him is more predominant in his personal space and I inhale deeply. I love the way he smells.

“What are you doing?” Mason asks close to my ear.

Shivers skitter down my spine. I feel my cheeks heat in a blush before ducking my head and allowing my hair to hide my face. I didn’t hear him come up behind me and now he knows exactly how weird I am.

“Nothing,” I reply softly.

Mason places his hand on my lower back and leads me further into his room. Taking my clothes and books from my hands, he places everything in a chair beside his bed.

“I am going to be here every step of the way,” Mason says lowly as he pulls me against his chest. “Everything will be fine.”

I don’t know if he’s trying to convince me or himself

I decide to take a shower before Jaxon arrives. It is ingrained in me from years of training to always put my best foot forward. I don’t put too much effort into my appearance. I choose jeans, a cute purple top, and ballet flats, with my wet hair tied in a messy bun on top of my head. I don’t want Mason to think I’m excited to meet this person.

The truth is I am equal parts excited and terrified. I stand in front of the bathroom mirror for long moments simply staring at myself. I try to see what Mason sees when he says I’m beautiful but all I see is a plain young woman.

The ringing of the doorbell pulls me from my reverie. Slowly I walk out of the room I’ll be using for the foreseeable future and head down the hallway.

“There will be ground rules,” Mason says to the man in front of him. “Aspen isn’t some piece of meat.”

“Perhaps,” a deep voice replies, “you should give me a chance and get to know me. Especially before assuming I’m just another asshole.”

Mason makes an angry sound in the back of his throat but nods in agreement. Mason moves out of the way, allowing access to our home. My gaze clashes with his as we see each other for the first time. I feel my breath lodge in my chest as I stare at the man before me.

I had hoped he might be unattractive. That I would be able to resist him in any shape or form but that wasn’t true. Staring at Jaxon from the stairs I take in every detail. Where Mason is dark, Jaxon is light. Where Mason is bulky muscle and brooding features, Jaxon has an athletic build and broad smile. They seem to be polar opposites.

“Hello,” Jaxon says as he moves further inside.

I’m not sure what the protocol is so I don’t reply but I do give him a shy little wave which only has him smiling wider.

“Aspen,” Mason says holding his hand out to me and I go to him immediately.

He draws me into his side and holds me close. The hand on my hip squeezes tightly.

I smile at him brightly before speaking. “Dinner is already getting cold.”

“Yes.” He nods before leading me into the kitchen, continuing to touch me. “Let’s eat and get to know one another better.”

Chapter Six

Jaxon

Good goddamn. Since laying eyes on Aspen, I haven’t been able to look away. She looks like a beautiful little pixie. Her dark hair and striking eyes make it hard to focus on anything Mason is saying. I know he doesn’t want me here, that he has tried everything to stop me from becoming another Partner to Aspen, but he seems to be shit out of luck.

Mason clears his throat drawing my attention back to him. “Like I was saying…” He glares at me. “Aspen will take my room and I will stay in my study. You can have her old room.”

“Sure.” I nod in agreement. I am in his house after all. And he knows Aspen better than I do, for now.

She rises from her spot beside him and starts to clear the plates. When I stand to help her a bright pink blush spreads across her cheeks.

In a somewhat companionable silence, the three of us do the dishes before taking seats in the lounge. Again, I see that Mason pulls Aspen close to his side on the couch. Does he think I’m some kind of serial killer?

“What do you do for a living, Jaxon?” Aspen softly asks from her spot underneath Mason’s arm.

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