Chapter 9

He wrenched his mouth away all of a sudden, his breath staggered. He dropped my shoulders, and put space between us.

“This… We… I…” He ran a hand through his hair, hair that was in my hands seconds ago, his fingers tangling in it. “We can't do this.” He finally settled on, breaking my heart. Even though I know this was inevitable.

My skin flushed a darker shade of red. I wanted to tell him that it was my first and best kiss I had ever had. I wanted to tell him that I would kiss him again and again till we both forgot our names.

Instead, I cleared my throat. “You're right. It's my fault. I shouldn't have kissed you.” Something in me twisted as I said that, and I hope he'll see it in my eyes that it's a lie.

“No. Actually, I'm the one that kissed you. And besides, I'm the older one, so I'm sorry. I got caught up in the moment, just…” He sighed and ran his hands through his hair again, my eyes following the movement. “Just forget it. Okay?”

I nodded then shifted my attention back to the book I had dropped on the floor.

“Do you still want me to teach you?” He asked.

“What?” I jerked my head up so fast I must have gotten a whiplash.

“The case study. Do you still want to go through it with me?” He asked again, looking like he wasn't plundering my mouth some seconds ago.

‘How could he ask me that? Does the kiss really mean nothing to him? Did he not feel what I felt?’

Tears pooled in my eyes as my thoughts began to get jumbled up. I didn't come all the way from Texas to give up here, the least I can do is study. I swallowed my tears as I faced him.

“Yeah, Let's go through it.” I said, thankful that my voice didn't shake.

“Okay. We can stay in the living room. It'll be more comfortable. You can wait for me there, I'll be right back.” He said turning his back, and leaving the office.

The moment Mason finishes summarizing the important points in the book in less than an hour, I only have one ultimate goal in my head.

Nail the quiz. I'll nail the quiz.

“How did you learn all of this?” I can't help but ask. Judging from his explanation, it's obvious that he must have mastered what he's talking about. “Are they from experience?”

“Well yes, but my Dad taught me a lot.” Mason started while I listened intently. “He was there to experience the lowest point of the business. He always said it gave him valuable lessons. In the end, he told me he was lucky to experience it all.”

There's no doubt that Mason respects and adores his Dad. It is obvious in the way he's talking about him. His Dad is someone he looks up to.

“Have you always been passionate about it?” I asked and that shifted his gaze at me. He looked at me questioningly. “Your family's business, I mean.”

He nods. “Yeah, I've always wanted to be part of the Smith's Enterprise since I was young.”

“What about the force? You're working as a police officer now.”

This causes Mason to freeze.

His phone rings from inside the office, and he stood up to go get it. “I need to get back to work. Let me know if you need any help with it.”

He didn't come out after that.

***

“Mason! Mason!” His name is the first thing I shout as I enter the house.

My chest is filled with excitement from the quiz I just passed. I can't wait to tell him the good news. I went to knock on his home office but I got no reply.

I glance at the clock in the living room, and notice it has just reached evening. Mason is probably still busy at work.

I blew a sigh and walked towards my room thinking about texting Mason to thank him for tutoring me. I've been studying hard for the quiz these past few days, and I'm so happy right now.

A giggle escaped my lips. I can't help but think about the professor's expression when I submitted the paper in front of the class. I remember him nodding his head in approval while reading my answers, like he was satisfied with them.

I throw my bag and flop myself on the bed, thinking about what I should be doing right now. I deserve to be pampered after studying hard, right?

A brilliant idea pops up in my head.

“It's so beautiful.” I murmur to myself, leaning my back against the edge of the swimming pool as I admire the view of the city lights and skyscrapers at night.

I've been here for half an hour. I stretched my legs, feeling the soothing warm water against my skin. Being here is so relaxing that it cures my fatigue after a long day at the campus.

I close my eyes and smile, taking a deep breath. I'm so thankful for stumbling upon this place while I was on a tour of the house last weekend. I didn't know Mason had a private swimming pool in his house.

I got out of the water a few minutes later. I dried myself with a towel, picked my phone then headed inside. Mason would soon be back, and I don't want him finding me in a swimming suit. We haven't talked about what happened in his home office. It seems we're both avoiding it.

I flopped on my bed, and replied to my texts with Nadia. We talked for a while before I went out to make dinner.

The door opened as I was chopping vegetables in the kitchen, and Mason walked into the kitchen, looking exhausted.

He paused at the door. “That's not takeout. Should I be worried?” He asked.

“You can take over if you're worried.” I replied to him without looking up. “Otherwise, go freshen up, and let me work my magic.”

He moved closer, peering at the cutting board. “Looks more like chaos. Did you leave any vegetables intact? I hope this ‘magic’ does not involve overcooked pasta.”

I waved the wooden spoon at him. “Continue that attitude mister, and you'll be having cereal for dinner.”

He grins leaning on the counter. “Cereal sounds safe. But I'll give you the benefit of doubt.”

I smiled back. “You're lucky I'm feeling generous.”

As we sat down to eat, the clinking of forks and knives filled the quiet space. I glanced up at him occasionally, trying to gauge his reaction to the meal. He has been the one cooking since I got here, and this is sort of a thank you for tutoring me.

I finally decided to break the silence. “So what's the verdict? Should I leave college and open up a restaurant?”

He looked up, startled by the question. “It's … good.”

I blinked at him. Good? “Thanks.”

He nodded and we continued eating in comfortable silence.

“Rough day at work?” I asked him acting disinterested.

“Not rough, just… tedious.”

As we finished eating, Mason leaned back in his chair, his fork resting on the now empty plate. I stood up to clear the plates, but he reached out, stopping me with a light touch on my wrist.

“I'll do it. You cooked.” He said, standing up.

I blinked, surprised at the gesture. For a moment, I thought of insisting, but something in his expression – guarded yet sincere– made me nod.

He collected the plates then headed to the kitchen. The sound of running water filled the space as he began washing up. I followed him, then leaned against the counter, watching him from behind.

“I passed the quiz.”

“Yeah?” He paused, sparing me a glance then going back to the plates.

“Yeah. You need to see the professor's expression when I submitted my papers.” He nodded, and looked up at me like he was proud.

He turned fully then patted my head with a smile. “I'm proud of you. You did well.” I grinned. “Is that why you cooked?”

“Yes. It's my thank you to you.” I told him.

“You don't have to. The food is nice though. It's been awhile since I ate food from a female.” He said, turning back to the plates, but not before I saw the sad smile on his face.

I smiled, but my gaze lingered on him longer than I intended. There was something about the way he moved, deliberate and efficient, as if even washing dishes required his full attention. I can't help but wonder if this is how he approached everything in life, keeping his guard up even in the smallest moments.