Page 75 of Risk
The press conference was at ten am. Mason had to cancel a construction site tour to make it in time and left the hotel in a rush this morning. I watched it in bed, on my phone, and have already packed my things to head back home.
By lunch time, Mason returns to our suite and looks utterly exhausted.
And sad.
What Landon said to me last night weighs heavy on my chest, and Mason’s behavior only lends truth to his words. I want to ask about it, but it’s not my place to pry.
I haven’t told him what’s on my mind, and I don’t know if I should. Last night I didn’t get a wink of sleep. Neither did Mason.
We didn’t have sex. We didn’t talk much. There’s a weird chasm between us, filled with things I don’t want to bring up because I’m worried it’ll pop the bubble we’ve been playing in.
My sister saying she was proud of me last night did something to me. I hate it.
And Mason looked stoic and stiff on that podium at the press conference. He didn’t smile at all.
If it’s true he lost everything, why would he tell me he had the best news ever and wanted to share it with me first yesterday?
Something isn’t right here.
I’m dreading getting on a plane again. I’m also scared that this fantasy is over. I’ll go home and eventually Mason will too, and then what? At least I’m not taking a private jet home. He’s put me on a regular big ass plane a goose can’t take out. Shit, or can it?
What happens now? Do I say goodbye?
Thank you?
Call me?
You’re amazing and I don’t want this to end, but I also don’t know how to have a relationship because I’ve never been in one before?
Commitment isn’t something I’ve faced. No guy has ever wanted to keep me. And I’ve never felt compatible with anyone enough to make the effort. Not like I do with Mason.
Grabbing his packed bag, he hoists it on his shoulder. “Ready, Princess?”
Wait. I’m confused.
“You’re coming with me?”
Mason tilts his head and arches an eyebrow. “Did you really think I was going to let you fly alone, knowing you’re terrified of planes?”
Tears burn my eyes. “You’re really coming with me?”
“Where else should I be if not with you?”
“But…” Doesn’t he still have work to do here? What about rescheduling that construction visit?
“He lost everything.” Landon’s words from last night slither up my spine again.
Now I feel like a selfish bitch. I’m acting like a child when this man’s going through some real-life shit.
Mason grabs my hand and gives it a tug. “Come on. We can’t miss our flight.”
•••
Three hours later, we’ve boarded, and the plane takes off. Palms sweaty, I squeeze my eyes shut and hold my breath.
“Breathe, Princess.” Mason puts his hand over mine.
I shake my head.