Did I have the stomach to walk away now, just because I'd been unable to resist my boss?
I shook my head.No.
I didn't.
And Icouldn’t.
Right then and there, I decided that regardless of whatever was going on between me and Mason, I'd still keep my promise. Even if it killed me, I'd stick around until next fall.
For Willow's sake.
Not mine.
And certainly not Mason's.
The lunk-blaster.
He was still sorting through his paperwork, but he surely realized that I hadn't left. So either he truly didn't care, or he was making a point to ignore me.
Either way, I was more than ready to move on.
I said, "I've got a question."
Without looking up, he said, "Yeah?"
"Christmas is two weeks away. And as you know, I'm planning to spend the week at my parents' place."
This was something we'd discussed a couple of months ago, before everything had gotten so crazy between us.
It had been a good plan, especially because, thanks to Arden, Willow wouldn't be left in the lurch. On Christmas Day, she and Brody were planning to host a traditional Christmas dinner at their beach house. They'd invited Willow and Mason. Chase, too.Plus me.
But as much as I'd appreciated the offer, I'd decided to take the opportunity to spend the holidays with my own family.
And now, more than ever, I was beyond eager to see them.
Or maybe, I just felt like running away, at least for a little while.
To Mason, I continued, "And about the vehicle, the one I drive for my job. You know how I took it home for Thanksgiving? I just wanted to make sure that it's still okay if I drive it home for Christmas."
Without bothering to look up, he said, "You don’t need to ask."
"Sure I do."
"No. Because you already know the answer." Finally, he looked up. "I said it was fine weeks ago. Nothing has changed."
I felt my gaze narrow. "A lot has changed, and you know it."
"Not the wayIsee it," he said. "So take it. Or don't. Your choice."
I stared at him for a long silent moment. Even though he was technically talking about the vehicle, his words were filled with hidden meaning.
Take it or don't.
Stay or leave.
Scream or strangle him.
So many choices, so little time.