Help

Mason stepped in between the two with his chest out, “She’s mine,” he said firmly, his words dripping with possessive conviction.

The man took two steps back, holding his hands at chest level in a gesture of surrender. His body language said it all, “Just checking,” he said.

Mason stepped towards Thea and lowered his voice, his eyes flashing as he spoke. “Rob here is a dominant, like me.” He turned back to Rob, his nostrils flaring as he clenched his jaw. “And he thinks it’s funny to provoke me.”

Rob gave his colleague an exaggerated slap on the shoulder, and with a hearty chuckle, he said, “It’s only because I’m better looking and bigger than you.” He glanced back at Thea with a mischievous glint in his eye and said, “You know when you’re done with the minor leagues,” he winked suggestively, “give me a call.” His lips curved into a smirk, and his green eyes twinkled before he lifted his drink to sip.

Mason glared at Rob, “Are you seriously hitting on my girlfriend at my birthday party?” he asked with a low rumble.

Rob took a large gulp of his drink, only to have it come back up in an instant. He coughed and sputtered, spraying the liquid around him. “Girlfriend?!” he exclaimed, shock evident on his face. His eyes widened, and his mouth hung ajar for a moment before he collected himself, drawing a napkin to his mouth. “Well, damn,” he muttered, shaking his head incredulously. “I never thought I’d see the day.” His gaze shifted to Thea, lingering on her body, and he licked his lips slowly. His voice lowered to a slow and sultry purr. “But I can see why.”

“Alright,” Mason said. His tone and expression showed he was growing impatient with his friend’s flirtation. “You can drool over Thea all you want, but you’ll never get a taste.” He stepped closer to Thea, and before she had time to process what was happening, he pulled her in close and kissed her. His lips were soft and gentle as they explored hers. It felt like the stars above were twinkling just for them as the music played softly and a gentle breeze caressed their hair. They moved as if they were one person, a perfect combination of two souls connecting in a way words could never explain.

Rob gave Mason a long, meaningful look and then affectionately embraced him. “Damn, Mason,” he said. “You got it bad.” He stepped back and shook his head, a wry smile on his face. “Looks like you got yourself a good one,” he said with a satisfied nod.

Mason’s blue eyes twinkled with appreciation as he looked at Thea, his lips curling into a warm smile. “I know I did,” he said softly, conveying the depth of his gratitude for her presence in his life.

Rob excused himself, already sensing the tension rising between them. As he retreated to the bar, Addison sprinted towards Mason and Thea. “Mom’s here!” she cried in a panic. “Don’t worry, I have everything under control,” she said, her gaze frantically darting around for any sign of Genevieve. “I will tackle her to the ground if I have to,” she declared, storming off into the sea of people surrounding them.

Mason scanned the room, taking note of his friends and family, “Why is she here?” he asked himself out loud.

Thea’s jaw tightened as she responded to his question. “Because I invited her,” she declared, her voice cutting through the noise of the room.

Mason’s eyes pierced through Thea, his jaw tense and eyes narrowed. His voice, usually warm and comforting, was now distant and cold. “Why? I specifically asked you not to get involved, Thea.”

“I know,” Thea responded, her voice low and apologetic. She lowered her gaze as she continued, avoiding Mason’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Mason, but she came to me at the law firm.”

Mason’s eyebrows shot up, and his lips pursed in disbelief as he processed what he was hearing. He shifted his weight, clasped his hands together, and asked in a controlled tone, “My mother... came to you... for a therapy session?” Almost immediately after the words left his lips, he shook his head incredulously.

“Yes,” She said, as she knew the right thing to do was to help his mother. She felt a tug in her chest and finally nodded, her voice quiet with resignation. “I couldn’t turn her away.”

His brows furrowed, and his voice was icy. “Yes, you could have. You should have,” he growled. Only a few seconds passed, but it felt like an eternity. Thea’s face drained of color, and her chin trembled, and he could feel the ache in his heart that seemed to come with her presence. His expression softened when he noticed they were still in the same room as his party guests, and he leaned closer. “What did she do?” he whispered, the anger in his voice dissipating quickly into the stillness of the air. “If she hurt you in any way...”

Thea slowly lifted her gaze to meet his, and she spoke quietly. “No. Nothing like that,” she said, her lips curling into a small smile at the thought, “She actually apologized.”

Mason shook his head and pulled her hands into his, gently squeezing them, “Now I know you’re lying.” His laugh was low and soft, and she felt the warmth of his breath on her face. “That woman has never apologized,” he said with a knowing smile, “I understand you just wanted to help.” He tilted his head and lightly rested his forehead against hers.

Thea placed her soft hand upon his slightly stubbled cheek. She looked into his eyes, her own shimmering with tenderness and determination. “I will always help you,” she whispered, her breath tickling his skin.