Chapter 2: A Chance Encounter

Monday morning arrived quickly. As I stretched and pushed hair out of my face, sunlight streamed through the bedroom window, illuminating the white linens covering my mattress. Jumping out, I changed into a black pencil skirt and a fuchsia silk top, had breakfast, and then went to see how my dad was doing. When I popped my head inside, he was still sound asleep in his bed. Yesterday, the doctor gave us the go-ahead to transport him home.

My preparation for the chat with Grace during the journey included practicing the phrases I would say to her. Even though I dreaded her reply, I dragged myself into the empty building. Grace spoke with a coworker of mine by the counter. When she sensed my presence behind her, she abruptly halted and turned around.

"Good morning," I said.

Good mornings were spoken between them before Grace escorted me into her office. I was taken by the scent of lavender and wood.

Grace motioned for Livia to take a seat on her swivel chair. She rocked back while tying her hands behind her head. "Lily said that you took over the project for her."

I blinked. "Yes. Is it alright? I winced as I awaited the curvy, fit woman's opening comment.

"Why would I find that problematic?"

"I'm not sure. I stumbled, "Well, there's one more thing.

"Yes? Inform me.

I continued to nod. "I know you've been a terrific employer for the past two years, but I need to continue my education and look into my other choices. This job can't go on forever.

Grace agreed, her eyebrow lifted. "No, you cannot. "You have my approval to resign, and once you've handed in your resignation letter, I'll accept it. Let's now discuss this new initiative. She made a quick exit. "The client ought to show up in under an hour."

Her words vanished as I searched in vain for signs of resistance. She should be more angry or astonished, right? It was troubling that the resignation process had gone too smoothly. For the remainder of the conference, I clenched my teeth and felt nervous.

We talked about the client's basic information. It seems that Grace didn't even care that I was leaving because he was so brand-new and sparkling. She placed a folder on the table made of black glass while her hand shook.

I noticed a single white page with a name printed on it when I opened the folder. Mason Smith. The name sounded familiar, but both my thoughts and the paper were blank. I took it in my hands and turned it over. Are you kidding me? "Nothing is present. What about his profile?

Her arms were crossed. "He did not provide it for us. We'll just know what we need to know, he said.

Who was this person? What if he's not who she believes him to be? I did not enjoy it. Not at all. The door swung open and I started to object.

He entered.

I clenched my mouth shut as I struggled to contain a gasp that came from my throat. His sleek, dark hair caught the eye of every girl in the room, and the entire workplace became silent. He looked about, his eyes severe and unwavering, surrounded by a sense of power. His blue eyes followed me until they came into contact with mine, where they entered the depths of my soul. I fought back a shiver as a flood of thick arousal rushed between my thighs.

Grace hailed him with "Mr. Mason" as she jumped out of her black leather chair and came over to him.

I froze when I thought about perhaps dating this man. He was really hot—by far the hottest man to enter the office—and he was still staring at me. I wrangled my fingers out of the knitted-fabric chair and stood up.

My boss gurgled, attempting to get his attention back. "It's so nice to finally meet you," she said. We appreciate you stopping by today to talk with us about this.

As he fixed his gaze on the short redhead, his eyes wavered. He smiled politely in return. "Absolutely."

Grace gave us a tour.

He looked at me. Ms. Davis. My pleasure in meeting you.

I briefly closed my eyes when I heard him say the word "pleasure" before telling myself to calm down. It was a business transaction. The issue was that my pelvis began to heat up in response to his loud voice. My nostrils were filled with the sandalwood aroma of him, which made me drunk and made my limbs flimsy. I tensed and made an effort to hide any noticeable changes in my breathing rhythm. I took a deep breath in and struggled to keep my stature under control. That was absurd. He wasn't the only attractive man to enter the room. My response was stupid and pointless. Livia, get yourself together. It is just a dude. I mentally recited the phrases and reached out a shaking hand to him. "Mr. Mason, it is my pleasure to meet you as well," I exclaimed. Then halt. I took a deep breath in and let my shoulders down.

His smooth, warm palm made me feel like putty. My tension was relieved and relaxed by his touch. Despite the sharp lines of his black suit, his broad shoulders showed chiselled curves. His flawless skin shone.

There was no avoiding it. He was the real deal: an alpha.

Before I could further embarrass myself, I withdrew. They were both seated to do business when I somehow lined my butt up with one. I found it difficult to pay attention to what she was saying. She was referring to Lily.

He didn't even realize that his escort had changed, oh my gosh. This was Lily's client, right? Was she using drugs? How on earth could she think of leaving such a handsome man?

My heart was racing. I couldn't possibly compare to the heart-pounding Lily's beauty or grace. I was just a plain Jane with auburn hair standing next to her—every man's fantasy. With the abrupt reversal, Mr. Mason was sure to be disappointed, so I braced myself for the blowback.

He began to smile and returned his focus to me as his angular jaw relaxed.

Grace shifted her line of sight. In your opinion, Miss Davis?

I detested that she had questioned me when I was already having trouble focusing. His gaze intensified on mine, sending a tingle across my entire body. All ideas left my thoughts. Shit. What was going on with me? I tried to speak, but nothing came out. I cocked my head up. No doubt, he would rather wait for Lily. I stood up from my chair and proclaimed, "She'll get better quickly and return in no time. My long legs stood awkwardly wobbling. While I could still feel the carpet beneath my feet, I had to get away.

She gave a smirk. "Sit," she ordered.

I didn't want to humiliate Lily's customer or Grace. I sat down even though I couldn't compete with him and tried to avoid looking at the statuesque monster sitting next to me.

Grace suggested, "Why don't I go and you two can get to know each other. She patted Mr. Mason's palm as she turned to face him. "Please let me know if you think Livia would be a good fit for the position."

My chest suddenly clenched with fear. Don't leave me and him in here by myself, please.

The pause widened the distance between us.

His eyes pierced mine, and a small amount of sweat appeared above my upper lip.

He said, "I don't bite. The answer is, "Not unless you want me to."

My nerve endings became aroused as I imagined his lips on my body. The thought of his biting my neck caused tears to pour from my mouth. My thighs were squeezed together. Livia, don't play games with your customers. To ensure that I wouldn't forget, I repeatedly repeated the warning in my head like a mantra. I consciously chose not to let his passionate gaze impact me.

Grace entered the room again clutching a manila folder in her hand before either of us had a chance to speak. After letting my shoulders down, I quickly excused myself to use the restroom.

Whoever he was, he was a powerful and dangerous guy. He exuded power, which terrified the living daylights out of me. His eyes drew me in like there was a charged magnetic force behind them, which worried me even more. I felt his intensity flood through me and seize my entire being.

I shut myself in the first cubicle in the ladies' restroom, which had a strong French perfume aroma. My face was buried in my hands, but no tears flowed. It resembled a nervous thrill more.

This needed to end. I'll let Grace know I need a replacement. Someone hot, but not quite as powerful and dominant.

I can handle this. As I went back to the meeting room, I recited the phrase. I will attend the date. I'll maintain my attention on the goal. the cash. I'm doing this for that reason. For the cashola, that is. I looked at my legs closely and wanted to yell at them to stop swaying.

My head hit a firm chest on top of it. I stumbled back after springing off. Oh no. He was there. I slipped and caught myself on the water cooler after losing my balance.

Suddenly, powerful arms encircled me, stopping my fall.

A crease appeared between Mr. Mason's sky-blue eyes as he fixed his gaze on me. "Are you okay?" His voice came out of his huge chest with a primordial, deep tone.

I nodded, brushed off the confusion in my thoughts, then fell again like a fool. He raised me by grabbing my wrist. Again. I recovered control of myself by forcing the most elegant smile I could muster on my lips. I lifted my chin and muttered, "Thank you. I struggled to keep a growing limp under control as I stumbled down the corridor.

He responded with amusement, "You're welcome. "Are you certain you're okay?"

What was it about this man that caused me to become unaware of my surroundings?

You don't seem to be stable. Perhaps you should sit down," he suggested.

"No, no, truly there's no need. I'm doing fine. However, I appreciate your concern, Mr. Mason. Whenever I'm supposed to see you, I will.

He cocked his head to the side and pursed his wet lips. Aren't you curious about our arrangement?

I forced a swallow while attempting to keep the tingling heat from spreading to my face and neck. "I am, yes. I'm sorry; for a brief period, I went crazy. I'll just enter and say goodbye to Grace.

He took in my gaze via his. "Done and dusted. At seven, my driver will take you up.

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