Turn Over

“Miss Paige.”

“Yes?”

“I think you’re going to fit in nicely at Lachlan Corporation. You are quite a talented writer.” He tossed the article on the bar.

“Oh good. You liked it?”

“It’s exactly what I needed.”

“I was really trying to show how much you’re going to help the transfer residents.”

“I see that.” He tapped the top page. “Do you believe the sound site will be better for them?”

I had wrestled with it, but it felt as if Mason was helping Shawna for more than positive Lachlan Corporation press.

“I stopped there today, and if you ignore the bridge traffic, yes I think it’s going to be a happier place for them.” I chewed the edge of my pen. I was ready to make edits if he asked. “Thank you for helping them. I know you didn’t have to.”

I thought I made him blush. His gaze moved from the article to my lips. “I needed to do it.”

I smiled. “Whatever your reasons, Shawna knows she and Lindy can count on you. She told me today she hasn’t had that in her life.”

“Let’s not go too far.” He turned for a moment. “You did a nice job on the article.”

I raced to the refrigerator, knowing I had struck a raw nerve with him. “Are we officially off the clock now?” I asked.

He looked at his watch and then at me. “Yes. Crack open a beer for me.”

I started to giggle. This entire situation was absurd, but it made me giddy and silly. I felt like I was part of a movie script, but the feelings were too real. I crossed the kitchen to hand him a beer.

“Cheers.” He lifted the beer toward my glass. “To our first successful partnership.”

“This is our first successful partnership?” I teased.

“Second.” He winked.

He followed me to the balcony. I watched the gulls hovering near the boardwalk below.

“Looks like Grey’s going for a run.” I pointed. The other tall Lachlan was passing near the boardwalk, his earbuds tucked in his ears. Man, did they all look like that without shirts? I turned toward Mason.

“Yeah, I ran this morning.”

“You two ever run together?” I asked.

He sat on the chaise, rolled his sleeves to his elbows, and tipped the beer bottle to his mouth.

“No, we aren’t exercise buddies.”

I laughed. “I didn’t say that. But isn’t that something guys do?”

“Grey and I are still trying to figure things out.”

“But you like each other now?” Eden had given me more of the back story than Mason had. He made it sound like the showdown last year was all business. Her version made it sound much more personal.

“Yeah, I guess we do.” He smiled. “Strange, but it’s nice to have family again.” His tone softened.

“When did you lose your mother?”

He sighed. “A couple years ago.”