“Ms. Blake.” He nodded.
The drive to his house was quiet as I thought about what I’d say, what he would say, what his mood would be like, how I’d feel seeing him again. So many things swam through my mind that we arrived and I hadn’t even realized it.
“Ms. Blake,” Carlos stated. “We’re here. Mr. Cline wanted me to remind you to put your jacket on, as well.”
I grabbed the jacket I had laid beside me and slipped it on, all the while wanting to ask Carlos what he thought about the whole situation.
Carlos slipped out and walked around to open my door, but before I stepped out, I turned and looked out the other window and down the driveway. There were, in fact, reporters camped out outside his property, and it seemed like my arrival had gotten their attention.
“Don’t mind them, Ms. Blake. If they can’t see your face, they’ll never know who you are.”
I turned, gave him a small smile and quickly stepped out of the car and up to the house. The door opened right away, and I walked in without even looking up.
I spun around as I pulled the hood down from my head to see Mason close the door and slowly turn his head to look at me.
My heart skipped a beat just looking at him. It had only been a week, but his hair was longer and his face held more than just his usual scruff. He was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, too, something I’d seen only a few times before.
“Hi,” I managed to get out.
“Emma,” he said as he slowly glanced over me. It wasn’t in a sexual way, but as if he thought he’d never see me again. “Let’s sit.” He gestured to the living room.
I nodded and gave him a small smile as I led the way, trying my hardest not to look at that couch and remember the night we’d shared just a week before.
I took a seat and folded my hands in my lap as Mason did the same, leaving a cushion between us. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t sting just a little, but I was sure he was just as unaware of our situation as I was.
We sat there gazing at each other for what felt like twenty minutes, but was actually a mere twenty seconds.
“How have you been?” he asked, breaking the ice.
I licked my lips. “Good,” I stated, feeling awkward.
“How are your classes?”
I averted my eyes and stared at my entwined fingers. “They’re good, but I have to say the teacher who replaced you isn’t anywhere near your level.”
I turned to look at him with a smile, but it faded when I saw the expression on his face. His eyebrows were furrowed as if he was deep in thought.
“Look,” I started as I swiveled my body more toward his, “I wanted to talk to you so I could apologize—”
“Apologize?” he interrupted, turning his body toward mine, as well.
“Yes. I shouldn’t have walked out that night.” I diverted my gaze as I thought of what to say. “You needed someone to be there for you, and I just walked out.” I shook my head, “I shouldn’t have done that.”
“Listen to me, Emma. There is no reason for you to apologize to me.” He moved to sit closer. “What I told you that night, all the information that’s out there now, was a big thing to take in. I’m not so sure I would have stayed either, if the roles were reversed.”
“How are you doing with everything?” I gestured my hand toward the front door, knowing none of it could be easy.
He let out a sigh and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he held his head in his hands.
“It’s a lot, but nothing I wasn’t expecting.” He looked up at me with a serious expression. “Things are going to get worse before they get better.”
“How so?”
“Secrets only get worse over time.”
I furrowed my brow. “Are you in danger?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “No. With the information the FBI is collecting, there’s no way for them to deny any part they played.”
I pursed my lips as I thought about what he’d said and Mel’s words came into play, causing my anxiety to flair.
“What about the men Donicko dealt with? Won’t they come after you for ruining their business?”
He examined my face as I spoke. “You have nothing to worry about. Is that what you’re wondering?” I nodded. “This business is so broad that one man being taken down isn’t going to change anything. If they want to get women, they will. They’ll just find another way. Nothing will stop them, unless someone else does.”
I wanted his words to calm me like they were meant to, but I couldn’t help but think of the worst-case scenario. I reached out and grabbed his hand, a move I wasn’t so sure he’d accept until he entwined our fingers together.