Days went and months went by with more of the same. I buried myself in my studies trying to catch up, while Mason did whatever he did for a living. Six months later I still had no clue. All I knew was that he was away most of the time, and when he was at home he would parade in with another woman. They were different, but the same. It had become clear that he had a type, and Morston seemed to have an abundance of them.
Winter dragged, and then spring and finally summer came along. I was excited. I was a summer baby, hence the name my mother chose for me, Lily. Looking out the window, at the lush greenery in the garden. I breathed in the early morning air. It was my birthday. Mason had promised to take me shopping that day since I didn't have many summer clothes and I kept using that as an excuse to not leave the house. He'd probably had a lapse in judgement when those words left his lips. Despite the cold shoulder, and the women parading in and out of the house. Each day my infatuation grew, and slowly but surely, I was smitten with the stoic man. I knew it was one-sided, but a girl can dream.
With that thought in mind, I pushed the door to the veranda to a close and made my way to the wardrobe, trying to find something suitable to wear. Over six months, I discovered that my flat chest and slender long legs were nothing but a stage. I was just a late bloomer. I was able to fill my clothes better, I had curves, somewhat.
I puffed my cheeks and for the first time in a very long time, I pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I quickly found out that I needed a bra, my nipples poked through the fabric like two spikes. A knock on the door distracted me and I rushed to the door. I was over the moon and kind of forgot that merely moments ago I was glaring at the two protruding pointy things under my t-shirt.
I froze when I opened the door only to find Mason, donning chinos, and a t-shirt, staring back at me. And for the first time since I've known him there was a glint in his icy blue eyes but vanished faster than it appeared.
" Miss Abernathy. Adam is waiting," He sternly said, in an admonishing tone. I should have known better that he didn't like people being late.
" I apologise, Mr Kinnaird. I just need to grab my jacket," I flustered and turned to the coat hook next to the door and picked up the first thing my hand could reach, a parka.
He didn't say anything, but I could feel his eyes on me as I shrugged on the jacket and zipped it on until the spikey dots disappeared out of sight under the jacket. I had no choice, but to wear a jacket. I needed bras, otherwise, my nipples would be on display for everyone to see.
" I'm ready," I smiled, trying to tone down my excitement. I couldn't remember the last time I set foot in a shop. It was so long that the memory had faded.
" I'm surprised. Pleasantly, I have to say," Mason said as he offered his arm for me to take. It was a first, for him to be gallant with me.
" Why is that?" I curiously asked. I genuinely had no clue what was going through the man's mind but I saw it as an opportunity to know him better. I knew I was walking straight into a fire and the love daze I was in, would worsen.
" You've adjusted very well to your new life. Although Carter and Enid had told me that you have yet to get acquainted with your surroundings. Is there anything in particular that you like?" Mason asked as he pulled on the door, to step out into the morning sun and Morston. The house was situated in the heart of the town. It stood out against the new builds. It was majestic, it had character
I loved it but mostly because it was his house.
" I like art, and museums." I fell deep in thought trying to think what other things I liked to do other than reading books, art and history. I was a nerd in the making.
" I will see what I can do. But I have something else in mind. How about an amusement park, or go to eat out for once." Mason paused when he opened the car door, letting me step in, first. A true gentleman. I loved every second of it.
" Town centre, Adam," Mason said the moment he entered the car, slipping into the back seat next to me. It was an interesting turn of events, at least for me. Usually stoic, and stern, Mason had put that aside for the day.
" Seatbelt, Miss Abernathy, " Mason turned to me, askance. I was being scolded. Over time I've become acquainted with the pointed look and that was his look when he disapproved of things I did.
I didn't bother to retort and pulled on the seat belt, smiling and shuffled in my seat, excited. A full day with Mason. I was brimming with happiness. To make things worse, he was indulging me without even me asking.
Adam put the car in drive, while I thought of other things that I would like to try. This was a one-time chance.
" When opportunity presents itself, take it. Don't think too much about or you will end up talking yourself out of it." Mason broke the silence bringing me back to the present and somehow what he said made sense. I have talked myself out of doing things so many times.
" I would like to eat out." I choose that because I wanted to see how was Mason outside his home. Also hoping to see a glimpse of the charming Mason. Oh, I loved charming Mason.
" Italian, Asian, Spanish. There is so much to choose from. Morston offers a wide variety of choices to appease all palates. " Mason laid out the options, with a devil-may-care attitude. He wasn't wearing a suit and he wasn't his usual stiff self. It was a miracle. One that I intended to make the most out of.
" What is your favourite?" I liked Italian, but pasta was my weakness. Achilles heel.
" I like more than one but if I would have to choose. I think it would be Italian and greek," Mason replied looking out the window. That answer put a smile on my lips. I didn't know about greek, but I most certainly loved Italian food.
" I would like to try greek. I've never had it and since you like it. What could go wrong?" I casually added with a shrug. I felt at ease being around charming Mason but I knew when the day would be over, charming Mason would go back to his hiding spot.