The day at the flower shop went by in a blur, and I was surprised at how easily I seemed to fit in.
Ethan and Mason were still hanging around the shop, and I wondered what their deal was. I tried my best to avoid them to keep my first day from getting any more awkward than it already had been.
Lily soon came outside and said, “You can leave once it’s five. Someone else will take over from where you left off.” Then she headed towards Ethan and Mason.
“Thank you, Lily,” I said as I picked up my bag. My hands were already aching from cutting and arranging flowers.
During lunch, I had ordered food to be delivered since I wasn’t familiar with the area. I didn’t want any trouble finding my way back to the shop because, honestly, I’m terrible at remembering directions.
As I was about to step out the door, Mason walked closer to me. I took a moment to check him out.
He was wearing black jeans and a black T-shirt, with perfectly styled blonde hair.
His chiseled jaw and inviting smile, complete with dimples, made him handsome in his way, though not like Logan.
I’d managed not to think about Logan all day, and now, seeing another man, I found myself making that comparison.
Mason noticed me looking and gave a friendly nod. “Hey,” he said casually. “How’s your first day going?”
I forced a smile, trying to push Logan out of my mind. “It’s been busy, but good. Thanks for asking.”
“I’d like to walk you,” Mason said, touching the back of his head. “By the way, I’m Mason. Zoey told me you’re Nadine.”
“Hi, Mason. And what else did Zoey tell you?” I asked, noticing he looked a bit skeptical about my curiosity.
Mason raised an eyebrow, amusement in his eyes. “Just that you’re new here and working your first day. Nothing too personal.”
“And I’m sure he put you up to this,” I said, nodding toward Ethan. “But you know what, just forget it. Thanks for the offer, but I’ll pass.”
I walked away, my hand tightly gripping my bag. The last thing I wanted right now was to be noticed or singled out by any guy.
When I needed attention before, I was practically invisible. Now that I’d decided to stay away from men, they were all suddenly interested. I wasn’t grateful for it.
I wished they’d just leave me alone. Who knows what more they might have in store for me?
A single tear fell from my eye. Logan had hurt me deeply, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to open my heart to another man.
I didn’t need to think about any man right now. My child should be my focus, and I wanted to stay out of Logan’s sight.
I wiped away the tears and took a deep breath, trying to refocus.
“Are you okay?” I heard a voice. I had been lost in my thoughts and forgotten that Mason was standing beside me.
“Can you please just go?” I said, quickly moving away. “I don’t think I want to have anything to do with anyone in this town.”
Mason looked taken aback.
Logan is a dangerous man who knows his power. He managed to manipulate me into a contract marriage and even admitted he was dangerous. If he can do all that, what else is he capable of?
It’s unsettling to think about how much control he has. If he can manipulate me so easily, there’s no telling what other ways he might use his power.
“Hey, wait up. Is this about your past you’re not so proud of?”
I stopped in my tracks, closed my eyes, held my breath, and shook my head, wondering what else Zoey had told these men. I turned to face Mason.
“What else did Zoey tell you?”
He replied, “You know, we can make your stay here more comfortable.
There’s a staff get-together coming up, and since you’re new, it’d be a good way to get acquainted with everyone.” Mason wasn’t backing down.
I hesitated, feeling torn. On one hand, the thought of attending a staff get-together felt overwhelming, but on the other, it might help me settle in and meet people.
Mason noticed my reluctance and added, “It’s a casual event. Just a chance to meet everyone and get to know the team better. You don’t have to stay long if you don’t want to.”
This guy doesn’t want to give up despite my constant rejection of mingling. “You know what, I’ll think about it,” I said with a wave.
Luckily, I spotted a cab and flagged it down. “Bye,” I said to Mason as I got into the cab. I gave the driver my address, and soon we were on our way.
As the cab drove through the city streets, I let my mind wander. The day had been exhausting, and I was looking forward to a quiet evening at home.
The staff get-together was the last thing I felt like dealing with right now, but Mason’s persistence made me think it might be worth considering.
My life is already a jumble of mess, and I can’t afford to complicate it any further.
Ethan might seem like a nice guy, but no matter how nice he looks, I’m not letting my guard down. End of story.
Soon, I arrived at my destination. I paid the cab driver and walked toward the house.
At the same time, I saw Sydney getting out of her car. She looked exhausted but incredibly stylish in her executive suit.
She seemed like someone working in a top-notch firm with the way she was dressed.
Her face lit up when she saw me. “Oh, Nadine, you’re back! How was your first day at work?” she asked, taking my hand as we headed inside together.
I smiled as we walked in together. “It was busy and a bit overwhelming, but I think it went well. I’m just glad to be home now.”
We entered the living room, and we both flopped on the couch, clearly tired. “So, did any hot guys steal glances at you at work?” Sydney asked with a smile.
I looked at her sharply and said, ” Looking like this? compare with how hot you look in that executive suit, girl, if I were into girls, I’d be all over you!” I laughed as I said it.
“Eww, girl, I humbly decline. I think I’ll still prefer the D any time, any day. You know that. Mic check, mic check,” she said as I turned to her in a fit of laughter.