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Mason leaned against the bar, his eyes on Ava as she worked. Each time she bent over to clean a table, he got a lovely view of her deliciously rounded ass. How he would love to have her bent over a table like that naked. Just thinking about it made his dick harden. He’d been fantasizing about the woman for the four days she’d been working at The Dragon.
Mason realized that he hadn’t slept with another woman since laying eyes on Ava and it bothered him. He knew what he needed to do. He needed to sleep with her to get her out of his system so he could go back to his regular nightly enjoyments. However, when he thought about a one night stand with his new employee, he didn’t get as excited as he thought he would.
In the back of his mind, he thought that she deserved better. She was different from the other women he’d been with thus far. But why? And she didn’t even pay him any mind, didn’t even bat an eyelash his way once since she’d been there. Women always chased after him.
“I’m losing my charm,” he said under his breath.
“You alright, honey?”
Mason cringed at the sound of the endearment. He took his eyes off Ava and turned to Kristin. “For the last time, Kristin. I’m your boss, not your honey. A little respect, please.”
She pouted. “You didn’t mind a few weeks ago when we—”
“Kristin, enough.” He lowered his voice. “It was a one time thing. Get over it.” He huffed and walked off, leaving Kristin glaring daggers at his back. “One night in my bed and she thinks we’re a thing,” he muttered, heading toward the woman he couldn’t get his mind off of.
Ava straightened and pulled at the hem of her shorts. Mason smiled. “You know, if you don’t like the uniform, I can create another position for you.”
Ava pursed her lips. “And what position would that be, boss?”
“Hmmm. Something administrative like a personal assistant. My personal assistant,” he drawled.
Ava cocked a brow. “Gee, thanks but I doubt the other women would appreciate me receiving such an honor.”
“Sarcasm doesn’t become you, Ava. You’re much too sweet.”
“How do you know that I’m sweet?”
His eyes ran over her and his blue eyes seemed to appear more gray than blue in that instant. “My imagination, Ava. How I wish I could get a taste.”
Her cheeks colored. “Oh, my God. Do you say things like that to all of your employees?”
“Only to the females of my taste.” He gave her a boyish grin.
To his surprise, Ava stepped closer. Her sweet feminine scent assailed his nostrils and his beast, hidden beneath the surface, clawed to get to the owner of the aroma.
Mine, his dragon growled. Mason’s brows knitted. What? That never happened before. Ava’s pretty blue eyes narrowed and he nearly broke out into a nervous sweat, afraid his dragon would take over and ravish her right on the spot.
“There you go again with your lines, and that grin of yours that could charm the panties off of a nun.” She shook her head and gave him a sugary smile. “My panties are under lock and key where you’re concerned boss. I’ve heard how you change women like you change your underwear.”
Mason’s eyes widened. Since when did his shy sweet, kitten turn into a tiger? “My, my, what’s gotten into you, Ava?”
She shrugged and chuckled. “I’ve been getting lessons on how to deal with men like you in a place like this.” She turned to give one of the waitresses across the room a thumbs up sign.
The woman returned the gesture with a broad smile. When Mason turned to glare at her she quickly returned to work. “Ava, don’t listen to gossip...” she was already gone, heading toward the bar. “Damn.” Sulking, he marched toward the stairs.
Standing in front of his office door, was Zac wearing a scowl. “Leave her alone, Mason.”
“What? Who?”
“Ava. Quit trying to get into her pants.”
Aggravated, Mason folded his arms across his chest. “Were you just eavesdropping on my conversation?”
With a shrug, Zac said, “Just give up.”
“Why? So you can have her?”
“You have enough women, Mason. And yes, I am interested in her.”
“You haven’t made a move so she’s fair game.”
Before he realized what was happening, he was slammed against the wall and Zac had him by the collar. “She isn’t a fucking toy, Mason. Lay off!”
“Whoa , chill man. What the hell has gotten into you?” In all their years as friends, he’d never seen Zac lose his cool like that. “Look, if you’re interested I’ll back off. Alright?” But as he said the words, there was a sinking feeling in his gut. He didn’t want Zac to have Ava. He wanted her for himself. Fuck.
Taking several deep breaths Zac slowly let go of Mason. He wiped a hand over his face. “I’m sorry. I just um...I’m frustrated. I haven’t made a move because of what I am. What we are.”
Straightening his shirt, Mason said, “She doesn’t have to know.”
“If she’s the one, I can’t hide my true nature forever.”
“The one?”
“My true mate. I felt it when I saw her.”
Mason swallowed. “Your mate? But that can’t be, she’s—” mine. “How do you know?”
“I can’t explain it. It’s like I haven’t been complete until I met her.” Zac shook his head. “Look, just stay away from her. And I’m sorry for almost ripping your throat out.”
Mason smiled weakly. “It’s all good.”
Alone in his office, Mason dropped onto his chair with a sigh. For a minute, when Ava had been standing in front of him, he thought that maybe she was his. He must be mistaken because his best friend was sure she was his mate. Mason let out a mirthless laugh. The one time he felt something deeper than lust for a woman, he couldn’t touch her. He wouldn’t betray his best friend like that.
*****
SITTING IN HIS CAR, Zac’s mind wandered to Mason. For days, his best friend had been in a strange mood. It started after their encounter a week ago in front of their offices. Was Mason still upset that he’d roughed him up a bit? It wasn’t like he had hit him. Guilt still pricked him that he had hurt Mason’s feelings. But it was unlike him to hold a grudge.
Zac sighed and slid out of the car. He walked to Ava’s door. He could smell her. Her heartbeat was loud, rapid, and he could hear footsteps going back and forth behind the door. Was she pacing? He grinned. At least, he wasn’t the only one nervous. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d been on a date. Hopefully, he didn’t screw things up tonight.
Finally, he knocked. The door flew open to reveal a flushed faced Ava. His gaze dropped to take in the rest of her. She was utter temptation in a dark blue dress that contrasted against her pale skin. The dress hugged her curves and he had to admit to himself that he was actually jealous of dress.
“Zac, hi,” she said breathlessly.
“Hi, yourself. You look incredible.” He forced his gaze back to her face and frowned. She looked terrified. “What’s wrong?”
“This isn’t a good idea. We should maintain a professional relationship.”
His heart dropped. “You’re not into me, then?”
“What? Of course! I mean—oh, God. I might as well confess. I haven’t been on a date in a while—well, ever and I’m a nervous wreck. I have no idea how to function on a date.”
Zac let out a relieved breath. “Well, then that makes us a perfect match. I’m out of practice as well.”
Ava scoffed. “I find that hard to believe. Look at you.”
“Are you saying, I’m attractive?”
She blushed and looked away. “You’re alright.”
Zac chuckled and reached for her hand. “How about we don’t call this a date then? Let’s just have dinner as friends and then I can show you that apartment as promised.”
She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and he had to stifle a groan. He wished she would stop drawing attention to her mouth like that. “Okay, let’s do this.”