First Position by Prescott Lane Read Free Book Online Page A

clear the table, leaving the check.  Emory grabbed it quickly, and whipped out her credit card, wanting to leave no doubt that this had been nothing more than a meeting -- an appointment.  Mason began to object, but she insisted. “My city, my treat.” 
    They left the restaurant and walked back to her car, Emory feeling a pull towards Mason she thought had long vanished.  It made her shiver, and in one swift move, Mason took off his leather jacket and placed it around her, his fingers grazing her neck, as he pushed her ponytail aside.  A familiar pulse of electricity shot through her body, and her mind betrayed her, thinking back to what he could do with just his fingers. 
    Mason eyed her with amusement, seeing she was biting her lower lip, wondering if that still meant the same thing as it did in college.   She’s thinking about sex !   Hopeful, he reached over and placed his hand on her hip, pulling her towards him, an arm around her lower back and his nose to the top of her head, breathing in her scent, still fitting perfectly in his arms.   This is more like it .   Emory nestled her head in his chest and placed her arms around the middle of his back, melting into his body.  Her fingers traced the outline of his muscles, and she felt a tear come into her eye, as Mason’s phone then vibrated in his pocket.
    She pulled away quickly like she was caught with her hand in a cookie jar.  He pulled out his phone and saw it was Steven.  “I’m sorry.  I need to get this.  It will just take a minute.”  He answered the phone and told his brother to hold on.
    Emory felt the urge to flee, removing his jacket.  “I should be going anyway.  It was nice catching up.  Good luck with everything.”
    She opened her car door, and he mouthed, “Don’t go.” 
    Mason turned and walked a few steps away to talk.  “Bro, you have the worst fucking timing.”
    “What’s up?” Steven asked, following Olivia around a baby store with an overflowing shopping cart.
    The car door closed, and Mason turned back around, seeing Emory drive away.  “Shit!  She’s gone.” 
    “Who’s gone?”  Steven asked.  “Mason, what are you talking about?”
    Why would she just leave ?
    “What the hell is going on?” Steven barked, Olivia turning to her husband and placing a finger over her mouth.
    “Huh?” Mason asked.
    “Huh?”  Steven mocked, then whispered through gritted teeth, “Did you blow off Seattle for a fucking woman?  I know you haven’t gotten laid in a while, but this is fucking ridiculous.  Who is she?” 
    He watched Emory’s car slip further and further away.  “Em. . . .” 
    Steven stopped the cart.  “As in Emory Claire?”   
    “Yeah.”
    A slow smile came across Steven’s face.  “Now it makes sense, you staying in Charlotte.” 
    Mason quickly brought Steven up to speed on Emory.  He was happy for Mason but worried his brother’s mind was too far gone to focus on getting a new contract.  Steven relayed the travel plans for Seattle, and before hanging up, gave out his last instruction.  “Don’t fuck this up again.”
    I just did.
     
    * * *
     
    Emory drove home with tears streaming down her cheeks, feeling she’d embarrassed herself.  Everything she’d suppressed for six years had just bubbled up to the surface.   What the hell was that ? She tried to convince herself Mason would be in Seattle in a few days, so there was no point getting carried away.   You know he only wants one thing anyway.
    Emory arrived back at the apartment to find Wesley and Tomás hanging out in the kitchen.  They saw her red cheeks and runny nose, and that she was shaking.  They rushed to her side, unloading the camera equipment from her arms, Wesley leading Emory to the den sofa.  Tomás ran to the refrigerator to fetch her a water bottle and snack, believing he could solve any problem through food.
    Emory sat down and pulled her legs to her chest, sobbing.  Wesley sat next to her and