Page 34 of Mr. Almost

As soon as she’s gone, my shoulders sag, and I drop my head.

Jesus, that was brutal. I don’t regret it at all, and I won’t change my mind, but it was harder than I thought it would be.

I don’t understand how she did what she did. I can’t imagine ever hurting Arianna the way my mother hurt me.

I run a hand over my face and turn away from the window. Walking out of the office, I head downstairs in search of oneperson.

Olivia. I need Olivia.

Cutting through the lobby, I ignore the people who try to get my attention.

“Where is she?”

Tristen points over her shoulder at the supply closet.

Marching over, I step inside and shut the door behind me.

“Mason?” Olivia frowns. “What are you doing in here?”

“I had to see you.”

Sadness crosses her face as she rolls her shoulders back. “Look, I was thinking about it, but I think we need to take a step back. It’s time for you to start sleeping at your place again. I won’t keep Ari from you, obviously, but I need space.”

Without a second thought, I walk over to her and cup her face in my hands. Tilting her head back, I slam my mouth onto hers, kissing her.

Olivia might think she doesn’t want whatever this is between us, but the way her little hands fist my shirt says otherwise.

Reluctantly, I end the kiss and rest my forehead on hers.

“Wha…” Olivia says, dazed.

“The only steps we’re taking, Livvy, are forward, but if you want space, I’ll give it to you.” I squeeze the back of her neck and watch her eyes dilate. “You can deny it all you want, but you and I are happening. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but we will happen. If you run, I’ll follow. So take your time, pretty girl, to wrap your head around it. I’ll be here waiting when you’re ready.”

And I will be. As soon as she gives me the green light, I’ll put a ring on her finger and make her forget what life was like before me.

Chapter

Eight

OLIVIA

“Daddy!”Ari cheers when she hears a knock on the door.

“You don’t know for sure if it’s Daddy,” I tell her as I move to open the door.

She scrunches up her little face in confusion. “Well, who else would it be?”

“It could be Aunt Chloe.”

“It’s Daddy,” she says confidently.

I open the door, and sure enough, she was right. Mason is standing in the hall with his hands in his pocket and a smirk on his face.

“Hey, beautiful.” He leans in and kisses my cheek, making my heart race. Ever so slightly, he pulls back and whispers, “Feel free to call me daddy anytime.”

“Mason…” I lightly scold.

He chuckles, sending goose bumps down my arms as he pulls back. “How are my girls?”

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