Page 68 of Making It Burn

“Beverly—” Mason started.

“I know, I know.It’s complicated.But Mason?”She looked at him directly.“Sometimes the best things are.”

The elevator dinged, and we stepped out into the MediCorp offices.

The meeting was exactly what I expected—lots of congratulations, some final paperwork, and Richard practically glowing as he signed the merger documents.Marcus and Janet were all smiles, and Beverly kept shooting us looks that made it very clear she was enjoying watching us try to act professionally.

“Gentlemen,” Richard said, standing and shaking both our hands, “this has been an absolute pleasure.You’ve made this process smoother than I ever could have hoped.Please give our regards to Carter and Patsy.”

“We will,” Mason said.“Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Our pleasure.And Beverly?”Richard turned to her.“Make sure these two have a safe flight home.”

“Oh, I’ll make sure they’re very well taken care of,” Beverly said with a leer that made me want to disappear into the floor.

She walked us out to the lobby, and when we reached the doors, she pulled us both into a hug.

“You’re good men,” she said.“And you’re good together.Don’t forget that when things get complicated back home.”

“We won’t,” I promised.

“Good.”She stepped back, her expression turning mischievous.“And Beau?Next time you leave hickeys on someone, maybe think about whether they’ll be wearing a shirt that shows it off.”

I looked at Mason, whose face had gone bright red, and started laughing.

“Go on, get out of here before I embarrass you further.”Beverly shooed us toward the door.“Safe travels, boys.”

* * *

The cab ride to the airport felt different than the ride from it.Mason’s hand found mine in the back seat, our fingers lacing together like it was the most natural thing in the world.We didn’t talk much—didn’t need to.Everything felt settled, comfortable, and right.

At the airport, we checked our bags and made our way to the gate.I was scrolling through emails on my phone when Mason suddenly tensed beside me.

“What’s wrong?”I asked.

“Nothing.Just...don’t look now, but Derek’s at the gate.”

“Who?”

“Derek.The flight attendant.”

I glanced up and saw a guy in a United uniform chatting with someone at the desk.He looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place him.

“Oh, okay?”

Mason’s jaw tightened.“He gave you his number.Asked you out.”

It took me a second to remember, and then it clicked—the overly friendly flight attendant who’d been flirting with me.“Oh, right.That guy.”

“You don’t remember him.”

“Not really.”I looked at Mason, at the possessive set of his shoulders, and couldn’t help but smile.“Why?Are you jealous?”

“No.”

“You’re totally jealous.”

“I’m not jealous.I’m just...observing.”