too stunned to move just yet. He stood there, watching as Shelby struggled with the door and her bags.
Once she was inside, he forced himself to move into the house from the outside. She dropped her things by the door and turned, gasping when she saw him.
“You scared me,” she said, hand over her heart…his heart—or it would be one day.
He smiled at her when he leaned over and put his empty glass on the coffee table, not taking his eyes off her. When he stood at full height again, he cocked his head to the side. “This is a private residence, ma’am. If anyone should be surprised at the presence of another, I think that should be me.”
She blinked, hesitating before propping a hand on her hip. “Well, a friend of mine suggested I come.” She smiled. “And a blonde demon of a friend threatened to adopt twelve kittens and stuff my pillows with catnip if I didn’t partake in the offer.”
“I think I like this blonde demon friend of yours.”
“She has her moments.” She winked and stepped closer to him, extending her hand. “Hi. We haven’t met. My name is Shelby Landry. I work sixty hours a week as a linguistics expert for the FBI. I speak five languages and two dialects of Chinese, but not all fluently. I’ve been studying Middle Eastern languages for about three years now since there’s a shortage in that area, and it would mean more money.”
Hmmm…he liked this little playful side of her. “Wow, I know a little Japanese since we have an office in Japan, but that’s it.” He shook her hand and continued to hold it. “Any other specialties up your sleeve?”
Smiled. “I can lube your chassis better than anybody you know.”
He barked out a laugh.
“And you are?” she asked with a sexy as hell inquisitive look.
“Oh, my apologies. My name is Mason Showalter. I’m an investment banker, hedge fund manager, finance geek, and part-time accountant. Though, I don’t like adding that last title to my list of professional responsibilities.”
“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mason.” She slid her hand away from his, but that coy little smile had his dick twitching…and his name on her lips? Damn, he fucking loved that.
“Pleasure’s my specialty.” He winked at her before walking away and snatching his glass from the table. “I’m not sure where your friend’s at Shelby—can I call you Shelby?” She moved toward the couch.
“Please.” She nodded and sat.
“Good. As I was saying, I’m not sure where your friend is, but you’re more than welcome to stay here at my place. It came furnished, but I’ll be replacing a lot of it.”
Her playful facade fell briefly. “This is yours?” She glanced around, almost nervously.
“Mmm-hmm.”
He was fairly certain she knew his net worth. That information had to have been in one of the government files she studied, but reading it on paper and seeing it in real life were two different things.
She seemed to compose herself and shrugged. “My family owned a garage, so it’s sorta the same thing.”
“Ah yes, I met Axle. Nice fellow.” He took a sip of his drink, which was mainly water from the melted ice. “Told me how skilled he was at torture and hiding bodies.”
“Oh, I’m sure he did.” She rolled her eyes. “Although, he failed to tell me about that.”
“He seems the type to have lots of secrets.”
“He’s a SEAL. Comes with the territory. Although, maybe that’s just something that runs in the family,” she said, trailing off as she glanced around the room again.
He knew what she was getting at, but old secrets needed to stay where they were. In the past.
Mason walked away, letting her look her fill and giving her a moment to take it all in. “Would you like a glass of Scotch? I’m sorry, I don’t have any wine or beer,” he asked over his shoulder before heading into the kitchen.
“I’ve never had Scotch, but I’ll have one if you’re having one. You can experience my first time.”
He chuckled at her innuendo as he grabbed another glass, put ice in both, and poured two fingers in each. “I’m honored to be your first,” he said as he walked back into the living room, stopping dead in his tracks.
Shelby stood by the couch minus her clothes. Completely naked.
“What if I want you to be my only?” she asked softly, humor gone. He swallowed passed the tightness in his throat and made his way back to her. He placed the