Free Exquisite by Ella Frank

across the room he could almost see steam coming out her ears. It’d been three days since he’d called and left the message for her and he hadn’t been able to get her out of his head. He didn’t know what that said about him but something about her had crawled under his skin and refused to go away. He pushed through the crowd and stopped behind her. He watched as she physically stiffened and when it was clear she wasn’t about to turn around he leaned over right by her ear.
    “It’s so nice to see you again Dr. O’Donnell.” He saw Shelly stifle a giggle and straightened up winking at her,“You too Dr Monroe.”
    “Oh call me Shelly.”
    He heard Lena sigh so he turned and signaled the bartender down. He took the stool next to her and rested an elbow on the bar top.  “So this is a nice surprise.”
    Finally she turned to face him and when their knees bumped she quickly shifted back. “It’s hardly a surprise when you’re stalking me.” she stated bluntly.
    Instead of acting offended he looked at Liam, “I’ll have a Guinness please.”
    When he turned back he noticed she was glaring right at him. Her green eyes were twinkling under the light, and although she was in fact glaring at him, she didn’t seem as pissed off as usual. “It was the only way I knew you’d see me.”
    “By ambushing me?”
    “By going through your friend.” he countered. “Thanks for that Shelly.”
    Shelly took that moment to stand. “Ahh you can leave me out of this, thanks. I’m going to go over,” she waved behind her at nothing, “There for a bit.”
    Lena shook her head, “Shelly. I’m revoking your friend card.”
    Mason couldn’t help grinning at her when she turned back to him.
                                
    “Stop flashing your damn dimples around like a weapon.” Lena grumbled as she picked her beer up and took another gulp. The man looked absolutely mouth watering tonight in all black. He was wearing a button up shirt that was tucked into perfectly fitted slacks showing off his broad shoulders and trim cut waist. Draped around his neck was a burgundy scarf to fight off the cool night air and he had a trench coat, that he’d been wearing, now resting up on the bar. His deep blue eyes sparkled as he grinned at her. In a word he was, gorgeous . It wasn’t fair that he was dressed to impress and she was dressed from 7am this morning.
    “A weapon huh? I’ve never heard them described like that.”
    “But apparently I suppose there have been poems dedicated to them.” she snapped back then she shut her eyes and sighed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m so ugly to you.”
    He was silent for a moment then leaned toward her and spoke in a voice so deep and smooth it slid right into her, “Actually there’s not one thing I find ugly about you.”
    Lena’s eyes flicked up to meet his brilliant blue ones and she shook her head slowly. “This wont work.”
    “Why?” he asked and she felt his breath whisper across her lips.
    “Because I don’t want it to.” she stopped when she saw his eyes narrow a little, “With anyone. I’m not ready for it to work with anyone.”
    He reached out and pushed a piece of hair back from her face tucking it behind her ear, then sat back picking up his drink and taking a sip. Lena sat frozen on the seat and tried to remind herself this was an extremely bad idea. He was a womanizer, he was almost at celebrity status here in Chicago. She didn’t know the first thing about having a relationship, she knew how to run away.
    “Stop thinking so hard Lena O’Donnell and enjoy a beer with me.”
     
    Mason watched her pick up her beer and take another quick sip. He knew she was tense, he could feel the waves rolling off her, he just didn’t understand why. She’d pretty much told him, no. She didn’t want to date. Didn’t want to start anything with anyone, but for some reason the more he was with her the harder he was finding it to stay