To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava’s POV

I got ready for work and Mason couldn’t drop me off today but I got lucky because I was going with my boss. He’d announced that we were going to another company together for a meeting.

Preparing his paper works and a schedule for the meeting, I finally went to inform him that we’d better get going if we want to get to the company for the meeting early and he agreed with me.

We left and it wasn’t long until we got to the company, it turned out to be Mason’s company and although I’d decided to be professional a part of me was excited to see him.

Mason got out of his office and my jaw dropped the moment he stepped out, I had no idea why but he looked hotter than he usually does.

His tie was perfectly made and his suit fitted him perfectly, he carried himself with a perfect poise and his back was straight.

Smiling, he approached us and my boss excused himself as the two men got to talking. I tried to look away from him but it seemed as though my eyes were already glued on him.

Our eyes met and he didn’t look away from me as he kept up with his conversation with my boss, I briefly looked away and our eyes met again when I looked back at him and he smiled.

I could feel my cheeks burning and I knew that I was blushing really hard. Taking another glance at him, he laughed and I turned away from him immediately as I hurried to the restroom.

Why is he having this kind of effect on me?

Splashing my face with water, I slapped myself gently multiple times to bring myself out of my head and for a moment it worked until I saw him again.

“Oh, I’ve been searching all over for you,” my boss pointed out as soon as I got out of the bathroom, “you need to have a personal meeting with Mr. Mason here.” He added and my eyes widened.

I had no idea why he’d set up a meeting for us, “why?” I enquired and he told me about how they’ve been talking and since this was a temporary job, Mason would like to offer a permanent one.

He asked me to finish up with things hurriedly and talk to Mason before leaving us together. He had no idea that we knew each other.

Finishing up, Mason and I walked to the cafeteria in the company and we had lunch together. The company was magnificent and I didn’t think it would be this big.

“Honestly, this is just beautiful,” I complimented with my mouth stuffed with food that I forced myself to swallow.

“It’s really beautiful, the interior and exterior design. You must’ve spent a lot to get it to look like this.” I added and he just laughed slightly as he cleared his throat.

“What do you think about my offer? Do you like it?” He asked and I coughed as I raised an eyebrow. I didn’t think he was serious about offering me a job here.

“Oh my god! You were serious about that? I thought it was some sort of joke.” I pointed out and he smirked.

“I couldn’t possibly have made a joke about something like this,” he shrugged as I stared at him, “I’m serious and I’m really willing to offer you a job but that is if you want it.” He added.

“Thank you so much but I still have to think about it.” I replied and he told me that there was no pressure and I could take as much time as I needed.

We finished up with the deal we’d come to Mason’s company to seal in the first place and my boss left to wait for me when Mason said he needed to talk to me.

“I’ll be working late today,” he started as he moved the strand of hair on my face that seemed to be disturbing me, “don’t wait up for me and just go home, okay?” He added and I nodded.

Smiling, I left the company and I couldn’t be any more grateful when my boss offered to drop me off at home.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

The house was empty and I felt alone in the big apartment. Mason wasn’t exaggerating when he told me about how big the house was.

Scrolling through my contacts, I’d wanted to call him and ask if he was okay but I also didn’t want to disturb his work since he already told me he’d be working late.

Making dinner for myself, I thought he was going to have to pass the night at the office and the next time I’ll get to see him would be tomorrow.

Laying on my bed, I closed my eyes to sleep when the rain started falling. I put the covers over my head and buried my face in the pillow to keep from hearing the sounds but I could still hear it.

I didn’t want to go to the living room so I just laid on my bed as the horrible memories attached to my phobia came flooding me.

The news of my father dying in the thunderstorm kept replaying in my head, “Dad! No!” I cried, shaking and holding onto the bedpost for support.

My breath soon started becoming short and my chest started hurting, my head spun and I felt weak. Removing my hand from the bedpost, I fell on the floor as I tried to regulate my breathing but nothing worked and the tears began flowing freely.

My door flung open and I opened my eyes slightly to see Mason, he lifted me from the floor and laid me on the bed as he slept beside me.

His clothes were wet and that caused the bed to be wet too but I didn’t care, I was just glad that he’s around. Not letting go, I cried in his hold as I hugged him and he only stroked my hair and patted my back lightly.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered as he apologized for being late, he pecked my forehead and I hung onto his shirt as I closed my eyes.