Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26677 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26677 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
“Well, he needs more,” my man said in a firm tone. “We’re going to spoil this child rotten.”
Now, we’re inside a boutique where everything appears to cost an arm and a leg. Yet, Mason doesn’t seem to care at all.
“Go crazy, honey,” he growls, blue eyes flashing. “I want you to be happy.”
As a result, I browse a little, looking around while fingering assorted clothes and toys.
“These are cute, right?” I coo while holding a pair of blue overalls with a brown bear sewn into the center.
Mason holds up a pair of brown booties. “Yep, and these shoes would go well with them.”
I giggle while adding the items to our cart. Then, Mason pushes the basket over toward another clothing table, but even as he squeezes my fingers gently, my mind goes back to the conversation we had earlier this week at lunch. Ugh. That was a somewhat scary conversation, but I’m glad we had it. Still, I’m not convinced the issue’s over and done with.
Taking a big breath, I look around to make sure no one’s near us. Sure enough, the coast is clear, so I turn towards my man with a smile.
“I know it probably isn’t the right time to bring this up again,” I murmur once he looks down at me. “But I guess … well, you’ve been a little reserved since you found out that I used to work as an escort. I know you said you’re okay with it, but are you really? Or does it actually bother you?”
I try to sound casual, but on the inside, my stomach feels like wobbly jelly. I want this man to accept me, but also recognize that there’s nothing I can do one way or another.
Mason seems unsurprised at the question and chews his lip. Then, he clears his throat and shrugs those broad shoulders.
“I won’t lie, Chelsea. At first, I was startled by the revelation. After all, I figured you had a job, but I never thought it was that. So yeah, I was astonished and needed some time. But then, I had to take a step back and question myself. After all, who am I to judge a woman for making a living? Especially since I came up with a crazy hare-brained scheme just to get my hands on your sassy body. So it would be hypocritical for me to judge you, not to mention unseemly,” he growls.
I nod slowly.
“That’s true. Our current living situation isn’t exactly quote-unquote ‘normal.’”
Mason nods.
“Yes, but that’s the thing. Who gets to say what ‘normal’ is? Definitely not me, and as a result, I shouldn’t be throwing rocks at someone else’s house.”
I nod.
“Good point.”
He chuckles while slinging a big arm around my waist.
“So, to answer your question, sweetheart, I’m okay with it. I won’t condemn you for your choices because everyone lives a different life. It’s not for me to say what’s good and what’s bad.”
“Thank you,” I sigh quietly, my heart finally slowing down a little. I feel as if I can breathe again as my shoulders slump with relief. “Thank you so much for understanding, Mason. It isn’t a lifestyle that everyone accepts, so it means a lot to me to know that you’re okay with it. More than you can imagine, in fact.”
He shoots me a sideways grin.
“I know, but don’t get too comfortable,” he growls, suddenly going serious. “Because I can accept your past, but that doesn’t mean I want you to go back to escorting.”
My cheeks flush.
“Oh, I wasn’t–”
He cuts me off.
“Once you’re a mother, things will be different,” he says in a serious tone. “You won’t need to go back to City Girls, Chelsea, and I mean, ever again, if I have my way. A baby is a real responsibility, and there’s frankly no need.”
I pause my head spinning. Is he saying what I think he’s saying?
“Well, I–”
But my man cuts me off again.
“I don’t want you working there after you’ve had the child. You know that money is no object, and I’m prepared to be generous. This baby will have everything he needs,” Mason growls.
My smile trembles as my eyes fill with tears because this man is being unbelievably generous, and yet I still feel unsettled. After all, it’s not like I have any sort of binding commitment from Mason. We’re not even in a relationship, for crying out loud! So what does that mean? Even more, what if Mason changes his mind? Do I lose the roof over my head, as well as all the things he’s purchased for my child?
I just feel so confused. On the one hand, I’m grateful for the support he’s offering because it’s more than I could ever provide on my own. Plus, I want to be optimistic, and it sounds like Mason sees a future for us together. After all, if he’s offering this much, then clearly, the relationship’s not going to just disappear, right?