“Sounds good.” He grinned devilishly.
“You can’t even see my ass in these pants,” I admonished him with a grin. I was surprised I wasn’t embarrassed for him to see me in my grubby painting clothes.
“Oh, I can see it,” he assured me with a grin. “What can I help with?”
“You can pour me another glass of wine and get yourself something also, if you’d like,” I answered with a smile. “My glass is over in my painting corner.” I gestured toward the back corner of the loft where he had yet to venture.
“I can do that.” He nodded, standing to go retrieve my glass.
When he returned, glass in hand, he looked at me with an unfathomable expression on his face.
“What is it?” I asked, suddenly on edge.
“I’m trying to find the words to convey how amazing you are,” he floored me by responding. “Those paintings are incredible, Ellie. You have real talent.”
“Thanks,” I murmured, my face hot with the blush I knew was reddening my cheeks.
“Why do you look so shy?” he asked gently, his gaze soft.
“I just don’t typically show them to people. I guess I’m not used to it.”
He stroked his thumb over my jaw. “Well, I guess then I get to be your number-one fan.” He smiled. “Now, let’s get you that wine,” he added, moving toward the fridge.
He refilled my glass and then moved to sit at the bar while I chopped vegetables.
When my dad called for a second time a moment later, I looked to Mason apologetically. “I’m going to make sure everything is okay. Hi, Pop,” I greeted, cradling the phone in my neck as I continued to chop.
“Don’t you ‘hi Pop’ me, Ellie June!” he hollered.
Uh-oh, he was middle naming me. This couldn’t be good. My eyes shot to Mason, who looked at me with amusement. Clearly, he could hear my dad loud and clear.
“Did you care to share that you’re dating Mason Jackson?” he shouted. “And that your name is all over the news!”
I grimaced. He was really upset. And very loud.
“Sorry, Dad, it all happened kind of fast. We’ve only known each other a short time. I didn’t want to worry you,” I explained, looking away from Mason’s intense gaze.
“Your mother and I are concerned,” he ranted. “Professional athletes don’t necessarily have the best reputations, and your name and pictures of you all over isn’t good either.”
I glanced back to Mason, and was shocked to find his hand held out, asking for the phone. I wrinkled my brow at him looking at him like he was crazy. But he simply continued to hold his hand out, giving me a pointed look.
“Um, Dad, he actually wants to talk to you,” I stammered, beyond nervous at the prospect of him speaking with my very hotheaded father. Before I could say anything else, Mason put the phone to his ear.
“Mr. Mitchell, Mason Jackson, sir,” he introduced, sounding completely confident as he winked at me. “I wanted to assure you that I have nothing but the best intentions with your daughter. I understand the risks of having her in the spotlight, and I’ve already taken measures to protect her. I take her safety very seriously, sir,” he confirmed, and I just knew he was winning my father over. But when his eyes shot over to mine with heat flaming in them, I knew my traitorous father had mentioned Brian.
“No, we haven’t discussed that yet, but we will. I’ll take care of it,” he said firmly. “Yes, sir.” He nodded as I lost the context of what they were saying through the one-way conversation. My dad talked for a little while longer while Mason nodded along. “Yes, sir, and I look forward to meeting you. I’ll hand you back to Ellie. Alright, okay. Thanks.” He handed the phone back to me.
“Hi, Dad,” I greeted.
“Well, I have to say I feel a lot better, honey.” My dad sighed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you hadn’t mentioned Brian, but really, sweetheart, he needs to know about that right away, with the press now having your name,” he scolded.
“I know,” I said quietly.
“It sounds like he’s quite taken with you. Smart fella,” he added warmly.
“Well, the feeling is mutual,” I replied, meeting Mason’s eyes and feeling my knees go weak at the expression I saw there. “I’ll call you this weekend, okay, Dad?”
“Okay, honey, love you.”
