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Because there were no tables. There was no deejay booth or long buffet meant to cater to hundreds of guests. Missing were the loads of glittery decorations and noisemakers I expected for a giant holiday bash. Instead, the décor was isolated to the very center of the sprawling room.
The sheer amount of white hydrangeas was the first thing I saw. There were hundreds of them arranged throughout the space. They were breathtakingly beautiful but what my eyes settled on next, despite looking deeply mismatched in the elegant room, was what truly took my breath away.
It was a tall, leafy green tree. I surprised myself because I burst out laughing right away and just as quickly, my feet rushed to the display, giving me the proximity to confirm the sight of an eight-foot butterfly palm potted in a beautifully ornate vase. Tied around th
e stronger branches were strings on which pieces of Mozart truffles hung.
“How the hell…?”
In my account of the magical place I wanted to transport to for my birthday, I had never revealed my favorite kind of chocolate and yet here they were, pretending to grow from the imaginary, chocolate-sprouting palm tree I’d said I wanted to simply read under for my birthday.
“Oh my God, Mase,” I murmured in disbelief as I ran my hands along the back of the plush, leather sectional sitting just under the plant. Next to it was a side table on which there was a single crystal wine glass, a bottle of Cabernet and an extra box of Mozart chocolates. I wondered again how Mason knew about my favorite and somewhat obscure sweets, but then I saw the antique shelf holding a carefully curated selection of books – all the ones in my apartment that I had started but not finished, along with dozens of books from the same two authors that always came recommended to me by Sofia. It didn’t take long at that point to figure out that she’d been called to consult for this elaborate evening constructed entirely for me.
I was so struck by the unbelievable sight in front of me that it took a good ten minutes for me to notice the white envelope sitting on top of the couch. Grabbing it off the pillow, I tore it eagerly open. Until this moment, my smile had been cautious, curling my mouth at a snail’s pace. Upon skimming the six words typed inside the card, a huge grin burst like fireworks onto my lips.
“Open the envelope you brought here,” I read aloud before dropping the card like a hot potato and grabbing the manila sleeve Lori had given me. Sliding the thick sheet of crisp white out of the envelope, my eyes settled upon Mason’s handwriting.
I couldn’t build you your own island to celebrate in peace and quiet so I did my best. This whole space is yours for the rest of the night. I figured one bottle of wine would be enough for you but in case you’re no longer a lightweight, a selection will arrive for you to choose from when dinner and dessert are served.
Happy birthday, Taylor.
Love,
M
I breathed out hard, using my pinky knuckle to dot at the tears in the corners of my eyes. I wasn’t sure how long I stood there holding the letter in my hand but on cue, the gentleman outside entered to wish me a happy birthday and show me just how to get his attention if I needed anything before dinner arrived.
From there, I sunk into the couch, delighted by the blanket provided for me to wrap myself in. It was soft and oversized and it made me want even more to call Mason and ask him to join me on my little island. But I stopped myself. Aside from the fact that my dinky little flip phone didn’t have his number in the contacts, I told myself that I needed this time alone.
But that I could see him soon. Right after.
So pouring myself a glass of wine, I grabbed the book I’d been trying to finish for ages now and sunk cozily into the couch, flipping to where I’d left off and finally starting my new chapter.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Been waiting for you, Miss Taylor.”
My eyes fluttered after giving my name to the doorman. I had stayed at the Atrium till closing and my visit to Mason’s apartment wasn’t entirely planned myself so with confusion, I tilted my head at him. “You have?”
“Mr. Leo gave me your name. Said if a Taylor Simms came by, let her up. No need to call and ask.”
“Really,” I laughed softly, my cheeks tingling. “It’s nearly two in the morning. Are you positive you don’t need to call him?” When he nodded, I smiled down at myself. “Well, that makes me feel nice.”
“Likewise, miss. I hate seeing a good man so torn up.”
I looked up with a grimace. “Has it been bad?” I asked quietly, feeling the answer in the long pause the man gave.
“You’re here,” he finally said, nodding toward the elevators. “That’s all that matters.”
I smiled, unwinding the scarf from my neck. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure. Enjoy your night, Miss Simms. Please give my regards to Mr. Leo.”
On that note, I made my way to the elevators, my pulse picking up as anticipation thrummed throughout me. It was mostly excitement – a pleasant buzz of heat that relaxed any tension in my body as I made my way up the building to Mason’s penthouse. My heart was pounding by the time I reached his floor but I wasn’t nervous. In fact, I felt oddly at home.
And when the elevator doors opened, I immediately found Mason, my eyes settling on the profile of his shirtless body sitting at the edge of his couch, sifting through what looked like papers for work. In just grey sweats, he was fucking stunning. He looked like the most beautiful man I would ever lay my eyes on. And the view only got better as he turned and let his gaze find me. It was surprised for all of a second but then he rose to his feet, turning that body to face me as a faint but joyous grin drifted onto his lips.
“Hi,” I finally said, listening to the elevator door close behind me. Mason didn’t answer, only watched as I came toward him, shedding my coat and my cardigan, slipping out of my ballet flats till I was in just a sweater and leggings as I stood before him, pushing him gently back down on his couch and climbing into his lap. I felt the weight of the world expel from the sigh that escaped his lips, and under my palms, I felt the rumble in his chest as he leaned his forehead against mine. For a moment, we simply breathed together. But then he finally spoke and that voice I missed so badly flooded me with relief.
