happy and whatever else she needs, whatever else she wants and when she wants it, that’s all I need from today. From now on.

Forever.

“So…” she starts a while later. “What is the deal with bidding on Karen?”

I’d forgotten all about that, but I can tell Jules hasn’t and I want to make it clear for her one more time.

“Let’s just say, after the way she spoke to me on the phone, and treated you today. That Karen Perkins has a very special arrangement coming up this week as part of her charity obligations,” I tell her, hoping that puts the whole business to bed.

“You mean, how she treats me every day at work. How she treats everyone. How can you hire people like that? How can you have people like that working for you?” she asks, sounding even more angry with every word.

I hear her, and it’s the same double-crossed feeling I had inside earlier today, at the soup kitchen.

Because Jules is absolutely right, how can I have people like that representing what I spent my whole life building up from nothing?

“I’m sorry,” she says, pecking my cheek once she sees the effect of her words.

I breathe out loudly, squeezing her close.

“No, you’re right. I learned a lot today, Jules. And mostly because of you in more ways than one. I owe you everything,” I tell her, truthfully.

She looks at me sideways, creasing a smile. “I think someone might need some sleep. I know I do.”

To my complete amazement, she yawns and shifts away from me, trying to find her dress.

“What are you doing?” I ask her, confused.

“I should go. I mean...” she looks suddenly more confused than I feel. “I’m not sure how any of this works,” she admits, suddenly thinking aloud. “My clothes… my apartment… my own bed…”

I feel her awkwardness, but there’s no need for her to feel that way. Everything I have is hers now, too.

Not that I have a wardrobe full of women’s clothing or even a spare toothbrush.

But all that’s a phone call away, a single email.

“I thought I could keep you warm?” I offer, moving so there's extra space for her next to me on the couch.

She can’t go home. I’ve seen her neighborhood. She’s never going back there again unless it’s to get her clothes and toothbrush before coming here for good.

“I sleepwalk,” she says suddenly. “And I snore…”

I don’t mean to, but she’s making me laugh now. Standing butt naked in front of me, telling me about her shortcomings… about her need for her own bed.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was showing some signs of being nervous about spending the night.

Not wanting to waste any more time, like I have all day, I get up and lift her up into my arms. I moan with satisfaction as I feel the warmth of her form against my forearms, her naked chest pressing into mine.

“I tell you what,” I inform her gently, walking slowly towards my bedroom, our bedroom.

“I’ll keep the doors and windows locked, so you don’t fall off the building sleepwalking, and I’ll stuff cotton wool into my ears if your snoring gets too much. How about that?”

She looks away, embarrassed. “Like I said, all this is new to me. You probably have a different girl every night.”

That makes me stop in my tracks, almost wanting to put her down so I can tell her more firmly, to her face.

“No, Jules. I don’t. I never have. I need you to understand that, okay? I’ve spent my whole adult life working, building this up.”

I can hear myself getting just as animated as she was, talking about her boss. I just don’t want her to think, not even for one second, that I’m some kind of playboy.

“It’s just you and me, alright? That’s all you need to know. There’s no one else. Never has been and there never will be,” I growl.

I don’t mean to sound angry, but I need her to understand. I need her to know she’s the only one I’ll ever want no matter want.

“Then I guess this is new for both of us,” she observes, and I feel my whole body, my whole soul relax.

“I guess it is,” I agree. “Now, let’s find you a robe, and I must have a spare toothbrush somewhere.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

 Jules

For all my self-conscious worries, for all my sounding like an old woman…

I’ve never seen a more beautiful living space. I’ve never known a more comfortable bed and I’ve most definitely never had such good company.

Mason is the perfect gentleman, and once I get used to seeing his manhood bobbing around, and having him tell me over and over that it’s fine if we don’t… Well. I realize I’ve actually never felt safer or more comfortable with anyone or anywhere in my whole life.

It actually feels like home.

Although I don’t tell Mason that. Not just yet.

I try to stay awake, I really do. Having a man the size and with the physique of Mason is like every girl’s fantasy come true, but I really am a lights out by ten o’clock girl.

Even on a Saturday.

And after the near complete servicing he’s already given me, I practically fall asleep in his arms as soon as my head hits the pillows.

I don’t want to open my eyes. I want to stay in the dream I’m having.

The one where Mason’s head is between my legs and he’s doing that thing with his mouth before he kisses me, making me…

I open my eyes.

Suddenly aware that Mason’s not next to me, that I’m all alone in his huge bed.

A pillow’s between my legs and I need to pee. A lot.

I wasn’t exaggerating too much, I do move around a lot in my sleep and I only hope my snoring didn’t force him to sleep on a couch or somewhere else.

I find a bathroom adjoining his bedroom which is as big as my whole apartment.

Everything is so clean, so new

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