Katrina Johnson

I watched him join Natalie in the beeline unable to move. I was trying to understand what he meant when I saw him take her hand and lead her inside the club. Seeing him so close to her sent a pang to my heart but it was my fault, I was the one who sent him running for the hills. I just had no other choice.

I stopped a cab to go home and only when I was alone in the back seat I realized how hot the kiss was. Without a thought, my fingers traced my lips remembering how good his lips felt on mine. It was pure luck that I found him at the bar. I was actually running from Fred and was about to ask the bartender to call the bouncers but then I bumped into him and spilled his drink ruining his shirt. And it hit me! Why not pretend to be with someone so Fred  would leave me alone? It seemed to be the perfect idea at the time. I didn't realize how much damage it could cause to our already awkward relationship.

In my defense, Fred was a lot of work. He needed to see someone and figure out how to stop his anger bursts. He almost slapped me once, and it terrified me. That was when I decided to break it off, but Fred wouldn't stop calling texting, and even following me around just to be near me and talk to me.

"We're here miss,"

"Thank you." I gave the cabby his money and went inside the building being welcomed by Billy the concierge. He was an old nice man who considered me as his daughter.

"Kat, you're early tonight, didn't you go clubbing?"

"Hi, Billy. Yes, I did but Fred showed up and ruined my night. Anyway, how are you? How's your leg?"

"Oh, this Fred needs help. My leg is fine sweetie, don't worry about me."

I bid him goodnight and went upstairs to my apartment. It was big and spacious with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. I even had a balcony that I never used. I unlocked the door and heard the most adorable purr as Blacky rubbed his head over my leg lighting up my mood a little. I bent down and picked him up scratching his head as I went into my bedroom.

"Hey Blacky, missed me?" I kissed his nose before putting him on my bed and starting to undress. My thoughts went back to Mason and I felt sad all of a sudden... Keep running, it's best for both of us. Those words kept ringing in my ear, they were full of hurt and disappointment. I shook my head knowing I did the right thing lying to him about having a boyfriend, I couldn't be with him. We were so different in so many ways... one of us would end up hurting. I wasn't blind, I knew he had a crush on me since high school, and managed to stay away from him successfully until last week...

Seeing him in that conference room after so many years, seeming all serious and mature did things to me. He was even more attractive than he was in school, he was no longer a boy, but a man in a suit, a sexy suit, trying to impress one of the best businessmen in Boston. He was so dedicated that he closed the deal without difficulty making his partner proud.

I took a quick shower and put on my pajamas before snuggling in bed with Blacky who was meowing with happiness. Oh Mason, what brought you back into my life? I didn't know if it was a coincidence that Natalie was at the same club, but I was aware that James Williams liked Mason enough to introduce him to his family, to his daughter to be exact. When I first realized why he invited him to Boston, I felt anger run through me but remembered I had no right to be jealous. I knew he wanted me and I kept pushing him away, but I had my own reasons. I thought about the kiss and smiled dreamily. Magical, was the last thought I had before drifting to sleep.

"bringgg..." the loud buzzing of my alarm woke me up from my dreams and comfy sleep. I turned it off and buried myself under the covers not wanting to get up just yet.

"Ding" I rolled my eyes as I received a text and hid my face under the duvet.

"Ding"

"Ding"

"Ugh!! What!" I pushed the covers off and reached for my phone.

Elsa: Good morning. Breakfast at Tony's at 9.

Elsa: Please send me Miss Natalie's phone number. Thank you

"I swear to god if the third one is from you Elsa..." But it wasn't. It was from Scarlett, my younger sister who was asking me where I disappeared last night. I usually don't go clubbing on work nights, but Scarlett came to visit and I couldn't say no to her. I quickly got up and got ready for work wearing black pants with a white crop top and a black blazer on top. I pulled up my hair in a bun and wore my heels on my way out of the bedroom.

I knocked on the guest bedroom door where I should find Scar but got no answer. I pushed the door open and found the bed still made. "You little minx you didn't even come home last night!" I shook my head and went to feed Blacky before leaving.

"Mr. Williams, are you ready to go?"

"Yes, Katrina, let's go. We don't want to be late even if it was last minute." He smiled and walked out to the elevators. The ride to Tony's wasn't long and we made it in time. I was surprised to see Natalie sitting next to Mason talking and laughing like they were best buddies. I scrunched up my nose at the sight. I stayed behind until Mr. Williams was seated and approached them putting on the brightest smile I could muster.

"Good morning Miss Williams, Mr. Walton."

"Good morning Kat" Natalie smiled at me pointing to the chair across from her.

I knew too well that fake smile of her, "Good morning to you Miss Johnson."

"Elsa isn't here?"I asked looking at Mason who wasn't even looking my way. it seemed like he was ignoring me.

"No, I gave her the morning off. She has family here she wanted to visit and since we're flying back after this breakfast I thought she could miss this meeting."

"What? You're already leaving?" Natalie asked sounding upset. Wasn't she dating an artist wannabe? Why was she all over Mason like that?

Mason was about to speak up when he was cut off by Mr. Williams who was lazily looking over the menu "Nonsense honey, he's staying for the night. Aren't you Mason?"

Oh, how manipulative this old man could be. I glanced at Mason who seemed at a loss of words for a second.

"James, I have meetings I need to attend tomorrow, I have to get back and that's why I wanted to meet you for breakfast. I wanted to share with you the solutions we found for the leveling..." he was taking his tablet when Natalie placed her hand over his.

"No business talk, we're having breakfast." Oh, she was so annoying with all her rules.

Mason shared a look with her and pulled away his hand relaxing in his chair and looking out of the window. He seemed annoyed and uncomfortable.

"Actually, I think I had Katrina tell you to pack for a couple of nights. I'm having a party at my house tonight, I want you to meet my partner and other businessmen that may contract you as well... It's all in your favor really. So whatever meetings you have tomorrow you can postpone."

"Alright James, I'll do that but I hope you don't blindside me every time I come here. I have other projects and responsibilities." He stood up "If you'll excuse me, I have a few calls I need to make."

He looked pissed. I watched him walk outside and speak on the phone. He was wearing a three pieces black suit that looked so good on him. Mr. Williams and Natalie ordered breakfast for all of us and looked over at Natalie.

"Are you still seeing Leo?"

Taken aback by his question, Natalie straightened up in her seat and nodded "yes dad I still am."

"We told you to break it off how many times now?"

"Dad... please let's  not talk about this now."

"Why? Katrina is no stranger, she knows all about it. What do you think of Mason?"

"He's a good guy dad, very funny and a true gentleman, why do you ask?"

"Because that's the kind of men I see fit for you. He's dedicated to his career and he's a family man. He has it all together. And I can tell he likes you, so don't screw it up."

"Excuse me" I pushed the chair back gently getting up "I'll be back in a few minutes."

I left the table not wanting to witness their fight which for sure was bound to happen. I felt bad for Natalie but also for Mason who had no idea what Mr. Williams had in store for him. I also left because I hated the thought of Mason being with Natalie. It bothered me to a point I didn't even understand.

Just as I was walking out, Mason was walking in. we stopped and stared at each other in awkward silence for a second.

"I'd suggest you give them some space..."

"What's going on?"

"They are having an argument about her boyfriend." I had no right saying that but I wanted him to see she was leading him on for nothing.

"Oh, the Leo issue again." He rolled his eyes and walked to a table for two where he sat down casually.

I followed him and sat across from him "You know about Leo?"

"Yes, he met us at the club last night. I can see why James wouldn't see him fit for his daughter but she loves him, there's nothing he can do about that."

"Actually she doesn't, she's with him just in spite of her parents." I looked at a thoughtful Mason and smiled blushing. He was so hot that just staring at him like that did things to me.

"Ah, now I get why he wants me to stay. He wants me to spend more time with her doesn't he?"

"Exactly" I was swooning.

He looked up at me and met my gaze "Well two can play at this game." He smirked sending my panties in a twist. "I think we can get back now."

"Hey, Mason?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry again about last night. If I could make it up to you I would."

Mason closed the distance between us, his face dangerously close to mine that I could feel his breath hot on my cheek as he leaned closer to whisper in my ear. "I'm not sorry you kissed me, Katrina, it was the best kiss I've had in my entire life." His voice was husky and so sexy that I had to hold on to the chair behind me so my legs don't give up on me.

He took a step back giving me some space "And if you want to make it up to me" He gave me a charming smile that melted my heart, "Have dinner with me."

"I can't, we both can't, there's Mr. Williams party."

"Right... Lunch?" I shook my head I barely had time to eat lunch. He ran a hand through his hair messing it up "Coffee? This afternoon?" When I said nothing he let out an exasperated sigh "It's just coffee, Kat!"

Did he just call me Kat? Oh my God, I'm dying... I reached over and fixed his messed-up hair with a shy smile.

"Maybe." I winked and went back to our table.

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Did you guys like Kat's POV?