Chapter 336
They had been holed up in this rural escape for three days already, and everyone had figured Tiffanie, with her high–maintenance ways, wouldn’t last an hour, let alone plant her roots. Yet, here she was, having chased Mason all the way from Beaconsfield, and now seemingly refusing
to leave.
It was back in Mason’s senior year of high school when he followed a band of college students to teach in the countryside that he stumbled upon this place. The stark poverty had struck them all dumb; kids were studying on desks made of piled stones, trudging miles through the mountains to school in the dead of winter while their hair was dusted with frost.
Once they returned home, they all continued to donate to this place over the years. Those who earned a bit more gave a bit more, and those with less gave what they could.
Now, there was a school and a road in the area.
Mason stayed in a wooden cabin prepared by the locals, with Tiffanie’s room right next door.
Tiffanie was the boldest woman he’d ever come across. Just last night, she had tried to sneak into his room, of all things. If he hadn’t been too anxious to fall asleep, tossing and turning until the wee hours, she might have actually succeeded. It was ridiculous; a grown man like him was feeling like he was the belle of the ball that the town bully had taken a shine to.
As soon as he walked in, Tiffanie followed suit, smoothly shutting the door behind her and wrapping her arms around his waist from behind.
“Look here,” she said, “what’s not to like about me? Check out this face, this figure, this family background. Tell me, which guy wouldn’t be dazzled by me?”
Mason’s lips twitched as he pried her hands away, feeling his body heat up to an almost unbearable degree. Part of him was embarrassed, the other part mortified. “Can’t you act a bit more like a lady?!”
Instead of taking offense, Tiffanie sprawled onto the bed with a carefree chuckle. “Hah? If I were shy in the pursuit of a man, he’d definitely never be mine. Don’t you get it? I’m all about taking the initiative.”
Mason, seeing her so casually lying on his bed, felt his ears burn hot with embarrassment. He’d met plenty of bold women, and many who’d wanted a fling with him, but he’d never felt so awkward and helpless.
Frowning, he sat down by the window and grabbed a cup of water, only to be interrupted by Tiffanie’s rebellious suggestion. “Mason, how about we get hitched?”
The water went flying out of Mason’s mouth as he coughed and spluttered. His cheeks blazed red, feeling like his insides were about to roast him alive.
Tiffanie raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “What, you’re so thrilled you’re speechless?*
“Cough, cough.” Mason kept his head down, coughing, refusing to look at her.
1/2
15:12
But Tiffanie was on a roll, leaning in close. “Don’t tell me, you’re still a virgin.”
“Tiffanie!!” He jumped as if he had been stepped on, exploding in protest.
Her lips curved up in a satisfied smile.
Mason headed for the door, his whole body radiating heat. “Weren’t we supposed to be heading back to Beaconsfield? Let’s go, Brielle is waiting for us.”
Tiffanie looked regretful, glancing at the bed. “Are you leaving already, Mason? Are you not up for it? I’ve chased you all the way here, and you do nothing and want to take me back? If others heard about this, I’d be so embarrassed, Mason!”
She followed him out only to see Mason stop abruptly, nearly colliding with his back.
Mason turned around, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on her. After a minute, he suddenly cupped her face in his hands and solemnly planted a kiss on her forehead. “Happy now?” He released her quickly, striding even faster toward the helicopter.
Tiffanie stood frozen, slowly lifting a hand to touch her forehead. Then, seeing Mason’s awkward walk, she burst into laughter. “Of course, I’m happy. I’ve been marked by you, and now I belong to you.”
Mason was stepping onto the aircraft. When he heard her words, he slipped and almost fell.
