“You did not tell me you knew Mason Langley.” she whispered. Her eyes so wide they looked like they might pop out of her face.

Shaking her head Lena answered, “I don’t know a Mason Langley.”

“That man over there burning a hole in your ass is Mason Langley. Owner and Head Chef of this little place called Exquisite.”

Opening her mouth to say something Lena found, for probably the first time in a long while, that she had absolutely nothing to say.

“You know the place we’re standing in? Where we are about to sit down and have a meal? Yeah, you just insulted the head honcho, the man who’ll probably go back there and spit in our food.”

“What do you want me to do? Go over there and apologize?”

Shelly nodded slowly like she was talking to an imbecile. “It would be a start.”

“Have you lost your mind?” Lena asked her in a loud whisper, “I was joking about apologizing.”

“Well I’m not and he’s still staring at your ass.”

Letting out a sigh Lena glared at her, “I’m sure he’s not looking at my ass.”

Shelly looked over at him again then lifted her hand in a small wave and smiled. Then looked back as Lena pouted.

“Why don’t you go and apologize? If you like him so much?"

“Because I wasn’t rude.” Shelly turned to their table and looked over her shoulder shooing her away. “You were.”

Gritting her teeth Lena spun around on her heel to see Mason, she assumed, still standing at the bar his head cocked to one side. His hip was leaning up against the dark mahogany counter and he was looking right at her. He really was incredible to look at, now that she didn’t have to listen to him talk, she thought with a smirk. Yeah that’s it, if he could just stand there silently she’d be happy to look at him. Unfortunately every time he opened his mouth he said something that either annoyed her or down right pissed her off then she morphed into a raging bitch. It was a shame really because he was probably the first man in, well as long as she could remember, that she found extremely attractive. His hair was jet black and cut shorter in the back with a slight curl around his ears. The front looked like he’d just run his hand through it and a stray piece flopped forward. The dark stubble didn’t detract from his appeal it drew attention to his jaw line and mouth. His eyelashes were insanely long, when she noticed those she couldn’t tell you, but she knew they surrounded piercing blue, almost midnight blue, eyes. However, that wasn’t what drew her eye the most, it was his very presence. He was a tall man, at least 6’3 if she had to guess and his shoulders were huge, especially in that black buttoned up shirt he was wearing tonight. They were out lined to perfection and the shirt hugged his torso all the way down to his slim waist where the shirt disappeared into tight black slacks that were framed by a black belt with a silver buckle. Oh yeah, she thought, it was such a shame he was a total pain in her ass. She looked right at him then straightened her spine for the battle to come. He didn’t smile as he continued to watch her, almost intently. It made Lena uncomfortable to be under such scrutiny when there were so many other people around. It was as though they’d all just vanished and she was back in the hospital lobby standing in front of him. However, this time he had the upper hand. Lena watched as one of the bartenders came over to him and started to speak, he nodded but kept his eyes on her the whole time. Looking over her shoulder at Shelly, she stiffened her shoulders then said softly. “Fine, but I’m only doing this because you’re making me and I don’t want spit in my food.”

“I’m so proud of what motivates you Lena. Oh and by the way,” she paused as she waved to the door where McKinney was walking in, “He was definitely staring at your ass.”

Lena ignored her and made her way over to the bar.


Mason kept his eyes on her the whole time she walked back toward him. He noted she walked like she had a pole shoved up her behind. Smirking at the thought, he watched her eyes narrow as she got closer. He could only imagine the thoughts that were running through her mind and he was somewhat curious as to why she was coming back over to the bar. He’d watched the two women closely as the blond had pulled Lena away from him, before she could make more trouble he imagined, and he’d noticed when they stopped at the table that the blond kept looking over at him while whispering to Lena. Since her back had been turned to him he’d seen no harm in looking her over. After all, he was a man and she he discovered, had one fine ass. She may be an uptight piece of work but that tight little skirt she thought made her look professional, hugged her ass just as good as a tight pair of jeans. When her friend had caught him looking she had coyly waved at him and he’d winked at her as she grinned like she was up to no good and now here he was watching Lena stop in front of him at the bar.

“You couldn't stay away?” he asked and felt his lips tug into a grin.

“What can I say? Your insightful recap of this morning’s events endeared you to me.”

He watched her as she placed her hands on the bar. Her fingers started to tap as though she was annoyed, or frustrated, more likely the latter. She hardly seemed the type to go out and get laid to relax herself, though maybe she should. Maybe it would help in removing the pole.

“Look Mason.” she said interrupting his thoughts.

“Oh you know my name? I feel special that you took the time to ask."

Her eyes narrowed, "Well don't. Apparently Shelly recognized you and volunteered the information without me asking."

"Ahh. I see how it is." he said leaning down resting an elbow on the bar which moved him in closer. He watched as she automatically removed her hands so they wouldn't touch. "Shelly should’ve just come over. I would've given her my number."


He watched for the reaction he was hoping for and…"She doesn't want your number you arrogant ass. She wants me to apologize to you." There it was. Mason stood up straight and raised his eyebrows feeling a smug grin spread over his lips. Now that, he hadn't expected.

"Apologize huh? And how's that going so far? As far as I can tell you've just further insulted me." he paused and then from out of no where his mouth opened and he heard himself ask, "How about you make it up to me by having dinner with me?"

He watched as Lena processed what he’d asked and saw a brief hint of emotion, he thought humor, flicker over her face before the ice was back.

"Why on earth would I go to dinner with you? We're practically stranger's not to mention we don't even remotely like one another."

Mason couldn't even begin to understand his own motivation but suddenly it was vital that he got Lena to go out with him. He leaned down again and rested his elbows on the bar.

"Come on Lena. What have you got to lose? The worst thing that’ll happen is you get to enjoy a whole night insulting someone who was pre warned you would do so."


Mason watched her lip twitched slightly.

"Fine, but only if it ensures you won't spit in our food."

Mason let out a loud laugh. He watched her look around and saw everyone staring at them. "Shut up you maniac, everyone's looking at us."

"I'm sorry." he said, looking and feeling anything but. She really was an unusual woman. “So tomorrow night? Eight thirty?"

She was back to looking suspicious. "Fine whatever. I still think it's pointless."

He watched as she looked over her shoulder at the now full table she needed to get back to. "Just meet me right here. Tomorrow night at eight thirty." Mason confirmed quickly so she couldn't get away without a time or place. She looked up at him, nodded then turned on her heel to walk away, but before she moved out of hearing range he called out.

"Lena!" Turning she looked at him and he smiled wide, "I'd never spit in your food," Pausing he then added, "I'd have a staff member do it."

Rolling her eyes at him she spun on her heel and walked over to her table. Mason watched her go and shook his head as he wiped the top of the bar then threw the towel on the back pass. Well damn, he thought, what the hell had just happened?


Making her way back over to the table where her colleagues were now seated she was thinking about what she’d just agreed to. Somehow she’d gone from going over to apologize for her apparent horrible behavior, to having confirmed a date with him? If she could have summed up her thoughts it would have been with three letters. WTF? As it was when she sat down Shelly asked her in a low whisper. "So what happened?"

All Lena could do was look at her and shrug. "I'm really not sure. I insulted him, he said he'd accept my apology for a date, I said yes."


Shelly’s mouth dropped open and before she could pounce McKinney addressed us.

"Well everyone. I’m so glad you could all make it here tonight to welcome Dr Jones to our group. We look forward to working with you and we hope you feel right at home at St Luke’s."

As conversations started around them Lena was continually aware of a pair of eyes on her. Not once did she turn around, and she couldn't explain how she knew, but it felt like he was watching her. Well, she thought to herself, I'll be damned if I let him see me turn around to see if he’s looking. Lena went ahead and ordered the filet minion and it killed her to admit it but the meal was absolutely mouth watering. They talked about trivial work going ons and finally the night started to wind down. She really thought she’d got away without having to deal with Shelly but there was no such luck because right when Lena thought they could all pay up and leave she saw Mason being led to the table by the blond who’d referred to him as the boss earlier this evening. Watching them come around to stand by McKinney's chair Lena felt her heart start beating erratically for no particular reason, other than fear of what the jackass would say. Then the blond tapped McKinney on the shoulder.

"Dr McKinney? You’d requested a moment with the Owner? You're in luck, Mr. Langley also happens to be the Head Chef."

Shelly elbowed Lena and looked sideways with a smirk on her face. Sitting still as a statue Lena continued to watch Mason, not giving him the satisfaction of her embarrassment. He smiled at all the members of the table, including herself, then turned his attention to McKinney. "Well I do hope you all had a wonderful time here tonight?"

McKinney nodded and stood reaching out a hand to shake with Mason and he smiled as he shook it enthusiastically.

"Oh yes Mr. Langley. Let me be the first to tell you that the food was absolutely amazing."

Lena watched dimples appear on Mason's cheeks as his mouth turned up in a smile, and thought, did the man really need dimples as well?

"Well thank you. Nothing pleases me more than a happy customer." he paused smiling around the table until his eyes landed right on hers and he spoke clearly, "After all there's nothing worse than someone running to the boss to complain."

Lena heard Shelly chuckle and she whipped her head around to glare at her. She shrugged innocently as he continued, "Did Wendy say you were Dr McKinney?"

Lena groaned silently at the mischief written all over his face and as the doctor nodded Mason pretended to look thoughtful, "Hmm. I was sure your name was familiar, but there must’ve been a mistake."

McKinney nodded. "Yes I think it must’ve been because if I'd known the chef it wouldn't have been so hard to get in here tonight." and just that quickly Mason had confirmed he’d never met McKinney and just how far off the mark Lena had been.

It also pleased him immensely, she was sure, that at the same time it managed to make her feel like a huge ass. He made sure he turned toward them and raised his eyebrow as if to say, see wasn't me now say you’re sorry. Lena glared at him, you conceited jerk. Just see if I turn up here tomorrow. Then he looked at Shelly and winked making her giggle like a thirteen year old.

"You are not helping." Lena said through gritted teeth.

"Oh Lena he’s adorable and I completely helped you out. Remember that on your date."

Lena continued to glare at her then turned back as Mason shook hands with McKinney once more then walked around the table. She was horrified when he stopped behind their chairs and squatted down.