CHAPTER THIRTEEN - A Reluctant Apology

In the study, Mason's fingers paused over his keyboard. He'd been trying to ignore the sounds of Claire's frustration for hours, but her latest outburst was impossible to overlook. He debated with himself for a moment before standing up and making his way to the living room. "Everything okay out here?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe. Claire looked up, startled. She'd almost forgotten Mason was in the apartment. "Oh, um, yes. Just working on a presentation. It's fine." Mason raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't sound fine. You've been at it for hours." Claire sighed, her shoulders sagging. "Is it that obvious?" "Only to someone who's been listening to you mutter and groan for the past four hours," Mason said with a wry smile. Claire felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "Sorry about that. I didn't realize I was being so loud." Mason waved off her apology. "Don't worry about it. We all have those days." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Look, I know we agreed to stay out o