CHAPTER SIXTEEN - Unwanted Attention

Mason's reply was cordial but lacking the warmth of their earlier exchanges. "Not yet. I'm sure it's fascinating." The rest of the meal passed in stilted conversation, both of them acutely aware of the tension that had arisen. As they cleared away the dishes, Claire couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment that had settled in her chest. "Thanks for dinner," she said, forcing a smile. "I think I'm going to turn in early. Big day tomorrow." Mason nodded, his expression unreadable. "Of course. Good night, Claire." In the solitude of her room, Claire found herself replaying the evening's conversation. Why had she pushed so hard about his work? And more importantly, why did she care so much about his reaction? She tossed and turned, unable to shake the image of Mason's guarded expression. Meanwhile, in his own room, Mason sat at the edge of his bed, his head in his hands. He'd come to Paris for solitude, to escape the constant scrutiny of his life in the tech world. So why did he f