Cecilia followed Lucille out of the mall, and together they stepped into the crisp evening air.

Nathaniel took the opportunity to wait outside as well.

Spotting Mason shivering in the wind, he teased, “Leaving work early, huh?”

Mason jolted like he’d seen a ghost when Nathaniel appeared.

“Boss, please don’t start rumors again. I wasn’t early—I clocked out right on time.”

Right on time?

Nathaniel’s lips twitched. What boss actually enjoyed hearing that?