The footsteps get louder again, and he fakes a smile as he yanks open the door. “Hey mate. Good to see you. What did you forget?”
“Nothing at all. I’m back to hang out with you. I’m staying for a few days. Yay!” I raise my hands to cheer and Mason’s smile drops from his face, eliciting a triumphant grin on mine.
I’m about to sass him some more when he surprises me, his expression turning cold. “Where’s Jack?”
“He had to do something and—”
“He had todosomething? Did you two have a fight?”
“What? No. That friend of his that—”
“Are you fucking kidding me? He left you for Tracey?”
“I don’t know her name, but he said she’s always getting in trouble and—”
Mason growls, stopping me from saying more, and I find it oddly erotic. Which unfortunately adds to his appeal. My mind drifts to his wet body, the flex of his muscles when he— Shit. Nope. There are so many attractive people in Australia. I don’t have to settle for an ass.
He curses under his breath, mumbling something about Jack being a dick before turning my way. “Are you okay?” His voice softens and it catches me off guard, making me giggle awkwardly.
“Of course. I’m fine. Why would you ask that?” I reallyamfine, despite the waver in my voice. I wasn’t expecting him to care.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I say confidently. “I can take care of myself. I’m sure he won’t be long. And if he is, I’ve got my car fifteen minutes away. I’m good.”
“Good. She’s not worth his time, but as I’m sure you’ve realized, Jack is much nicer than I am.”
“Nooo. Really? I hadn’t noticed.”
With a shake of his head, Mason walks away, leaving me awkwardly standing in the entry.What do I do now?
I rock back on my heels for a beat until my stomach grumbles. Food.Dammit. Guess I’m helping myself.
After cursing the guys for not having any bacon or eggs lying around, I make a peanut butter sandwich, thankful I could at least find bread. I’ve just made myself comfortable on the couch when Mason appears.
His eyes flash to the sandwich raised to my mouth and he scowls. Whoops.Am I not supposed to eat in here?
“Is this—”
“I’m going to the beach.” He cuts me off and I inhale sharply at his tone. Until it hits me…
“You’re going to the beach?” I jump up, excitement coursing through me. “Can I come?”
“What?” His eyes grow comically large and I almost laugh, only holding back because I imagine that’s the quickest way to piss him off. Instead, I smile. Politely.
“Can I come to the beach?Please.”
“Why?” He frowns and this time I have to physically bite back my amused response.
“To buy groceries,” I deadpan, but he doesn’t see the humor.
“The fuck?”
“To swim and sunbathe, Mason. Why is this concept so hard for you to grasp?”
“That’s not what I meant. Why do you want to go withme?”
“Obviously because we get along so well.”
