He waves me off, reaching down and throwing us bag after bag, sending them spiraling in all directions, making us work while laughter fills the air. From both of us.
“What happens next?” I rush out, breathlessly, only pausing when we’re finally done. “Please tell me you don’t head home after this high?”
“We don’t. Though I should warn you, if you thought this was Christmassy, the next part involves Santa and carols. With all the corny stuff that comes along with it.”
“Right. Um. I don’t know…” I trail off, jokingly, as excitement builds.
“You’re coming,” he states, his heated gaze unwavering
“Fine.” I ignore my pounding heart, defiance in my eyes. “But I draw the line at sitting on Santa’s lap.”
“I know who Santa is.” Mason’s expression morphs into a confused scowl. “I wouldn’t let you if you tried.” He mumbles the last part to himself, and the jealousy in his tone sets my body on fire.
I like it. I like him. The problem is, I’m not sure I should.
In fact, I know I shouldn’t.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Mason
Carols fill the air as one of my dad's best mates, Charlie, boasts about his daughter’s achievements over the past year, specifically her engagement to a guy we went to school with.
I smile and nod at all the right moments, but it’s impossible to give him my full attention. Not with Jenna’s beautiful smile shining from across the lawn, her infectious laughter hooking me in. She’s currently dancing to “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and her beaming happiness matches the children showing her the moves.
She’s ten years old again, believing in the magic, and I wish I knew her back then. To experience more of this version of her, or any version where her eyes sparkle, her expression full of wild anticipation.
The longer I watch her, the harder it is to remember why her being here is a bad idea.
There’s a reason I don’t welcome anyone into this part of my world, and one of those reasons is standing in front of me. The other is God knows where, shirking his responsibilities, once again putting himself first.
“Mason.” Charlie waves a hand in front of my face and I snap to attention. “Are you listening at all? Or are you busy planning your future with that gorgeous lass over there?”
“What?” I half laugh, half choke. “I’m listening. Jessica is engaged to Carl, and I missed my shot at marrying into your family.”
“Well, well, well, who knew you could do two things at once?” He pats me on the back, his deep jovial laughter drawing a crowd, most of them shocked or uneasy.
Only, they’ve got it all wrong. While Charlie may look tough as nails with his long greying beard and sleeve tattoos, he’s actually a softy when it comes to the people he cares about.
And since my dad died, I’m near the top of that list.
“So…” He edges closer, his demeanour morphing from his lighthearted nature to serious concern in less than a heartbeat. This is the part I loathe. I love Charlie like family, but he always manages to kill my mood, every time we speak. “Is Jack doing okay? You’re still taking care of him, right?”
“Jack is fine. And yes, I’m still there. Whenever he needs me.”
You’d think he was a fucking child with the way everyone treats him, including me. The sad truth is, he can’t take care of himself. As much as I love my parents, wherever they are, I hope they realize they’re to blame. If they hadn’t spoiled him growing up, he’d be better equipped for this life. Although, I guess I have to take some of the responsibility. I’ve never asked him to grow the fuck up. I know I should. And lately, I’m so close to the breaking point, that it could be soon.
“You’re a good kid, Mason. Better than most. Your parents would be proud.” There it is. The reason I haven’t sent Jack packing.
“Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Charlie. I try.” I put on my best smile and hold out my hand to shake, feeling the weight of expectation in his firm grasp.
My phone buzzes, and he makes himself scarce, finally allowing me to breathe.
Until I read the message.
Jack: Have you seen Jenna? I just got home and she’s gone
Is he kidding me?It’s almost three! He left her alone for most of the day and what…nowhe cares?
