I should be mad at Mason. He completely violated my privacy by having me followed and then made a show of himself and me in the café. But something bigger, more powerful than my anger, wins out.
Sat twisted in my seat, I chew on my bottom lip as a smile slowly forces its way onto my face. His large hand grasps me at the back of the neck, pulling me forward onto his waiting mouth—and I let him.
His forehead creases as our lips touch, a deep sigh leaving him as if the kiss is as necessary as the air he breathes. His tongue swipes through my mouth, seeking mine out and deepening the kiss. My body goes lax as I melt into him, my hand smoothing through his hair.
We kiss for what feels like hours, neither one of us able to pull ourselves away, and it’s not until my fingers inch up his thigh, reaching for him, that he finally releases my lips.
A whimper leaves me.
He drops his forehead to mine, his lips wet and swollen from our kiss, and he looks at me with so much desire in his eyes it has me paralysed in my seat.
Not being able to help himself, he gives me one more soft kiss before letting me go.
“I’ll pick you up at seven thirty tomorrow evening,” he tells me.
I nod, too overwhelmed by the man in front of me to speak.
My eyes rake over my reflection in the free-standing mirror as I stand trying to convince myself I’m not my mother. It’s hard when we look so similar. I’m wearing one of Megan’s dresses, and it’s slightly on the risqué side. The white material plasters itself to my every curve.
Lucy has styled my hair in soft waves that fall to my waist. My makeup is heavier than usual, with smoky eyes and bloodred lips. I should have saved all this effort for my date with Mase.
Shit. My date with Mase.
I haven’t told the girls yet, and I’m slightly nervous. No doubt they will be over the top about it, and I don’t want to make the evening all about me.
I join them in the kitchen for a glass of wine.
“Ugh, I can’t get an Uber for an hour. My rating is shit. Megan, it’s your fault you miss them all the time!” Lucy complains.
“Oh, shush. Nina, you do it,” Megan suggests.
I check my phone, my rating just as bad.Crap!I think about booking a taxi, but then Vinny comes to mind.No. I can’t, can I?I go to my bag, searching for the card he gave me.
I stare at it for the longest time, contemplating calling the number but feeling bad, especially after this afternoon. Actually, no. He owes me after following me.
I dial the number, and he answers on the first ring.
“Nina, is everything alright?” he says, worried, making me feel bad.
“Hi! Sorry for calling so late. I was hoping I could get a lift. I can’t get a Uber, and I just thought I would call you, but I can?—”
“Nina, it’s fine. Where are you?”
“I’m at my apartment. I’m with my friends.”
“I’ll leave now,” he says before hanging up.
“Got a lift, girls.” I smile sheepishly over at them.
“Good! Now come help finish this bottle before it’s time to go.” Megan smiles, holding up the bottle.
We are in a fit of giggles as we slide into the back of the Audi, choosing to squeeze in together rather than sit separately. We polished off two bottles of wine whilst getting ready, and now my body is buzzing with adrenaline.
“Good evening, ladies.” Vinny smiles.
“Hello, Vinny,” Lucy coos. “I’ve heard lots about you!”
“God, you’re alright for an older bloke,” Megan exclaims.
