“I think it looks grand,” I state as we all three gaze up at the two-story home built with logs and stone. The structure itself is of log, but the middle of the house is made of stone. It’s aesthetically pleasing for the location it’s in—the last house down a several-mile-long paved path. There are other homes down the road, Braxton’s cabin included towards the beginning of it, but Mason’s sits at the end with lots of trees surrounding it for his privacy.
“I’m already excited to escape here,” Mason says. “This is going to be the perfect getaway for Karoline and me when we need a break from the city and tours and the rat race of a life that is being a musician.”
“Say, Braxton. Maybe you and your brother in law can build me a place like this? For when I need to escape being a king.”
Both men look at me before Braxton says, “You can do that? Just run away from being a king?”
“Absolutely not,” I reply with a grin. “But I am me. And if I decide I need a break, I will take a break. I trust my country and the people who are in positions of decision-making power.”
Mason shakes his head through an exhaled laugh.
“Well, boys. Want to tour the house?” Braxton asks.
An hour later, we finish viewing Mason’s new vacation home and head to eat lunch at Books and Beans.
“Just you five?” the black-haired barista asks. It’s not Emma Jane, whom I’ve gotten to know as she is usually the one working here. The name tag reads Selene, and she looks to be around our age, though I think she might be bulkier in muscle than I am. Impressive.
“Hadley will be joining,” Braxton says.
“Karoline, too,” Mason says sheepishly, looking away from me.
“Well,” I look behind me where Gabriel and Anders stand. “At least I have you two.”
Both men grunt, which causes Mason to burst out laughing. “Dang, Fins. Even your PPOs don’t want to date you.”
“Sh,” I hiss at Mason, elbowing him for good measure. There’s not a lot of people in here, but yelling I have PPOs is bound to raiseinterest and questions. In fact, the barista cocks an eyebrow as she goes about her business opening her notepad.
“Just kidding,” he says at an equally loud volume. “All a joke, my friend.” He winks but mouths “I’m sorry.”
“All’s well that ends well,” I whisper back.
“I’ll go ahead and get you all started. What will it be for you?” the barista asks, directing her gaze at Braxton since he’s closest to the counter, but she constantly bounces her eyes back to me with a hesitant expression.
Maybe she did overhear?Great.
We give our orders, and right as we finish and head to pull some tables together in the back corner, the ladies walk through the door.
With Lorelei and Lucy in tow.
Lorelei is here!
Confetti rains down in my head while a marching band plays a joyful rendition of that annoying song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. All thoughts of possible exposure decimated.
“Could you possibly smile any wider, you lovesick dope?” Mason laughs, but I don’t pay him any mind.
Because Lorelei is walking straight towards me.
I wave with one hand, feeling very much the dope Mason just called me. She waves back, a small smile painting her face. “Hi, Finley.”
Her voice sends a thrill racing through me. “Hi, bae.”
She grimaces and crosses her arms. “I thought I said not to call me your bae.”
I grin even wider somehow. The way she narrows her eyes and purses her lips is beyond attractive. This is not a good thing. I shouldn't be turned on by the thought of making her irritated with me. That’s what Mason does to Karoline.
I’m sweet. Gentle. Kind. The Prince of Hearts is a mere media image.
But Lorelei makes me want to live up to the reputation… only for her, though.
