‘Nope,’ I answer.
‘Who is it?’ Mason asks.
‘No one.’
They exchange a glance before Zayden dives for my phone. I let out a squeak of protest, swiping for it, but Zayden is too quick. He leaps to his feet, easily dodging me. He looks down at the screen, and I sink into my seat.
‘Zeke,’ he says loudly, looking up at me. He clears his throat, putting on a high-pitched voice that soundsnothinglike him. ‘Heyyyy. Heard your brother is throwing a rager tonight. Do I get to be your plus one? Would love to see you.’
My cheeks grow hot, and I feel Mason’s glare land heavily on me. My food suddenly tastes dull as I chew it, refusing to look his way.
‘Is Zeke your boyfriend?’ Zayden teases.
‘No,’ I mutter.
‘Zeke who?’ Mason asks, and I wince at the severity of his tone.
‘Yeah, Anya. Zekewho?’ Zayden probes nosily.
‘No one. It’s nothing. Just drop it.’
‘Ohhh.’ Zayden smirks, glancing at Mason. ‘I think she likes him.’
I close my eyes briefly. When I open them, Mason is staring at me, his expression unreadable. It’s hard to tell what he’s feeling, but I’m assuming he’s pissed. I groan inwardly.
‘Stop being an asshole!’ I complain, shooting daggers at Zayden, who has a stupid, smug grin on his face. ‘It’s just a guy in my class who asked me out, but I didn’t say yes. Okay? Happy?’
Zayden considers this. ‘Yes. I am. No dating until you’re twenty-five.’
I snort. ‘Yeah. Okay.’
When I sneak a glance at Mason, his easy expression has returned, and I feel the tightness in my chest loosen. It matters to me that he knows how unimportant Zeke is. Or anyone is, for that matter.
An hour later, I’m showered and sitting in front of my mirror, doing my makeup. Mason strolls into my room, sitting on the edge of my bed. I half turn, glancing over at him.
‘Can I help you?’ I ask in a snippy tone, but my smile betrays me.
‘Zeke, huh?’ Mason says, folding his arms across his chest, his biceps bulging deliciously as he does so.
I give him a deadpan stare. ‘No.’
‘No?’ He raises a brow.
‘No,’ I repeat.
‘There’s nothing there?’ he questions.
I shake my head. ‘Like I said, no.’
‘Okay,’ he says.
My heart jerks in my chest. ‘I thought you wouldn’t care.’
‘I don’t.’
‘Seems like you do.’
His jaw ticks. ‘Maybe I do.’
