The room spins when I stand and make a beeline for the dance floor, trying to blend in with the crowd. I’m instantly sandwiched between two guys, dancing against me. Mason’s eyes meet mine, and I reach back to put my arms around the guy’s neck behind me, deliberately pushing my breasts into the man grinding against my hips.
I can almost hear Mason’s growl as he pushes between us. “Come on, Evie. You’re drunk and I’m taking you home.”
“Oh, is it my turn again? Fuck off, Mason,” I slur.
“I just want to get you home safe.”
“You just want to fuck me. Well, maybe I don’t want you, Mr. Arrogant. Maybe I want to fuck…him,” I announce, grabbing a random guy. The guy smiles as I grab his hips. “You won’t run away when some chick calls you and then ignore me for a week, will you?”
“No way, baby. My name’s Brad.”
Mason is seething. “Everly, you’re coming with me. Don’t make me beat this guy’s ass.” Mason grips my waist, pulling me toward him. When Brad gets a good look at Mason, his eyes widen.
“You’re Mason Reed! I watched you fight The Intimidator a few years ago. You were awesome!” He steps away from me. “Sorry, I didn’t know she was your girl.”
“I’m not his…” My protest is interrupted when the room tilts. All I can see is the floor and tons of feet, but I can hear the laughter as he carries me back to my table over his shoulder. “Put me down! Are you insane?” He ignores my fists pounding his back.
“I’m getting there, lady. Now, sit and drink some water, then, I’m taking you home.”
Ian, Amy and Wendy return to the table, eyeing us cautiously. “Want to introduce us?”
“Sure, Amy, Wendy, meet the cave man who suddenly thinks he owns me.”
Mason flashes a heart stopping smile at my friends. “I’m Mason. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Where you been, Mason?” Amy demands.
“I had an emergency to take care of. When Evie is sober enough to remember, I’ll explain. For now, I’m taking her home. I’m happy to give you guys a ride if you’d like.”
“Thanks,” Ian replies. “I don’t see making it back to my car tonight.”
It’s the middle of the night, but the crowd outside hasn’t thinned. It usually doesn’t until dawn. The cool night air sobers me a bit, and I laugh at the sight of the same men still loitering at the far end of the parking lot. They’ve retired the water cannon and have apparently settled for fucking with people as they walk by. “I know those boobs!” the blond calls with a drunken smile, gesturing to me, Amy and Wendy.
“We’re hard to forget,” Amy calls.
The dark headed one points at me. “Hey, beautiful, can we get one more peek?”
Mason’s arm tightens around my waist, and I consider flashing them again just to show him he can’t control me. And to piss him off, because even though I know we weren’t really dating, his disappearance hurt me. “She’s mine, asshole,” Mason says, not unkindly. He’s trying to make light of it, go along with the party atmosphere. I’m sure he spent time out here with a Free Breast Exam sign of his own.
“Just because there’s a goalie doesn’t mean I can’t score,” the guy calls back, his buddy slapping him on the back.
I feel Mason tense, and Ian looks prepared to intervene. Damn it. “Sorry, my goalie’s stick is bigger than yours,” I shout, slurring a bit. The crowd laughs along with the guys. Crises averted.
“Did you really show them your tits?” Mason asks.
“Don’t see why you’d care,” I reply.
“They liked the way she shook them,” Amy adds, stirring up shit in the best way.
Mason shakes his head, but doesn’t comment.
“Where did you park?” I grumble as we turn another corner. I’m not sure how much longer I can stay on my feet.
“We’re almost there.”
“We really appreciate the ride,” Wendy tells Mason, and Ian and Amy agree. Ugh, I’m going to smack them all just as soon as I can see them again. Shit’s getting blurry. I barely remember climbing into Mason’s back seat with Amy and Wendy, trying to separate from him. He must’ve dropped them off first, because at some point I realize they’re gone, and Ian and Mason are talking in low voices.
“If you aren’t into her, man, then leave her alone. She’s had enough shit from guys.”
