ROWAN
Mason laughing should not have affected me that much.
But he always looked so controlled that seeing something real slip out of him felt unfairly attractive.
Which was annoying.
Very annoying.
“You almost dropped me,” I said.
“I literally caught you.”
“Then you nearly launched me backward trying to let go.”
“That part’s fair.”
I crossed my arms, trying not to smile.
Didn’t fully work.
Mason noticed.
Obviously.
“You’re smiling.”
“No I’m not.”
“Terrible liar.”
“You’ve said that like six times tonight.”
“Because you keep lying.”
I rolled my eyes, but honestly?
This was the least tense we’d been in weeks.
Not relaxed.
Still weird underneath.
But easier.
At least until someone shoved between us trying to get past.
Mason’s hand hit my waist again automatically to move me aside.
Quick.
Natural.
Neither of us reacted this time.
Which honestly felt worse somehow.
MASON
