Chapter 2-3
1012 Words
My heart beats erratically at his words. Part of me wishes he’d do just that, but I know I’d only end up more hurt.
“I don’t know how to be friends with you, Mason,” I tell him truthfully. “Lying to my sister…”
“Which is why you should pretend nothing happened.”
I flinch as if he’d just slapped me.
“s**t, that came out harsh.” He fidgets with his hands. “I’m not in a place to have a relationship right now, and the last thing I want to do is cause you any pain. I should’ve kept my hands off you, but f**k, Sophie, you’re too damn tempting. I would’ve never pursued anything in the first place had I known you were Lennon’s sister. Now everything is f****d up.”
His honesty gives me whiplash, and I’m not sure what to think about it.
“Seeing you get cozy with Liam pisses me off, and I know I have no right to be—”
“That’s right.” I cut him off. “You don’t have any right or say. If I want to get cozy with the entire Pi Alpha whatever fraternity, you don’t get to say shit.”
“Liam isn’t interested,” he blurts out. “He’s just trying to f**k with me.”
I roll my eyes, resisting the urge to smack him for his idiocy. “I’m not stupid, Mason. I know! I figured it out within ten seconds.”
“Wait. What?” He narrows his eyes at me. “So all of that…” He waves his hand in the air. “Was what?”
“A show. A game. Whatever you wanna call it. Liam started it, and I finished it. I’m well aware he’s not into me that way, so get off your soap box. And here’s a little tip. The next time you sleep with a girl you have no intention of calling, don’t tell her it’s because you don’t do relationships. Put her out of her damn misery at least and just admit you’re not that into her, or that you were too drunk, or hell, even that she’s not your type. But don’t do this ‘let’s be friends’ crap. Got it? No chick wants to hear that because we all know it’s bullshit.”
I hate that while I’m chewing his a*s out, I remember what it felt like to be kissed by him, and I want to kiss him again.
Ugh. I’m pathetic.
“Trust me when I tell you it’s better this way,” Mason says sincerely, his voice low and pained.
I snort, not wanting to take the bait. “Sure. If that’s what helps you sleep at night.”
“I sleep like shit.”
I square my shoulders. “Good.”
He bites down on his lip, stifling a laugh. We both remain quiet, neither of us having any fight left.
“How’d you learn to play pool like that?” he asks, breaking the silence.
“Really?” I arch a brow, annoyed he thinks we’re going to be on talking terms now.
He shrugs, giving me a pitiful look.
Inhaling a defeated breath, I slump my shoulders as I release the tension. “I’ve always been good with my hands. Calculated and precise. It’s why I started playing violin. Once I got to college, it was the only thing I could participate in because I’m not an athlete, or singer, or even a math wiz. So I’d meet with friends at the pubs, and we’d play pool. Surprisingly, I got really good at it.” I shrug. “Once Lennon was allowed in the bars, she’d play with me, and I’d demolish her, not that it was a true hardship. She sucks.”
Mason’s face splits into a wide smile, and I hate that I love it so much. “You certainly gave Liam a run for his money.”
“Eh, I’m not convinced he didn’t let me win. He’s also pretty drunk.”
“Don’t be so modest. But maybe you should ask him for a rematch when you’re both sober,” he suggests.
“Yeah, maybe.”
Are we having an actual conversation?
We’re silent for a beat, and I know if I don’t go back to Lennon, she’s going to come looking for me. I keep focused on my feet and contemplate how to wrap this up. Friends or not, this is still awkward for me when I continuously replay our moment together in my mind.
“Well, for whatever it’s worth…” Mason’s words bring my eyes back up to his. “I really do hope that we can be real friends someday. It’d be a shame if you hated me forever when we obviously have great conversation.”
Snorting at his emphasis, I nod. “Looked like you were about to murder Liam in there. You sure you can do just friends?”
He groans. “Liam was pushing my buttons on purpose. And I didn’t even tell him; he just figured it out. He’s an asshole like that.”
“Weirdest friendship I’ve ever heard,” I tease.
He grunts, stuffing his hands in his front pockets. “Try being his roommate.”
“Pass,” I say, chuckling and admiring the way his jeans hug his thighs.
Fuck my life.
I need to stop checking him out.
Stop looking at Mason as anything more because he’s made it clear there won’t be more. If only my heart would get the memo, though, and stop reminiscing about every part of my body he burned with his touch.
Exhaling a deep breath, I let him know the terms of this just friends arrangement. “This doesn’t mean I’m not still pissed at you. I won’t tell Lennon, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she figures it out too,” I tell him matter-of-factly before adding, “And we’re not exchanging friendship bracelets anytime soon.” I put my foot down to let him know I’m not giving him the upper hand.
“No? Friendship anklets, maybe?” He raises his brows with a boyish grin. Damn him.
“You’re a moron, Mason Holt.”
“So I’ve heard.” He smirks.
My shoulders rise and fall, accepting that this is it. “You did warn me, so I should’ve taken your word for it. You’re definitely no saint.”
He tilts his head, and I see the remorse in his expression. “I wish I could be—for you. But I’ve heard I’m a really good friend. Just ask my dickhead roommate.” He nods toward the kitchen where Liam’s being loud and rowdy.
I snort, shaking my head at him. “We’ll see about that.”
- Writer
