I hate that while I’m chewing his ass 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.”
Chapter Three
Mason
TWO YEARS BEFORE THE FIGHT
With my first year of grad school complete, I’m ready to party my ass off this summer. Only two more semesters left until I’m done, and it can’t come soon enough. My internship ended on Wednesday, and now I have to figure out what the hell I’m going to do next. It’s only been two days, but I’ve been taking this time to relax and refresh before moving on to the next thing—whatever that’ll be. I’ve been going nonstop since graduating college last year, so taking some time off to recoup is needed, but I know it will be short-lived. Gaining more experience is my number one priority, but I currently don’t have any prospective jobs lined up, not even a temporary one. I recently submitted applications for six- and twelve-month internships, but I haven’t heard anything back yet.