My black heels click on the tile as I move from the carpeted area into the bar. Mason turns his body around in the high-top stool to face me fully. He’s wearing a black collared dress shirt and black pants. His emerald-green eyes pierce into mine the closer I get to him. His dark hair is cut short on the sides, leaving slight length on the top. It also looks like he hasn’t shaved in a few days as there is a small amount of stubble on his face.
Still fucking hot as ever.
“Interesting seeing you here. You certainly look lonely sitting at the bar all by yourself,” I say, moving my head back and forth purposefully, showing him that I’m looking for someone.
“Nice to see you, too, Bailey Weaver.” He flashes me a quick smile, putting his perfectly straight white teeth on display.
“Hello.” I formally greet him this time, resting my hand on the extended handle of my black carry-on. “So, you’re coming back to Arizona? And into my condo building from what I’ve heard from my brother.”
He brings his drink to his lips. “I am. I bet you’re excited.”
I chuckle sarcastically. “Yes, I’m obviously looking forward to it.”
He swirls the sphere-shaped ice cube around his glass, keeping his eyes trained on me. “Well, don’t get too excited. You don’t want to get ahead of yourself.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’ll be extremely busy, so don’t expect me to temper your late-night sting of loneliness.”
“Only in your wet dreams,” I say, clicking my tongue.
“Or yours.”
“Fortunately, I have higher standards than that.” I exhale in frustration.
“I am the highest, B. You know that.”
“So sure of yourself, aren’t you. Is that why you’re still single?” I quip.
I know it’s a lie; it’s Mason’s choice that he’s not married. Women have been throwing themselves at him for years. I’ve seen it more times than I can count.
“Jealous much?”
“Jealous of what?” I spit. He would be that self-centered, wouldn’t he?
“You need to stop holding a grudge, Bailey. I’m sorry I never fucked your brains out in college, but at some point, you’re going to have to move on.” My mouth drops, but he continues, “Who knows; we are living in the same building. If there’s ever a night you need something better than those battery-operated friends—that I’m sure are sitting in the top drawer of your nightstand, I might let you take a ride. But only if you asked nicely.” He raises the drink to his lips and winks, only visible from over the top of the glass.
My blood boils. “You wish.” A real mature response, but I couldn’t think of anything else to say.
Seriously, this man has not changed one bit. He’s still the same cocky, self-centered prick he’s always been. I can’t believe he has the audacity to think that I would want to sleep with him. I can’t let him see that he’s getting to me. I refuse to respond to that insane assertion.
He rubs his lips together, preparing to speak again, probably because I’m not engaging, but I interrupt. “Out of all the people my brother is friends with, he wanted to open a restaurant with you. I guess someone has to like your dull personality, right?”
“I forgot what a joy it was being around you, and I’m not alone for your most nosy information,” he snaps.
“Oh.” I glance my eyes around once again. “Sure looks like it.”
As if not better timing, I see a tanned arm and a tiny feminine hand with bright red painted nails hook around Mason’s neck. He doesn’t acknowledge her and instead keeps his focus on me.
“Sorry, I just had to run to the restroom,” the tall, high-heel-wearing blonde adds. Mason answers her but continues to keep me in his sight.
“I ordered you a cocktail. Oh, and this is my buddy from college, little sister.”
Little sister.I could kick him right now.
I plaster on a fake smile and greet her. “I’m Bailey. I’m surprised to meet you. I thought my brother was Mason’s only friend,” I reply, bringing my eyes back to him.
His expression drops. “Well, it was good seeing you, Bailey. Maybe we’ll see you on the flight,” he says, dismissing me before the blonde has a chance to respond.
