“Goodbye.” I smile up at him, letting my arms drop to release my hold.
He turns from me and heads to the door but briefly stops by the dining table to grab his hoodie from the back of the chair before walking out.
I stand in the doorway until Mason gets into the elevator. The air is heavy as there’s so much left unsaid—and by my guess, will remain unsaid. Our eyes stay stuck on each other until the automatic doors close, severing the surging energy behind us.
Things have officially become complicated.
I’ve unknowingly let Mason step into intimate parts of my world and I in his. The realization makes the hairs on my skin stand up. The fallout from that will cause exponentially worse damage with every passing day. We’re playing a dangerous game of roulette—one that places him into the seat of the house, and I play the role of the unsuspecting player. The stakes of this game are high, and the minimum bet is more than I’m willing to wager.
The wheel is spinning.
I can’t seem to stop it—secretly hoping by chance that this game will end in my favor. Can both the house and the player come out on top?
Chapter Twenty-Five
Bailey
As soon as we land, I get a text from my brother.
Harry: Hey, B, we’re swamped at the restaurant right now, so I can’t come get you, but Mason offered to. Don’t be mad. It was either him or you can walk your happy ass to Mom and Dad’s.
The moment I read Harry’s text, my cheeks reddened. If my brother only knew how I really felt about this sudden change of plans.
“What’s that smile for?” Lina teases as we hop on the skywalk. Gliding past the large windows on either side of the terminal, I weave my eyes through the passenger pickup lines under us, wondering if one of the cars below is Mason’s.
“Nothing, it was just a message from my brother. He said that he can’t pick me up, so Mason offered.”
“I think you have a little thing for Mason.”
“No, I don’t.” My voice sounding more irritated than I wanted it to be.
I don’t think Lina picked up on it until she suddenly stops midstep.
She turns to me, placing one hand on the top of her extended suitcase handle. “Look, you keep denying it, but I’ve known you for a long time, and I just don’t want you to get hurt. Mason doesn’t strike me as the type of guy who you fall in love with and live happily ever after.” I open my mouth to speak, but she places her finger on my lips, shushing me. “He might be the guy who you fall in love with who stomps on your heart, breaking it into a million pieces.”
I aggressively yank the zipper up and down on my jacket. “How is that any different than what Tyler did?” I snap, but her words fall over my ears like a rockslide, adding another layer of realness to the nature of our relationship.
“So, you’re admitting it.” She presses.
I rub my lips together, fighting back emotions that begin to rage inside of me.
“Alright. I know, I get it,” she says. “I’m just trying to be a good friend, that’s all.”
“At least Mason has been upfront about his expectations,” I say, slowly starting to walk again, feeling anxious about seeing him.
Lina follows my lead, falling into step as we continue to make our way through the terminal. “True. But aren’t you worried you could develop some feelings? You’re a good catch, B.”
Yes.
Terrified.
“I’ll be fine. It works out for me too. Like I said, I’m not going to bring a guy around Luca in that kind of way anyway.” I try to defend myself, but deep down, I know she’s absolutely correct.
“You’re sweet and kind, and I could see this type of situation leading to some strong emotions . . . on your end. But as long as you’re having fun.”
“Oh, I am,” I say, running my tongue across the top of my teeth.
Lina smiles and squeezes my shoulder. “You do you. If this is what tickles your fancy right now, have at it. You’re a hot single woman who is free to do whatever and whomever she’d like. Now ride that sexy man until you black out! Just don’t forget to be careful and tell me all about it when you’re done,” she says before picking up her pace again.
