My face lights up when I see his name appear on my screen.
Me: I’ll call you when I get to my room.
“I still can’t believe you guys are together.” Avery’s face grimaces as we both speedwalk in order to make the hotel shuttle.
My cheeks hurt because all I can ever do is smile. “It’s crazy, honestly. But I have never been happier.”
Breaking free from the relationship with Tyler was the most challenging thing I had to do up until that point in my life. I was a gilded butterfly determined to make my own way. I needed freedom and control. I’m not sure if I’ve been afraid or if I just refused to place myself into a vulnerable position again, but what I really needed was to find myself again, reestablish who I was and prove to myself that I could do anything on my own.
It wasn’t until my brother’s best friend came barging back into my life that I felt secure enough to surrender once again.
I didn’t realize anything in my life was missing—until I did. It hit me with full force. What was missing was Mason all along. He’s brightened my world and made me feel alive again. This whole time, I thought I didn’t know how to feel, when in reality, I knew exactly how I’ve always felt.
I was always meant to be with Mason.
Piper and I slip through the automatic glass doors with our luggage zipping on the floor behind us. Avery and I take the two seats close to the exit for our quick ride down the street to the hotel.
Avery leans back against the seat, crossing one leg over the other. “Are you and Luca officially moved into Mason’s house yet?”
“Yes, as of last month, we are. Luca loves his room. We had this really cool bunk bed installed with a desk on one side and an extra dresser for when Penelope stays over.”
I’ve never seen my Luca so happy. He and Mason adore each other, and it shouldn’t have been such a surprise to me when Mason jumped at the chance to coach Luca’s winter soccer team. It’s like Mason was always meant to be in Luca’s life as well. The last couple times I’ve traveled, Luca has even asked to stay at home with Mason instead of going to my parents’ house.
I think the world stopped spinning for me at that point. I bit back tears on the verge of falling when I heard those words. However, my mom and dad weren’t willing to give up on Luca that easily, so he continues to stay with them.
“Your brother is still being a little bitch about it, isn’t he?” She laughs.
I grip my suitcase tighter as the shuttle turns a sharp corner. “Of course, he is. Every time Mason and I kiss or hug or show any amount of affection, his face gets this uncomfortable look onit, like he needs to take a shit. He’s so dramatic. But yet, they’re still best friends. My dad, Harry, Mason, and his dad just went golfing for the day to celebrate Mason’s dad’s last chemotherapy treatment. You’re still coming over for his actual party next week, right?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it. I feel awful for what Mason’s dad has gone through the last few months. And also, I want to see my Luca and swim in that incredible infinity pool of yours.”
“That backyard is absolutely breathtaking,” I say.
“Tangerine Sky views every night, B.”
As the shuttle rolls to a stop, Avery and I pick up our bags, step down onto the curb, and head into the hotel lobby. The sound from our heels on the tiled floor ricochets off the vaulted ceilings and walls in this otherwise quiet space. Avery, only a few steps in front of me, heads to the left directly toward the guest services desk to check in.
I briefly look around the lobby before my eyes land directly on the small hotel bar on the left. The velvet lounge chairs that surround small cocktail tables lay empty, as does the long rectangular bar. Every chair is vacant but the last seat on the far right side. A dark figure is slowly twisting around until we’re facing one another, and our eyes lock from across the room.
I stop in my tracks, my palms sweat, and my thighs instinctively clench together. I’d recognize who induces these feelings in me from anywhere. My body responds this way every single time I see him, even first thing in the morning after we’d made love the entire night.
Mason.
What is he doing here? I start walking over to him; my chest flushes the closer I get. When I’m only a few feet away, he lifts off the chair and meets me halfway. The moment I feel his warm hands cup my face, the air leaves my lungs, and my body instinctively melts into a puddle at his feet.
“Hi.” His voice is like honey pouring over me.
I stare up into his emerald eyes as they reach deep into mine. “Are you stalking me, Mason Miller?”
“You don’t know what today is?” He answers my question with one of his own.
“I don’t. Should I?”
His thumb caresses my cheek. “Exactly one year ago this month and in this hotel, we made our arrangement.”
I can’t believe he remembered that. I can’t believe I forgot. I raise onto my tiptoes, kissing his lips that have now become entirely mine. I let my eyes close.
“You’re right. How could I have forgotten that.”
