Damn Mr. Smooth!
“I guess I can hang out for a bit,” I allowed. Lily wouldn’t want to leave yet, and it was either that or hide in the bathroom again.
“So thrilled.” He chuckled at my skeptical response. “Come on.” He gestured toward double doors that led to a patio.
“Wait, aren’t we going back downstairs?” I replied nervously, looking around the massive bedroom that must be the master.
“Why? It’s quieter up here.” He shrugged.
“I just… I don’t know you.” I shook my head. Previous experience had taught me to be cautious, and being alone with a stranger in a bedroom countered any lesson I’d learned the hard way.
His brows lifted in surprise before his expression warmed. “You don’t trust me,” he stated.
“I don’t know you,” I corrected, baffled that he’d sound surprised.
“Smart,” he murmured in approval. “Tell you what, we’ll sit outside.” He indicated to the patio. “I’ll keep my hands to myself, but if you’re uncomfortable at any point, anyone at the party is in hearing range. Okay?”
His thoughtful effort to assure me had me stepping further into the room.
“Okay.” I nodded. “But…” I bit my lip, looking around the room again. “Is it okay that we’re up here? I don’t want to be rude.”
He got that warm look again. “It’s fine,” he assured me confidently, striding toward the double glass doors and pulling them open. He flicked on the heat lamp that stood off to the right and folded his massive body into a chair. “Beer?” he offered, opening a small fridge I hadn’t noticed.
“Well, you could just live out here,” I muttered to myself, sitting in the chair beside him and nodding at his offer of beer.
“I’m Mason,” he introduced, leaning over with an outstretched hand.
“Ellie.” I took his hand, which completely engulfed mine. “What were you reading?” I asked as the revelry from the party drifted up from below.
“Ender’s Game. I’m on a bit of a sci-fi kick right now,” he replied.
“I love sci-fi,” I agreed.
“Really?” He sounded skeptical.
“Sure,The Dune Chroniclesare my favorite. Have you read them?” I asked.
His brows rose in surprise. “Yeah, I loved those too.”
“Girls can’t like sci-fi? Don’t sound so surprised,” I admonished as I sipped my beer.
“You’re full of surprises, Ellie.” He smiled, clinking his bottle with mine.
“I’m actually really boring,” I admitted with a sigh.
“I doubt that,” he countered, his gaze turned to me as I stared out into the dark night beyond.
“I am,” I assured him. “I only came tonight because my best friend practically dragged me. But she’s been a really good friend to me. I can handle being a wingwoman for her now and then.”
“I’d imagine you’re a bit like shark bait as a wingwoman,” he surmised dryly.
“Shark bait?” I asked, confused.
“A gorgeous woman? Alone? Shark bait.” He shrugged. “Like the guy earlier.” He cocked his head to the door.
“Shark bait is defenseless. I amnot,” I answered fiercely, taking offense to his comment.
“Shit, sorry,” he apologized, running a large hand over his buzz cut. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant what with all the unwanted attention you must get, it makes it that much more of a nice gesture for you to do that for your friend.” His words came out in an endearing rush.
