Page 106 of Game Plan

“Who’s next?” Luciana surveyed the space. “Melody?”

For the rest of the session, I listened and shared with the group, half lost in my own thoughts, half motivated to hear others’ stories so I could think about anything else but my relationship with Mason.

What Luciana had said sounded logical, but a part of me was still determined to prove to Mason he’d been wrong all along about us. Why did my fears always take the lead when he was involved? Why did they prevent me from reaching for what I secretly wanted, making me self-sabotage everything we could be—and my own happiness—in the process?

27

You wouldn’t get in the way of true love, would you?

Mason entered Lola’s, looking less like the cocky jock persona he usually slipped into when out in public and more like the boy I grew to love in high school. His hair was disheveled as if he had raked his fingers through it on repeat all evening. My heart vibrated against my ribcage. Whatever I told myself to believe—that I was immune to him—was nothing more than a blatant lie. Other than the few times we crossed paths, we hadn’t seen or spoken to each other in almost a week. I knew he was keeping up with the aquatic therapy because Donovan had seen him twice leaving the pool. Deep down, I was a little bit hurt that Mason had never asked me to join him again. Perhaps he needed his space too.

When I was alone in bed at night, my mind often wandered to the day he had declared his love to me in my sociology class, and I’d turned him down. He looked so defeated when he walked out, but what I hated most was how many people had watched our exchange. Everyone knew who he was, and of course, they talked about it afterward, to my great despair. Even Jules had heard about it, and not just from Tessa this time.

Then my mind drifted to our awkward encounter in the hallway of the athletic building, leaving me even more confused. I had no idea where we stood anymore. I kept beating myself up, searching for a way to set things right between us. What I did know was that I couldn’t lead him on any longer. I either had to cut him loose or declare my love to him and see where it would take me.

I had to be the one making the next move—even if it scared me.

His eyes searched mine, and I froze as he sauntered in my direction.

I sucked in a breath, not sure what to do, while readying myself for whatever he was about to do.

Mason appeared different tonight. More relaxed.

For once, he was here alone, not surrounded by his teammates. No one to crack dirty jokes or steal the attention. He wasn’t hiding behind any costumes or magic tricks.

When his eyes captured mine, I lost the use of my vocal cords as he neared the bar. He parted his lips and ran his tongue over his bottom one. I clamped the counter with all my might and braced myself for whatever he was about to say. After the hot dog episode, nothing could surprise me anymore. My knees wobbled under the weight of his stare. Was he here to break us up for good and tell me there was no future for us, or to try to win me over once more?

His throat worked on a swallow as he erased some of the distance between us. The intensity emanating from him was like a very powerful magnet and something I’d never witnessed before.

My breath hitched, never quite reaching my lungs.

“We gotta talk,” he said. No trace of silliness painted his features tonight. Mason had never looked so serious before. And so handsome. Even my ovaries noticed.

I swallowed, not sure how to react or what to say.

“Can we go somewhere?”

I shook my head. “I’m working. Now isn’t a good time.”

He swept his tongue across his lip again. Was he nervous? “Huh… It-it can’t wait.”

I challenged him with a raised eyebrow. “Say what you have to say then.”

He surveyed the room around us. It was still early, and the pub was mostly empty except a few tables at the back and people playing pool.

“I—”

I folded my arms before me and tipped my hip forward. “Whatever it is, you either say it now or you wait until I’m off later.” My hands were moist, and my heart racing. I hoped I still appeared confident, even though inside I was a jumble of nerves.

He rubbed his hands together and took a deep inhale, never breaking eye contact. “Showing up dressed as a hot dog and declaring my undying love to you in front of your class wasn’t my finest moment. I recognize that. But listen, I had no idea how to prove to you I was being serious about us. It was stupid. I know how you hate having all eyes on you, and I didn’t think it through. I should have known better. I will know better from now on. Please don’t let it change how you feel about me.”

“Still, you believed coming here to make another declaration was the right thing to do?” Why was I giving him attitude? Mason had never done anything to make me doubt his intentions, yet here I was, putting him on the spot. Inside, I was a jittery chaos. I felt so out of my game. Right now, I was trying to build a wall around my heart to protect it but failing miserably.

“No. I just…”

“As I told you, I’m working. Are we done?” He was here, taking me by surprise, and I had no clue how to react. I hated the words as they left my mouth. Gosh, I probably sounded heartless. What was wrong with me? I had no excuse to put the blame on him.

His expression remained the same, so it seemed that my little attitude display wasn’t fooling him. “No. I’m just beginning.” He smirked. The stupid smirk that made my heart skip a beat.