Page 140 of Game Plan

Shaking my head, I tried to erase the last ten seconds and waited with the tip of my pen pressing against my notepad. “So, drinks anyone?”

As if they recalled I was their server, they threw their orders at me all at once, and I struggled to keep up with their many demands.

“Good. Any appetizers?”

Once again, they all spoke at the same time, ordering baskets of chicken wings, nachos, and mini burgers with appetizer-sized poutine, a French-Canadian dish made of cheese curds, gravy, and fries, a nod to Lola’s—George’s deceased wife—roots.

“I’ll be back with your drinks.” I turned on my heel and made my way toward the bar when I came face to face with the man sending my heart into overdrive every time he stood too close—and even when we were apart. “Mase, what are you doing here?”

“Meeting with a few of the guys. Have you seen Craig?”

“No.” I pointed behind me. “Your friends are back there. Want me to order you anything? Your usual?”

“That’d be great. With a garden salad and a dozen wings, please.”

“Noted. Anything to drink?”

“That thing Amber was drinking the other night. It was pretty good.” He traced the length of my arms with his fingertips, sending shivers rippling through me. The best kind. “Love you.”

I moved to the tips of my toes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, whispering, “Love you too.”

He smacked my ass, and I hurried toward the bar to punch in the orders, giddiness invading me. I love the idea Mason was here, watching me. Instead of making me feel self-conscious like it used to, it made me feel sexy, knowing he couldn’t tear his eyes away.

The rest of the night passed in a blur. My feet hurt as the last patrons exited Lola’s, and George locked the door behind them.

A few of the staff were sitting in a booth at the back, enjoying drinks. Mason was sitting at the bar, chatting with Barry.

“You still here?” I asked, pressing my side against his until he wrapped his arm around me.

“Yeah. I was waiting for you. Wanna stay and have a nightcap with everyone?”

“Not tonight, I’m exhausted. I wanna go home.”

“Your place or mine?”

“I would much prefer lying in your bed than mine right now.”

Mason pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “I would much prefer you in my bed too.”

I yawned. “Gimme five. I’ll be right back.”

Barry pushed a glass of lemonade across the counter toward me. “Here. You need to hydrate. This was one hell of a night.”

“Thanks.” I gulped it down in two swallows. I hadn’t realized how parched I’d been.

“The kitchen has some mini burgers left. Want me to get you some?” the old barman asked.

I clasped my hands together. “Yes, please. That would be terrific.”

“You too?” he asked my boyfriend.

“I’ll never let food go to waste.”

“Mel, go get your stuff from the back,” Barry said. “I’ll grab them for you. To go?”

“Yes, please,” Mason said before I had time to reply.

I glanced at him over my shoulder as I padded away. Things had been really good between us lately. Other than the drug scare, we’d been locked in our love bubble most of the time. Even my swimming had improved since we’d started dating.