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Masen.
His stride is so masculine, filled with confidence in every step he takes. Slowly, he lifts his gaze while running his hand through his hair. Then, the golden hazel eyes burn into my soul, igniting every inch of my body.
It’s been four days since I saw him last because his work got in the way. With all the acquisitions Lantern Publishing is going through now, he was called to travel and hasn’t been home. We resorted to texting, but nothing compares to seeing him in the flesh.
My dad stops him, shaking his hand, forcing him to turn away. I lower my gaze to the floor, staring at my feet because the truth is bubbling to the surface, and I’m not sure how long I can deny it.
I missed him.
“Addison,” Presley calls my name. “We need to talk.”
“We do?” I choke in a panic. “About what?”
“The manuscript for part two. Masen said you were reading it and finished. I need your feedback because I have some concerns.”
“Um, sure. I thought Masen had read it too. Don’t you want his feedback?”
Presley pats my arm while laughing. “I got his feedback which surprised me. He’s not a romance reader, so his opinion is usually one-sided, but he had a lot more to say this time.”
Ava is standing beside us, overhearing our conversation. “Yeah, something is up with him lately. Maybe he’s in love or something.”
I choke on my saliva, letting out an impromptu cough.
“Are you okay?” Ava asks, patting my back.
“Yeah, sorry, your comment was just shocking. As if he would fall in love. The guy's a player.” I press my lips flat. “Sorry, Presley.”
“Please, I know he is, but I agree with Ava. Someone’s gotten to him.” Presley leans in, at the same time, Ava and I do. “I found a t-shirt at his place when he asked me to let the maintenance guy in. It was a woman’s shirt. He never lets any woman stay over. It’s his rule, according to Haden.”
Ava laughs. “Oh, this is getting interesting. I mean, he’s been moody but also extra chatty at the same time. Tell us what’s on the shirt so we can figure out what type of girl she is.”
My breaths are quick and shallow—my heart palpitating with tingling inside my chest.Please don’t say what’s on the shirt, I beg silently.
“There was a pineapple on the front wearing glasses, and it’s reading a book.” Presley describes the shirt perfectly, but maybe if I’m lucky, Ava won’t remember.
If I’m lucky.
And the universe is on my side.
“How funny!” Ava blurts out while laughing. “If you wear pineapples on a shirt, it means you’re into swinging. It’s like a swinging code in public. Last Christmas, I bought …”
Ava’s eyes widen at the same time her mouth falls open.
“What is it, Ava?”
“Um …” she stumbles with a shaky breath. “I’ve seen those shirts around a lot. What color was it?”
“Like a pinkish salmon color,” Presley informs her.
I keep my face blank, forcing a smile until Ava swivels her head at a slow and agonizing pace like those creepy dolls you see in horror movies.
“Presley, would you excuse Addy and me? I forgot I have to show her something upstairs for the baby.”
“Of course. We’ll talk later, Addison.” Presley glances at Haden, who is laughing with Rocky. “That laughter sounds dirty. I better brace myself.”
There’s not even a second to breathe before Ava grabs my arm and drags me through the party. From where Masen stands, he spots her taking me inside. He keeps his expression blank until I widen my eyes and press my lips so he can hopefully read my face.
Ava doesn’t stop at the kitchen, dragging me to her bedroom. The moment the door closes, she lets go.
