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“I will not, because he has a delicate tummy,” Mason huffs.
Did he just say ‘tummy’? Could big mean Mason be any more adorable? I look away quickly to hide the goofy grin on my face and focus on my wrapping.
He’s moved next to me without me even noticing it. It just feels natural for us to be close to each other. Several times, I’ve restrained myself from reaching out and grabbing him by the hand or throwing my arm around his waist.
Frustration wells up inside me. I don’t want to go on like this forever, but it’s also largely on me. I insisted on acting like Mason was my dirty little secret, and now I hate feeling like I’m ... well, his dirty little secret.
I see Ruby watching me across the table, and she looks away. At the same time, I see Paxton watching her, and I can’t read the look on his face. There are so many possibilities and each one is more troubling than the next.
She’s my baby sister. He’d better not have dirty intentions towards her. Big, tough hockey player or not, he does not want to see me mad.
I return my attention to the task at hand, grabbing a package of coloring books and wrapping them quickly, with Rovers-themed wrapping paper, of course. Man, is there anything these guys haven’t slapped a logo onto?
“When do we get to watch the movies?” Noah pipes up.
“I told you, no movies until the presents are wrapped, because otherwise you’ll never end up doing it.”
It takes us another hour to finish. There’s no shortage of bitching and whining from the guys, and threats and coercion from me, Ruby and Mia, but it’s finally done.
We move to Mason’s media room, where he has a movie screen and theater seating. The girls carry in trays of snacks while the boys settle in.
Mason is sitting next to me, and as the first movie—Night of the Living Dead—comes on, he turns the lights down via remote control. It doesn’t take a brainiac to know what he’s up to.
His arm is on the chair arm, pressing up against mine. He casually slides his hand over mine, and heat pulses through me. I let it linger there for a long moment before moving it away.
I sweep my gaze around the room, to make sure that nobody is watching. I’m just about to give into temptation when Paxton catches my eye and winks.
Shiznit.
Shiitake mushrooms.
We’re playing with fire here, and sooner or later we’ll get caught. And then my whole house of cards will come falling down.
35
MASON
My mother’ssitting at a booth waiting expectantly when I walk into the café, which is amazing, because I showed up precisely two minutes early. It’s also annoying because I was planning on sitting there for exactly three minutes and then leaving.
She stands up and waves at me, trying to pretend like a doting mother.
I know it’s bullshit, but everyone around her seems to buy the act. They smile, looking between the two of us as though expecting to witness some grand reunion.
Sorry to disappoint folks. There will be none of that today.
She’s wearing a modest checked jacket and suit, and low-heeled pumps.
I don’t know if I’m disappointed or happy that she’s on time, dressed appropriately instead of trying to be a forty-something-year-old sex bomb, and not smelling in the slightest of alcohol.
I sit down across from her.
“I pre-paid,” she blurts out. “Hi, baby. It’s so good to see you. You’re looking wonderful.”
“You pre-paid for what?” I look at her in puzzlement.
“The meal. I want you to know that I am not going to ask you for money. I’m here for the right reasons. I’m here for you.”
Before I can say anything bitter or snarky, the waiter walks up to us.
