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Lucy smiled. "Really? That'd be amazing. Where do you want to do lunch?" They walked out of the bathroom with smiles. Lucy had made a friend and wouldn't be alone. At least, not the entire time she was in Hawaii.
When they left the event, Mason ushered her into the car and closed the door behind them. They drove in silence, and Lucy felt more than tired. She felt this distance between them, like he was disappointed in her for being there tonight.
They arrived at the hotel and decided to walk along the paths back to their room.
Lucy sighed, "Ok enough with the silent treatment. What's wrong?"
Mason shook his head, barely visible in the dark through the solar lights beside the path. "Nothing."
Lucy snorted. "Don't insult my intelligence, Mason. You're mad that I was there and ruined your night spying on whoever, aren't you?"
Mason sighed and raked a hand through his hair. "Can you blame me? You weren't supposed to be there, Lucy. You were supposed to be safe back here."
"This is the frat house all over again. You tucked me away in that room to keep me safe from the shit show too. But I'm sorry I ruined your work tonight."
She didn't know what else to say. She was just so frustrated by him being the strong, silent type. She'd seen a different side of him back in December.
The silence stretched until Mason growled, "You didn't."
She frowned. "What?"
"You didn't ruin it," he said. "You're distracting as hell, Lucy, but I can still do the job."
Lucy's stomach tightened and twisted. "Well, sorry for existing."
He grimaced. "Come on, don't talk like that. That's not what I meant."
"Well, what the hell am I supposed to think, Mason? You got all angry that I was there, you're giving me the silent treatment tonight."
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She finally pinpointed why her stomach was in knots anytime he mentioned his work. She had no idea what kind of work he was doing here, and the fear of the unknown ate at her.
"I didn't even know where you went today, for fuck's sake. Are you going to be in danger?"
Mason shook his head. "No, I'm just gathering evidence. Taking pictures, that sort of thing."
So he should keep his distance and be safe. Some of the tension eased in her stomach. They walked in silence for a few more steps, then she said, "Were you working all day?"
"Yes, I had to pick up some supplies from the field office, then trailed her for a while."
Lucy reminded herself that this wasn't a relationship. He didn't need to check in with her or tell her where he was going. If she said something, she'd sound like a crazy bitch.
But she couldn't just let this nagging idea fester in her head. They were approaching their bungalow, and she needed to know where she stood before they went inside.
She had to know what she could expect from him. Lucy's stomach twisted again, but this time in nerves.
"You were gone when I came out of the bathroom this morning and when I came back to the room tonight to change. Are you avoiding me?"
Mason unlocked their door and followed her inside. His voice was distracted when he replied, "Of course not, Lucy. I just needed to work."
He went to the computer desk and opened a binder. Lucy felt a tightness press on her chest. He was obviously still thinking about work. He probably didn't even know she was there.
She was tired, but her mind was too wired to sleep. She slipped into the bathroom and put on her now dry swimsuit. Then she walked quietly past him to the sliding glass doors. Maybe she could quiet her mind with some laps in the pool.
Chapter 16
Mason rubbed his temples and glanced at his watch. They'd came back to the room over a half hour ago, but he'd gotten sucked into the file. Some things Malia and Lee had let slip at dinner didn't make sense. The puzzle pieces called to him, and he needed to find out how they fit together.
He looked up. Where was Lucy?
