Page 44 of Becoming His

“Thank you.”

She places a bottle and a glass similar to the one Masen was drinking from at home in front of him before putting the two glasses of wine and water near me. “You guys gonna have dinner?”

Masen answers, “A few others are coming, so we’ll wait until they get here.”

Red nods her head. “Let me know if you need anything. I’ll check on you in a bit.”

I lean around Masen to watch her walk back to the bar. “Is that her brother? Do they run this place? They have such beautiful hair,” I muse.

“Yes, that’s her brother, Rick. She and Sid are part owners, so she works usually one night on the weekends and Wednesday. She loves it, keeps her busy.”

Most everybody has gone back to socializing, so I sneak peeks around him, watching everyone. We’ve been here about fifteen minutes when I see Sniffer and Sam walk in. They both wear smiles as they near the table. “Could you hide her any better man? I think I could see her arm once I got within ten feet of the table,” Sniffer jokes. Masen’s hand reaches up from under the table and pulls my hand that was toying with one of the wine glasses under the table. Sniffer’s face falls. “Mase, I was just kidding. Are you alright?” he asks seriously.

“I’m fine,” Masen snaps defensively.

Sniffer looks at me before scooting in the booth from the opposite side. Masen’s chest rumbles before Sniffer makes it in enough for Sam to sit. He freezes and looks at Masen incredulously. “Nicole will be here with Michael any minute. She will sit there,” Masen grates.

I can feel his distress at his brother being near me. I reach up and place both hands on his cheeks, looking into his eyes. “Masen, he’s not here to hurt me or you.” I send him soothing thoughts, conveying with my eyes everything’s fine. “Let’s not have them stand there looking silly. Let him sit. He’ll move when Nicole gets here. That sound good, big guy?” His head nods in my hands, but he doesn’t look away. “I love you,” I whisper softly and bring his face to mine for a small kiss. When I pull back, Sniffer and Sam are seated close together, keeping as much space between us a possible.

Everyone at the table is tense. “Sam, how did your date go?” I try, hoping to lighten the mood. He smirks at me then tells me every detail of their date. He finishes with telling me their next date is tomorrow at the falls. It sounds like they had a wonderful time.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it so much,” I say honestly. “How about you, Sniffer? Any hot prospects?” I urge.

“Not just, yet.” He winks. “But the night is young.” I laugh at his cheeky answer.

Masen finally loosens up enough to talk. Red comes back and takes Sam’s and Sniffer’s drink orders, dropping off a few more menus. “Any others joining you, Alpha?”

“Michael and Nicole should be here soon,” he answers with a smile. I don’t know if it’s the drinks he’s nursing or what, but he’s much more relaxed. Laughing and joking with the guys. Much more like the lunch we shared at school.

Nicole and Michael finally make it about a half hour later. Her cheeks are flushed, and Michael seems more relaxed than I’ve ever seen. Sniffer and Sam stand, letting her scooch in next to me. She hugs me when she’s situated. I’m a little surprised, but I hug her back. “You look lovely, Nicole,” I say truthfully. Her long dark hair is pen straight and glossy. She looks sexy but not overdone in a maxi dress.

“Thank you, Doll. Michael likes it, too. That’s why we’re late,” she huffs. I laugh at her candor, she joins me. When I realize how quiet it is, I look around. Everyone at the tables watches us with varying degrees of smiles. Masen’s and Michael’s being the biggest.

We all order dinner. Our booth was too crowded to eat at, so we moved three tables together. The table gets louder and louder as the night progresses. I like the white wine, so Masen orders me another. Sid eventually joins us, and Red sits as often as she can.

Around ten, the music gets louder, and people start dancing. I’m having such a good time. I hadn’t noticed how packed the bar is until I need to use the restroom. I lean over to Masen who is in an animated conversation with Sniffer and Michael. “Masen.” I rub his thigh to get his attention.

He stops mid-sentence and asks, “Yeah, baby?” Blushing because everyone at the table turned to look over when he answers me.

I clear my throat. “Where’s the restroom?”

Nicole, who’s had quite a few drinks, giggles and stands on shaky legs. “I’ll take you,” she slurs. I’m not even sure she can find it at this point.

Masen stands before I can answer and tucks my hand into his elbow. “I got her, Nick. Thanks though,” he says kindly. To Michael who’s pulled her onto his lap, he says, “You’ve got your hands full tonight, Buddy.” He just looks down at his Mate curled up in his arms and smiles.

Masen leads me to the restroom and tries to walk in. “What are you doing? That’s the ladies’ room.” His face looks torn. He wants to follow me in the bathroom? “Uh uh, I can go pee all by myself, Masen,” I snap.

“Fine, fine. I’ll wait right here,” he concedes on a huff. He leans against the wall as close as the door will allow. I tut and close the door behind me. He’s a bit ridiculous but cute. What the hell does he think is gonna happen in a bathroom?

I finish my business, wash my hands, and wipe under my eyes to catch any stray mascara. I’m slathering on some lip balm when I hear low murmurs coming from the other side of the door. Opening it slowly, I see Masen talking to Red. She walks away before I hear what they were talking about. “Everything okay?”

His eyes shift down to me. “Yeah, she was letting me know Michael and Nicole left...”

I can tell there’s more. “And?” I question.

“And, Roxanne and her friends just got here,” he answers, sounding tired.

“Did you want to leave?”

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