“Did you enjoy your meal, at least?” he asked, leaning next to me.
“Yes.” I smiled. “Did you?”
“Yes. The lamb is always exquisite,” he said with a smile, his shoulder lightly brushing against mine. Before I was able to respond, we were interrupted.
“There you are, darling.” A red-headed woman walked out onto the veranda. “Maxwell was looking for you.” She stood separating us, forcing me to step back to avoid her hips hitting me.
“I needed a moment.” He straightened and there was a look of annoyance on his face.
“Well, hurry up.” She scowled at me as she turned to walk away.
When she was out of earshot I asked, “Wife?” chewing the inside of my cheek, waiting for an answer. Should I have expected anything less?
“Yes,” he replied, disappointed that he was caught, no less.
“Lucky girl.” I rolled my eyes and walked away.
“Lauren, wait.” He grabbed my arm. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Oh, you didn’t. You just made me realize why I stopped coming here in the first place.” I shrugged free of his grasp and walked back towards the doors to the dining room. Luckily, everyone was getting ready to leave.
“There you are,” Cassie said, waving at me. “We’re going back to Charlie’s place for a bit,” she suggested.
“Uh—that’s okay. I’m not feeling well,” I lied, staring at the ground. Cassie nodded her head.
“Are you sure?” Cassie asked, taking my hand in hers.
“Yes.” I smiled.
“We can give you a lift home.”
“I think the fresh air will do me good.” I shook my. I needed to be alone.
Cassie screwed her lips, eyeing me. “Will I see you at the club later?”
“I’ll make an appearance.” I leaned in to hug her. The walk home would do me good. I had not been alone with my thoughts since I got back to Portland. I enjoyed being along and away from all the chaos of Cassie’s life. Cassie was different she like being busy all the time and always having something to do. I enjoyed sitting on the couch reading a book, don’t get me wrong I loved going out with great friends and having a good time too. Just a little less than Cassie did.
By the time I had made it to the end of the road the clubhouse was on, Charlie and Cassie drove up honking as he pulled up next to me. He stopped and tried to convince me to accept a ride home, but I was pretty adamant in my refusal. He looked disappointed, but I didn’t care. Eventually, when I wouldn’t budge on my answer, he slowly pulled away. I shook my head and continued on my way.
About two blocks from my house, I heard a car pull up behind me. Then someone whistled. I turned around; spotting the same red Ferrari that Mason was driving earlier. I grumbled, turned and kept walking. I heard the car door open and shut.
“Lauren!” he yelled. I stopped walking, squeezed my eyes shut and twirled around to face him. “Hey.” He smiled widely.
“Hey.” My head slightly titled, staring at his shirt to avoid looking into those big, beautiful eyes of his.
“Want a ride?” he asked, thumbing over his shoulder. “Nope,” I said abruptly.
His eyes looked away a moment, then back at me. His lips parted and his tongue darted out to moisten them. I watched as his lips pursed slightly, as he stood, silent. “Oh, come on, I don’t bite. Unless, of course, you want me too.” He smirked.
Ugh. I hated him. Regretfully, I spun around and started walking away. His sexy little smile was not going to win me over. Then I felt his hand grasp my arm, stopping me from getting farther away.
As I turned, I grumbled, “Mason—”
“Would it kill you to say yes to me once?” he asked.
I tried to keep from smiling as I said, “Yes.”
“Touché.” He grinned. “I was actually heading to the beach, if you wanted to join me.”
“Uh—it’s cold,” I said, tugging at my jacket.
“I’m just walking around.” That damn smile stretched. “I figured since it’s a walk you seek, maybe we’d do it together. It’s a better view.”
“I think this is a great view.” I turned and pointed to the bare shrubs, then pursed my lips as I turned to face him again.
Mason playfully bit his bottom lip. “If anything, you are the one worth looking at here.” I rolled my eyes, making him chuckle. “Come on.” He dragged out the words. “It’s a walk, your favourite activity.”
“Fine,” I huffed, giving in.
His blue eyes practically sparkled at my response. I forced my legs toward his car. He opened the door for me, helping me in then he got in, looking over at me as he started the engine and pulled out onto the road, smiling the entire time.
When we got to the beach, Mason was a gentleman and helped me out of his car. We walked down the dock towards the dam. The lake was a beautiful sight. The clouds hung low enough that it almost looked as if they were touching the water.
“This is pretty.” I turned my head to look at him. Another couple walked past where we had stopped. I looked over the cement wall of the dam at the rushing water below. “Thank you for convincing me to join you.”
“Nope problem,” He said glancing over at me. “I come here sometimes, to think.” He leaned on the cement wall, looking out at the water. “It’s even more beautiful at night, with all the lights from the city across the water.”
I cocked my head slightly to get a look at him, and said, “I can’t figure you out, Mason.”
“What’s there to figure out?” he asked, smiling and craning his neck to look at me.
I shook my head, glancing away. “You’re a mystery to me.”
“I’m an open book.” He shrugged, looking back at the water.
“Obviously not,” I scoffed then turned around leaned back on the wall looking up at him.
“What does that mean?”
“It means I wouldn’t have said that if I thought you were an open book,” I scoffed. “I don’t understand why you are here with me,” I said, turning my entire body, facing him.
“Why?”
“Would you like me to list off a few things?” I shook my head, folding my arms across my chest.
“Yes.” He turned towards me with his arms crossed.
“What?” I laughed, feeling my cheeks burn a little. His brows rose and he waited to hear what I had to say. “Okay. When we’re in a crowd, you are rude to me, but when we are alone—for instance, right now—you are a completely different person, someone tolerable.”
“That’s not true,” he scoffed, shaking his head.
“Yes, it is, and you know it,” I said
“Prove it.”
“Okay, you have yet to be honest,” I replied.
“When have I not been honest?” He scowled.
“Earlier, when I saw you with that woman who acted as though she was your girlfriend,” I added.
“She is not my girlfriend,” he said, turning away scowling.
“Who is she, then?” I asked.
“Someone my mother wants to set me up with.” He paused. “She thinks I need to settle down and change my wild ways,” he said, air-quoting “wild ways” and chuckling.
Biting my bottom lip, I replied, “Maybe she is right.” I turned to face the water.
“No, she isn’t,” he snapped, and then walked away. It would appear that I had struck a nerve. I had to run a little to catch up to him.
“Well, you do have a reputation around town—”
“I’m well aware of the name I have given myself, Lauren.” He stopped and turned so unexpected that I almost walked into him. He stood close that I felt his warm breath upon my face. I gulped, taking a step back.
“Are you proud of it?” I asked.
His brow furrowed. “No.”
“Then change it,” I replied.
“Why bother?” He shrugged, and then turned away from me.
Shaking my head in disbelief I followed. “Well for starters you should
let people see this side of you. This side is actually likable.” Mason stopped short; his head turned slightly. From his profile I saw his clenched jaw. Then as I approached him, my arm stretching to touch him, he started talking.
“What’s the point?” His tone was dark, angry. I pulled back my arm. “No one will see me as anything but the screw-up, who beds women like it’s a career.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets, head hung back.
I stood next to him, appalled. “Wow—I didn’t need to know that,” I replied.
“Why not? You believe it,” he spat and marched away from me.
I tried to keep his pace. “The perception of your character is how you play it out, Mason,” I retorted. “What is it you expect others to think?” He kept walking ignoring me.
I grabbed his arm before he could get too far ahead of me and said, “Mason—”
“Let’s go,” he said spinning around to face me. Then he quickly walked down the cement stairs of the bridge.
“Hey—wait.” I was practically running now and the heels didn’t help. I walked around him, placing my hand on his chest, and he stopped, stepping away from my touch. I retracted my hand. “Why wouldn’t you want to change that perception of you?”
Mason scoffed, “Are you done?” He stared at me with a scowl. I averted my eyes from his stare and nodded. It irritated me and I wanted to get to the bottom of this but I decided to let it go. For now. As we walked to the car, he turned off the alarm and got in.
I definitely had hit a nerve because he went from charming to asshole in less than sixty. I cursed under my breath as I opened the passenger door and climbed in. Mason was staring out the windshield, his rubbing his thumb across his lips. I remained silent, not wanting to upset him further, but when he didn’t start the car, I felt the need to apologize.
“I’m sorry, Mason—”
“Just—don’t talk anymore,” he replied so sharply that I choked back a breath, holding it for a moment before letting it go. Then he started the car. He drove out on the main road, squealing his tires. I had to hold the door handle as he took corners. The roads were slick from the occasional rainfall that day. His driving made me terrified to be in a car for the second time in my life.
“Could you slow down, please?” I gasped. Mason ignored me. “Mason.” My voice shook. His eyes were so focused on the road and on shifting gears that he didn’t hear me begging for him to stop. “Stop the car!” I screamed loud enough that he slammed on the brakes, and we skidded down the road for what felt like forever before the car came to a complete stop. Tears flooded my eyes as I scrambled to get out of the car. My legs were so weak that I fell as I got out of the car.
“What are you doing, Lauren?” Mason called out. I crawled away from the car, crying. My body shook so bad I thought I was going to pass out. “Lauren?” Mason knelt in front of me.
“Get away from me,” I growled and shoved him back.
He caught his balance before falling back. “What’s your problem?” He asked.
“I almost died in a car crash, you idiot!” I shouted tears were streaming down my cheeks now.
“I—I didn’t know,” Mason stuttered.
“How could you? You are such a self-absorbed asshole,” I cried, stumbling to my feet, brushing off the dirt and gravel from my pants.
“Why don’t you tell me how you really feel?” he scoffed. I screamed in frustration and walked away. “Hey—stop. I’m sorry. Okay. I’m sorry.” Mason tried to help me, but I shoved him away again. I looked around once I had my wits about me again. My house wasn’t that far from where we had stopped. A few blocks, maybe more. I started walking away from Mason and his car.
“Lauren—where are you going? Lauren?” He called out. I quickened my pace, hopping up the curb to the sidewalk, and made my way home. Mason got back in his car, but he followed me down the street, pulling up, parking and getting out. “If you won’t get back in my car, then I will walk with you.”
“No!” I snarled.
“I’m sorry.” He jogged around me, blocking my path, but I walked out to the road to get around him. He grabbed me and pulled me in. “I said I was sorry.” I let him hold me, waiting for the moment that he let go. “I didn’t know.” He held me at arm’s length. “I swear.” His hand caressed my cheek. I closed my eyes, concentrating on my breathing, the way my therapist suggested.
“It’s not okay,” I replied, opening my eyes as a tear trickled down my cheek. His lips became a thin line across his handsome face, his eyes on mine as he agreed.
We walked the rest of the way to my house. As we approached the front lawn of my mother’s house, I didn’t rush to get away as I should have. I found myself waiting for him to do or say something despite what he had done.
“Thank you for walking me home,” I said rather callously. “ It was the least I could do,” he replied, folding his arms across his chest.
“Good night,” I said.
He nodded. Slowly, I turned on one heel just as he caught my hand. I turned back but pulled my hand away.
“I want to apologize again. If I’d known—”
I interjected, “Just stop apologizing. I don’t have to like who you are, Mason. It’s clear you have issues,” I replied, turning and walking up the path to the front porch. It was a little harsh, I know, but he deserved it. He needed to know that I wasn’t someone he could walk all over, and despite what I felt for him, I wouldn’t let him either.
When I turned around before going in the front door, I saw that Mason was still standing there at the edge of the lawn, watching me. I waved him off, and then slipped in through the front door.
CHAPTER FIVE
Getting ready for the club was more of a hassle than I thought. I had never before changed my outfits so many times in one day. And for what or who I should say. I hated that I was drawn to Mason’s and as much as I would hate to admit it, there were many reasons to be attracted to Mason. His eyes were a mesmerizing crystal blue with a hint of green that I could stare into for hours. He had this sexy crooked smirk that made my heart skip. I was foolish to think I had his attention and would be able to keep it. Just thinking about him made my heart flutter and my breath catch in my throat. I forced Mason out of my mind and turned to my closet. I grabbed a new dress that I had not worn yet, a red midsleeve tunic pencil mini. It was cute, and I could wear my new redand-black skyscraper heels with it, and wear them in a little before the masquerade next weekend. After my shower, I dried my hair, left it curly and clipped up the sides. Then I applied a dark, smoky look to my eyes, a touch of lengthening mascara to bring out my eyes and a hint of rouge gloss before getting in my dress. Once my ensemble was complete, I grabbed my purse and left.
When I arrived at the club, Gravity, I parked my car a block away because valet was out of my price range. I made my way to the club, avoiding a few creepy stares along the way. What put a damper on my night was the bouncer. He kept telling me to get in line. Cassie was not answering her phone either.
As I dialed her again, I tried to talk the bouncer into letting me in. “Look, my best friend is Cassie Harper. I’m supposed to meet her here tonight. Her boyfriend is Charlie, the owner.” I emphasized owner.
“ Your name is not on the list, so back it up, lady. You think I haven’t heard that excuse before?” He chuckled and crossed his arms, ignoring me again. I cursed under my breath and turned around to find Mason Foster walking towards me. I made a last attempt to reach Cassie before deciding to leave, and unfortunately she didn’t answer. Mason strolled towards me, with two voluptuous women on each arm. He grinned at me when he noticed I was standing there.
“Ugh, creep ,” I muttered, stepping out of his way. Then I realized he was my ticket in. “Mason.” I reached out to grab his arm. He let the woman walk ahead of him before actually turning around to face me.
“Yes ?” He smirked. As hard as it was, I refrained from rolling my eyes at him.
“Can you get me in?” I pressed my hands together,
begging. “I have been trying to reach Cassie, but she isn’t picking—”
He interjected, “not my problem.” He craned his neck looking back at the girls he arrived with.
I continued to beg. “Mason, come on, please.” My shoulders slumped. It took all my willpower to not smack that smirk off his face. Then he had the gall to point to his cheek as if I should give him a kiss. My head jerked back and I crossed my arms, glaring at him. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did you want me to slap you in front of everyone?”
He leaned in close and whispered, “I guess you’re not that desperate to get in here, are you?” His grin disappeared. “Offer expires in three…two—” With all my energy and strength I held back the anger and slowly leaned in to kiss his cheek. Then at the last second he turned his head and our lips connected. I gasped and backed up.
“Jerk,” I said under my breath, feeling ashamed, our eyes still locked. He smirked and licked his bottom lip seductively, biting down as he continued to stare me down. I was startled by the voice that came up behind me.
“Still trying to pay for affection, Mason,” said a man in a black suit, as he approached us.
My eyes blinked. Then I watched as he handed the bouncer money, then glanced over at Mason. The first thing I noticed was his amazing blue eyes. I couldn’t believe the genetics in this town.
Did anyone in this town have any other colour eyes, other than blue?
“Nick.” Mason spun around on his heel. This Nick guy glanced over Mason’s shoulder at me. “Alone again?” He sneered.
“She’s with me,” Nick told the bouncer, then held out his hand. Nervously, I walked around Mason and took Nick’s hand. He smirked and wagged his brow at Mason, then opened the door for me. The two bimbos waiting for Mason stood there watching. I couldn’t help but giggle to myself. As soon as we were through the doors, Nick walked ahead of me. I tried to keep his pace.
“I don’t understand why you would degrade yourself like that.” He looked down at me, frowning.
“Excuse me!” I gulped, feeling stupid. We walked down the stairs to the main floor he caught the attention of George, the bartender.
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