When Liam and I got home, and I realized how worried Mason was, I felt bad for not giving him a heads-up sooner. Considering everything, I should have let him know before we left. He looked at me like he was memorizing every single inch of my body, and that old, familiar flame deep inside me started to burn again. I needed him right then like I needed air, and he denied me. I can’t shake it because, at that moment, I wanted him. I’m thankful he said no because I know he’d never take advantage, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being a tad disappointed too. When it comes to Mason, I don’t want to regret anything we do, and because the alcohol was numbing all my inhibitions, I might’ve. Once that door opens between us, it will be hard to close it again, and I don’t want to deny him any more than I already am.
I told my therapist all about it, and she asked me a slew of questions, including how I felt then and the day after. The relief I felt to be able to fully talk about my feelings and have someone listen without judgment helped me work through my embarrassment and shame. I’ve continued my weekly appointments, and while I’m still working through everything, I’m getting stronger every day.
As I finish rinsing my hair, I decide my thoughts have wandered on long enough and turn off the shower. After I step out, I wrap a towel around my body and start working on my hair. I’m nearly exhausted by the time I finish blow-drying and curling it, and then hurry down to my room to slip on a nice dress and some heels. After I apply makeup, I’m ready to go, so I walk into the living room where Mason waits on the couch. As soon as he sees me, he instantly stands and smiles.
Scanning his eyes down my outfit, he walks toward me. “You’re breathtaking,” he whispers, and his words cause heat to rush through my body. It’s hard to keep him at a distance when he looks at me with so much love and admiration.
“Thank you,” I say, knowing I’m blushing but don’t try to hide it this time. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” And he doesn’t. He looks good enough to eat.
Before he can respond, Liam nearly stumbles down the stairs. We look at him, and I arch a brow at his getup. There’s no denying he went the extra mile to look nice for the recital, and Mason beats me to a smartass comment.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to impress Maddie,” he quips, causing me to giggle.
Liam rolls his eyes. “Don’t you know basic etiquette when you go to a performance of any sorts?”
I nod and grin. “Okay, he has you there.”
“Mama didn’t raise no slob. I know how these things work. Could be all the classical music I listen to or the theatrical performances I saw in college,” Liam says matter-of-factly.
Mason snorts. “Spare me. There’s no need to pull the elite card out of your ass.”
“Good, because it’s made of diamonds and hurts to flash.” Liam smirks, then winks, thinking he’s so damn funny.
“You’re disgusting,” I tell him, then notice the way he looks me up and down.
“So who’re you trying to impress? Oh wait…” He waggles his brows. “It’s for me, isn’t it?”
“Shut up,” I say, nudging him in his ribs. He pretends to fall over, but the truth is he’s built solid. My elbow didn’t do shit to him.
Mason looks at his phone and rounds us up. “We should probably get going if we want good parking.”
“Lennon and Hunter might beat us there. We have front row tickets because I want to see the sweat beads roll off the dancer’s foreheads.” I snicker, knowing Maddie won’t sweat a drop. She’s in such good shape, a two-hour performance is nothing for her. Nothing at all. The girl could dance in her sleep and wake up refreshed.
Mason leads the way to his truck, and I turn and look at Liam as he walks to the back. “You even wore a tie. You know she’s going to want you to tie her up with it,” I tease with a chuckle. He groans and flips me the bird. “Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.”
Giving him shit is going to be the highlight of my night, and it’s only just begun. When Maddie sees him wearing a black button-up shirt with a red tie and slacks that squeeze his ass, she might straddle him right then and there.
Mason drives us to the university theater where it’s being held. When we walk inside the auditorium, Mason places his hand on the small of my back, and it causes every hair on my body to stand.