The word “anymore” isn’t lost on me when he describes how he doesn’t do relationships, though it only leaves me with more questions than answers.
“Friends?” I force a smile as if he hadn’t sliced a knife through my heart. “Of course, I get it. No worries.” I take my drink, but before I can walk away, Mason grabs my elbow, and our eyes meet.
“It really was nice meeting you, Sweet Sophie.”
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I replay the hottest sex of my life and lament how it would only ever be a one-time thing. I told him I’d keep our secret, but it feels wrong not to tell Lennon. However, I’ve never seen her happier than with Brandon, and I don’t want to jeopardize that by turning him against his best friend. If Mason doesn’t do relationships, then it’s better I know now before I had the chance to fall too deep.
Yep. That’s what I’m telling myself. Doesn’t mean I wasn’t hoping he’d still call or text at some point.
He never did.
I have no reason to be disappointed, considering he warned me, but I still am. Even though our encounter had been short-lived, it meant something to me. I thought we had shared a connection, but I quickly realized it was one-sided on my part.
I never dated in high school or, rather, was never allowed to. Perks of being a pastor’s daughter with really strict rules. Upon graduation, I fled Utah to start college at California State University in Fresno. Once I obtained a degree in music, I was hired to play violin professionally. I met tons of single guys on campus and even lost my virginity to one I dated for a year, but I didn’t feel the same way about him as he did for me, so I ended things.
I went on a few dates with decent men, and even formed some solid friendships, but nothing compared to that night a month ago. Flirting and sharing details with someone I’d just met put me completely out of my element. I’m usually the shy girl who stays home to practice my violin and binge-watch Netflix with a pint of ice cream. Lennon’s the only reason I left the comfort of my cave. While in college, I was more of a homebody than anything. Now, since getting hired to play in the symphony three months ago, I’ve dedicating myself one hundred percent to my craft. I haven’t been worried about having a social life.
My somewhat disappointed heart is Lennon’s fault. I’ve been so busy protecting my sisters that I let my guard down that night. She calls me the “mother hen” of her and Madelyn, our younger sister, and maybe I am. I proudly accept the title like a badge of honor.
Maddie’s still in high school, but I check on her several times a week. She lives in Park City with our parents and can’t wait to move here after she graduates. After I left, our mom became overbearing, and it got worse when Lennon moved out a year later. Maddie is going crazy there without us and tells me as much each time we chat.
I get lost in my thoughts again, and for some reason, they go right back to Mason. Though I have a squeaky-clean reputation and am typically shy around men, Mason made me feel like someone else that night. He didn’t know anything about me, my past, or the stigma that comes with it. I felt brave and bold, and the way he kept eye-fucking me gave me the confidence to follow him into that bar bathroom. What came next still haunts me in my dreams.
Dirty, filthy, sexy dreams.
“Heading out?” my roommate, Maria, asks. I only moved in after graduation, and we’re still developing a friendship, which is why I don’t invite her to go with me. She’s a few years older and works as much as I do, if not more.
“Yeah, my sister is nearly forcing me out,” I tell her, grabbing my keys. “See you later?”
“We’ll be here,” she singsongs as she pets her cat, Nemo.
Once I’m in the car, I crank the music, hoping that’ll get me in the partying mood. However, my stomach is in knots at the thought of seeing Mason again. I don’t know how to be “friends” with a man I banged on a whim, but to hell with it. I’ll just make a beeline for the booze as soon as I get there.
“Sophie!” Lennon squeals the second she sees me walk in. She looks so pretty with her long golden locks in waves down her back. Most people don’t believe we’re sisters, considering we look nothing alike. She’s a blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty and is a very passionate and loyal person. I have dark hair, brown eyes, and am mostly introverted. She makes me feel comfortable when we’re out, though, because her laughter and excitement are infectious.