That makes this upcoming victory even better.
“Yes!” Lennon cheers the second the ball goes in. “Y’all owe me!”
“She still has to make the eight ball, babe,” Brandon tells her, chuckling.
“True,” I say. “But I’m pretty certain Liam’s out of clothes to take off.”
We all look at him, waiting to see if he backs out.
“I’ve got nothing to hide.” Without another beat, he pulls his boxers down to his ankles, then stands up proudly.
“Oh my God…” I quickly cover my eyes and turn around, blushing that he actually did it.
“Dude!” Hunter shouts at him. “No one wants to see that.”
I giggle. “I wouldn’t say no one…”
“Okay, game over. Clothes back on.” Mason’s booming voice echoes over everyone.
I peek between my fingers and see he’s standing inches from me. “Thank fuck you didn’t miss or give him the chance to win.” He lowers his voice so no one else hears, but it wouldn’t matter, considering how loud everyone’s being. Between Hunter and Brandon telling Liam to put his clothes back on and Lennon telling them to pay up, it’s loud as hell in here.
“Why?” I drop my arms, looking up at him. “You’re the only one allowed to hit it and quit it?” I raise my brows, challenging him.
“What? No. Soph…”
“Just stop.” I turn around toward my shoes and slide them on. Grabbing my earrings off the table, I’m grateful when I see Liam getting dressed, though he was definitely nice to look at. Unfortunately, he doesn’t give me butterflies or feelings of wanting more. Only assholes like Mason do apparently.
Marching into the kitchen with Mason on my heels, I grab the bottle of Jack off the counter and pour myself another shot.
“You don’t need to drink that just because of me.”
“Why? You don’t think I’ve earned it?” I tilt my head back and swallow it down before he can respond. “Also, get off your high horse. I’m not drinking because of you. Actually, scratch that. I am…because you frustrate the hell out of me.”
Mason looks over my head, and when I hear my sister and the other guys chatting, I know they’re on their way in here too. Mason grabs my elbow and drags me out, not letting go until we’re in a quiet hallway.
“What are you doing?” I whisper-hiss. “I’m not a rag doll you can just manhandle.”
“Soph, I know. Jesus. I’m just trying to talk to you without all of them hearing.” He brushes his hand through his hair as if he’s completely flustered.
“Okay, what do you want to talk about?” I cross my arms over my chest and wait impatiently.
“I know you’re pissed, but trust me when I tell you that not getting involved with me is for the best. If I was a selfish man, I’d say to hell with it and pull you into my bed right now.”
My heart beats erratically at his words. Part of me wishes he’d do just that, but I know I’d only end up more hurt.
“I don’t know how to be friends with you, Mason,” I tell him truthfully. “Lying to my sister…”
“Which is why you should pretend nothing happened.”
I flinch as if he’d just slapped me.
“Shit, that came out harsh.” He fidgets with his hands. “I’m not in a place to have a relationship right now, and the last thing I want to do is cause you any pain. I should’ve kept my hands off you, but fuck, Sophie, you’re too damn tempting. I would’ve never pursued anything in the first place had I known you were Lennon’s sister. Now everything is fucked up.”
His honesty gives me whiplash, and I’m not sure what to think about it.
“Seeing you get cozy with Liam pisses me off, and I know I have no right to be—”
“That’s right.” I cut him off. “You don’t have any right or say. If I want to get cozy with the entire Pi Alpha whatever fraternity, you don’t get to say shit.”
“Liam isn’t interested,” he blurts out. “He’s just trying to fuck with me.”
I roll my eyes, resisting the urge to smack him for his idiocy. “I’m not stupid, Mason. I know! I figured it out within ten seconds.”
“Wait. What?” He narrows his eyes at me. “So all of that…” He waves his hand in the air. “Was what?”
“A show. A game. Whatever you wanna call it. Liam started it, and I finished it. I’m well aware he’s not into me that way, so get off your soap box. And here’s a little tip. The next time you sleep with a girl you have no intention of calling, don’t tell her it’s because you don’t do relationships. Put her out of her damn misery at least and just admit you’re not that into her, or that you were too drunk, or hell, even that she’s not your type. But don’t do this ‘let’s be friends’ crap. Got it? No chick wants to hear that because we all know it’s bullshit.”