Relentless (Mason Family 4)

There’s also the fact that I don’t know how this will play out.

Do I take her flowers?

Will we like each other once we’ve spent time together? Will we want to see each other again? What’s the point of even getting mixed up with her in the first place, considering her end goals—whether with me or generally—aren’t likely the same.

What am I doing?

Fuck.

Holt chews on his bottom lip. Finally, he sighs. “Be careful. Be smart.”

“Use condoms,” Coy says, smirking. “Baby shit is expensive as hell.”

We all laugh as we get to our feet. Relief washes over me as the topic of Shaye seems to have been dropped by my brothers. I flash Coy a grateful smile as we push our chairs in.

“How is Bellamy feeling?” I ask.

“Very, very pregnant. But pregnant sex is the best. The best. Highly recommend. Ten stars. Will order again.”

I chuckle. “Not what I asked, but thanks for the information.”

He sticks his elbow in my side. “Hey, if the look on your face when Shaye was brought up means anything, you might know sooner rather than later.”

The blood drains from my face. My palms get sweaty.

What the fuck is he talking about?

“I think you’re … no.” I wave him off. “Not happening soon or later ever, probably.”

My fuckhead of a brother just laughs. I make a note to buy his baby the loudest, most annoying gift I can find. Every year. For eternity.

“It’s quiet in here,” Coy says as we step into the hallway.

“Everyone has gone home.” Holt leads us toward Kelly’s desk. “I’m heading out too. I told Blaire I’d take her out to dinner tonight.”

“I’m going to go check on Mom,” Boone says.

“And I’m going to call Larissa and see if Hollis is back from Indiana yet,” Coy says, pushing the button for the elevator. “He was supposed to be back this afternoon, but his flight was delayed.”

Wade leans against the wall. “Did he find Harlee?”

Coy shrugs. “I don’t know. I don’t think so. Poor guy.” He shakes his head. “If he doesn’t find that girl …”

“What if he can’t find her?” Wade lifts a brow. “Shit happens, you know? What if something happened to her? Will he be okay?”

“I hope so.” Coy frowns. “Man, that not knowing has to be killing him. Can you imagine having to wait months and months for a resolution—if there is one?”

The elevator dings, and my brothers step inside. The mood is somber as everyone contemplates Hollis’s struggle with finding his little sister.

“I’m going to grab a couple of things before I leave,” I tell them. “See you guys later.”

They all utter various forms of goodbye before the elevator door shut.

I make my way to my office, ignoring the darkness in Shaye’s. I gather my wallet and car keys and shut off my computer. I do all of the normal things to end the day. I do all of it while keeping half of my attention glued to the edge of my desk.

Where Shaye sat.

Where we kissed.

I stand behind my chair and stare at the spot her sweet ass occupied and try to convince myself I have this under control and know what I’m doing.

We’re both adults. We’ll figure it out.

But even as I think the thought—even as I said it out loud to try to make it seem more believable—I know it’s a lie.

I don’t know what I’m doing, and I don’t know if we’ll figure it out.

Does that make me want to stop? Does it dissuade me in the least from taking her to the gala tomorrow?

I grin. No. No, it does not.

Godspeed, Oliver. Godspeed.

Twenty

Shaye

“This feels good.” I stare at my reflection in the mirror. “Really good.”

The fabric of the champagne-colored dress that Lisbeth brought over—one of the three—fits me like a glove. The fabric is nearly stretchy and skims my curves. The little translucent beads make me sparkle in the most magical, subdued way.

I turn side to side, appreciating the way the off-the-shoulder design shows off my collarbone—something I didn’t know was a thing until now.

“Turn around,” Lisbeth says from behind me.

I make a slow turn, careful not to trip on the heels she’s letting me borrow, and catch a glimpse of the back of the dress. The way the fabric dips and bunches into a dazzling drape at the small of my back is downright incredible.

“You look stunning,” she says.

I swipe a lock of hair away from my face. My red lips break out into a wide smile. “Again, this feels good.”

“The dress or … this?” Lisbeth raises a perfectly arched brow.

Her question is clear. The answer isn’t as transparent.

The dress does feel amazing. I feel amazing wearing it all glammed up. The last time I wore something this fancy was my senior prom since Luca and I got married in jeans and T-shirts to save money.