When You're Mine (MINE #3)(26)
“So you’re gonna sit there and tell me you’re not even the least bit curious? I’ve seen the way he looks at you. That man wants you. Badly.”
“Of course, I’ve thought about it. I mean, just look at him.” Cora exhaled a defeated breath. “But I could never risk ruining our friendship for sex. And with him, that’s all it will ever be.” Katy furrowed her eyes and opened her mouth to say something, but quickly shut it. “Can we please talk about something else?”
Standing, I placed my drink on the table. “I have a great idea,” All eyes were on me. “Let’s dance.”
Maddie stood up to join me, but Katy and Cora remained seated. “Think I’m just gonna chill right here.” Katy said and Cora nodded in agreement.
We left the girls behind while Maddie and I went to get lost on the dance floor.
Sweaty and sticky from dancing our asses off, Maddie and I were headed back upstairs when a firm hand caught my elbow. “Hello, darlin’.”
Mason was dressed in a pair of blue jeans, tan Columbia button down, and dirty cowboy boots. The greasy ball cap I’d found so damn hot months ago was pulled down low on his brow. I waited for my body to heat with desire.
Nothing.
“Was wonderin’ if you’d like to have a drink with me?”
A body made of steel with a voice like smooth butter. His brown eyes held mine, promising all sorts of dirty things. But all I could see was blue. “I can’t.”
“She’d love to,” Maddie hollered from the top of the steps with a wide smile smothering her face.
I’m going to kill her.
“Would you excuse me for a minute please?”
“Yep.” Mason took up residence against the wall.
Once I made it to the top, I pulled Maddie away from ear shot. “What the hell?”
“What? He likes you. Have a drink with him. Get to know him. Take a chance for cryin’ out loud.”
I suddenly had a feeling we were all here more for my benefit than anyone else’s. I didn’t give myself time to think about it. The alcohol paired with the loneliness I would face later tonight were enough for me to try. “Fine. But you better come get me when Holden gets here.”
“I will. Now go.” she ordered, gently shoving me towards the steps.
When I reached the bottom, Mason was patiently waiting. “Lead the way cowboy.”
He reached for my hand, tucking it into the crook of his elbow. “First of all,” his thick southern tongue wrapped slowly around each word. “I ain’t no cowboy. I’m a country boy. There’s a difference.”
“Oh, how so?” I asked as we made our way through the thick crowd.
“Cowboys wear Stetsons and belt buckles. Country boys wear Justin’s and ball caps.” Mason held up two fingers to the bartender as we passed, leading me to a booth towards the back.
A pretty blonde with a huge rack and a tray full of drinks stepped up to our table, smiling sweetly at Mason. “Hi, handsome,” she greeted, placing two bottles of Bud on the table followed by two shot glasses.
“Keep ‘em comin’.” Mason ordered.
“You got it, honey.”
I examined the contents of the glass. “What the hell is this?”
Mason threw back his shot, slamming the glass down on the table. “Crown.”
“I’m not a Crown kind of girl,” I informed him, sliding the shot in his direction.
He took another swig of his beer, holding the neck with two long fingers and sliding the glass back to me. “I figured as much, but I think you should try something new tonight.”
Something new?
I didn’t want something new. I wanted something old and familiar with sharp blue eyes and a kiss that took my breath away. A kiss that would make it all alright. I threw back the shot, reaching for the beer and downing half the bottle. “You trying to take advantage of me,” I teased.
His deep brown eyes locked with mine. “Do you want me to take advantage of you?”
I hadn’t even thought about being with anyone else. Maybe Mason could ease the pain a little. The night we shared had been memorable. I let him lead me out onto the dance floor. My nervous heart begged to flee while my determined mind pleaded for me to stay. I would never get over him, but Mason could help me forget.
Just for tonight.
We swayed to the music, my arms draped around his shoulders, his big hands roaming my back. Heat began to build between us, not as intense or even close to what I felt with Barrett, but it was... something. Mason dipped his face, dropping his cheek close to mine. All I had to do was twist my head and our mouths would meet. His dark eyes met mine and I held my breath, summoning the courage. His hands came around to my cheeks, a whisper of temptation feathering my lips.
I sucked in a shaky breath. “I want to, but I don’t think I can.”
Tears pooled and one even escaped without permission. A rough thumb swept my heated cheek. Looking into my eyes, he knew. “I can wait.” He pulled me in for a hug and it felt good to know I had a friend in Mason, or someone I could turn to when I was ready to move on. The pain in my heart reminded me that may never happen.
Maddie sent a text informing me it was time to go, saying she would meet me out front. Mason led me outside, but the moment I released his arm to walk on my own, I tripped over my own two feet, losing my balance. “Easy darlin’,” he said, lifting me into his arms.