Chapter 11

Groaning, I roll over onto my stomach and bury my head under the pillow.

Fucking cheap wine.

It gets me every time.

I swear I am never drinking it again. Then again, I say that every time.

My mind starts to clear a little when I realize that I'm not on the couch. I'm on something else. Not more comfortable, per se, but there's nothing poking me in the back.

Taking a deep breath, I let out another moan.

A male chuckle makes me tense. It takes a moment for me to recognize the sound.

Mason.

"Welcome to the land of the living," he teases.

I pull the blanket higher. Maybe just maybe I can pretend like I'm somewhere else.

The smell of coffee makes me whimper.

I want it. It won't cure my headache, but it will take the edge off. Pulling the blanket down a little, I open my eyes.

Mason smiles when he sees me.

"Good morning, sunshine."

"You're way too chipper. Coffee, I need coffee," I grumble. Turning over, I realize I'm on an air mattress.

Part of last night comes back to me. Stumbling up the stairs. Him helping me wash up. Knowing I should get on the couch but climbing into bed with him instead.

I would facepalm myself right now if it wouldn't make this already embarrassing situation worse.

"Well, then you're in luck. I have the best cup right here in my hands, waiting for you," he says as he holds up a cup.

I reach out to take it, only Mason pulls it back.

Mason tsks. "You can't drink laying down."

I start to roll my eyes and instantly regret it.

Everything hurts.

Reluctantly, I fight my way out from under the pillow and sit up.

"Happy now?" I grumble.

Mason chuckles, sending little shock waves through my body.

"I am," he says as he hands over the cup that's as big as my head.

The warmth of the cup makes me sigh as I bring it up and take a sip.

"Good?" Mason rasps.

"So good. Thank you," I mutter as I go in for another drink.

Then he holds out his other hand, two tablets in the middle. I grab them, swallowing them without question.

"You're welcome. I made you breakfast too."

"Marry me," I spit out, my cheeks reddening as my words register.

Hungover Olivia needs to learn how to keep her mouth shut. Jesus, I know drunk Olivia said some shit about wanting him, and I think he said he wanted me too, but I can't be sure. Now this version is offering marriage. He is going to run far away from my mess.

Mason chuckles. "If I thought you meant it, I'd say yes, but for the record, when it comes down to one of us asking that question, let me do it."

That has me stopping. How sexist of him. Why can't I be the one to propose?

"Why you?" I demand.

Mason raises a brow. "Alright, sassy pants, settle down. I might be all for women's rights, but there are some things I'm a little old-fashioned about. Being the one to ask for a hand in marriage is one of them."

I agree with him, so why am I arguing right now? Right, I'm not in my right mind. Instead of keeping the argument going, I concede.

"Good to know. What did you make to eat?" I take another sip of my coffee.

It is made exactly how I like it. It tastes so good. Since Mason started coming over, he has made sure I always have the creamer and syrup I like. I used to skip on them more often than not. It's one of the small things I've let him do for me, even though the independent woman in me wanted to stop it. Thankfully, the selfish part of me wants the good coffee.

"I made bacon, eggs, and hash browns."

My stomach growls in response to his words. A greasy breakfast sounds amazing. It would soak up any leftover alcohol.

Then I realized what he said.

"I didn't have any of that in my fridge." I feel my forehead furrow, but that only makes it hurt, so I stop quickly.

Mason shrugs. "I know. Ari and I ran out to the store while you were sleeping."

I open my mouth, but no words come out. Yesterday, I would have screamed at him for doing that without me.

Today? I feel like he only did it for me. To take care of me.

"I hope that's okay."

"No, that's fine. I trust you." I mean every word of it too.

I don't know what is going on with me and Mason, but no matter what, I trust him with Ari. Ari loves him, and I know he loves her too. He's so good with her. I know without a doubt that he will always be in our daughter's life. Which means he will always be in mine. The question is, in what capacity?

Mason's shoulders relax. "Good. Now let's get some food in you and maybe another cup of coffee."

He stands and holds out a hand. I slip mine into his, and he pulls me off the bed carefully.

"Thanks. Then all I'll need is a shower, and I'll feel human again." I cringe. "I should probably go wash my face."

"Why?" Mason asks over his shoulder as he walks into the kitchen.

I take a seat at the little dining table I have. "Because I probably look like a raccoon."

Mason frowns as he pulls a plate out of the cabinet. "You washed your face and brushed your teeth last night when you got home."

"Huh, that's a first," I mutter under my breath.

Hell, I struggle with remembering to wash my face at night before bed when sober, so it's especially shocking that I remembered to while intoxicated.

"Did you have a good time?" he asks after a moment.

I rest my elbow on the table and put my chin in my palm as I watch Mason move around my kitchen. It's weird seeing a man so comfortable in my space, but I like it. Honestly, I could get used to it.

An image of him walking around in a pair of sweats and a T-shirt as the sun comes up as he makes me breakfast flashes through my mind. Yes, please. Sign me up.

"Livvy…"

"I'm sorry, I spaced out there for a second. What did you say?"

He smirks as he carries over two plates. "Did you have a good time last night?"

I take my plate from him. "Thank you, and I did. I didn't know how much I needed some girl time with Chloe."

"I'm glad. Just let me know when you want to get together with her again."

"How was Arianna last night? Did she give you any trouble?" I look around the apartment. "In fact, where is she?"

"Don't worry, she's in her room playing. I checked on her right before you woke up, and last night we had fun." He holds up his hand, and I see that his nails are painted a light, nude pink color.

"You let her paint your nails?" I ask, not bothering to hide the humor in my voice.

I never imagined that Mason would be that dad. Then again, I never let myself imagine him as a dad. After everything went down, right after I found out about Ari, I tried not to think of him at all.

It's a good look on him, though. He's a great dad. It has my ovaries working overtime right now.

"Yeah, why not? I figured it's part of being a girl dad." He shrugs as if it truly is no big deal.

As if he isn't the CEO of an international brand of hotels and other companies who goes to board meetings and flies on a damn jet. It's totally normal for that businessman to have nail polish on his fingers simply because his daughter wanted to paint them.

"I have some fingernail polish remover you can use before you leave," I tell him, a little embarrassed that she made him do that.

I'm used to it. I let her practice on me all the time.

He shrugs as he looks down at his nails. "It's fine. I kind of like it."

I duck my head and hide my smile.

This man. He disarms me when I least expect it.

"Hey, I want to run something by you."

"What's up?" I ask as I take another bite.

"I would like to introduce you and Arianna to my family."

I tense, but he raises a hand before I can say anything. "Let me clarify. I want to introduce you and her to Max and my two best friends, Eli and Brantley. I want them to know the two most important people in my life."

"I already know Max," I reply instinctively as my heart starts to race.

Of course he wants his family to know our daughter, but what could that mean?

Logically speaking, I knew this would happen. Eventually, we would have to tell everyone about Arianna.

Still, the idea of him having more people on his side than mine only makes me more nervous. What if they try to convince him to take her away from me one day? That's my biggest fear. That someday, someone will take her from me. She is the most important thing in my life.

"Please, this is really important to me. If you want, you can even invite Chloe. It's probably best anyway. The more people you and Ari are comfortable with, the better."

"Chloe is all I have other than Ari. She's it," I admit.

"You have me too, Liv." He reaches out, holding my hand.

He has been here. I'm still not convinced it will last, but I do believe he will at least always take care of Ari. Isn't that what I always wanted? Can I really refuse and keep my daughter from people who may love her?

I can't.

"When were you wanting to do this?" I ask after a moment of silence.

"As soon as possible. Honestly, I don't know how much longer I can keep my mouth shut." He shakes his head with a pained look on his face.

"I never asked you to do that," I remind him.

"I know, but I needed to convince you that I am here to stay before I let them descend. They are going to want to be a part of her life. I just didn't realize how hard it would be not talking about her."

I smile ruefully. "Right? I'm better about it now, but when she was a baby, all I wanted to do was talk about everything new she did. It drove my study group in college crazy, but they just didn't get it."

A sad smile crosses his face. "I wish I could have been there."

"Me too, but you're here now," I say quietly before taking a deep breath. "Set it up, and we'll be there. Let me know when, and I'll ask Chloe if she would like to come."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I just hope it goes as well as you think it will."

His mother didn't take it well, so I'm a little concerned about his friends. Max is also my boss, but I guess, in a way, Mason is too. I hope it all works out.

A smile crosses his face. "Thank you, and trust me, you have nothing to worry about."

I give him a small smile, hoping to hide my nerves.

Guess we are jumping into the deep end now.

* * *

Livvy paces in front of me in the kitchen of my home. "What if they don't like us?"

I finally convinced her that she would feel better if they were encroaching on my place instead of hers. Hers is like home base. Safety for her. I didn't want to take that away.

Plus, I'm hoping to get her more comfortable here. After admitting she hates her place while drunk the other night, I have wanted to move her in here. I have to ease her into it, though.

I'm a patient man.

"They are going to love you two," I reassure her.

Her eyes widen. "But what if they don't?"

I walk around my kitchen island and place my hands on her shoulders, holding her still and look her in the eye. "I promise you, they will love you and Ari. They are going to fall head over heels in love with her and want to spoil her rotten."

"You don't know that."

"I do. Now take a deep breath for me."

She does as I ask, and I smile. "Good girl."

Her eyes flare at the term of endearment. Interesting, I'll have to remember that for later.

The doorbell rings, making her jump.

"Everything is going to be fine," I remind her.

Reluctantly, I take a step back and head to the door.

"Hey guys, come on in," I tell Max, Eli, and Brantley, who are standing outside.

"Thanks for inviting us," Eli says.

"Why are we having dinner here? We usually go out," Brantley chimes in.

"I think you can hold off on trolling for women for one night," Max tells him.

Brantley scoffs at Max before turning to me. "Seriously though, it sounded important. Is everything okay?"

I take a deep breath as I try to calm my nerves. "I want you guys to meet someone."

The guys look at each other but don't say anything as I lead them deeper into the house.

Olivia comes into view, and she offers the guys a weak smile.

"Hi." She waves awkwardly.

"You wanted to introduce us to Olivia? We've met her before," Eli says with amusement in his voice.

I hear Max suck in a breath, but I don't look in his direction.

"Actually, there's someone else I would like you to meet," I tell them.

"Mommy! I washed my hands!" Ari yells as she comes walking down the hall. She stops right as she crosses into the living room and stares at the three men next to me. "Who are you?"

"Guys, I'd like you to meet Olivia's and my daughter, Arianna. Ari, I would like you to meet my two best friends, Brantley and Eli." I point at them.

Her eyes move over to the man on my other side. "Who's that?"

I turn my body slightly and put my hand on Max's shoulder. "This is my brother, Max."

Her eyes light up. "If he's your brother, that means he's my uncle, right?"

"That's right, sweetheart," Olivia confirms, her voice full of emotion.

Ari claps her hands under her chin. "I've never had an uncle before."

Brantley scoffs, making all of the adults in the room tense. "Do you know what's better than one uncle, Little Bit?"

Ari's eyes move to him. "What?"

"Three uncles," he tells her before looking at Eli and Max. "Just so you know, the game is on. I'm going to be her favorite. Hands down."

"Seriously? It's not a competition." Max sighs.

Brantley looks at Max, full of disappointment. "Everything is a competition."

"You have so much explaining to do," Eli says under his breath, so only I can hear him.

As discreetly as possible, I nod.

"Well, what are we doing standing around? I was told there was food, and I'm hungry," Eli says, slapping his hands together.

"Come on, Little Bit," Brantley says.

Ari comes skipping over to him and slips her hand in his.

While the guys and Ari head toward the dining room, I approach Livvy and pull her into my arms. "I told you it would be okay," I say as I press a kiss to her forehead.

She leans her head on my shoulder and sighs. "You did, but you can't blame me for being scared."

"I know, now come on. We better get in there before Brantley corrupts her."

Livvy giggles. "He can't be worse than Chloe."

Right when we step into the dining room, the doorbell rings.

"I bet that's Chloe. I'll go let her in," Livvy says.

Before she can even take a step, we hear the front door open and close.

Livvy sighs. "I've told her a thousand times that she can't just let herself into other people's homes."

"Honey, I'm home!" a woman shouts.

"In here, Auntie!" Ari yells back.

A woman with red hair and freckles comes into the room. "Man, this place is nice. You've really moved up in the world, Liv. I don't see any roaches or anything. Niiiice."

Olivia covers her face and groans while I laugh. The guys are giving her a calculating look.

I know what they are thinking. There's not a doubt in my mind that they've pegged Chloe as a gold digger who's convinced her friend to go after my money.

Olivia wouldn't be friends with someone like that. Besides, I've heard countless stories about the girl. I get the feeling her personality is all about getting under the skin of others. This is going to be interesting.

"I paid enough, I hope I don't have any bugs," I tell her. "Why don't you join us?"

I wave toward the table the guys have already settled into with Ari.

Chloe's face goes serious as she eyes me up and down. "So you're the dude who knocked up my best friend and left her high and dry."

"Chloe," Olivia hisses.

I don't look away from her. "I am, unknowingly, but yes."

"I owe you a nut check," she tells me.

I wince but nod.

"Maybe later. Are you going to stick around this time?" she questions.

"I'm not going anywhere," I tell her honestly.

"Good." She points two fingers at her eyes before pointing them at me. "I'll be watching you."

"Who are you?" Brantley asks, his tone harsh.

"I'm out of your league," she tells him before taking a seat next to Max.

Brantley goes to respond, but she ignores him, addressing the rest of the table.

"Now what are we eating? I'm hungry," Chloe says.

I lead Livvy over to her chair and pull it out.

"Thank you," she murmurs as she sits.

"You're welcome," I tell her as I take my seat next to her at the head of the table.

"Everyone, this is my best friend, Chloe," Livvy tells the guys.

"Max." he says, dipping his head toward her.

Eli lifts his chin. "Eli."

Brantley still looks a bit salty, but he turns on his most-charming smile like he does with all women. Guess he's decided she's not the enemy anymore.

Standing, he leans over to shake her hand, only he pulls it to his lips, kissing the back of it. "I'm Brantley."

Chloe's nose wrinkles as she pulls her hand free of his. "Ew, are you a serial killer?"

Everyone laughs as Brantley balks.

"A serial killer? You think I look like a serial killer?" he demands.

"The most notorious serial killers were good-looking, well-dressed, and educated men. You fit the bill," Chloe tells him.

"No, I'm not a serial killer," he says, eyes wide as he shakes his head.

Chloe shrugs. "Hey, I had to check. A girl can never be too careful."

Max frowns as he looks at Chloe. "Is this really a conversation we should be having with a small child in the room?"

"Oh, you poor, sweet soul. Trust me, Little's has heard far worse," Chloe says empathetically.

Olivia turns toward me and rests her hand on my arm. "She has manners and is house-trained. I swear."

I laugh as I take in the chaos of the room. This isn't how I imagined our first family dinner going, but I wouldn't change it. In fact, I can't wait to do it all over again, and we've barely gotten started.