Chapter 28

Mason paused on the sidewalk in front of me before opening the passenger door of his Jeep and offering me a hand. As I climbed in, I tugged at my black cocktail dress that barely covered my backside.

"Only Brett would have a semi-formal housewarming party," I laughed.

"If he didn't already regret losing you," he said, "he will be kicking himself after tonight."

"Oh, it's that good?" I laughed.

Mason's piercing blue eyes met mine, and he lowered his voice. "Good doesn't even begin to describe it." He closed the passenger door and jogged to the driver's side.

As Mason gracefully slid into the car, I couldn't help but admire his sleek, all-black suit. The crisp creases and perfectly tied tie only added to his impeccable appearance. True to himself, he was still wearing a pair of black skateboarding shoes with gum soles.

And it worked for him.

"You look handsome," I told him.

He turned his gaze towards me, scanning my body as if trying to decipher a hidden code. The intensity of his stare sent shivers down my spine.

"Thank you," he said before he pulled away from the curb.

As we drove through the suburbs of Mount Pleasant, my stomach rumbled with nerves. I was about to walk into the lion's den.

When I looked over at Mason, the nerves in my stomach instantly settled. Something about him brought me a sense of peace. His presence was comforting.

"You're going to be fine," he said when he caught me staring at him.

"I know," I smiled.

We parked on the quaint neighborhood street with what seemed like fifty other cars. Brett did have a habit of inviting everyone he knew to a party.

"So, how does this whole pretending to be your date thing work?" Mason whispered when he helped me out of the car.

"I have no idea," I admitted. "We're just going to wing it."

For someone who used to despise winging it, I was becoming more adept at relinquishing control and placing trust in myself.

"Works for me," Mason said, gently taking my hand in his and guiding us to the front door.

Before we knocked, Mason pulled me in for a quick embrace. He didn't say anything, but I knew a good luck hug when I felt one. With Mason's arms still wrapped around me, Brett's front door swung open.

"Ken!" Brett said. He broke through Mason and my embrace and took me into his arms.

Angelica appeared from behind him, "Hi, Kenna!"

I peeled Brett off of me and took a step back into Mason's chest. The feeling of Mason's body against my back was the solace I needed.

"Hi, Angelica!" I said. "Thank you so much for inviting me!"

"Of course!" She plastered the front of her own body against Brett's in an attempt to claim what was hers.

Girl, you're more than welcome to have him.

"Brett, Angelica," I said. "This is Mason."

Mason extended his hand to Brett first. Brett puffed out his chest and deepened his voice in response.

"Nice to meet you, man," Brett said in the most resounding voice he could muster.

"Likewise," Mason said with absolutely no sincerity. But I was the only one who could detect that.

"Y'all are so cute together!" Angelica squeaked.

Brett cleared his throat, "We have a band and dance floor out back, and the caterer is inside."

The doorbell rang, saving us from another dreaded second with the hosts.

"We'll catch up later," Brett winked at me.

Ew.

"What the fuck does that mean?" Mason asked me as if he could read my mind.

"I have no idea," I said. "But there will be no catching up. Please don't leave my side."

His hand made its way to the small of my back. "I'm here," he whispered in my ear.

The chatter and laughter around us echoed off the walls. We navigated through the sea of people to the bar, where a hired bartender expertly mixed and poured drinks for the eager partygoers. My eyes surveyed the lively crowd, searching for any familiar faces. Unfortunately, I spotted more than I had hoped for.

"It's like a high school reunion," I said. "I haven't seen some of these people in years."

"Do you regret coming?" he asked.

"I got to see you in a suit," I said. "So, nope. Zero regrets."

He cocked his head, "Are you flirting with me?" A smile crept onto his face.

"Maybe," I shrugged.

"Let's go dance," he said as he led me to the dance floor outside.

"But no one is dancing yet!" I pointed out.

"Even better," he whispered as he pulled me in close to his body.

The music swirled around us as he held me tight, the heat of his touch keeping me warm against the cool evening breeze. We moved in perfect harmony as if an invisible thread bound our souls.

"You're good at this," I told him.

"Hmm?" he said.

"You're a good dancer," I clarified.

Mason's left arm encircled my waist and pulled me into a low dip. His head tilted towards mine, the movement slow and deliberate. I could feel his warm breath on my skin. At that moment, it seemed the world had stopped, and all that existed were the two of us.

"Impressive!" Brett applauded as he approached us, Angelica glued to his side.

I had failed to notice that we were no longer alone on the dance floor. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I realized we had unintentionally become the center of attention.

"You've proved your point," I told Mason.

He pulled me closer and whispered in my hair, "I'm just getting started."

I didn't want the night to end.

And it wasn't for the sake of the ruse.