Page 44 of Fallen Hearts

“I’m perfectly settled,” I said, trying to ignore how good Mason smelled. “But my apartment is tiny. How long are you staying?”

“Just the weekend. And if you have plans, don’t worry about us. Sophia and I will get to know the town. Don’t change them for us.”

“Pia, can I talk to you a sec?” Mason asked.

I stepped off to the side with him just as Beck walked from the foyer upstairs. I saw my sister looking. “No. Absolutely”—in case she didn’t get it the first time—“no way.”

Sophia rolled her eyes.

“He already asked about her,” I said, defending my tone to Mason. “And that’s not happening.”

“Don’t blame you. If I had a sister, I wouldn’t let Beck date her either.”

“He is a real piece of work,” I admitted when Mason and I were fully out of range from my mother and sister. “So what’s up?”

“Let them stay here. We have open rooms.”

“You sure?”

“Positive. Why wouldn’t they? Unless you’re dying to sleep on your couch for the weekend.”

“I’m actually not,” I admitted. “But I do love staying up late with Soph after Mom goes to bed and having a wine, or two, with her. Of all my sisters, she and I are the closest. I still can’t believe she’s here.”

“You stay too. Take number one.”

No. Absolutely a terrible idea. Especially in the main house. Why hadn’t he suggested one of the inn’s rooms that were empty for me? Didn’t matter. The answer was no.

The word stuck on my tongue.

Our eyes met.

I thought of saying no. I thought of saying, “That’s a bad idea.” And yet, of all the responses that ran through my head, my mouth was about to blurt out the most dangerous one.

“Sounds good. As long as you’re positive.”

“I’ve been meaning to tell you that, anytime you’re here late and want to stay, number one is open for that reason. Friends and family only.”

“Beck keeps calling it Cole’s room, as if he’ll be joining you three soon.”

“Beck just wants to recreate college, in every way. Cole’s not coming back to Cedar Falls.”

“It seems like you’re right.” My heart raced. “Looks like you’ll be having some unexpected guests this weekend.”

“Works for me.”

Neither of us moved. I could tell he wanted to say more, but words were not always Mason’s strong suit.

“What is it?” I prompted.

“It was a good week,” he said. “Thank you.”

It was a good week, and despite Mason’s concerns that his dad was the affable one, he’d “turned it on” every time he was with a guest.

“You’re welcome,” I said simply, having learned to accept a compliment. It wasn’t always the case. So often when I was young, I’d say things like, “no big deal,” or minimize my accomplishments. But after what happened with Richard, I’d promised myself to knock that shit off.

“Beck and I are painting tonight though. I hope that won’t bother you.”

“Not at all. I’ll take them to dinner, and Soph and I can hang out late at night in my room.”

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