Page 24 of Fallen Hearts

Mason cleared his throat.

“I also wanted to mention,” he said, as if that exchange hadn’t happened, “Cole’s heading back tomorrow. You’re welcome to come to O’Malley’s tonight with us to celebrate.”

That seemed like an odd word to use. “Celebrate? That he’s leaving?”

“He’s a pain in the ass sometimes.”

“But you said he’s one of your best friends?”

“Also true.”

“So why are you best friends with a guy who’s a pain in the ass?”

Mason shrugged. “Because he’s also loyal to a fault and a lot of fun when he loosens up. Not to mention, he’s the smartest guy I know.”

“I see.”

“Come out with us tonight. You’ll see what I mean.”

I had no plans and would love to, but… “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

Mason appeared genuinely confused. “Whaddya mean?”

Shit. “You know, boss. Employee. All of that.”

“That’s not a concern for me at all. We’re a team of two, three if you count Esther. I think it’s perfectly reasonable for us to be more like friends, but if that’s not what you want?—”

“Oh no,” I reassured him. “That would be great. I just never want to overstep.”

Mason sighed, not like he was annoyed but more as if trying to sort through his response. “I invited you, so no worries about overstepping. Plus, you’re going to be seeing a lot of Parker and Beck, so might as well get used to them.”

Mason had told me about their arrangement, how they were moving in with him. I hadn’t seen much of Parker these past few days, but Beck popped his head into the office periodically. Asking me out, and me saying no, had become a running joke between us. At this point, I didn’t even think he really wanted to go out with me but did it more for laughs. It felt as if we were becoming friends. And I actually liked friend Beck a lot better than potential date Beck. That guy was as cocky as they came.

Actually, they were both pretty cocky.

“What’s so funny?” Mason asked when I didn’t respond but laughed instead.

“I was just thinking about Beck’s latest attempt at getting me to go out with him,” I said, pointing to the vase of white roses on my desk.

“Are you fucking kidding me? I told him not to make you uncomfortable.”

“Oh no, no, it’s not like that. Honestly, I don’t think he even wants to go out with me at this point. It’s sort of just a running joke.”

Mason raised his brows. “I might not get too comfortable with that idea. Trust me, if you said yes, Beck would go out with you in a heartbeat.”

“You think?” I teased, not caring really about the answer since it was never happening. He simply wasn’t my type.

Mason was about to say something more but stopped. Looked pointedly at me.

“What is it?” I prompted, curious.

“Nothing,” he said, standing.

It wasn’t nothing. I was sure of it. And just as sure that Mason wasn’t going to spill the beans.

“What time tonight?” I asked.

“Seven.”

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