Page 30 of One Weekend in Sydney

“Because he left before sunrise. He allowed me to take my time getting ready, which I did.”

Odette blinks. “He left you alone at his place?”

I nod.

“So, did you look around? Did you see photos of him?”

“No. I left as soon as I finished in the bathroom.”

“Really? If it were me, I would have snooped around when I had the chance.”

I shake my head. “He was so respectful of me and my wishes that I wanted to be the same to him. The fact that he wore his masks while dressing means he didn’t want me to find out what he looked like.”

“Aww. And this is why you’re gonna be the next mayor. You’re so full of integrity.”

I send her a wan smile. If I weren’t running for mayor, I would have asked Romeo for another date, maskless.

ChapterEleven

MASON

Isit at my desk, staring blankly at the computer screen. The words blur together as my mind drifts back to the night before. Tara’s touch, her laugh, the way her body responded to mine—it’s all I can think about. The memory of our night together seems to have etched itself into every fibre of my being, a sweet torture that I can’t escape.

But now, in the cold light of day, reality sets in. She knows me as Romeo, the masked stranger who swept her off her feet for one incredible night.

I run a hand through my hair, sighing harshly. How the hell am I supposed to tell her the truth?“Hey, Tara, remember that amazing night we had? Yeah, that was me, Mason, the guy you hate. Surprise!”

I can almost hear the disgust in her voice, see the betrayal in her eyes. No, I can’t do that to her. But I also can’t just walk away. Not again.

I glance at my watch, realising I’ve been sitting here for hours, lost in thought. It’s nearly lunchtime, and I haven’t gotten any work done. I push back from my desk, grabbing my jacket. I need to clear my head, and there’s only one place I want to be right now. Even though I still don’t know what to say, I need to speak to Tara as Mason.

The drive to the hotel where Tara and Odette are staying seems to take forever. Traffic is a nightmare, and every red light feels like a personal insult. By the time I pull up to the valet, my nerves are shot. I hand over my keys and rush inside, scanning the lobby for any sign of Tara.

I pull out my phone to call Odette and ask for their room number, but I get a call from my mother. “Hi, Mum,” I answer.

“Hello, dear. How are you?”

“Good, thanks. You?”

“Fine, fine. Have you heard from Odette? I’ve been trying to call her.”

“No. I was actually just about to give her a ring.”

My mum sighs. “If you get a hold of her, tell her that there’s a video of Tara circulating that might affect her chances at the upcoming election.”

Goosebumps form on my skin. “What do you mean? What video?”

“I don’t know. I was just talking to Maggie, and she mentioned it. She hasn’t seen it yet, either. But she heard from someone that it’s something about Tara being irresponsible in Sydney at a time when she should have been back at Moonstruck Cove, talking with investors in the community. Can you imagine? I’m sure it’s nonsense.”

My heart gallops. No. It can’t be. If it’s true, then this is a fucking nightmare. “I’ll find Odette. But can I ask you to do something, please?”

“What?”

“Call everyone you know—the ones who are supportive of Tara—and see who has a copy of the video, or at the very least, has seen it.”

“Okay.” Mum pauses. “Have you spoken to Tara at all this weekend?”

“No. But I want to help with this, so I need to go now.”

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