Page 54 of Hypnotized By Love

“I too can!” I protested.

“Youtoucan? Like the bird?”

That wasn’t right. “I can, too!” Obviously I could consent, which was why I had tried to kiss him.

“I think you just proved my point, and your judgment might be a tad impaired.”

That mollified me slightly. It was true—I wasn’t quite myself. But I could tell whether or not I wanted to kiss someone.

That nagging feeling had returned, like I was forgetting something very important. Something that was going to make me angry when I remembered. But nothing was coming to the forefront of my mind. I was still revved up, with no way to ease this ache.

Well, whatever this nagging feeling was, it could just wait until tomorrow.

“Where are your keys?” he asked me, and I handed him my purse, still feeling pretty unsteady.

Mason took the purse from me and began to rummage through it. “Why are there so many candy wrappers in here? It’s like a chocolate cemetery.” He grumbled for a bit longer and then finally located my keys.

“Come on, Dory,” he said, pointing me toward the door as he wrapped an arm around my waist to help me walk.

Him being pressed against me felt delicious.

“Dory?” I asked.

“Because you drink like a fish?”

I smiled. “I thought it was because I was forgetful.”

“What are you forgetting?” he asked as we walked through the front door and out into the parking lot, the humid air wrapping around me like a thick blanket, making me sweat.

“I don’t know, but I get the feeling that when I remember, I’m going to be mad.”

“I’d agree with that,” he said.

He pushed the button on my key fob and unlocked the doors. He opened the passenger door to help me get in, and I stopped to grin at him. “You just told me you wanted to kiss me. That’s embarrassing for you.”

“You wanted the same thing,” he reminded me.

“Yes, but I’m drunk. What’s your excuse?” I asked as I slid into the car. He closed the door behind me, and I struggled with my seat belt because I lacked the coordination to clip it into the buckle.

“Here.” He had entered the driver’s side, and his long fingers brushed against mine as he helped click it into place.

“Thank you,” I said, enjoying being this close to him. His gaze darted up to mine, as if he realized what position we were in, and he scooted back and started up the car.

Even though it was muggy outside, I rolled down my window so that I could feel the rush of fresh air against my skin. Despite my most recent humiliation, everything felt shiny and happy, as if it were surrounded by a golden haze, and like I didn’t have any worries or concerns at all. I could just be free.

Time seemed to both stop and fly by at the same time.

Probably because I had fallen asleep.

I woke up to Mason gently shaking my shoulder. “Sinclair, we’re here.”

“Oh!” I sat up and rubbed my mouth, hoping I hadn’t accidentally drooled, but I was good. “Thanks.”

We sat in the car awkwardly for a moment. My instinct was to run away, but I felt trapped by his gaze and stayed put.

Why was he so handsome? And chiseled and broad and well built and ridiculously attractive?

“If it’s okay with you, I’ll drive myself home and bring the car back tomorrow,” he offered.

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