Page 116 of Between Regrets and Promises

“I think you’re seeing something that isn’t there. I already told you this was my last meeting and that I don’t see him as anything more than a friend. I’m gonna make that clear to him, too. Plus, he’s still grieving his wife, and considering this was a rough week for him, I want to be there for him as a friend,” she explains, but I don’t give two shits about this guy’s feelings. Sophie is mine, and I want to protect her.

“Sophie!” Maddie calls out. “We gotta go!”

“Mason, please. I don’t want us to fight.”

“I don’t either, so don’t go with him. Make up an excuse. Tell him you have somewhere to go afterward or that I’m taking you instead.”

She frowns, and I can tell her mind is spinning. She hates conflict.

“He’s already here and it’s gonna make things awkward if I go out there and send him away…”

“Then I’ll do it.” I turn to walk out but she grabs my arm before I can march out there.

“Mason, please. Don’t.” Her voice shakes, and I see her bottom lip trembling. “I don’t want to witness another fight. I’ve seen enough violence to last a lifetime.”

Fuck. She knows how to pull at my heartstrings.

A knock pounds on the door. “Are you two doing it? I’m coming in!” Maddie announces. She walks in and stops when she sees Sophie and I. “Are you guys fighting?”

“No,” I say at the same time Sophie says, “Yes.”

“Well…can you two wrap it up? Caleb is waiting, and you’re gonna be late.” Maddie shuts the door, leaving us alone. The last thing I want is for Sophie to leave with us bickering, especially before our date tonight.

“Please don’t be mad. I’ll be back in an hour, okay?”

With my options limited, I exhale a deep breath and pull Sophie to my chest. “Let’s not fight. I want us to have a good night.”

Sophie pulls back slightly with a smile on her face. “With you, it will be.”

Cupping her face, I slant my mouth over hers and kiss her, my tongue finding hers. My hands slide down her body, memorizing every inch of her perfect body.

“Don’t start,” she teases against my lips.

Groaning, I lean back on my shoes as my eyes scan down her hot body. “You cannot wear those fuck-me heels.” I pout as I imagine all the positions I’d have her in while wearing those damn things.

“I wore them foryou.” She winks.

Following her out, I spot Maddie with Caleb by the door. They’re chatting, but as soon as they hear us coming, Caleb’s eyes scan down Sophie’s body. I clench my fists, wanting to take this guy out simply for checking out my girl. If he’s not clear that she’s mine, then I’m going to make sure it’scrystalfucking clear. However, it’s the last thing Sophie wants right now and after everything she’s gone through, I don’t want to bring her anymore pain.

“You ready?” Caleb asks, stuffing his hands in his front pockets.

“Hey, almost. Gotta grab my jacket.”

I grab it from the hook and hold it out for her. She pushes her arms through, then fixes her hair and adjusts herself. Once she’s turned toward me, I step closer and whisper in her ear, “You really do look stunning, baby. I’m gonna be hard all damn night long.”

She blushes and bites her bottom lip. “Better wait for me,” she teases, then walks toward Maddie and Caleb. I follow behind and see them out.

“See ya, Mads. Bye, Caleb.” I grind my teeth together as I force his name off my lips. Before Sophie walks out, I lean down to cup her jaw with my hand. “Bye.” I wink before pressing my mouth to hers once more.

Caleb stands like a statue with an unreadable expression. If he wasn’t aware she’s taken, he is now.

Sophie blows me a kiss, and then the three of them pile into Caleb’s car before he drives off. Moments later, Liam’s date stumbles down the stairs.

“Fuckin’ asshole,” she mutters, storms past me and out the door, then slams it behind her.

I snort and chuckle. “What the hell did he do this time?”

Taking the steps two at a time, I walk to his bedroom and knock on the door. “You decent?”

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