Page 16 of Between Regrets and Promises

Marching into the kitchen with Mason on my heels, I grab the bottle of Jack off the counter and pour myself another shot.

“You don’t need to drink that just because of me.”

“Why? You don’t think I’ve earned it?” I tilt my head back and swallow it down before he can respond. “Also, get off your high horse. I’m not drinking because ofyou. Actually, scratch that. I am…because you frustrate the hell out of me.”

Mason glances around me, and when I hear my sister and the other guys chatting, I know they’re on their way in here too. Mason grabs my elbow and drags me out, not letting go until we’re in a quiet hallway.

“What’re you doing?” I whisper-hiss. “I’m not a rag doll you can just manhandle.”

“Soph, I know. Jesus. I’m just trying to talk to you without all of them hearing.” He brushes his hand through his hair as if he’s flustered.

“Okay, what do you want to talk about?”

“I understand you’re pissed but trust me that not getting involved with me is for the best. If I was a selfish man, I’d say to hell with it and pull you into my bed right now.”

My heart beats erratically at his words. Part of me wishes he’d do just that, but I’d only end up more hurt.

“I don’t know how to be friends with you, Mason,” I tell him truthfully. “Lying to my sister…”

“Which is why you should pretend nothing happened.”

I flinch as if he’d just slapped me.

“Shit, that came out harsh.” He fidgets with his hands. “I’m not in a place to have a relationship right now, and the last thing I want to do is cause you any pain. I would’ve never taken you into that bathroom if I knew you were Lennon’s sister. Now everything is fucked up.”

His honesty gives me whiplash.

“Seeing you get cozy with Liam pisses me off, and although I have no right to be?—”

“Exactly.” I cut him off. “You don’t have any right or say. If I want to get cozy with the entire Pi Alpha whatever fraternity, you don’t get to say shit.”

“Liam isn’t interested,” he blurts. “He’s just trying to fuck with me.”

I roll my eyes, resisting the urge to smack him for his idiocy. “I’m not stupid, Mason. I figured that out within ten seconds.”

“Wait. What? So all of that…” He waves his hand in the air. “Was what?”

“A show. Agame. Whatever you wanna call it. Liam started it, and I played along. I’m well aware he’s not into me that way, so get off your soap box. And here’s a little tip. The next time you sleep with a girl you have no intention of calling, don’t tell her it’s because you don’t do relationships. Put her out of her damn misery and just admit you’re not that into her, or that you were too drunk, or hell, that she’s not your type. But don’tdo this ‘let’s be friends’ crap. Got it? No girl wants to hear that because we all know it’s bullshit.”

I hate that while I’m chewing his ass out, I remember what it felt like to be kissed by him and want to kiss him again.

Ugh. I’m pathetic.

“Trust me when I tell you it’s better this way,” Mason says sincerely, his voice low and pained.

I snort, not wanting to take the bait. “Sure. If that’s what helps you sleep at night.”

“I sleep like shit.”

I square my shoulders. “Good.”

He bites down on his lip, stifling a laugh. We both remain quiet, neither of us having any fight left.

“How’d you learn to play pool like that?” he asks, breaking the silence.

“Really?” I arch a brow, annoyed he thinks we’re gonna be on talking terms now.

He shrugs, giving me a pitiful look.

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