Page 20 of Grand Love

“Is Scar there too?”

“Yes, she stayed. I will come up with you if you want?”

I roll my lips, unsure. “Yeah, okay.”

Am I ready for this? I don’t want to see him.

“I know it’s been a while, but nothing has changed with him. He’s still the same Mason as before.”

I think that’s what I’m most afraid of.

* * *

It’safter eight when we get to my apartment. Vinny follows me to the elevator, and we ride it in silence to my floor. I pause when I reach the door, looking up at him. He simply nods his head in encouragement, urging me forward. Here goes nothing.

I take my time, shimmying into the apartment and placing my bag on the side table, then, slipping my shoes off, I bend and place them off to the side.

I don’t want to look up.

I can hear the TV and I know he is here.

I can feel his eyes on me.

My heart pounds in my ears as I turn towards the living room, looking anywhere but at the man who sits on my sofa. I can see him in my peripheral, but I can’t bring myself to look him in the eye. Still, my body flushes hot.

“Hi,” I say to Scarlet, spotting her in the kitchen. I walk to her instead. “Did he go down okay?”

We stare at one another as if I haven’t just asked a question. She flicks her head between me and Mason, clearly unsure what to say.

I need her to be the chatty one here. She could talk the ear off a donkey. Why is she not saying anything?!

I frown at her, willing her to talk.

Mason lets out a huff from behind me, and subconsciously I turn, my eyes finally finding him.

Everything inside me liquifies as our gazes lock. His low brows, dark eyes and strong jaw. His lips, full and parted. I feel my brow crease. It’s painful to look at him. My chest aches with a warmth so intense, it sears me from the inside out.

What even is that feeling?

His hair is longer, much longer as if he hasn’t cut it in months. It curls around his ears, brushing his collar. His body is strong, his shoulders set wide, and his arms stretch the fabric of his dress shirt.

Everything is as I remember it.

Is that why this hurts so much? The knowing. How he felt when I was in his arms, or how he smelt. God, I miss the sensory overload that would floor me whenever he held me.

He breaks the connection first, bending to pick up his keys. “He went down fine. Had a bottle at seven.” Everything about him is cold and detached. The polar opposite of the feelings he evokes in me. “Scar, you ready?”

“We’re leaving?” she asks, confused.

“Yeah.” His eyes eat me up again. Every. Inch. Of. Me. “We’re leaving.”

I don’t know what I was expecting after all this time, but this wasn’t it. It’s as if he can’t stand to look at me.

Scarlet gives me a tight smile as she steps past me. I can only imagine how awkward this must be for her. “I’ll text you when I’m home.”

“Okay.” I nod.

Mason turns, striding towards the door. The air is electric between us, so much that hasn’t been said. So much that will never be said.

---