Southern Seduction (80 page)

“Wait, what?” I whisper as my heart sinks.

“His mom left when he was around ten, and Ray blamed Mason for her leaving. He was a fucking kid, so I have no idea how he rationalized that, but I guess he needed someone to blame. Our dads had been friends since high school, so when Ray went off the deep end, Dad did the best he could to shield Mason. He made up reasons why Mase needed to stay with us for weeks at a time. On more than one occasion, he left in the middle of the night, only to return a few hours later with a battered Mason in tow.”

I turn back to the ring and watch Mason as he trots around. My heart breaks imaging what he experienced growing up.

“God, that sounds terrible.”

“It was. Look, I’m just telling you this so you understand him a little better. I’m hoping you’re going to be around a lot more, and he really can be a dick when he’s first getting to know someone. He doesn’t trust very easily.”

I nod, and Hunter changes the conversation. He begins explaining to me everything that’s happening in the ring. I pretend to be paying attention, but all I can think about is the storm in Mason’s eyes last night. Suddenly, it makes a lot more sense.

After the horse show, our second night together went a lot like our first. We hung out, then had a lot of sex. Hunter made jokes and kissed me every chance he got. Mason watched, and when he did participate, he avoided my mouth completely. And more than anything else, I watched Mason. I did the one thing I hate that people do to me—I tried to figure him out. I desperately wanted to know more about him and how his past may have affected him. But unlike Hunter, Mason’s lips were sealed. Although, I never came right out and asked him.

The night ended much the same as the first, with Hunter sleeping sprawled out across the bed and me and Mason cuddling and talking.

The day after the show, the guys left to deliver the horse they managed to sell. They were gone for three days. Hunter called every night, but he never passed the phone to Mason. But then again, Mason never asked for it either. However, each night around midnight, I’d get a “Goodnight” text from him. It was always something brief and businesslike, but the idea of Mason sitting down to text me made me smile. I tried to send him something sexy back, but he never would respond.

The minute the guys got back, Hunter was knocking at my door. We made plans to go out and have a few drinks, and as sad as it made me, I spent the whole day staring at the clock.

“I need a drink, sugar.” Hunter shouts into my ear.

I’m drenched in sweat, and my hair is sticking to my face. I can only assume my makeup is running down my face. Hunter and I have been dancing for the last hour straight. He’s not just a pretty face. The man can move. His hard body has been grinding into me in the most erotic rhythm. The whole bar is staring as we all but fuck on the dance floor. However, the only I eyes I see are those of Mason carefully watching from the bar.

“Yeah, I could use a beer, too.”

Hunter grabs my hand and makes his way toward the bar. He holds me close, making sure no one bumps into me. When we reach the bar, he grips Mason on the shoulder.

“I’ve got to take a piss. Keep an eye on her.”

“What?” I shout. “I don’t need anyone to keep an eye on me!”

“Yeah, I got her,” Mason responds, completely ignoring me.

“Shut up! You are not keeping an eye on me.”

“Okay, fine. I’m not keeping an eye on you. Just don’t leave my side,” he says, going back to sipping his beer.

“You know what—” I begin, but Hunter stops me by dragging me against him.

“I just meant I want to be able to find you when I get back. I know you don’t need anyone to watch you.” He winks. He’s totally patronizing me, but he’s sexy doing it, so I let it slide.

“Whatever. Just go,” I say, annoyed.

He smiles down at me with his dark brown eyes dancing with humor. “I’ll be thinking about you.”

“Oh Jesus. Go pee, Casanova. Save your cheesy lines for someone who needs them.”

He laughs but walks toward the bathroom.

I turn my attention to Mason. “Hey.”

“Hey,” he responds, looking at me but not moving in my direction at all.

“You’ve been quiet tonight. Everything okay?”

“I’m always quiet, but yeah, I’m good. I’m just tired from the drive home.”

“I loved watching you ride the other day,” I say, taking a step towards him, only to have him back away.

“Lace, I’d rather not tell everyone here about our little arrangement. They’ve been watching you dry hump Hunter all night. Don’t add me to the mix.” The hurt must paint my face because he quickly changes his tone to that of my Midnight Mason. “Hey, they wouldn’t understand. Don’t read into it. Let’s head out, go back to my place tonight. Okay?”

“Your place?” A small smile creeps across my face.

“Yeah. Is that okay with you?”

“Is your bed big enough?”

“It’s a queen. I think we’ll fit.”

“But Hunter likes to stretch out when he sleeps.”

“I guess you’ll have to sleep on top of me then. Ya know, just so he’s comfortable.”

I laugh, and a gentle smile tilts his lips. This Mason is amazing, and the draw I feel to him is unrivaled. He may like to watch, but I think I like to watch him more.

“You want to dance?”

“No,” he quickly answers.

“Please.” I put on an exaggerated sad face.

“No,” he answers, but he finally gives me a grin.

“But—”

“Next slow song maybe. I don’t move like Hunter.” His smile drops when he makes the comparison.

“Mase, I don’t want you to move like Hunter. I want to dance with
you
.”

“Next slow song,” he reiterates.

“Fine., I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.”

I turn and walk away, heading straight for the DJ’s booth. I pull twenty bucks from my bra and pass it to the DJ, whispering my request in his ear.

“Let’s go, cowboy.” I walk back to Mason, grabbing his hand and pulling him out toward the floor.

The first notes of Garth Brooks
The Dance
ring out over the speakers. Mason freezes for a minute before I glance back to find a heat in his eyes.

“Why this song, Lace?” he asks.

“I may not like country, but this is a damn good song.”

He stops trying to fight and actually drags me to the dance floor.

“I’m assuming you like this one.”

“For some reason, I suddenly feel like dancing.” He pulls me into his arms, closer than two friends but not as close as we will be in a few hours.

I sway in Mason’s arms through the entire song. Despite the fact that I picked this song just because it was the only slow country song I know, it’s strangely fitting. I wouldn’t pass up this moment with Mason for anything. Even though, one day, it will only be a memory.

He doesn’t move like Hunter, but he still captivates me. And it isn’t until the next song starts that I realize Hunter is watching us from the corner of the floor. He’s waiting for us to head back to the bar, and the disappointment I feel leaving Mason’s arms is alarming. I can tell Mason feels it too. But like a trained professional, he slams down his emotionless mask and leads me off the floor. I fully expected him to let me go right back into Hunter’s arms, but when we gets close he pulls me behind him and has a quiet chat with Hunter. They are probably just hashing out sleeping arrangements since Mason wanted us back at his place tonight. I enjoy the minute and hold Mason’s hand.

“Twice in one week? To what do I owe this misfortune?” I hear the familiar bitchy voice behind me. Both guys snap their heads around as well.

“Shit,” I whisper to myself. “Just leave me alone, Abby!” I shout over the music.

“So who’s the unlucky guy tonight? Does he know you probably have every STD known to man?”

“Nope, not happening tonight,” Hunter says, stepping into my sister’s face. “I’m going to need you to shut the fuck up and leave.

“Oh, please. I bet you’re all excited to get between her legs now, but you probably wouldn’t even feel it.”

“I’m not sure what issue you have with Lacey, but I am sure it can be dealt with in private instead of acting like a raving bitch every time you run into her out in public.”

“Okay, wait. She can’t seriously be that good in bed. You’re hot, even if you are overcompensating for a small dick.”

“What the hell is it with Hamilton woman assuming I have a small dick? I would love to show to you the same way I showed Lacey, but I imagine it would turn to ice the minute it touched your wicked witch of a pussy.”

“You asshole.”

“Yeah, that’s pretty accurate,” Hunter says, leaning forward, scooping Abby off her feet, and tossing her over his shoulder. He carts her off toward the front as Mason pulls me out the back door.

“She is such a fucking cunt!” I yell even though it’s unnecessary in the silence outside.

“Who exactly is she?” Mason questions. His eyes scan the parking lot to make sure we are alone before pulling me tight against his side.

“That would be my sister Abby.”

“No shit?”

“Totally true story.” I melt further into his arms.

The bar doors swing open as the bouncers escort Hunter outside. I’m guessing his manhandling my sister didn’t go over too well with the staff. He strides over, and just as he gets close, Mason releases me and steps away. He pretends it’s only to get his keys out of his pocket, but I can’t help but feel like he is handing me back to Hunter. And the ease with which he is able to do that stings.

We pile into Mason’s truck and head back to the barn. I’m lost in my head, replaying the latest run-in with Abby.

“Okay, spill it. Why does she hate you?” Hunter asks just as we pull out of the parking lot.

“I slept with her fiancé.”

Both guys’ heads immediately snap to me.

“Well, that explains it!” Hunter says, but it’s Mason’s response that surprises me most.

“No, you didn’t.” He catches my eye for only a minute before looking back at the road.

“I just said I slept with him.”

“And I’m calling bullshit. You wouldn’t do that.”

“You’ve know me for, like, five days now. I hardly think you know me well enough to say that.”

His eyes purposely flash over to Hunter, who is staring out the passenger’s side window. Then he shakes his head in a silent explanation of why he won’t be discussing this right now. He lowers his voice and says, “I know enough.”

We ride the rest of the way home in silence.

“Your bed is too small,” Hunter complains as I lie sated at his side.

“You are more than welcome to sleep on the floor. Or, ya know…go home!” Mason replies, pulling me closer to his side.

“And miss round two? Hell no.”

“I want you to stay, but I have to be at work super early tomorrow, so there will be no round two tonight.”

“So I have to sleep in this small-ass bed for nothing?”

“You can hold my boob while you sleep if that would help,” I tease.

“You do have nice boobs.” He rolls over, gliding his hands over my chest. “Okay, you convinced me. I’ll stay.”

“That didn’t take much.” I lean over, planting a lingering kiss to his lips.

“It never does with you, sugar.” He nuzzles into my neck and quickly falls asleep.

Not ten minutes later, Mason rolls me away and into his side.

“Hey,” I whisper, kissing his jaw.

He gives me a tight squeeze. “Hey.”

“Thanks for going out tonight. I know dancing isn’t really your thing, but I loved having you there.”

“Oh yeah. I could tell,” he says sarcastically.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing. I’m glad you had fun.” His shield slips into place. “So tell me about this bullshit with your sister.”

“I already told you. I slept with her fiancé.”

“And I already told you that I don’t believe you. So spit it out.”

“Why don’t you believe me?” I ask just before my voice catches.

“Lace, I may not know much about you, but you told me your biggest fear is being left alone. There is no way in hell you would ever try to steal your sister’s fiancé, effectively leaving her alone. You’re not that girl.”

“Mason…” I suck in a breath as his words release me. “I didn’t sleep with him.” I whisper.