Chapter 1
Eli
Of course he’d be here. Because why wouldn’t the universe conspire against me today? Every time I get the chance to have one-on-one time with Payton, the annoying waste of space drops by unannounced, aiming flirty glances and smooth one-liners her way. He reminds me of my sister’s glitter: impossible to get rid of and always showing up where he’s least wanted.
Of course, you wouldn’t know that from the way Payton is laughing at every one of his lame jokes. God must have had a field day the moment he allowed Mason Hale to enter my life, effectively ruining any shot I had with Payton.
As if feeling the weight of my glare, Mason looks over and casts me his golden boy smile that feels like he’s personally rubbing salt in an open wound. He knows I’m pissed, and he knows I can’t do anything about it without risking angering Payton.
“Eli,” he says, flashing that perfect smile that makes my blood boil. “Didn’t see you there. You’re really mastering the art of blending into the background.”
Payton laughs, slapping his bicep flirtingly. Of course she’d find him humiliating me funny. “Mason, be nice.” She says, but does a shitty job hiding her laughter.
I force a laugh, but it’s devoid of all humor. The glare that is still on my face hardens, and it’s safe to say that if looks could kill, Mason would be dead. A reality I will never have the pleasure of knowing. Shame.
“And you’re mastering the art of being unbearable.” I say, my smile tight enough to crack glass.
Mason chuckles, leaning back just enough to look effortlessly casual. “Look at you using big boy words. Glad to see you became aquatinted with a dictionary.”
I scoff, my eyes rolling as Peyton giggles at his reply. Normally I’d find her little giggles cute, but right now they’re like nails on a chalkboard. The urge to grab a kitchen knife and cut off my ears just so I no longer have to listen to them flirting is strong, but I refrain. Cutting off my ears would only create a mess and an unnecessary trip to the ER.
And hearing Isabella bitching like a spoiled brat is the last thing I want to deal with today.
Before I can do something stupid, like punching the bastard, I grab the untouched glass of water Payton gave me before Mason appeared and take a long sip. The water does little to extinguish the fire rising inside my body, but it does quench my thirst.
“So I was thinking,” Mason says, his attention now fully focused on Payton. He’s leaning forward, arms resting on the kitchen counter while the smirk is still glued to his face; it’s just toned down a bit more. “There’s a drive-in movie this weekend at the park. Grease, I think. I don’t know what your plans are for Saturday, but if you’re free, maybe we could go together?”
Fuck him!
Seriously,fuck him.The way he says it so smoothly, like he’s not blatantly trying to steal the girl I’ve been chasing for months—it makes my blood simmer. The corners of my vision slowly turn red, and the urge to punch him has never been stronger. My grip tightens around the glass, and I don’t have to look down to know my knuckles turned white.
However, I refuse to show any sign of irritation.
Payton gasps, as if that’s the greatest idea she has ever heard of, and I ignore the twist in my chest as she nods. “That’s such a great idea. Oh, we can also invite Tessa, and Hailey. Even Eli and Isabella could tag along.”
Normally, I’d hate the idea of being a third wheel, especially on a date that was supposed to be mine; but seeing Mason’s grin falter upon hearing her words might make up for that fact.
Now it’smyturn to smile. I let go of the glass and lean back against the chair. “Sounds fun. I’ll make sure to let Isabella know.”
“I—” Mason starts to say, but is interrupted by Payton.
“Great, I can’t wait! Maybe the girls and I could head out to get mani-pedis before the movie, and you and Mason can do... whatever it is men do to get ready.”
“Isabella would love that.” I say.
Not really. My sister is constantly out to sabotage Payton at every chance she gets, yet somehow always fails. She has a nasty habit of comparing herself to Payton, basically wanting to be her. I’d find it slightly concerning if I could bring it in myself to care.
“Amazing! I’ll call Hailey and Tess and let them know.” With that said, Payton walks away, leaving me alone in the kitchen with Mason.
As she rounds the corner, my smile falls and my attention zeros in on Mason, who is busy doing the same. “You just don’t know when to shut up, do you?” He says, his voice dripping with venom.
“Looks like we’re even.”
Mason scoffs, standing to his full height. His arms cross over his chest, showcasing the muscle hidden under his shirt. He’s trying to intimidate me, but I’ve known him for the past five years, so all his attempts no longer faze me.
Mason doesn’t back away. His eyes stay locked on mine, sharp and challenging, like he’s daring me to make the first move. “You really think Payton would ever pick you?” he mutters, his tone so low only I can hear. “She likes confidence, not charity cases.”
My jaw tightens, but I manage a thin smile. “Funny. I didn’t realize confidence came with a side of desperation.”
His grin returns, sharp and humorless. “Talk all you want. At the end of the day, she’ll still choose me.”
His words sting, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of seeing my ego wounded. My fist itches to punch the grin off his face, but I resist. Doing that will start a fight I’m sure to lose, because while Iamstrong, Mason’s stronger. And I have no doubt that he knows how to pack a punch.
Before either of us can say something we’ll regret, footsteps echo from the hallway.
“Just got off the phone with Tessa and Hailey.” Payton says, oblivious to the brewing tension as she enters the kitchen with her phone in her hand. “We can all meet at my place about four hours before the movie, get what we need to get done, and then you can pick us up and we’ll all head to the park together.”
“Sound like a plan.” I say, my gaze never leaving Mason’s. “I’ll let Isabella know.”
I stay in my place for a few extra seconds, holding Mason’s stare longer than necessary before grabbing the keys to my Porsche and heading out.
Isabella isn’t going to like this set-up any more than I do, but if it helps me get closer to Payton and win her over, then she’ll just have to deal with it. I’ve waited too long for this chance to let Mason ruin it.
