Prologue
I feel my phone vibrating under my arm from inside my clutch, but I don’t dare take it out. Thinking about the embarrassment I would experience if he sees the brand new shiny phone makes my cheeks red.
I have to get away from him as soon as possible. This can’t go on. This is wrong. Him and I are like oil and water. We don’t go well together, but I want it so bad. I want a future where he is in it. I’m willing to see that future through, even if it’s short lived. But not right now.
“I have to go, Mason. I can’t do this right now. People can see us. Do you have any idea all the things they’d say.”
I look around carefully, making sure not to attract too much attention. I see a couple of families walking towards their respective cars. Every single one of them appear to be oblivious to what’s going on between Mason and I. Thankfully.
“Not right now? Then when?” His face looks calm, but his eyes give away the desperation he’s feeling.
My phone begins to vibrate again. I glance into my clutch to see who is calling. When I see my mom’s contact picture flashing on the screen, I begin to panic. This can’t be; I’m in deep trouble for sure.
Without a second to spare, I turn around and begin to walk towards the back kitchen door. A sudden pull on my arm causes me to almost lose my balance. I look up in shock. What the...?
“Don’t walk away again, Addison. We aren’t done talking.” he growls.
“Mason, I have to go!” My voice betrays the faux calmness etched in my facial expressions. “I have to go, my mom is calling me! If she sees us…”
“So what if she sees us? We aren’t doing anything wrong.”
All the possible responses I can give him seem to escape me. I can’t do anything but suppress a sigh. Gathering my resolve, I look into Mason’s eyes. The intensity of his glare, once again, leaves me speechless. His deep brown eyes are mesmerizing, and I can’t seem to be able to look away.
“What would you do if someone kissed you right now?” His voice is barely above a whisper. His tone leaves me breathless.
“I-uh, I- it depends.” Did that really just come out my mouth? That was my brilliant response?
“Depends? Depends on what?” he asks. Is that humor in his voice? I can’t be sure. Either way, I should get going.
I try to move, but my feet seem to be stuck in place. Before I realize what I’m doing, my mouth is moving. Answering his question.
“It depends on who it is.”
“What would you do if I kissed you right now?”
Yup, there is definitely humor in his voice.
I give up on leaving. I feel...what’s that expression again? Oh, yea. I feel butterflies in my stomach. Oh, lord. I’m being cheesy and he hasn’t even kissed me yet. As I stare into his eyes, I see lines of humor begin to form around his eyes. He seems content. I slowly begin to close my eyes in anticipation. This is really happening.
Just as I feel his breath fan across my mouth, I feel the oh-so-familiar vibration. Looking down, I realize it’s my mom again. Oh no. Desperate to go back inside, I push Mason away from me and run into the building. I’m walking as fast as the heels I’m wearing allow me to, knowing if I don’t get inside as soon as possible I won’t be able to escape my mother’s anger.
From behind me, I hear Mason’s voice calling after me, but I can’t afford to turn around now. My cheeks burn out of embarrassment.
What if someone saw us in a compromising position?
Oh goodness graces. I hope not.
