Page 8 of Between Regrets and Promises (Between Us Trilogy #2)

I peek between my fingers and see he’s standing inches from me.

“Thank fuck you didn’t miss or give him the chance to win.

” He lowers his voice so no one else hears, but it wouldn’t matter, considering how loud everyone’s being.

Between Hunter and Brandon telling Liam to put his clothes back on and Lennon telling them to pay up, it’s loud as hell in here.

“Why?” I drop my arms, looking up at him. “You’re the only one allowed to hit it and quit it?” I raise my brows, challenging him.

“What? No. Soph…”

“Just stop.” I turn toward my shoes and slide them on. Grabbing my earrings off the table, I’m grateful when I see Liam getting dressed, though he was definitely nice to look at.

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 of you . 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. A game . 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’t do 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.

Inhaling a defeated breath, I slump my shoulders as I release the tension.

“I’ve always been good with my hands. Calculated and precise.

It’s why I started playing the violin. Once I got to college, it was the only thing I could participate in because I’m not an athlete, or a singer, or math wiz.

So I’d meet with friends at the pubs, and we’d play pool.

Surprisingly, I got good at it.” I shrug.

“Once Lennon was allowed in the bars, she’d play with me, and I’d demolish her—not that it was a true hardship—she sucks. ”

Mason’s face splits into a wide smile, and I hate that I love it so much. “You certainly gave Liam a run for his money.”

“Eh, I’m not convinced he didn’t let me win. He’s also pretty drunk.”

“Don’t be so modest. But maybe you should ask him for a rematch when you’re both sober.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Are we having an actual conversation?

We’re silent for a beat, but if I don’t go back to Lennon, she’s going to come looking for me. I keep focused on my feet and contemplate how to wrap this up. Friends or not, this is still awkward when I continuously replay our moment together in my mind.

“Well, for whatever it’s worth…” Mason’s words bring my gaze back to his. “I hope we can be real friends someday. It’d be a shame if you hated me forever when we obviously have great conversation.”

Snorting at his emphasis, I nod. “Looked like you were about to murder Liam in there. You sure you can do just friends ?”

He groans. “Liam was pushing my buttons on purpose. And I didn’t even tell him. He just figured it out. He’s an asshole like that.”

“Weirdest friendship I’ve ever heard.”

He grunts. “Try being his roommate.”

“Pass.” I chuckle, admiring the way his jeans hug his thighs.

Fuck my life.

I need to stop checking him out.

Stop looking at Mason as anything more because he’s made it clear there won’t be more . If only my heart would get the memo, though, and stop reminiscing about every part of my body he burned with his touch.

Exhaling a deep breath, I let him know the terms of this just friends arrangement.

“This doesn’t mean I’m not still pissed at you.

I won’t tell Lennon, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she figures it out too,” I tell him matter-of-factly before adding, “And we’re not exchanging friendship bracelets anytime soon.

” I put my foot down to let him know I’m not giving him the upper hand.

“No? Friendship anklets, maybe?” He raises his brows with a boyish grin. Damn him.

“You’re a moron, Mason Holt.”

“So I’ve heard.” He smirks.

My shoulders rise and fall, accepting that this is it. “You did warn me, so I should’ve taken your word for it. You’re definitely no saint.”

He tilts his head, the remorse obvious in his expression. “I wish I could be—for you. But I’m a good friend. Just ask my dickhead roommate.” He nods toward the kitchen where Liam’s being loud and rowdy.

I snort, shaking my head at him. “We’ll see about that.”