Page 41 of Hidden Resolution

Mason’s jean-clad legs came into view. Dammit.

“Want to tell me why you’re hiding, love?”

She closed her eyes and counted to ten before cracking one open. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a mirage.

“I’m not,” she lied, slowly rising and wincing when her joints argued aloud. “I was studying this display.” With an archedbrow, she pretended great interest in the back of the cardboard cutout.

Mason’s voice dipped, meant only for her. “You never struck me as the type to avoid confrontation.”

Her spine snapped straight. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m done here.”

Rachel eyed Shonda’s bounty, and her disdainful sneer screamed personal offense.

“Really, Sondra? Could you advertise ‘single’ any louder?” she asked in her fake upper-class accent.

“It’sShonda, as you well remember. And you can kiss m?—”

“Actually,” Mason cut in smoothly, stepping in behind her. “Shonda and I are here together.” He dropped his basket into her cart and wrapped one arm snugly around her waist. “She sent me to get the salad fixings for dinner tonight.” He tucked his head next to hers to get a better view of her choices. “You forgot the popcorn for our movie, love, but thanks for remembering the cheese puffs. My favorite, as you well know.”

Yes, he’d laid it on thick, but convincingly enough to annoy Rachel.

“You turned me down… forher?”

Never one to gloat, Shonda nevertheless gave her a smug smile. “Sucks for you, doesn’t it, Regina?”

“Rachel!” her nemesis snapped before storming off, her stilettos clacking a furious rhythm.

After letting herself enjoy the solid feel of Mason’s arms for a heartbeat longer, Shonda got hold of herself.

“You didn’t need to do that,” she said, drawing away.

“She’s a bitch,” he countered with a shrug. “And she’s been sniffing around since high school. You did me a favor.”

“Fair enough.” She handed him his basket with a small pang. “Here.”

Instead of taking it, he draped himself across the cart’s handle. “Cheese puffs really are my favorite. I can grab some beer, and we can head to your place.”

The suggestion in his voice awakened an unwelcome response inside her. One she should’ve built defenses against. But she hadn’t.

His troublemaker grin flashed, promising sin and regret in equal measure. But it was his cool satisfaction, his assumption she’d cave, that firmed her resolve. For once, her brain and heart were in perfect accord, preparing a defense against him.

“Sorry. I’m catching up on work stuff,” she said.

She set his basket on the ground and yanked the shopping cart at the opposite end, causing him to stumble. It was difficult to determine if his frown was one of disbelief because his charm didn’t work or because she’d knocked him off balance.

“Besides, I’m done withcasualfucks,” she added with a stone-hard stare.

Splendid as far as exit lines went, but her timing was straight-up cursed.

Rachel’s grating giggle froze them in place, and they shared a horrified glance.

Shonda rotated, meeting her triumphant gaze.

“I was halfway out the door before I realized Mason had to be toying with you,” Rachel said, voice dripping with sugar and a hint of pity. “He likes to make me jealous.”

Was this really her life? Dealing with ex-hometown cheerleaders fueled by pettiness and spite? Why couldn’t this suck-ass week just end already? And why couldn’t she just leave without saying a word?

Yeah, not going to happen.