Page 52 of Mason

Where Mason sat looking pissed off and ready to beat someone black and blue. When he saw her, his expression shifted to relief.

He got up and pulled her into a hug. “I’m so sorry, Josephine. I didn’t want to do this on your birthday.”

“Do what?” she asked. “What’s going on, Mason?”

“You remember me telling you about the missing money at the frat?”

“Yes. You and Keith were upset about it.”

“It seems that money hit my bank account and then got transferred to yours.”

“That makes no sense. How would that money—”

“Someone is trying to set me up. They hacked my laptop. And now they’re involving you. I’m sorry, baby.”

“Stop saying you’re sorry.” Jo frowned, thinking. Who would do this to him? To her? “Why is this happening?”

“I don’t know, but that’s what we’re working on figuring out. It had to look like the police were picking us up for questioning to make the guy behind this think his plan worked.”

This was crazy. It sounded more like one of the episodes ofLaw & Orderthan real life. “Why is it in my account, though, Mason? What did I do?”

“You have the misfortune of being my girlfriend.”

Her arms tightened around him. “I’m very fortunate to be your girlfriend. This isn’t your fault, Mason.”

“I feel like it is, though, and now I’ve gone and ruined your birthday.”

“You haven’t ruined anything. As long as I’m with you, I’m good.”

He kissed the top of her head, and she held on tight. “Do they know who might be doing this?”

“They have some leads, but we’re stuck here for a few hours.”

“So, what are we going to do for a few hours?” She looked up and grinned impishly.

“Head out of the gutter, Josephine.” He laughed when her grin got wider. “You never know when we might have an audience.”

She glanced at the mirror in the room. He was right. Who knew who could be watching from the other side?

“Well, then, what do we do?”

“You ever played poker?”

“No.”

“Then you’re gonna learn today, baby.” He nodded to a pack of playing cards on the table.

There was a knock at the door, and Nikoli came in, followed by Kade. Both of them looked none too pleased to be there.

“Happy birthday, Jo.” Nik kissed her forehead, and Kade did the same.

“I bet you never expected to be here today.”

“No, but it could be worse. They might have arrested me for embezzlement.”

“Never happen, Josephine.” Mason cracked his knuckles. “I would never allow it.”

“We’re here to keep you entertained.” Nikoli sat down and opened the deck. “Poker?”