Page 63 of Power Play Daddies

Mason

The buzzingin my head is relentless, like a pissed-off bee trapped in a jar. My mouth’s dry, my body aches, and my brain’s screaming at me about whatever I drank last night.

Finnegan’s was way too much fun, and we had way too much tequila.

“Never again,” I mutter, dragging myself out of bed.

Lie. It’s always a lie.

The shower’s cold at first, shocking, but it helps. By the time the water’s hot, I’m leaning against the wall, letting it pound on my shoulders.

A few deep breaths more, and I feel halfway human.

Once I’m out, I towel off and check my phone. Yoga’s in about an hour.

Perfect.

I throw on a loose tank and shorts and head downstairs.

The smell hits me before I see her. Vegan pancakes.

Only one person in my life can make those smell like they came straight from a fancy brunch spot.

“Mom?” I call as I walk into the kitchen.

She’s at the stove, flipping pancakes, looking way too put together for this hour. Her blond hair’s tied back in a lowponytail, and she’s got a soft smile on her face that makes me feel like a kid again.

“You’re up early,” I say, walking over to kiss her cheek.

“I could say the same about you,” she teases, sliding a couple of pancakes onto a plate.

“Hangover,” I admit, grabbing a piece of fruit from the bowl on the counter. “Why are you up?”

“I’m heading home today.”

That stops me mid-chew. “Wait, already? I thought you were staying longer.”

She turns, plate in hand, and shrugs. “I want to, but don’t worry—I’ll be back in a few days. Remember, I’m having my kitchen retiled. I just thought it’d be nice to spend a little time with you before I go.”

I grin. “You’re the best, you know that?”

“So you keep telling me,” she says with a chuckle.

“I’m heading to the beach for yoga in a bit. Wanna join me?

She raises a brow, considering. “How about we have breakfast first, then yoga, and after that, you can show me that matcha place you love so much?”

“Deal.” I grab two plates and start setting the table.

As we sit down, she’s watching me, her expression softer than usual.

“What?” I ask, mouth full of pancake.

“I’m just really, really proud of you, Mason.”

I swallow hard. “Yeah?”

She nods. “You guys played so well against the Outlaws. Do you know who you’ll be facing next?”