Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 79413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
I strip out of my borrowed clothes quickly, discarding them into a laundry basket next to the double-headed shower. If I wasn’t so hungry, I would definitely rinse off. Maybe he’ll let me shower when we get back… maybe he’ll join me.
My lips curl up into a smile of their own accord at my naughty thought. Would he? He let me sleep in his bed and didn’t seem to mind my cuddle attack, but he also hasn’t made a clear move, and not for lack of opportunity. Does he like me that way, or does he feel obligated in some way? Ugh, I wish I could read him better. Mason is like a high-security vault with mile-thick walls protecting him. Could I ever tear those down? Maybe not, or maybe I just need to climb over them instead.
MASON
“Don’t look at me like that.”
Griffin blinks rapidly while his head snaps back in surprise. “Like what?”
“Like the way you were looking at me just now. Like you can’t believe what you heard.”
“That’s because I can’t.” He glances toward the closed door my sister disappeared through seconds ago, just before he entered. “Now I get it.”
“Now you get what?” Do I sound offended? No doubt. Can I help it? I’m not so sure of that. I wish I could. Everything about this situation has me in self-defense mode. Fight or flight, on a smaller scale. I know my life isn’t inherently in danger.
It only feels like it is.
He jerks a thumb toward the door and smirks. “Nat was grinning from ear to ear. I was wondering why.”
Yes, she would. We might need to have a talk about putting me on the spot and how I’ve never appreciated it.
“So what brought this on?” he asks while I check my pockets to make sure I have my wallet, keys, and everything I need. I wish this didn’t feel so foreign. I also wish it didn’t seem like so much is hanging on what, for most people, would be an everyday occurrence. Going out for a little while, nothing more. I’ve gotten too comfortable around here. These walls have a way of making a man feel comfortable and safe in a world he knows is anything but.
“Just going out for breakfast, that’s all.”
“Sure.” Griffin doesn’t seem convinced. “I came up here to let you know we found Karl. He’s dead.”
I’m not terribly shocked at that. Death has been a daily part of my life. “Do we know who killed him?”
“Not yet. But I’m looking into it.”
I expect nothing less from Griffin.
“I trust you can keep from burning the place down while I’m gone?”
“As usual, I’m humbled by the faith you have in me.” He grins when I shoot a look his way. “It’ll be fine. You need this. Get outside, breathe some air, be around people.”
He makes being around people sound so easy. So many people, so many potential threats. I know my head will be on a swivel the entire time. How could I possibly enjoy this?
More importantly, how can she? She’s still in the bathroom, getting ready. I can practically feel her excitement radiating through the closed door. Why? Why is she hell-bent on shaking me out of my routine? What can it possibly matter to her what I do, how often I leave, or what I do for fun? Does she feel like she owes me something?
None of my questions are answered by the time the lock clicks and the door opens, and Teagan steps out wearing the dress my sister brought in.
At first, it takes a second for my brain to catch up with what I’m seeing. The soft pink of the dress makes her skin glow. It could be the excitement of going out, too, the way she smiles, the way her eyes sparkle. She’s happy. It takes so little to make her happy. Yet another mystery.
“How do I look?” She does a little spin, her arms held out to the sides.
When I can’t find the words, Griffin clears his throat. “Very nice. Where are you two headed?”
Good question. I have to think like a so-called normal person who isn’t filled with anxiety at the idea of stepping foot outside. Fuck, am I really this bad?
No. No, I’m not. This is just a hurdle. One more hurdle in a string of hurdles I’ve already overcome. This one will be no different.
“You are the one with big plans.” I lift a shoulder, looking her way. “What do you think? Pancake Castle?”
“Shit, bring me back an order.” Griffin follows us out the door and down to the elevator.
“Who said anything about you?”
I could fall over in shock when he looks at Teagan and sticks out his bottom lip. “Can you believe this? He would let me go hungry.” It seems like she has a strange effect on all of us because I can’t remember the last time he was this lighthearted. I can relate.