Mason Read online

  “No, sorry I’m not,’’ I deadpan, keeping my eyes locked into my beer. My mind wanders back to Denny, and tomorrow, when all of a sudden a plan comes to mind and I grin to myself. The woman still standing next to me must take that as a sign to rub her breasts against my arm. I turn to her shaking my head in disgust.

  “Look love, I’m gay and although you do have manly features, I prefer dick.’’

  With that I grab my jacket from off the bar and head over to the offices downstairs. I need to work out a plan with everyone and hopefully we can get Harlow to agree. I know she’s looking out for her friend, but sometimes that girl can be stubborn as shit. She kind of reminds me of her Nan.

  If it all works out I could have Denny living with me by the end of the week. Hopefully by the end of tomorrow, but I’m not going to get myself too psyched up over it just to be let down again.

  Chapter Two

  DENNY

  “Nan, I’m fine, honestly,’’ I assure her, rubbing a hand over my ever-growing bump. I’m only twenty one weeks gone, but my Nan says I look like I’m further along with how large my bump is. I’ve only had one scan since finding out about the baby, and I’m due for another one any day now, but for some unknown reason I’ve been putting it off for three weeks now.

  “Are you sure? Have you spoken to Evan yet?’’ My Nan is driving me insane with all her smothering. Don’t get me wrong I love that she cares, but sometimes it all becomes too much. As for my brother, he hasn’t contacted me since I called him a week ago asking to crash at his place after I got my summons letter from the courts.

  “Yes Nan, he texted me earlier to let me know he’s waiting for me outside the train station,’’ I lie. She’s been so worried about me travelling alone from Wales to Coldenshire that she’s been on my back most of the way here. I didn’t want to tell her that Harlow is picking me up because I’ll know she’ll flip out when she finds out I’ll be that much closer to Mason. And now that he knows about the baby, I have no idea how he’s going to react.

  With the long journey back to Coldenshire, I downloaded a new romance novel I found on Amazon yesterday to read, but with her constantly calling me every twenty minutes I’ve not been able to pass the first page.

  “Thank goodness Denny. That boy really needs to answer that mobile phone of his. Call me when you arrive and if Evan isn’t there to pick you up….’’

  “I promise, so stop worrying,’’ I plead interrupting, fanning myself with the newspaper that some guy had left a few stops back. The mid-August heat is overbearing and I can’t wait to get off this hot stuffy train. My silent prayers are answered when the intercom announces the next stop. “Nan, I’m the next stop. I need to get my stuff together, I don’t want to get trampled on.’’

  “Of course, you go on now. Don’t forget to call me. And make sure you drink plenty of water and remember to take those vitamins. I packed a spare packet in your suitcase.’’

  Rolling my eyes, I thank her, ending the call and putting my phone in my handbag. I quickly grab my hand luggage and suitcase then start to make my way towards the exit.

  Taking my phone back out of my pocket I text Harlow to make sure she’s still okay to pick me up and to let her know I’ve arrived. I’m starting to worry she’s forgotten when my phone beeps alerting me of a text.

  Harlow: Out in the parking lot. X H

  I shake my head, excited to see her for the first time since I told her about the baby. We’ve spoken to each other over the phone occasionally, but for the first month of staying with my Nan I ignored most of her calls, especially when she brought up his name. It hurts too much when I let myself think about him, let alone someone reminding me of him.

  The doors open and I delight in the cool breeze for a moment before everyone starts to shuffle past me in a hurry off the train. I’m stunned for a second, in total shock at how rude people are.

  “Hello? Pregnant woman here and carrying two bags, assholes,’’ I snap when another business man knocks past me.

  I’m just about to go sumo wrestler on the asshole who takes my luggage from my hands, but before I can even blink or process what is going on, he’s back. I’m startled when his two strong, muscled hands grab me from under my arms and lift me off the train, safely onto the platform.

  I’m in two minds about what to do. Shall I scream and shout? Or shall I gracefully thank him like nothing had happened?

  “Hello Denny.’’ His voice is still deep and raspy, and much to my disappointment it still covers my skin in goose bumps, sending shivers down the back of my spine. How can he still have such a powerful effect on me after everything he’s put me through? I don’t get it. It’s like I’m glutton for punishment or something.

  “Hello Mason.’’

  We stand staring at each other for what seems like hours. I’m actually thankful now that I put on my white sundress that ends just above my knees. Not that I have many options lately on what to wear. But the thought of our first encounter being in sweats and a baggy t-shirt gives me the heebie-geebies.

  Mason’s hair looks longer than it did a few months back. His eyes are lined with dark circles and he looks like he hasn’t shaved since the last time I saw him. Even his bright, sparkly brown eyes look different. They seem duller, full of sadness, pain and regret, and it hurts my heart to see him like this.

  My eyes water not knowing what to do, so I do the only thing I can do, I run away. Not literally, I’d never make it a step without being out of breath, but I walk away, not knowing what to say to him.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?’’ he blurts out, sounding between angry and sad about it as he reaches out to stop me. His touch has me stopping short, standing there frozen and contemplating what to do. He’s occupied my thoughts for so long that you would think I would know what to do right now, what to say, but the truth is, I don’t.

  “I never had the chance,’’ I whisper feeling really bad. It’s obvious Harlow told him about the baby, she made it no secret, but she never came right out and said she told him. It’s not like I told her it was a secret, so I can’t really be mad at her for it either. In fact, I’m madder at myself more than anything. I just wish we didn’t have to have this conversation right now. I’m hot, I’m hungry, and I’m also so freaking tired I could fall asleep standing up right now. And okay, yes, I’d been hoping to avoid seeing him the whole time I was here. I’m just not ready for this confrontation yet. Is that bad of me?

  “You didn’t? Didn’t it occur to you when you were around me and my brothers to tell me or even one of them? I deserved to fucking know Denny. I deserved to be there for you and our baby.’’

  My head snaps up to him, my blood pressure rising. I’d like to blame it on the pregnancy hormones, but no, this is all me. How dare he push all the blame onto me.

  “I’m sorry. When I tried to text you to talk to you, you would never even gift me with a reply and then, not long after, you blocked my number. Oh… oh… maybe I should have told you when you started to avoid me? Better yet, when I actually saw you with one of your hook-ups, maybe I should have told you then. Mason, I tried to fucking tell you over and over again, but you were the one always too fucking busy avoiding me. I’m the one that had to go through this on my own. I’m a fucking teenager for fuck sake and I had to do it on my own. Oh… wait… the best part, the first people I do finally find the courage to tell disown me and kick me out.

  “Yes I agree I should have told you, but you never gave me the time of day, Mason.’’ I’m yelling and crying so hard that we’ve gathered the attention from the other passengers around us.

  “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything I did after I slept with you. I just… I… come on, the others are waiting,’’ he says looking deflated, and just like that he grabs my bags and walks towards the exit.

  I follow behind at a slower pace, my mind reeling over him being here, with me. I’ve been trying so hard to move on from him that I didn’t expect for my old feelings to resurface th
e moment I laid eyes on him again. I want to kick my body and thump my heart so bad right now; why can’t they get in check with my head?

  “Welcome home,’’ is shouted and I’m immediately stunned, standing frozen staring at everyone in front of me with wide eyes. All of the Carter brothers are there with their Granddad and so is Harlow with her Gram’s. I didn’t think anyone would want to speak to me again after I upped and left the way I did, pregnant and all.

  “What are you guys doing here?’’ I ask completely shocked, the tears again falling from my eyes.

  Harlow is the first one to step out from the gang and rush over to me, bringing me into a tight hug.

  God, I’ve missed the crazy girl!

  “Oh my God, you look stunning Denny. I can’t believe how big your belly is,’’ she gushes making me smile and feeling a little self-conscious.

  “Yeah babe, what are you packing under that dress?’’ Max flirts coming up to give me a hug. Pulling away his eyes drift down towards my cleavage, which is pretty impressive I must say. Another perk that comes to being pregnant.

  “Move your eyes, dickhead,’’ Mason growls making me jump. I hadn’t noticed that he had moved to stand so close beside me and now that I’m fully aware, I can feel my body heating, and it’s not because of the sun.

  “Sorry,’’ Max says not sounding sorry before he’s shoved out of the way by Myles.

  “It’s good to have you back. The gang has been so lost without you,’’ he mutters before giving me a hug.

  “Thanks,’’ I whisper feeling overwhelmed. I hid my pregnancy from all of them, yet they’re all here welcoming me back with open arms.

  Malik gives me a head nod, and it makes me smile. It seems some things don’t change around here. Harlow grins up at him from where she’s leaning against him, and it makes my heart swell and a lump to form in my throat.

  “Welcome home Denny sweetie,’’ Harlow’s Gram’s, Joan, tells me before giving me a hug. Mark, Mason’s Granddad does the same before moving back to Joan’s side. Harlow mentioned the two had gotten together and were officially living together now, but seeing them together like this… they look so cute.

  Maverick, the eldest of the Carter sibling’s steps forward last, his eyes warm and soft as he approaches me. We haven’t really spoken to each other in the past, so it’s surprising to see him here with everyone else.

  “Welcome to the family, Darlin’.’’ His words shock me, but when he brings me in for a hug it completely baffles me.

  “Thank you,’’ I whisper back once I’ve found my voice.

  “We’ve cleaned out Malik’s old room over at Mark’s for you to stay in, sweetie. Don’t worry, it’s only until the boys finish off the painting in the new house, then you can stay there,’’ Joan says and once again I’m completely frozen and left speechless. What are they on about? What house? What paint? I look at Mason for answers, but he’s looking at me like he’s trying to gauge my reaction.

  “I’m sorry? I’m confused.’’

  “Well you can’t live in a house full of boys with a new baby on the way silly girl. With Mark and Malik living with us now there is only Max, Maverick and Myles living there, but even still, you, Mason and the baby need your own space.’’

  My head whips to Mason in shock. I’m getting whiplash with all this new information. Why didn’t know one tell me any of this? My eyes narrow at Mason while I try to process everything. This is not how I saw my welcoming home.

  Am I hearing this right? Is she telling me I’m moving in with Mason? The same Mason who has done nothing but break my heart for the past few months? Does she really believe I could live with someone who will have a long line of women at his bedroom each night?

  “I’m sorry, but I’m not staying long and definitely not with Mason. I’m going to crash at my brothers until the court case is over then I’m going back to live with my Nan.’’

  Everyone goes quiet sneaking glances at Mason, like they’re waiting for him to contradict me or something. I do the same, wondering what the hell I’m missing, only to find him glaring down at me.

  “Like fuck you are, Denny,’’ he snaps.

  “Excuse me?’’ I snap back, placing my fists on my hips.

  “Why? What did you do?’’ he snaps sarcastically.

  “What the hell is your problem, Mason?’’

  “You are. You’re not moving back to your Nan’s, Denny. We’re having a baby together for Christ sake.’’

  “News flash Mason, I’m having a baby. Not you. You didn’t want anything to do with me before you found out. Now all of a sudden you expect me to come running back to you, obey your demands… yeah, I don’t bloody think so.’’

  “Yes actually I do. Maybe if you had told me in the first place we wouldn’t be in this mess.’’

  “Are you telling me I should have had an abortion?’’ I yell, feeling my stomach turn. This was one of my biggest fears when I realised I would need to tell him. “Get lost you prick. I’m not asking you to be a part of this baby’s life, or to be with me. I wouldn’t want to tie you down, or God forbid, make you do something you don’t want to do.’’

  With that I grab my suitcase and carry on towards the taxi rank, ignoring his and everyone else’s shocked faces. Tears are streaming fluidly down my face, and my heart is pumping so hard I worry about passing out. I can’t believe he said that. I rub at my chest with my free hand trying to get rid of the dull ache when I hear the distinct sound of crunching of boots from behind me.

  “Wait.’’ His voice sounds urgent and I pause not wanting to cause another scene in front of loads of people. He pauses for a second before walking up in front of me, his face full of sorrow and pain. “I’m sorry. I should have asked you about it first, and I know we have a lot to sort out, but I want to be with you.’’

  “Why now? Because of the baby?’’ I croak out, and for the first time I’m jealous of my baby. How childish is that? The fact the love of my life wants me now has me wanting to laugh out loud in hysterics. Typical! Unlucky for him though because I’m not one of those girls who settle.

  “What? Huh? No. That isn’t why… yes it’s a reason, but it’s not why. I wanted to be with you before you wanted to be with me, Denny. Look, we have loads to talk about and I have some explaining to do, but can we get you home first? It’s getting late and I bet you’re hungry.’’

  As if the baby could understand his words my belly grumbles, loud enough for Mason to hear and send me a knowing smirk.

  A lot doesn’t add up. He’s either playing me again or he generally means what he said. I just can’t trust him after everything he put me through.

  “Yes to food, but no to staying with you guys, I promised my brother I’d be there to look after his house,’’ I lie, not really knowing whether my brother will be there or not.

  “Well don’t get used to it Denny. One way or another you’re coming to live with me. I’m not letting you go this time.’’

  I roll my eyes not believing his idol threat and move to grab my bags, but Mason swoops in and grabs them from me.

  We all ended up going for a meal together. Maverick and the twins were the first to bail. Maverick had to get to work, and Max and Myles went to meet some girls from school. Harlow and Malik left not long after to watch a movie at the cinema, and Mark took Joan home, leaving me alone with Mason to take me home.

  “There aren’t any lights on. Are you sure you don’t want to stay with me at mine?’’ Mason asks looking over to my brother’s bungalow that looks pretty deserted. I’ve tried calling him a few times, but it’s gone straight to voicemail, and now I’m panicking I have to actually sleep over at Mason’s house and that isn’t something I want to do.

  When I found out I needed to come back for the court hearing I never believed I’d come back to this welcoming. I thought everyone would hate me, or worse, Mason asking me to abort the baby. I knew from the start that it was something I could never consider.

  Truth
is, I think that was the main reason I never told him about the baby. I was scared of him asking me to abort the baby. To have him here asking me to make a go of things with him is just making my already jumbled mind worse.

  “Yeah I’m sure. Maybe he fell asleep waiting for me? I did tell him I’d be here over two hours ago,’’ I shrug, another lie.

  “I’ll get your bags while you go and knock on the door,’’ he says sceptically, his eyes scanning the area. It’s not one of the best neighbourhoods to live in, but around here it’s one with the lowest crime rate.

  Walking up the path I knock on the door, and then ring the doorbell after noticing it for the first time. When no one answers and I hear Mason walking up behind me, I can feel myself starting to sweat and it isn’t because of the muggy night.

  “I don’t think he’s hear Tink.’’ Gah, that freaking nickname. I hate it, yet completely love it all at the same time. I look nothing like her now, not that I did before, but with my pixie haircut, my white blond hair and my short height, I can see why he would see the resemblance between me and the Disney fairy.

  “Hey, hi, I’m Lexi, Evan’s next door neighbour,’’ a beautiful brunette around twenty five calls, jogging across from the garden next to us. I’m stunned for a minute, so I take the time to take in her short shorts, and her tiny strap top. I look down at my large stomach and feel like crying. My eyes start to water and I look up to see if Mason is checking her out. After all, she looks just like his type. Not that he has a type, I think… When I look up, I’m surprised to find his eyes on mine, freezing me in place. His big chocolate brown eyes bore into mine and I try hardest not to melt in his arms right there.

  “… here you go,’’ the woman, Lexi, speaks up and I shake my mind wondering what I missed. Mason gives me a smirk and I give him a glare before turning back to the woman, my cheeks reddening when I realise I’d been standing gawking at Mason.