Page 95 of Without Judgment

“I like Koda living with you in your apartment. I pity the person who would ever try to break in,” Trevor added.

“True, he’s quite the security dog.”

After the most torturous ninety minutes of my life, during which I tried to ignore Mason’s thigh inches from mine, my brother paid the check. We all filed out of the booth towards the exit. Out the front windows, we could see it was starting to get dark.

I was more than ready to make my getaway. Right before we reached the door, I turned towards Trevor and Emma to hug them both. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. You want to come by the apartment around ten? I’ll make breakfast, and we can hang out.”

Emma hugged me back. “Sounds good. Then you and I are going shopping, right?”

“Yep. Absolutely.” I was looking forward to spending girl time with her.

“We’ll see you home first,” my brother offered, always a gentleman.

“No, no need. I’m only a couple blocks, and I walk this stretch quite often. It’s safe. Your hotel is in the opposite direction.”

Truth be told, I wanted to be alone with my thoughts.

But Mason had other ideas. “Actually, I’ll walk her. It’s on my way home.”

Trevor thought nothing of Mason’s offer. “Sounds good.” He turned to me. “We’ll see you tomorrow. You’re making Mom’s French toast casserole?”

I loved how he enjoyed my mom’s recipes as much as I did. “You got it.”

After we stepped out of the restaurant doors, I waved at Trevor and Emma as they walked right. We went left. Once they were out of earshot, I presented my argument. “I’m good. Nice seeing you again, Mason. Take care.”

But he wasn’t having it. “It’s not up for negotiation, princess. I’m walking you home.”

We were in the middle of a stand-off on a busy sidewalk. The dispute was one I knew I wouldn’t win. “Fine.” I used that particular word since he chose to call me by my nickname. Fortunately, it was a short distance. Time to get it over with.

I walked quickly, but he had no issue keeping up. Nor did he wish to make it a silent chore. “How do you like Austin?”

“I love it.” And I did.

“Good.”

“And your class. How’s that?”

“Great.”

“Good.”

Thankfully he stopped asking questions the final few minutes of the walk. “Well, this is me.” I was in front of the brick, five-story building and intent on making my break for it.

“I’ll walk you up.”

Nope. Wasn’t happening. I couldn’t do this with him. “No, thanks.”

“It wasn’t a question.”

His jaw was set, reminiscent of the days he’d been on protective duty for me. I was torn between wanting to kiss him and the desire to yell. “You’re not my bodyguard anymore, Mason, and you don’t get to tell me what to do.”

He surprised me by not arguing.

I fought the disappointment. Jesus, I couldn’t even make up my own mind about what I wanted. “Good night.”

He didn’t reply. Simply stood there staring at me.

I turned on my heel and went in the front doors of the building, chancing a glance back once I hit the stairs.

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