Page 123 of Worthy

Today, he’s wearing a pair of black athletic shorts, a purple muscle tee, and the same hat. He looks even better today in the bright morning sun than he did last night. This is so not good.

He shoots me a bright smile when he sees me standing near the front of the group, and I toss him one back, looking away quickly because this cannot happen. It just can’t. He lives here. I’d see him all the time.

Kevin starts the tour, and we all head in. I try not to look behind me, but after less than five minutes, I can’t help myself. That’s when I notice that Mason isn’t moving.

He’s standing pretty far back from the group, and he’s breathing heavily. My legs are moving before my brain can catch up. “Mason. Are you okay?” I ask him worriedly.

His big eyes meet mine, and I see he’s rapidly breathing and panting. When I look down at his hands, I notice they’re shaking. Oh shit. He’s having a panic attack.

“Mason, it’s okay. Just breathe for me.”

Kevin walks to us, his eyes on Mason and then me. But we aren’t far from the entrance, so I wave him off.

“I’ve got this. Go ahead.” I nod toward the group, and Kevin gives Mason another once-over before nodding his head in acknowledgment, then taking off with the rest of the tour.

“You want to get out of here?” I ask Mason, whose breathing is still pretty damn rapid.

He manages a nod, and I walk next to him as close as I can without touching, just in case he’s feeling woozy. We exit the cave back out into the bright sunlight.

His breathing starts to slow, and he takes one deep shuddery breath before looking into my eyes. “Thank you.” He takes another breath, and his voice is raspy when he says, “Huh. I guess I don’t like small, confined spaces. Who knew?”

I smile at that because he’s too damn adorable. “Lots of people have that affliction. It’s okay.”

He looks back at the cave and then at me. “Oh no. You missed the tour. I’m so sorry. Maybe you can catch up to them.”

“No, that’s okay.” I grin. “I’ll just go again next week.”

“Next week?” He’s grinning back at me now, and it lights up his entire face. Oh boy, I’m in trouble with this one.

“Yeah. Kevin has me enthralled.”

That doesn’t get the smile I’d hoped for. Instead, it’s more of a pout, and even though I’m confused as to why, it’s also hot as hell. “Yeah. He’s... something.” He’s frowning now, and I’m trying not to laugh about how cute he looks when he’s irritated.

“So why the caverns today? Trying to get acclimated to the town?”

He nods and takes another step away from the cave, like it might bite him. “Something like that. I wanted new adventures. But I should have started small.”

“How about breakfast?” I blurt out the invitation before I can stop myself.

His eyes widen, and I don’t have it in me to regret it. “Breakfast?”

I grin and start walking toward my Jeep, happy when he walks next to me. “Yeah. Have you been to Mable’s yet? The French toast stack there is quite an adventure.”

He chuckles, and it’s a beautiful sound. “No. I haven’t.”

“See? First mistake. You can’t go in the cave on an empty stomach.” I pull my keys out and open my car door. “Follow me?”

He nods, pulling his keys out of his pocket. “O-okay,” he stutters nervously.

We drive the five minutes to Mable’s and both walk in together, me holding the door open for him. The sweet smell of syrup hits my nose, and my stomach grumbles.

“Hey, boys. Take a seat anywhere.” An older woman waves us in, and we do just that, finding a cozy spot in the corner to settle in.

“Was that Mable?” he asks when he scoots into the seat in the booth across from me.

“Nope. Mable retired last year, but Krista has been here for a while. We’re in good hands.”

We order—Mason taking my advice and getting the French toast—and then we’re just sitting there, waiting for our orders. I find myself wanting to ask him all sorts of questions, but getting to know him isn’t what I should be doing.