Page 62 of Roman & Olivia
She chewed on her lower lip and turned her attention to the way Mason held her hand in his grasp. Three weeks and she still didn’t get that fluttery feeling that she’d gotten in the very beginning. The one she now associated with Roman, even though they hadn’t been speaking.
Just the thought of the few kisses they’d shared was enough to stir that sensation in her stomach. She pulled her hand away from Mason and offered him a grateful smile.
He’d been there for her in the weeks following her decision. Mason had been the perfect supportive boyfriend. Sure, there were moments when she could sense that he was frustrated with her moods when they hit her hard. But generally speaking, he was perfect.
All her problems stemmed from her own inability to get out of her way. Roman was out of the picture. She should be moving on from the disappointment of that broken friendship and clinging to the man who was seated across from her.
“Is there anything I can do?” Mason said.
Olivia sighed. “No. You’re great. I’m just… it’s been a hard day.” There was no way she’d tell him that this weekend was Roman’s birthday. Nor would she tell him that she had a present all wrapped and ready to give him when she finally got the courage to do so.
Maybe she never would have that courage and she’d end up keeping the gift. It wasn’t anything special. It was more of a joke than anything else—an homage to their short tryst as a couple.
She flushed thinking about it, wondering why she’d even purchased the mug in the first place. It had been funny at the time and had given her a smile when she’d seen it.
“Liv,” Mason said firmer this time.
She blinked and met his gaze again. “Yeah?”
He sighed. “Never mind.”
The eventin question was being hosted in Colorado Springs. The hotel they’d arrived at had a large ballroom. The decorators had spared no expense. Olivia hadn’t expected something so extravagant when she’d been invited to attend as Mason’s plus-one.
Yes, she knew it was a black-tie event, so maybe she shouldn’t have been so taken aback by everyone dressed to the nines. There were tables laid out with beautiful floral centerpieces. Place settings had been assigned. The state was raising money to help its homeless population, and they’d gotten a lot of attention from the news.
This wasn’t the typical gala that was hosted by the mayor of a small town like Copper Creek, and she had to wonder if Mason only got invited due to being related to someone in power.
Mason’s hand tugged hers until it wrapped around the crook of his elbow, and then he pulled her into the ballroom. He smiled wide and merged with the crowd. She couldn’t tell if he actually knew the people he spoke with or if he was only aware of them due to his connections.
“Mr. Porter, it’s nice to see you again,” Mason crooned. “My father will be arriving shortly, and I’m sure he’s looking forward to catching up.”
Mr. Porter in question was a shorter man, stocky, and had the beginning signs of balding. He looked to be about as old as Olivia’s parents. He smiled respectfully toward Mason, then shifted his focus to her. His eyes swept over her appreciatively.
“And who is this fine beauty?”
Olivia smiled right back and held out her free hand. “My name is Olivia.”
“Olivia is my girlfriend. She also works for my father.”
“Wonderful.” Mr. Porter’s dark brown eyes twinkled. They were so similar to Roman’s that it was all she could do not to stare. “Have you two been together long?”
“Not long,” Mason said, his hold on her tightening, “but she’s mine, nevertheless. We’re in it for the long haul.”
There was something about the tone in his voice that had her giving him a second look. It was like he was on stage, saying something he thought the man wanted to know. They weren’t serious. She hadn’t even considered what would become of their future. And yet the way Mason told it, they’d be married within the year.
She inadvertently wrinkled her nose and pulled away.
Mason shot her a warning look, and it was enough for her blood to run cold. But just as quickly as she’d seen it, his expression smoothed. “Is everything okay, darling?”
Mr. Porter looked at her with concern as well. “Do you need anything, my dear? A drink? Somewhere to sit?”
“I think I just… need to use the restroom. Excuse me.” Olivia was off as quick as she could go, not daring to look in Mason’s direction. Everything felt—off. Maybe it was because today she would have normally been spending time with Roman, doing everything they always did on his birthday. Or maybe it was the way Mason spoke about her like she was a prize he’d won—a possession.
She was overthinking things. This wasn’t like her. She should be enjoying herself, not trying to find trouble where there wasn’t any.
Olivia was just about to leave the bathroom stall when a couple of women entered.
“I can’t believe she actually came with him.”
