Page 42 of Mason Wilder
“When are you going to see her again?” Lucas asked.
“Tomorrow. I think. She’s waiting for me to call her. I’m still a little apprehensive. Unsure of her intentions. So I’m taking it slow.”
“I could make dinner,” Tessa offered.
The corners of Mason’s mouth turned up. This girl couldn’t be any sweeter or more generous, always going out of her way for everyone. “You don’t have to do that, Tess.”
She gave him a cutesy smirk, flashed her eyes and tilted her head as if to say, are you kidding?
He put his arms around her and leaned up to offer a kiss. “I don’t want you to go to any trouble. I know you enjoy cooking for people, but you spend hours in the kitchen preparing these grand meals. We can just order pizza.” Somehow, he didn’t see Kendall eating pizza or take-out.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Pizza is for a room full of guys fueled with testosterone watching football.” She cupped his face in her hands. “I’ll make something nice, but I won’t go overboard. Plus, I really want to meet her. I’m an excellent judge of character and could give you my take on her.”
“Me, too,” Sindy added, and then shrank back. “Oh. Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“No.” Mason nodded. “I think it’s a good idea for you and Lucas to be there. I’d like an unbiased opinion. I was hard on her at first. I know that, but I softened. I’m a pushover. I cave easily. I’m a sucker for a sob story. All it takes is a little down and out, and I get all mushy inside.”
Tessa put her hand on his chest. “That’s one of the things I always loved about you, Mase. Your big non-judgmental heart and easygoing nature.”
“Do you really want all of us there?” Lucas asked. “It might scare her off. Like we’re there to interrogate her or something.”
Sindy nudged Lucas with her shoulder. “You’re hardly intimidating, Lucas.”
He glared at her, his cobalt blue eyes turning to steel. Then he grabbed her around the waist and tickled her until tears ran down her cheeks. “OK! OK!” Sindy gasped. “Stop!”
“Great,” Tessa rolled her eyes. “If anyone tries to mug us in a dark alley, it’s good to know my brother’s tickle skills are par none.”
Mason laughed at the teasing jab. Standing over six feet, with broad shoulders and a wide back, Lucas was built like a linebacker.
“It’s settled then,” Tessa stated. “Dinner tomorrow night for the five of us.”
“You’re flat is lovely,” Kendall turned in a semicircle taking in Mason’s apartment. “It’s so lush and upscale. The décor is impeccable. It’s not what I expected at all from a single man. You have excellent taste, Mason.”
“Thank you.” He knew his apartment was the furthest thing from a bachelor pad and not what a person envisioned when they thought of a single guy living alone, but Mason came from a family where everything was done to the max. His mom had hired an interior decorator for him as a housewarming gift when he’d first bought the apartment, so everything matched and fit together. The place was definitely masculine, with black and gray dominating the color palate. There was a lot of music memorabilia displayed throughout the place, including one wall with original signed drum skins from greats like Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy and Chad Smith. He was by no means a neat freak, but he had a cleaning lady come once a week and everything was always in place. The lack of food in the apartment was the only real stereotype of a single guy’s apartment that he adhered to. Fast food was always his choice, even though his family had a personal chef when he was growing up. Now that Tessa was in his life, his empty fridge and cupboards were pretty well stocked, though.
“Can I get you something to drink?” he offered, not used to playing the host.
“No thank you. I’m fine.” She raised her chin and breathed in. “Something smells marvelous. I do hope your girlfriend didn’t go to too much trouble. I would have been more than happy to take the two of you out for a grand meal.”
“My girl wouldn’t hear of it. She loves to cook.”
Kendall turned toward a noise in the other room. “Is that her?”
“No. That’s Lucas. I hope you don’t mind. I invited my best friend and his girlfriend to join us.”
“You did?” Her face lit up with excitement. “That’s wonderful. I would love to meet your friends.”
Lucas entered from the foyer that led to the back of the apartment, all smiles and charm. As soon as Kendall saw him her hand went to her cheek and she walked toward him, straight white teeth on display. “I’d know you anywhere. You’re Tommy Blade’s son. You look exactly like him.”
“Yep. He’s my dad. I’m Lucas. It’s nice to meet you.” Lucas presented his hand, and she shook it delicately.
“It’s truly a pleasure to meet you. Do you play guitar, as well?”
Lucas tucked his hair behind his ears and chuckled modestly. “Yeah. I play. I’m in the band with Mason.”
Kendall brought her fingers to her lips and blinked slowly. “I apologize. I should know that sort of thing. Mason and I have so much to talk about. It’s hard to cover everything in the short time we’ve spent together.”
“I should have mentioned it.” Mason felt guilty for not giving her more details, and for not mentioning that Lucas was his best friend. “I’m dating Lucas’ sister, Tessa.”
