Page 3 of Fun and Games
I pulled out my phone and pulled up a picture. It was a photo I'd taken for my travel blog. It didn't have many followers, but it had tons of content, and this post in particular proved my point.
"See the time stamp?" I said. "Eight thirty."
Hottie took out his phone and showed me the screen. He had pulled up a website, ready to meet me on the battlefield. It was from a much more popular travel blog, one of my favorites, actually. The blogger had posted a photo of the Falls but they were pitch black, so much so I could barely make out the details.
"The last Saturday in March is Earth Hour," he said. "They keep the Falls dark an extra hour, until nine thirty, to celebrate. You may have been there in late March, but you weren't there on the last Saturday."
I stared at him, stunned.
"That's a trick question," I protested.
"It's a legitimate fact," he said. "This photo is proof." He waved his hand at the phone screen, showing off the blog again.
"Earth Hour is a special case." I couldn't keep the note of insistence out of my voice. "On any other day in late March they turn the lights on at eight thirty."
"But the trivia question specifically said the last Saturday."
The corner of Hottie Mason's lips twitched as if suppressing a smile. My heartbeat sped up. That hint of a smile was enough to send blood rushing to my ears.
"Let me guess," he started. I mentally gave myself a shake. I had to stop ogling at him like Samantha had done. "You're a trivia geek, aren't you?"
"If you expect me to deny it or to be ashamed, you're dead wrong." It was mostly only when it came to pop culture and travel, but I wasn't going to quibble over the details. "I will fight you on this until I go to my grave."
"You do know the only prize is a free drink?" he replied.
"It's like I told my friend," I nodded to Samantha, who was watching Mason with keen, gleaming eyes, "it's a matter of pride."
He leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table to get close to me.
"If this is really so important to you…" He raised an eyebrow, but the curve of his lips stayed put.
"I assure you it is," I replied with a slight smile of my own.
His gaze dropped to my mouth, a muted heat beginning to flare within them.
"I can't make the quizmaster give you the point, but maybe I can give you the prize," he said. "Why don't I let you and your friend have a drink on the house?"
"You really think a free drink will pacify me?" I asked.
He looked me straight in the eyes.
"What if I shared that drink with you?" he asked.
I hadn't missed the glint in his eyes when he looked at me. I hadn't missed the way he'd let his eyes linger on my mouth and legs. It was enough to send a rush of heat to my cheeks.
"I'm going to go over there now," Samantha announced, not even attempting to give a proper reason to excuse herself. She slid off her stool, grabbed her drink, and melted into the crowd.
He stuck his hand out for a shake.
"I'm Mason," he said.
"Bree," I replied. "Short for Breanna." I took his hand and found it to be as strong as I had imagined. His grip was firm and warm with just the right amount of pressure. He lingered for the briefest of seconds. Our eyes met, deep green to light blue. My face flushed for the second time that night. He released my hand before the moment turned awkward.
Although, maybe awkward wasn't the right word. Intimate, maybe. Or sensual.
"So," he said. "What'll you have?"
"You really want to have a drink with me?" I asked.
