Page 49 of Taking Chances (Healing Hearts 1)

“It’s better than seeing them argue,” Mason replied.

As we neared the table, I saw Brody look up. “Hey, the love birds have arrived. Finally,” He exclaimed. “Nice of you to join us.” He joked.

“Leave them alone. They’re cute.” Savannah said, standing up as we stopped in front of the table. She pulled me into a hug. “You have fun?” She asked into my ear.

I nodded. “Looks like you’re having a good time too,” I whispered, gesturing with my eyes to Josh who was staring intently at Savannah.

“We’re just talking.” She shrugged her shoulders, giving me a sad smile.

“It looked like more than that to me. You looked pretty cosy.”

“He apologised for bringing Averi to the rodeo and told me he didn’t mean to hurt me.”

“He likes you Sav, I’m sure of it. Somethings holding him back, you just need to find out what.”

“I need to move on Lib, I’m tired of feeling like this, I can’t keep hoping he’s going to suddenly want to be with me.” She paused and glanced over at him, their eyes met for a second before Josh turned away and began speaking to Brody. She turned back to me. “A guy from school has asked me out a few times, I’ve always said no. Maybe it’s time I said yes.”

“Maybe it is,” I told her. I didn’t want to push her into waiting for Josh if she had the chance to be happy with someone else. “Come on, let’s get a drink.”

The bar was quiet as it was mid-week and we pretty much had the place to ourselves. After a few drinks, we moved to a room at the back of the bar where there were two pool tables. The guys played pool while me and Savannah sat and chatted. Mason would make his way over to us every so often, checking if we needed drinks and to steal a kiss. I noticed Jack watching Mason every time he came over to me, after the last time, Jack pulled Mason to one side. There was no music playing in the pool room, and I concentrated on trying to listen to their conversation.

“You seem serious about my sister,” Jack asked him.

“I am Jack. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”

I watched as Jack nodded. “She likes you a lot too, I can tell.” He paused. “She’s been through a lot Mason. I don’t know how much she’s told you, but I’m not sure she could take being hurt anymore.” I smiled to myself, as much as this was an embarrassing conversation to listen to, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of love for Jack and his protection of me.

“She’s told me everything. I’m not going to hurt her Jack; she means too much to me.” I heard Mason say. “You’ve got nothing to worry about.” Jack nodded again and stuck his hand out for Mason to shake. Mason took it and pulled Jack in for a one-armed guy hug. Mason’s eyes found mine, and he smiled. “Come here, sweetheart.” He called out, holding his hand out for me. “I’ll show you how to play pool.”

It turned out that I was useless at pool, much to the delight of Mason who seemed to enjoy trying to teach me. Every shot I took he pressed himself against my back as I leaned over the table, his hands covering mine on the pool cue, he’d put me in the correct position before moving his mouth to my ear and asking if I was ready. His breath on my ear, and having him pressed right up behind me was distracting in the best possible way, but it meant I couldn’t concentrate on what I was doing. I just wanted to push him against the wall and kiss the hell out of him. He was fully aware of my body’s reaction to him as I’d hear him chuckle each time I missed the shot. I could tell that he was getting just as worked up as I was as I could feel his erection pressing against me.

After about five missed shots I’d had enough. “I think you need to take me home Mason.” I murmured, his body still pressing me against the pool table.

“And what do you want to do once we get home sweetheart?” He asked, his lips brushing against my neck making me shiver.

“Take me home, and you’ll find out,” I told him, sounding braver than I felt. He pulled me up and spun me around to face him. He looked at me through hooded eyes before taking my hand and guiding me towards the exit.

“We’ll see y’all tomorrow.” He shouted to the others. I heard them all laughing behind us as we quickly made our way out of the bar.

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