Friend. Deep down, I knew that wasn’t what I wanted from Mason. It was a hell of a lot safer, though. And maybe that would be enough. We’d get through this next year and then part ways with a deep friendship. But something about that left a sort of hollow feeling in my chest. I’d been here less than twenty-four hours, and I already knew I’d miss the sound of that deep breathing as I slipped off to sleep.

14

ANNA

“Maybe I should change,” I mumbled into the mirror. I’d gone with a simple sundress, trying to look put together while not trying too hard. But the social worker might see right through that and think I was being manipulative.

“Don’t. You look beautiful.”

I jumped at Mason’s voice. “Maybe jeans would be better.”

He moved into the bedroom, slipping his hands into his pockets. “I think it’s perfect. And honestly, I don’t think she cares what you’re wearing as long as there aren’t a bunch of curse words written all over it.”

“That was the other outfit I was considering…”

“Me, too. It was hard to go for this instead.”

My mouth curved. Mason looked effortlessly perfect. When I looked at my reflection in the mirror, you could tell I was trying, that this wasn’t my natural state. But Mason in his dark jeans and button-down shirt looked simply at ease. I forced my gaze up to his face. “Where are Justin and Lyla?”

“I left them in the middle of a heated game of Sorry in the family room.”

Games were good, they would keep them distracted until the social worker got here. Unless things got too heated, and one of them ended up throwing the dice at the other.

Mason’s brows pulled together. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, I’m just imagining some sort of eye injury if one of them gets angry about losing.”

“Neither of them strikes me as the kind of kid to get violent over losing a board game.”

He was right, but I couldn’t seem to rid myself of the panic. “There’s a first time for everything.” I started towards the stairs. “We should get down there, just in case.”

Mason’s hand caught my elbow, stopping me in place. But he dropped it just as quickly. “Take a deep breath. If you’re nervous, they will be, too.”

I closed my eyes and inhaled. The windows were open, letting in the early summer breeze. I focused on the scent of pine in the air, how clean and fresh it was. I imagined that air cleansing me, too, washing away all of the worries and anxiety. When I opened my eyes again, Mason was staring at me. I fought the urge to squirm. “I think I’ve got it together now.”

“Good. And when we’re done, we can all go out for pizza or burgers.”