Chapter 11
Mason
The bass hit my chest hard enough to rattle my teeth.
Every beat reminded me how much I hated nightclubs.
The place was packed, bodies swaying to the rhythm, the air thick with sweat and overpriced perfume.
We made our way toward the VIP table I’d grudgingly shelled out for.
I regretted every cent. Why was I doing this again? Oh, right. Lila.
“Gid! I can’t believe you dragged me here!” I shouted over the blaring music.
Gideon grinned, his teeth flashing neon under the pulsing lights. “Oh, lighten up, Mase! Live a little!”
I scowled. The only reason I was here was the promise of seeing Lila. But she was nowhere in sight. “You know I can’t be out partying and drinking all night.” I checked the door again. “Where the hell is she?”
“Calm down, big guy.” He gave me a playful shove. “She texted. She’s on her way.”
“Yeah? You said that half an hour ago.” I ran a hand through my hair, exasperated.
“Patience.” He wagged a finger at me. “Now let’s get to our table before I melt in this sea of plebeians.” He grabbed my arm and guided us toward the roped-off VIP section.
The elevated platform offered some relief from the crush of the crowd. At least I could breathe without inhaling someone else’s cologne.
“This was a mistake,” I muttered, eyeing the bottle service setup with disdain.
Gideon flopped onto a plush couch, fanning himself dramatically. “You’re such a grandpa. Come on! Enjoy the overpriced VIP treatment you so graciously paid for.”
No point arguing. I’d already committed to this disaster of a night.
As a server arrived with an ice bucket and bottles, a group of stylishly dressed guys approached our table. Great. Gideon’s crew of new friends, all eyeing me like I was on the menu.
One leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear.
“I saw those Apex Gear ads. Looking good, stud.” He brushed my arm as he pulled back.
I turned on Gideon and narrowed my eyes. His expression went pure angel.
“You told them, didn’t you? Are you using me as bait, Gid?”
He raised his hands in defense. “Hey, it just came up! But speaking of the shoot…” He trailed off.
My stomach dropped. I knew that look. It never meant anything good.
“Spit it out,” I said, already bracing.
“Apex is going big on your trade to Miami. They’re plastering your face, or rather your bulge, all over Miami.”
“They’re WHAT?”
“Don’t freak out,” he said quickly. “It’s just brand synergy. Great publicity, really.”
I groaned and sank back into the couch, burying my face in my hands. This night just kept getting worse. The last thing I needed was more attention, especially from my new team or a bunch of overeager guys looking for a date.
As if on cue, another of Gideon’s friends sidled up to me, trailing a finger down my arm.
“You know, I’ve always had a thing for athletes,” he purred.
Gideon stepped in fast. “Hands off, boys. This one is tragically heterosexual.”
The group let out a collective, exaggerated sigh but thankfully backed off.
I nursed my drink while Gideon and his crew made sure to drink my money’s worth of liquor. He was in his element, animated and loud, while I kept scanning the crowd for the hundredth time.
Damn it. So far, this night was all noise and no Lila.
And then I saw her.
She was weaving through the crowd like she had a spotlight on her. My body went on high alert, deciding we were in trouble.
Her long blonde hair was tousled in loose waves that made my fingers twitch.
The short, glittering dress clung to her curves like it was custom-made, leaving a dangerous amount of skin on display.
Low cut in front, ending mid-thigh, and paired with strappy stilettos that showcased those endless legs. ..
Fuck.
I took a long drink, trying to play it cool while my body overheated.
She spotted our table, and for a split second, our eyes locked. I had to remind myself to breathe.
I stood up a little too fast, scrambling to look casual as she walked over, a teasing smile on her glossy lips.
“Lila!” Gideon called, waving her in like a game show host.
“Hey, y’all!” she said, her Southern charm in full effect.
Gideon, already buzzed, squealed and pulled her into a hug. “Girl, you are serving looks tonight! Give us a spin, queen!”
Lila laughed and twirled, showing off the straps that crisscrossed her back, baring smooth, flawless skin. I clenched my glass tighter, resisting the irrational urge to drag her away from the adoring crowd.
Introductions were made, and Lila soaked up the attention, laughing and chatting effortlessly. Meanwhile, I simmered quietly, unable to get a word in. I felt like a third wheel at my own VIP table.
Enough of that.
I shifted closer, letting my arm brush hers. “You look nice tonight.”
Nice? I should be banned from talking.
“That’s a lie.” My voice dropped. “You look incredible. Can I get you a drink?”
She let out a small, breathy laugh. “Sure. I’d love a drink. Champagne would be lovely.”
I motioned for one of Gideon’s friends to move, then offered her the spot on the couch. After pouring her a glass, I sat beside her, swallowing hard when her bare thigh pressed against mine.
She took a small sip of champagne, watching the dance floor.
I couldn’t look away.
A stray lock of hair fell forward; she tucked it back and turned to me, cheeks flushed. “You’re staring.”
Slowly, I let my gaze drag down her body, letting the heat simmer between us. “Just trying to figure out what color your dress is.”
“Is that so?” Her fingers skimmed the neckline, a quick, nervous touch. “What color do you think it is?”
Under the pulsing lights, the fabric shimmered with every shift. I smirked, liking how her blush deepened the longer I looked. “Hmm. Orangey-pink?”
A smile tugged at her lips. “Close. You’re in the neighborhood.”
“I might need to study it some more.” I gave her a wink and made a show of looking again, though my attention never really left her cleavage. “Hard to tell with all these lasers and neon lights. It probably has a fancy name. Like… Salmon Sunset.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “That’s a terrible name. But you’re getting warmer. Think ocean.”
“Ocean, huh?” She was loosening up, and I wanted to keep it that way. “Tropical fish?”
Her hand flew to her chest in mock offense. “Do I look like Nemo to you?”
I draped my arm along the back of the couch and let my fingers graze the bare skin of her shoulder. “You look like my dirtiest fantasy.”
A sharp gasp slipped out of her, and it hit me all at once. My pulse kicked hard, and my jeans suddenly felt a lot tighter.
My gaze dropped to her parted lips. “Dance with me.”
She blinked, surprised. “Oh, I don’t know—”
I stood and offered my hand, holding it there. “One dance.”
Her fingers hovered, then slid into mine. “Okay. One dance.”
As I led her through the crowd, my hand rested on the small of her back. Even through the thin fabric, I felt her heat, and it hit me low and hard.
The bass thudded like a second heartbeat as we found space on the packed dance floor. I drew her in close, hands settling on her waist. She tensed for a moment, then melted against me.
“I have to admit,” she said, “I never would’ve guessed you liked to dance.”
It had been a while since I’d danced in a club like this, and if I was honest, this was mostly an excuse to put my hands on Lila.
But the moment the beat took over, my body found its rhythm.
Muscle memory, I guessed. Her smile hit me like a dare, and I spun her once, then pulled her right back into me.
“Wow, you’ve got some moves!” she laughed. “Are you secretly a professional dancer or something?”
“Or something,” I said with a grin, doing my best to keep up as she moved effortlessly to the music. The sway of her hips, the way her dress hugged her curves, had my full attention.
As the music shifted to a slower, sultrier pulse, I pulled her closer. Her hesitation melted away. She relaxed into me, her hands sliding over the muscles of my back. Eyes closed, she surrendered to the rhythm, moving on pure instinct.
Everything narrowed. All I could track was her body under my hands, inching closer with every beat.
She turned in my arms, her back flush to my chest, her hips rolling against me.
I groaned, need firing through my veins.
Sliding my hand across her taut stomach, I closed the last inch between us.
Her head fell back onto my shoulder, her hair brushing my neck, and I had to fight to keep my desire in check.
Lila rolled her body down mine and then up again, the friction delicious torture. Over and over, she moved against me, slow and relentless. I was lost to the feel of her, the scent of her.
“Lila...” I murmured against her ear. She shivered and pressed back into me. My restraint was unraveling fast. “You’re killing me.”
She turned around to face me, blue eyes blazing beneath thick lashes. I let my fingers trail up the back of her neck, tangling in her hair. I leaned in and kissed her lightly, testing the line between us. She moaned and pulled me closer, deepening the kiss.
A surge of heat ripped through me, every nerve ending alight. My heart thundered in sync with the pulsing music, but all I could feel was her. All I wanted was more.
Just as my tongue parted her lips, she broke away with a sharp breath. Suddenly there was space between us, her hands gone from my shoulders. She touched her lips, fingers trembling.
My gut sank hard.
“Lila,” I said gently, reaching for her arm.
“I’m sorry.” Her fingers fluttered against my chest for half a second, then let go. “I think I need to go back to the table.”
“Okay.” I didn’t let go. I laced my fingers with hers and led her off the floor.
We returned to our table, and I ignored Gideon’s mischievous grin as he lounged with a drink in hand, his blond hair catching the strobe lights. I poured Lila a fresh glass of champagne and settled beside her, close enough that our thighs touched. She stiffened slightly, then turned away.
Something wasn’t right. Had I pushed too far? Did she regret that kiss?
“You okay?” I asked, frowning.
Lila hesitated, taking a small sip. “I… I’m fine.”
She shifted on the couch, restless.
“Come on. Talk to me,” I said gently.
A flush crept up her neck, but she didn’t look away this time. “Sorry. I may have gotten a little carried away for a moment.”
I leaned in, letting my lips brush her ear. “I’m not complaining.” Her shiver told me everything.
Her teeth caught her lower lip. Made it damn near impossible to focus. “It’s just… I saw something today.”
“Yeah?” A flicker of unease curled in my gut.
“Of you.” She swallowed. “In... not much clothing. Like those photos from your bedroom.”
Shit.
I groaned and ran a hand over my face. “Those damn Apex ads. Let me guess, Gideon told you.”
“No, not Gideon.” She paused. “I saw the billboards. They’re everywhere. I had no idea you were a…” Her eyes widened slightly. “Underwear model. It’s a bit… intimidating.”
I let out a dry laugh. “A model? God, no. That was a one-time thing.”
The word intimidating sat between us, louder than the music. Lila’s fingers tightened around her glass, and she wouldn’t quite look at me.
I knew I had to come clean. “I’m actually a hockey player. For the Miami Fusion. The Apex deal was a sponsorship. I thought I was modeling workout gear, not… that.”
Lila went still. “Wait. You’re a professional athlete? A hockey player?”
“Yeah,” I said.
Her grip tightened on her glass. “Like… an on-TV hockey player?”
I nodded, suddenly feeling weirdly vulnerable.
She let out a short huff of laughter. “And here I thought you were just some incredibly hot guy who could dance. Turns out you’re a model and a pro athlete too.”
A grin tugged at my lips. “So you think I’m hot, huh?”
She blushed, and damn if that didn’t knock the breath out of me. “I think we’ve established those photos made quite an impression.”
I liked that she was impressed. I’d like it a hell of a lot more if it wasn’t just about my looks.
“Forget the photos. Wait until you see me on the ice.”