Hard To Love by Sabrina Ross Read Free Book Online Page A

arm.
“No—Cassie, you stay.” I shook my head.
“Lauren, I not going to just—”
“I can take her home,” Mason interrupted. Cassie craned her
neck to look at him.
“You’ve been drinking,” she said.
“I’d sooner walk home with a serial killer,” I replied. Mason
didn’t respond but he didn’t walk away either. Cassie couldn’t
help but grin. “I’m fine. You stay have fun I will see you tomorrow
or something.”
“No, you are not walking home alone,” she said sternly.
“I’ll walk with her,” Mason interjected. This time my eyes
widened, surprised, as I wondered what his end game was.
“You sure?” Cassie turned to face him again.
“Yeah, it’s a beautiful night out,” he replied. “I could use the
fresh air.”
“No. I’m not that far from here,” I said, refusing his company.
“I know.” He smiled.
“Now who’s stalking who?” Again, not thinking before
speaking. Cassie tried to hide her laugh. Mason just smirked, not
taking his eyes off me. “Sorry. My brainmouth thing is on delay.”
I twirled my finger in the air around my head.
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” Cassie said, hugging me again.
“Sure.”
    Quickly I headed towards the exit, hoping to lose Mason along
the way. Unfortunately, once outside, he caught up with me.
“What’s the hurry?” he asked, catching my hand in his.
“No hurry,” I said nervously, taking my hand back and stuffing
it in my jean pockets. “I should be fine. You really don’t have to
waste your time walking me home.” It was a little much, but I
needed to get away from him.
“Just let me walk you home and stop complaining,” he scolded.
I closed my eyes, turning away from him. Being around Mason,
drunk, was not a good idea.
    The walk home was not just silent; it was awkward. I
didn’t
even understand why he insisted on walking me home. Mason, the
spoiled rich kid every girl wanted, the guy I oddly found myself
attracted to. I understood fully why girls were drawn to him, his
had the sexiest smile I had ever seen and those teal-blue eyes were
mesmerizing. When he looked at me I melted.
“Lauren—”
Before he ruined the moment, I interrupted. “I’m good from
here, Mason.” I stopped walking, turned to face him, and stuffed
my hands in my back pockets, again.
    “I’ll make sure you get to your door.” He
folded his arms
across his chest giving me a half smile. I felt cheated but even a
half smile was killing me inside. I just wanted to grab his face in
my hands pull him in and kiss him until I couldn’t take it anymore.
    “I’m fine
,” I said clearing my throat, and hoping I hadn’t said
anything I was thinking out loud.
“That you are,” he smirked and my cheek flushed, then he
started walking again, nudging me to follow.
“I don’t get you,” I replied, walking next to him, glancing up.
“What do you mean?” he asked, looking down at me.
“Well, when we first met, in the forest, you were less than
cordial, and now you’re—”
He interrupted, chuckling. “Sexy?” He wagged his brow and I
rolled my eyes.
I replied, “I was going to say charming, but you’re still a
pompous ass.” I caught the smile on his lips before he looked up at
the blackness of the sky. My eyes followed and I stared intently at
the vast beauty hovering above us. The stars twinkled through the
mist of clouds.
“I’ve got to keep it interesting,” he replied. Then as he looked
down at me he saw me roll my eyes again. “I’m sorry that I was
such a jerk the other day.” He stopped walking.
A little confused by his words, I stopped walking as well and
added, “And at breakfast and at the bar tonight.” He laughed and
shook his head.
“And at breakfast this morning, and earlier tonight.” His cheeks
flushed. “I—I’m not normally a jerk.”
“Ha!” I blurted without thinking. “I find that hard to believe.” I
laughed. We stared a lot longer than what was comfortable. I
waited and waited for him