Page 129 of Game Plan

From my position, I could spot the bulge in his jeans, and I got hot all over.

He was just about to back out of the driveway onto the street when a soft knock on the window made us both jump. “Fuck,” Mason spoke through gritted teeth. “Your dad.”

I lowered the window as Mason put the car in park and coughed to clear my throat. “Hey…huh…hi, Dad.” I hoped he couldn’t tell what was on my mind and what we’d been up to moments ago.

His attention ping-ponged between Mason and me, and he frowned. “Where are you guys going? I thought you just got here. Your mom can’t wait to hug her little girl.” He opened the door for me to exit. I offered my boyfriend an apologetic smile. Before I could say anything, Dad pulled me into his arms. “I hope you’re doing great. You look happy.”

“I am, Dad. I really am.”

He released me and stepped back, giving me a once-over, as if checking to see whether I was lying. “Awesome. Let me grab your bag.” He moved to the back of the car and knocked on the vehicle’s frame twice until Mason popped the trunk open. “Mel, which one is yours?”

“The red one.”

Mason joined us at the back of the car, and my father extended his hand for him to shake. “Thank you, Mr. Pierce, for convincing Mel to come home for a few days. And for driving her. I’m glad you two made up and are back to being friends.”

My boyfriend raked his fingers through his tousled hair. “Yeah. Friends. Right.”

Without hesitating, I tucked myself under his arm and looked at my father. “Dad, in fact, Mason and I didn’t just make up, we are dating now.”

My dad’s eyes widened. “Dating? You are? As you two…” He pointed his finger at us. “How long has this been going on?”

“Only a few weeks, sir.” Mason smiled down at me. “But I’ve known for a very long time Mel was the one.”

“I see. For now, go see your parents, son. They’ve been missing you and Craig. Come over later, will you? We’ll have a chat.”

I could see the gears of Mason’s brain turning because mine were working just as hard. A chat? What did my dad want? Would he question us? Tell us he didn’t approve of our relationship? Ask Mason what his intentions toward me were? Welcome him into the family as if he’d always been a part of it?

A chat? My boyfriend asked silently.

It’s going to be okay, I mouthed with a shrug.

I hope so, he mouthed back. I’m too young to be fed my balls.

I snickered behind my fist.

“Mel, you said something?” my father asked.

I schooled my features. “Nope. Nothing.”

He draped one arm around my shoulders and led me to the front porch, and it wasn’t until I was inside that I finally exhaled the breath I’d been holding.

My heart pounded in my chest.

My parents wouldn’t overreact, right? They loved Mason. Was I just being paranoid for no reason?

“Mel, is that you?” My mother’s footsteps echoed on the hardwood floor as she drew closer.

I was about to be hit with a thousand questions. I could handle it.

Deep down, though, all I wanted was for the night—and the awkwardness about to happen—to be over.

34

Double M? It sounds like a big-ass bra size

I stopped in my tracks when Mason and I stepped inside the cabin belonging to Jackson’s uncle around dinner time.

“Happy birthday, Mase,” Chase said, hugging my boyfriend.