Mason (Carter Brothers #2) - Lisa Helen Gray Page 0,54

soon fly to the side when Mason steps up next to me and she grins bigger.

“You do pick well my girl. I could have you for dessert,’’ she says looking Mason up and down, and for once, I’m glad he has clothes on.

“Seriously, Nan?’’ I ask, playfully rolling my eyes.

“Alright, alright, but come here, I miss my favourite granddaughter.’’

“I’m your only granddaughter,’’ I tell her giggling.

“Yeah... well, it’s the title that matters. Have you spoken to your father?’’ she asks attentively and something from the look in her eyes tells me she’s hiding something.

“Um... no.’’

I leave emotion out of my voice. Since we picked the rest of my belongings up at my parent’s home, my father hasn’t bothered to come see me or bothered to contact me. He’s so far up my mother’s ass that I’m surprised he doesn’t take a piss without her permission.

“Well, he’s meeting us at a cafe in town. He needs to talk to you about something before we go shopping.’’

“Nan, I’m not talking to him. Please don’t ruin this day for me,’’ I plead and feel Mason walk up behind me and pull my back to his front. The position is oddly comforting and feels right, so I lean back into him, relishing in his embrace.

“Shush babe, hear her out,’’ he whispers in my ear and I sigh. Myles moves over to the other side of the garden and starts messing with the flower bed, but I can still tell that he’s listening. He’s a Carter after all.

“He only wants five minutes of your time, honey, at least give him that,’’ she pleads and if this was anyone other than my Nan then I would just ignore them and tell them to fuck off. “Plus I’ll disown you if you don’t.’’

“Are you freaking kidding me?’’ I squeal outraged and notice Harlow walking into the garden, but stops short when she hears my outburst.

“Jesus... It’s a joke, not a dick, don’t take it so hard,’’ Nan mutters and I look at her confused. Mason doesn’t help when I feel his body shaking with laughter or when I hear laughter coming from Myles, confirming my earlier suspicions that he was still listening.

“Huh?’’

“I’d never disown you sweetie, but I know what your father wants to talk about and it’s something I think you’ll want to hear.’’

“Well if you know then why don’t you just tell me?’’

“Where would the fun in that be? Come on, he’s waiting.’’

I groan, really not wanting to go now she’s spoiled the day by bringing my father into it. I’d been really looking forward to some girl time, and of course getting some clothes that actually fit me. I turn around in Mason’s arms and give him my puppy dog eyes which only makes him grin.

“Babe, he’s your dad. If you don’t feel comfortable and you want to leave, then just call me, I’ll come and get you.’’

“You promise?’’ I pout, liking the feel of him pressed up against me.

“Always,’’ he grins, kissing the tip of my nose, the notion has me melting towards him. “Now go on before your Nan strips the rest of Myles’s clothes off,’’ he chuckles.

I turn to find Mason isn’t far off on the matter and have to snap my hands in front of her face to bring her attention away from the poor boy.

“Can Harlow still come?’’ I ask, gesturing to Harlow behind her.

“Of course,’’ she says then sends a look to Mason behind me and I turn to catch a quick glimpse of him nodding his head.

“Is something going on?’’

“No,’’ they both say suddenly and I shake my head.

Weirdoes!

“Well come on then, we haven’t got all day,’’ I snap going back inside quickly to grab my bag.

It doesn’t take us long to arrive at the cafe where my dad is waiting for us. Harlow trails in behind my Nan as she walks in front of us, weaving in and out of tables, directing her way over to the table my dad is sitting at.

“Is he like your mom?’’ Harlow whispers sounding genuinely scared.

“No, but he’s just as bad with his silence,’’ I whisper back feeling deflated. When my dad comes into view I nearly gasp. His face is sunken and he looks like he hasn’t slept or eaten in a few days. The dark circles under his eyes are proof of that.

“Hey Denny,’’ he chokes out, standing up to greet me and bring me into a hug. I’m uncomfortable at first with the affection. It’s the first