The car Mason scheduled to take them to the event pulled up to Jocelyn’s home at seven PM sharp. Tonight was their first official date. He hoped that she realized how serious he was. After the kisses they’d shared yesterday there could be no way that she could misinterpret what was happening.
Not only was it their first date, but he was going to be meeting her friends. That was a whole new step of its own. While they had been hanging out for more than a month they had yet to introduce one another to the other part of their lives. He felt like a jackass for not asking more about her friends before tonight, but there was nothing he could do now.
Mason was excited to get the night going; no sweaty palms and feeling uneasy, but amped. Blood coursing through his veins, heart pounding like a jackhammer, and energy trying to jump out of his skin. Exiting the car, he took the steps two at a time, jogging up to the door and giving it a gentle knock.
It only took a moment for the door to open, and for the world around him to stop. Jocelyn sparkled like an angel in the doorway. The lights from the house glowed behind her, the sequins on her floor-length gold gown catching every piece, taking his breath away.
Mason tried to form words, but when he couldn’t make that happen he just shook his head and whistled. He was almost embarrassed by his own reaction, but this was the first time a woman had ever had this type of impact on him. She was breathtaking, and tonight, Jocelyn was on his arm, his date, his. The most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
“Mason, you look so handsome,” Jocelyn said, breaking the silence. “I just need this,” she said, grabbing her purse off the entryway table.
Jocelyn exited, locking the door as Mason stood frozen like a statue.
“You ready?” she asked, turning from the door with a coy smile and a faint blush on her cheeks.
“Shit, Jocelyn.” Mason paused before swiftly closing the distance between them, eager to get his hands on her. His desperate arms wrapped around her, melting their bodies together as he claimed her silky lips.
He felt Jocelyn’s dainty arms wrap around his neck, and she let out a delicate moan as she relaxed into his body. While her body might have relaxed his was just waking. His pants tightened with each whimper and the way her breasts rubbed against his chest from her heavy panting. It was only a matter of time before she’d notice his growing length pressing into her stomach. He wasn’t embarrassed about his body’s reaction, but she could be skittish when he pressed the limits of their new relationship. And while he took their current embrace as a victory, he wasn’t about to ruin his chances in the long run.
Jocelyn took a half-step back when he broke the kiss, keeping the connection of their bodies, his hands resting at the curve of her waist, steadying her. The warmth of her body, the tenderness of her small frame cradled against his chest from their embrace still seared into his skin. Her hooded eyes looking up at him with sparkle and wonder, with only a hint of concern, was yet another triumph.
“Mason, you look extremely handsome. This tux…” Jocelyn sighed, a heated look in her eyes, before wiping away what he assumed was lipstick smeared around his lips. “We should probably get going.”
The only place Mason wanted to go was into her house to finish what they had started. This kiss, and the way she had responded, was how he dreamed it would have gone. The last couple of weeks of trying to move their friendship in a more romantic direction seemed to be paying off, and a lot faster than he expected. He’d witnessed the shy and nervous Jocelyn, but he also knew when she made a decision about something she stuck with it. Mason could tell that she was starting to see him in a more romantic light, and that the idea of them together might not be so overwhelming.
“Mason?” Jocelyn’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. She delicately looped her arms through the crook of his. “Shall we?”
“If we must.” He turned toward the car, escorting her down the walkway before helping her in.
He stood a little taller knowing that tonight he would get to stake his claim on Jocelyn in front of all her friends. While he wasn’t familiar with the circle she ran in surely the single men weren’t blind. Now to let them know she was taken; something he looked forward to.
* * * *
As the car pulled up to the extravagant hotel that was hosting the event, Mason felt oddly nervous. He wanted to make a good impression with Jocelyn’s friends, but right now he was wishing it was on a much smaller scale.
Jocelyn must have sensed his apprehension as she put a comforting hand on his knee, turning into him. “It’s going to be fine.”
He studied her as she swallowed hard; she was saying the words not to reassure him, but herself.
“It won’t be as bad as it seems.” She gave him a halfhearted smile.
Bad? He didn’t think it was going to be bad, but right now it was slightly intimidating, and overwhelming—something he’d never admit to aloud. Mason had to pull his shit together. He wasn’t this guy who worried about what other people thought. He had some class, he owned his own business and never found it difficult to start up a casual conversation. They were going to be better than fine. He’d make sure of it. Whether she knew it or not, he was her man, and it was time for him to man-up
“It won’t be bad at all, Joss.” Mason took Jocelyn’s hands in his, gently running his thumbs across her soft skin. “We are going to have a fun night. And I know I haven’t said this yet, but you look astonishing. I had no words before, but I’m a damn lucky man.”
The door opened, and bright lights from the event shone out. Mason exited the car first, holding out a helping hand for Jocelyn. She smoothed out her dress before taking his arm, and he led her inside.
Mason wasn’t surprised that the outside matched the extravagance inside. A large stage was erected at the far end of the expansive banquet room, and impeccably dressed waiters made the rounds with hor d’oeuvres and champagne. There was easily over one hundred people in attendance, and a faint chatter echoed over the band playing in the background.
“I know, it’s quite ostentatious, isn’t it?” Jocelyn said, leaning into him.
“No, it’s great,” Mason said, snatching two flutes of champagne off a passing waiter and handing one to Jocelyn.
He felt her body move as she took a deep inhale and released it. He grinned as she swallowed down half the glass. It was obvious she was anxious. He began to wonder what, if anything, she’d told her friends about him. She’d never mentioned her friends saying anything about him, but neither had he. Whatever they’d heard, or hadn’t, he was going to make sure that he impressed them. He wouldn’t be pushed out of her life by some nosey friends thinking he wasn’t good enough for her.
“Oh, there’s Taylin. We should go say hi.” Jocelyn pointed in the direction of a tall woman standing at a bar table.
As they approached, he gave Taylin a once-over, not in a sexual way, but assessing what he was up against. He knew enough to know that this was Jocelyn’s best friend. She was tall, with noticeable curves in all the right places. Her short, brown hair complimented the dark blue dress she wore. Her eyes widened as they reached the table, taking in an obvious appraisal of Mason.
“Joss!” Taylin said with a wide smile.
“Hi,” Jocelyn replied, letting go of Mason’s arm so she could hug her friend. “Where is Phil?”
Taylin eyed Mason as she answered, “He’s around here somewhere. Who’s this?”
“Taylin, this is Mason. Mason, Taylin,” Jocelyn said, with a blush to her cheeks.
“Oh.” Taylin smiled. “Oh…” Her eyes lit up with recognition. “This is the infamous Mason?”
So, she’d heard his name before. That couldn’t be bad?
“Yes,” Jocelyn replied with a strong tone.
He watched as the women exchanged a conversation of hard looks. Uh-oh.
* * * *
Walking into the decorated ballroom, Jocelyn didn’t miss the eyes focused on her and Mason, which lingered just a moment too long. Mason was beyond handsome, and the way he wore a tux was distracting in the best way possible. She would never regret the kiss they had shared earlier, but now she was having second thoughts of putting their relationship on display so soon. This was exactly what she was worried about. So many disconcerting eyes on them already, and it wasn’t clear if they were admiring her date or judging her. This is the test you wanted! she chastised.
Jocelyn had hoped that Taylin would be her salvation, but the look she’d given Jocelyn after introducing Mason said more than words could. It was probably because she hadn’t warned Taylin that the much younger man was accompanying her tonight.
You brought this, him, here? She could hear Taylin’s voice in her head.
Jocelyn gave her a pleading look. They could discuss it later, but she needed her friend tonight.
“Mason, it’s so nice of you to escort Jocelyn tonight.” Taylin finally spoke.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he replied, wrapping a possessive arm around Jocelyn’s waist and pulling her close.
Jocelyn swallowed hard at the action, trying to fight the blush calling to her cheeks.
Taylin turned, waving for someone in the crowd to come over.
Phillip, Taylin’s husband, appeared at her side. “Yes, dear?” he asked, placing a simple, almost cold, kiss on Taylin’s cheek.
I’ll have to ask her about that… Jocelyn made a mental note. Something was most certainly off with her friend, but right now she had her own obstacles to worry about.
“Say hello to Jocelyn and her date.”
“Of course.” He smiled at Jocelyn.
Taking a half-step in, Jocelyn met him for a friendly hug, and he placed a kiss on each of her cheeks in greeting.
“Phil, this is Mason. Mason, this is Taylin’s husband, Phil,” Jocelyn introduced.
“Hey, nice to meet you, man.” Mason stuck his hand out and Phil shook it.
“Let me introduce you to a few of our friends. I’m sure you don’t want to stick around while these women gossip about who is wearing what.” Phil shook his head.
The sound of Mason’s relaxed chuckle was reassuring, and when he turned, his eyes meeting hers, she even swooned a bit.
“Joss, do you mind?”
“No. Not at all. I think it’s a wonderful idea.”
“All right.” Mason leaned in, placing a kiss on Jocelyn’s cheek, pausing to whisper in her ear. “I’ll come rescue you in a little bit.”
Mason nodded at Phillip to lead the way.
Jocelyn took the moment of silence to stop a waiter who passed by, switching out her empty champagne flute for a full one. She wasn’t about to give anything away; she’d wait for Taylin to start in on her.
“Sweetie.” Taylin let out a sigh. “First of all, you didn’t tell me he was just a kid! How old is he? And second, I told you to sleep with him and get rid of him.”
“Keep your voice down!” Jocelyn scolded.
“What are you thinking?”
“I didn’t want to come alone, and he’s a nice man, not a kid.” Jocelyn shrugged. “Besides, we aren’t sleeping together.”
“What?” Taylin gawked. “Why the hell not! Look at that boy, man. What I would do with that.”
“Taylin! You’re a married woman.”
“More like a desperate housewife,” Taylin said with a heavy sigh before taking a drink of her own champagne.
“Want to talk about it?”
“Oh, no. We’re talking about you and this Mason guy. Just how old is he?” Taylin shook her head with a big smile.
This was the moment of truth, but Jocelyn was at a loss of what to say to her friend. Mason wanted them to be more, and as of late, she found herself toying with the idea too. But she didn’t know if she was strong enough to handle the backlash she was already getting from her friends.
“Oh. My. God,” a shrill voice said from behind Jocelyn.
She shook her head at Taylin before they both turned to look at the woman coming to join them.
“Jocelyn, you didn’t bring the pool boy, did you?” Rachel asked with a mocking giggle.
Rachel had an opinion on everything, always, was horribly stuck-up, and bordered on tactless. The ‘bless your heart’ type. Jocelyn only tolerated her as they ran in the same social circle, while Taylin handled the woman more as a frenemy.
“You know I don’t have a pool,” Jocelyn said flatly. She was going to need more to drink.
“Don’t be a bitch,” Taylin warned Rachel with a sociable tone.
Jocelyn didn’t even try to hide the smile on her face. Taylin might be giving her hell for bringing Mason, but she wasn’t about to let anyone else. That was a sign of a true friend.
“What? It was an honest question. If anyone on my staff looked like that, I’d bring him too.”
“He’s not the pool boy, or staff,” Jocelyn defended, angry now. “He’s not a boy at all, he’s a twenty-seven-year-old man, if you haven’t noticed.” Jocelyn paused, finishing her liquid courage. “And if you’re checking out boys, you might want to talk to someone about that.”
Jocelyn bit down on her lip, keeping the smile at bay while Rachel stumbled on her words and Taylin’s mouth gaped.
Rachel recovered with an eye roll. “Defensive much?” she asked.
“And you should know, both of you, that I brought him because…because we are…um… seeing each other.” Jocelyn stammered out the half-truth, her confidence fading at the realization of the words coming out of her mouth.
Taylin cleared her throat, obviously surprised by the declaration. Jocelyn was surprised herself, and even a bit proud that she hadn’t backed down from the women. And she didn’t say Mason was her boyfriend, only that they were seeing each other, which was true, even if it implied more.
“You’re kidding?” Rachel broke the silence.
“That’s enough, Rach,” Taylin scolded. “It’s not like you’re one to talk. What were you, nineteen when you married Demarcus, and he was how old again?” Taylin mused playfully.
“Forty, right?” Jocelyn jumped in.
Rachel scoffed with a look of horror on her face. Turning on her heels, she stormed off. Thankfully. Taylin stretched her glass out, clinking it together with Jocelyn’s. The moment of comradery passed as Taylin opened her mouth to speak, but Jocelyn cut her off.
“Not tonight,” she pleaded, feeling the fear in her eyes. She couldn’t have a full conversation on this topic. Not tonight, and frankly, she had no plans of having it until she fully understood it herself.
“I’m going to need a stronger fucking drink.” Taylin nodded toward the bar.
“Me too.” Jocelyn sighed. Welcome to the deep end of the pool.
* * * *
“Here, let’s get you a whiskey.” Phil led Mason to the bar.
That’s more like it. He nodded. He was going to need something stronger than champagne. He was worried about leaving Jocelyn to fend for herself, even if this was her group of people. He knew she could be skittish, and he didn’t need her catching shit for bringing him. At least not on her own.
“Mason, this is Devon, Chad, and Tim. Guys, this is Mason. He came with Jocelyn.”
“Oh really?” the man called Devon said.
“Yep,” Mason replied flatly.
“How’d you manage that?” Devon asked. “You gotta tell us your secret.”
“No secret.” Mason shrugged.
“Come on, Dev, it’s obvious.” Chad smiled big, giving Mason a nudge with his elbow. “He’s a young buck.”
Mason didn’t see that coming, at least not so soon, and he was more offended than he had expected to be. They were implying that he had nothing more to offer Joss than a good time in the sack.
“Don’t be a dick,” Mason said casually, pleased with the shocked looks on the men’s faces. “I’m no kid. I’m co-owner of The Viggo over on 23rd. That’s where we met and became friends first.” Mason squared his shoulders. “And she’s my girlfriend, so you should watch how you talk about her.”
“Woah, Mason,” Phil interjected. “They didn’t mean anything by it. Just dumb men saying dumb shit after a few too many whiskeys.”
“Jocelyn is a good woman. I’m glad she’s happy,” Tim said, seemingly genuine. “I was friends with her late husband. He was a nice guy. He’d be happy too.”
Mason gave the man a flat smile. The compliment was awkward to take; thinking of Jocelyn’s late husband’s approval.
“I’m gonna go check on Joss. Nice meeting you guys,” Mason said, turning on his heels.
“I think I’ll go with you, just to say hi. If that’s okay?” Tim asked.
Mason nodded as they left the group.
“You know I own a couple of storefronts over off 23rd,” Tim said, making casual conversation that Mason was happy to have.
“Oh yeah? Anything I would know?”
“Maybe. I rent them out. I think one is a salon, and another a vintage clothing store. I keep the third one open for various small gallery events or short-term tenants.” Tim shrugged. “The business on that strip is booming. How’s the restaurant business out there?”
“It’s great. Like you said, it’s hard to have an unsuccessful business out there. We have so much foot traffic during the summer, almost too much.”
“I bet.”
“There they are.” Mason pointed in Jocelyn’s direction.
Walking toward her, he appreciated her stunning backside and the soft flare of her hips in the fitted dress. He was a lucky man; for now at least. He wondered how quickly she would discover that he’d told the men she was his girlfriend. She’d be too polite to correct them, but he was curious to see what she’d have to say about it once they were alone.
“Joss,” Mason called out, and he was rewarded with a big smile.
“You done chatting with the boys already?” she asked, but her eyes showed appreciation that he had come back.
“Hey, Jocelyn,” Tim said. “We didn’t want to keep him from you too long.”
Jocelyn smiled at her friend. “It’s so nice to see you.”
Mason watched as they closed the distance, but he wasn’t pleased when Tim planted both hands on her curvaceous hips while he placed a kiss on each cheek. His greeting didn’t seem as innocent as Phil’s had. But then again, what did Mason know? Maybe this was how she interacted with her friends, and he wasn’t going to be that guy. Not tonight at least.
“Tim was telling me that he owns some shops not too far from the restaurant,” Mason said.
“Oh yeah?” Jocelyn smiled.
“Restaurant?” Taylin asked.
“Oh, you didn’t know? Jocelyn’s boyfriend here owns The Viggo over on 23rd.”
Dick. Mason wasn’t sure about this guy anymore. It was true—you have to watch out for the quiet ones.
Mason eyed Jocelyn, waiting to see her response to that word. There was a short-lived smile before she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.
“You all should come in one night for dinner, my treat,” Mason offered.
So I can keep an eye on you. He was having a hard time reading this inner circle of friends. It was clear that they were unsure about him, and he had expected it, but he was going to need to become friends with them, or at the very least friendly enough to get them on board with the relationship, for Jocelyn’s sake. The fuck if he was going to let them ruin this before it even started. He’d do whatever it took to prevent that.