Hidden Worlds

by Kristie Cook

  He had called her Ms. Rome the night they met. Skylar couldn’t believe his sense of humor tonight. Laughing like a schoolgirl, she held on to the moment. After what had happened just a couple of hours ago, his presence gave her comfort and put her mind and heart at ease.

  “If you don’t mind, I’m going to drive his car home.”

  “Yes, of course. The key is on top of the dresser. Then, what about your car?”

  “I didn’t drive here.”

  “Then, how did you get here?”

  Mason leaned over and whispered, “It’s my little secret.”

  The small breeze from his warm breath in her ear sent tingly awareness all over her. Brushing away the thought of his lips on hers, she tried to focus on other things. Knowing he had super abilities, it didn’t surprise her that he ran there. Most likely, he figured out she’d taken Remus’s car to get home, so he came to retrieve it.

  “It’s way past your bedtime, and you have to work tomorrow. I should go.” He got up and gave her his hand. The force of his pull made her leap into his arms. Inhaling a small gasp, she immediately drowned in their tangled bodies. In his arms she felt small, but safe for the very first time. From that moment, she knew without a doubt that she could trust him.

  Mason finally released Skylar after gazing into her eyes longer than usual. “Umm … I should go now.” His eyes scanned her from head to toe as he guided her to her bed. “So, is this what you wear to bed?” He gave a mischievous grin, twitching his brows.

  Warmth flushed to her cheeks. She suddenly realized she wasn’t wearing a bra, and immediately got into bed and pulled the sheet above her chest.

  “Why?” She examined what she wore—short shorts and a tank top. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing? Should I be wearing something else?”

  “Kind of skimpy, don’t you think?”

  Great! He was back to being himself again. “Kind of skimpy? It’s hot,” she stated. Suddenly, she felt like she was exposing herself.

  “It’s hot alright. Wear something longer next time, or else I may not be able to control myself.”

  Skylar flushed with warmth again. He was actually flirting with her.

  “Close your eyes,” he said, guiding her lower until her head was on the pillow. Then he sat on the edge of the bed. Flexing his muscles, he pressed his hands on either side of the pillow, and the intensity of the want and need in his eyes as he looked at her left her breathless. His eyes traveled to her lips, then back up to her eyes, and stayed there as he slowly moved to close the distance.

  Withering beneath him, Skylar’s breath was still caught in her chest. His close proximity aroused every inch of her, and undeniable desire brewed in the energy between them. In anticipation of the sweetness of his lips on hers, the pitter-patter of her heart made her chest rapidly rise and fall. Parting her lips, she was ready for him as he lowered toward her … closer … closer. Though it seemed to take a great amount of effort for him to turn away, he nuzzled the side of her neck instead.

  “Close your eyes.” He huffed out a heavy, rough breath, as if he was trying to restrain himself from something he wanted to do. His hot breath brushed against the side of her neck, making her quiver in all the right places.

  Frozen in place, Skylar had to gather herself before she could speak from the letdown. “Close my eyes? But, you’re still here.” Her words barely escaped her lips. Snuggling into her pillow, she tried to shake off the heated daze.

  Raking his hair back, he sat up, looking overcome. “Stop talking, Echo, or you’re going to the naughty corner.” His lips stretched into a smug half grin. That grin he does so well, frisky and sexy at the same time.

  “And if I don’t? What are you going to do, spank me? No, wait … are you going to shock me?”

  He arched his brows playfully. “You really want to know? We can do both and see how that feels.”

  With no comeback, she sank deeper into the mattress, hiding beneath the sheet, secretly thinking how hot but twisted that sounded.

  His hand reached over, covering her eyes. “Go to sleep, Echo.” His authoritative tone was final, but she was up for the challenge.

  “My name isn’t Echo, and you’re still here,” she yawned, feeling extremely lethargic, waiting for his response. When she didn’t feel the light weight over her eyes, she opened them. There was no sign of Mason, or any evidence he had gone out the door.

  FIFTEEN

  “Hey, pretty ladies,” Jack greeted. “Why do you look so tired, especially you, Skylar? Rough night, huh?”

  “You could say that,” Skylar replied, putting on her white apron and tying her hair back. Rough night was an understatement. Rough week and a half was more like it.

  “You girls get to work the late shift today?” Jack asked.

  “Yippee,” Kayla said sarcastically, twirling her index finger up in the air.

  “Oh, cheer up. Your mom is interviewing waitresses.”

  “Really? I hope she finds a replacement for us soon.”

  “She will. She already has a few in mind.”

  “Perfect,” Kayla said with a smile. “What’s the special today?” Kayla moved behind the counter.

  “Today is Tuesday. Chicken soup,” Mona stated, walking out of the storage room. “Good to see you girls. Tuesday is one of our busiest days, so let’s get ready for the lunch and dinner rush.”

  “So bossy, Mona,” Jack muttered. “Aren’t we in a bad mood.”

  “I have to work with you every day. Yeah, that would do it,” Mona joked, straightening the chairs around the tables.

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s why you never leave. You can’t be apart from me after all these years. I can’t even make you leave me.”

  “Whatever you want to think is fine by me,” Mona scoffed.

  Their teasing was interrupted by the sound of a bell chiming as a customer entered. Everyone went back to their post. It was extremely busy during the lunch hour, until they finally had a break. As they got ready for the dinner rush, Skylar noticed Kayla standing near the kitchen, smiling, holding her cell phone.

  Skylar went behind the cash register and took out her phone to text.

  What are you doing?

  I’m texting with Nick.

  Mona will get mad.

  I don’t care. You’re texting, too. lol!

  Lol!

  Nick is on his way and so is Mason. I’m glad you two talked it out over the phone last night.

  Me too.

  Hugs hugs!

  Hugs back!

  You end.

  No, you end.

  Mona coming. End.

  During the drive to work, Kayla had asked about her cut lip. Skylar told her she accidentally bit it. It was almost the truth, but since the cut was hardly noticeable, which was odd, it was believable. She also wanted details of their fight. Skylar didn’t know what to tell her, so she made up a story, telling her they argued about where their relationship was headed. Feeling bad about their fight, Mason had called her on her cell phone. Kayla took the bait and didn’t ask any questions after that.

  Skylar wanted to see Mason, but for some reason she felt nervous to see him after the heated moment they’d shared last night. Not knowing exactly what she meant to him, she didn’t know if he was playing with her emotions. She kept herself busy, wanting to keep her eyes away from the clock. Anxiously, she waited as customer after customer came and went. Finally, at about 7 p.m., Nick entered.

  Kayla beamed a smile, escorting him to his table. Skylar wondered where Mason was, but about five minutes later, he walked in with a girl by his side. She was the same blonde that was at the nightclub. Skylar’s heart dropped. He might as well have stomped on it. She looked just as Skylar remembered—too pretty and too blonde. Her attire was casual, but it didn’t matter what she wore. She was naturally gorgeous.

  Nick raised his hands to let Mason know where he was seated, and the two of them walked side by side toward him. Not wanting to see him, Skylar ducked
where she stood, hiding behind the cash register. How could he bring her here after last night? Was he that cold and heartless? But she knew she had no right to feel that way. They weren’t going out. Come to think of it, they weren’t even dating.

  He was just her knight in shining armor, and that was it. The fact that he flirted with her a little and took care of her, obviously didn’t mean anything to him, but it did to her. From the corner of her eye, she saw Kayla taking their order and giving it to Jack. While waiting, she pulled out her phone. From the look Kayla gave her, she knew the text was from her.

  What the hell! Who in the hell is she?

  The same girl he was with at the club.

  What is she doing here?

  I don’t care. We’re not dating. He can go out with whomever he wants.

  But I thought you two made up?

  I guess it meant nothing to him.

  Forget him!

  I will!

  Ass!

  Yeah, heavy sigh … but a gorgeous one though.

  Nowhere to run, Skylar took a deep, painful breath and stood up to face him. Be brave! Skylar could tell Mason was trying to make eye contact with her, but she would not give him the satisfaction. She kept on repeating to herself that he didn’t care about her, and that she deserved better. When she thought she could make it, Mona stood in front of her.

  “Skylar, could you please take these plates to that table over there?” She pointed straight across to Mason.

  “Can you ask Kayla?” Skylar whispered. “I should stay here in case a customer needs to pay.”

  Mona chuckled. “You’ve been eyeing that table ever since Mason got here. Now, take these and go say hello. That’s an order,” Mona whispered back.

  Skylar swallowed a nervous lump down her throat as she anxiously headed to Mason’s table holding the two plates. Not knowing who ordered what, she didn’t need to ask, since they’d ordered the same thing: steak, mashed potatoes, and asparagus. Great! They even like to order the same food. Carefully, she placed the plates in front of them, when she really wanted to smash them in their faces. Nick was already eating dinner since he’d gotten there first. He was never good at waiting.

  “Hey, Skylar,” Nick said. “Nice to see you on this side of the diner. You’re usually stuck behind the register.”

  “Thanks,” she said, desperately trying not to look Mason’s way, or at the girl sitting next to him, but she failed. When Mason gave her a sweet smile, she couldn’t help but smile too. Why do you have to be so darn cute? Why do you make me feel like I’m walking on air when you’re around?

  “By the way, this is our cousin, Amanda. She’s visiting us from out of town,” Nick introduced.

  Cousin? The pang that twisted her heart a second ago disappeared with Nick’s words. Skylar gave her the biggest smile. That Amanda was Mason’s cousin was the best news she’d heard in a long time. No wonder his manner was odd at the restaurant when she asked him about his date. She also recalled Mason telling her there were more like them, but he’d never mentioned having a cousin. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Same here,” Amanda muttered. “I’ve heard a lot of things about you.”

  “You have?” Skylar didn’t know if her tone meant good or bad. “I hope good things.” She smiled again. “Let me know if you need anything else.” Then she backed away, heading to the register.

  “Skylar,” Mason called.

  Skylar’s heart skipped a beat from the sound of Mason’s voice. “Yes?”

  “We’re going to the mountains this weekend. We have a cabin up there. Would you and Kayla like to come?”

  Skylar blinked her eyes in surprise. “I’ll ask her, but yeah, sure.” Then she thought about what she’d said. She answered without thinking it through.

  “We’ll pick you up Friday after work. At Kayla’s house. Is that okay?”

  “Sure. We get off early on Friday, about three.”

  “We’ll pick you guys up at 3:30.” Mason looked at Nick to confirm.

  “Okay.” Skylar turned on her heel, and walked away.

  When she headed to the cash register, her phone buzzed inside her pants. Knowing who was texting, she didn’t answer. Just to be playful, she looked across the room to Kayla and produced a devious grin.

  “Pick up your phone,” Kayla mouthed, pointing to her phone and sending it straight back into her pocket when Mona steeled her eyes at her.

  Skylar knew it was driving her nuts. She waited a few seconds for Mona to head to the other side and texted her back, since she couldn’t take the excitement any longer either. Mason asked her out for the very first time. Even though it wasn’t a one on one date, it didn’t matter.

  Mason asked us to go to their mountain cabin this Friday.

  What? Really?

  Just kidding.

  Shut up.

  Okay, NOT just kidding. Yes!

  What did you say?

  I said, I’ll think about it.

  What? Really? Are you nuts?

  I said yes.

  Stop messing with me. Yeah!

  What are we going to tell your mom?

  Don’t worry. I know what to say.

  Are you sure?

  I’m going to tell her we’re going with a bunch of girls.

  And she’ll buy your story?

  Why not? I’m a good girl.

  Yeah right. Go back to work. Lol!

  Skylar put her phone away and glanced toward Mason’s table. They looked like they were in a heated conversation. She wished she had supersonic hearing so she could hone in on what they were saying. Whatever it was, she hoped Mason wasn’t talking about Remus. Every time she thought about Remus, it freaked her out, so she tried to think about other things. Going to Mason’s cabin would be a great distraction. She couldn’t wait.

  SIXTEEN

  There were two cars parked in front of Kayla’s house. Both boys had the passenger side doors opened. Kayla hopped into Nick’s silver Mercedes and Skylar slid into Mason’s black BMW. As soon as Skylar settled herself in, Mason pulled her seat belt to lock her in.

  This was the second time she had been in the car with him and both times, he had belted her in. She wasn’t used to this kind of attention, but it felt nice. It was something her ex-boyfriend had never done—acting chivalrous. As soon as Mason closed the door, Skylar practically jumped out of her seat, startled by an unexpected voice. Skylar turned to the sound of a cheerful greeting.

  “Hello, Skylar,” Amanda said, smiling.

  “Oh, hey, Amanda,” she replied, smiling back. Assuming it would only be the four of them, she was quite surprised to see her, and wondered if Everett was in the other car. After that, things were quiet until Mason got in.

  Skylar enjoyed the scenic route they passed through—nothing but mountains, valleys, and trees. The conversation was minimal. Amanda asked Skylar many questions, but mostly focused the topic on herself. She did tell some funny stories about Mason, which seemed to break the ice as their laughter rang out in the car.

  After a couple of hours of driving on many winding roads, they finally reached their destination. The place was bigger and more modern than Skylar had expected. Though she had been to the mountains a few times before, she had never seen a nice place like the one in front of her. With a huge, beautiful yard full of trees and flowers, this was obviously a private vacation home. She didn’t spot any other cabins nearby either.

  The warm fresh air brushed softly against Skylar’s skin as she stepped out of the car, giving her a tranquil feeling. Inhaling deeply, she exhaled all her worries away, as if they could be carried off by the wind.

  When Mason grabbed the bags and led the way, Skylar turned to look for Kayla, but instead she saw Everett stepping out of the car. Seeing him reminded her of Remus, causing her stomach to tighten into knots. She wondered if he knew his half-brother was missing. Her thoughts were distracted when she saw Nick and Kayla walking side by side toward her. Then Kayla linked arms with Skylar, walkin
g ahead of Nick.

  “Pretty nice,” Kayla muttered, grinning from ear to ear. “We’re gonna have so much fun.” Then she leaned closer. “What’s Amanda doing here?”

  Skylar shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know what’s going on with Mason and me, so I’m glad she’s here. Amanda is a great distraction.”

  “Exactly.” Kayla’s tone was sharp. “You two need to figure things out. Get to know each other and not have a third wheel tagging along.”

  “She’s not tagging along. Plus, you could say the same thing about Everett.”

  “True, but at least he’s cute to look at,” Kayla giggled.

  “He’s alright, but he makes me nervous.”

  “Don’t worry about anyone except Mason.”

  “I don’t know what I’m feeling these days.”

  “Don’t think so much. Just have fun.” Kayla took several steps up to the front door and her eyes grew wide as she unlinked her arms from Skylar.

  Skylar felt her eyes widen, just like Kayla’s. “It’s so beautiful here.”

  The fresh smell of pine and the summer breeze whizzed through the air. The first thing Skylar spotted in the house was the tall vase filled with beautiful flowers. It was situated on a round table that looked just like the one at Nick’s home. Then her eyes moved to the elongated windows that reached up to the second floor, surrounding the house, allowing plenty of natural light in. The house was elegant, modern, yet it still felt like a cabin. It was furnished with only the best, as far as Skylar could tell, but it was simple, warm, and felt like home.

  After the guys gave a tour of the house and directed the girls to their bedrooms, they settled into the dining area where the food was already prepared. Mason sat to Skylar’s right while Kayla sat across from her. Plates filled with steamed tilapia, balsamic rice, and mixed vegetables were placed in front of them.

  “Delicious,” Kayla muttered, taking a bite. “I wish my mom could cook fish like this.”

  “Amy, our housekeeper, is a great cook,” Mason said matter-of-factly.

  “You have a cook here when you come?” Skylar asked, gazing at the utensils, plates, and glasses that were arranged as if they were in a five-star restaurant.