Hate to Love You novel · Chapter 11 of 24

Chapter 11: His Side

Mason crossed the parking lot and came through the diner door.

Every head at the counter turned.

The waitress, halfway through a refill, froze with the pot in the air.

"Kennedy," he said.

His voice shook.

"Get your things."

"Mason, stop."

"Now."

Shay had gotten to his feet.

He stood between the booth and my brother with his hands open at his sides, not touching anyone.

"You don't have to shout," Shay said. "She's fine."

"I'm not talking to you."

"I know. But I'm standing here."

"Get out of my way."

"Mason." I slid out of the booth and put my hand on his chest. "Look at me. Not him. Look at me."

His eyes dropped to my face.

They were wet.

Rain ran off his hair and down his jaw.

"You said you were with Jess," he whispered.

"I lied."

"You lied to me."

"You asked me to lie to everyone else. I figured you could have a turn." My voice wobbled. "Please. Not here."

For a moment, I thought he might shove past me.

Then something went out of him, and his hands came open.

"Outside," he said. "Just you."

"I'll be right back," I told Shay.

"Kennedy..."

"I'll be right back."

I followed Mason through the door into the rain.

We stood under the neon, getting soaked.

He turned on me, but the words didn't come.

He just breathed.

I realized with a jolt that he was scared.

"What if he's lying to you?" he said finally. "What if everything he says is a line?"

"Is it a line?"

"Yes."

"How do you know?"

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