“You bet, sweetie,” she says, closing the distance between us and pulling me into a hug. “Try to enjoy yourself tonight, okay? We’ll talk soon.”
With a swirl of blue silk and tulle, she glides back into the ballroom. I stare after her, a little flustered, but weirdly calm. I’ve forgotten how wonderful it feels to be hugged by my mother. How she could make me feel better just with that simple gesture.
I head into the ladies’ room feeling calmer and more sure of myself than I did moments ago. It’s New Year’s Eve. Tomorrow is the start of a brand-new year, so what better time to attempt a fresh beginning?
Mom is on stage when I return to the ballroom, beginning her spiel to the guests, followed by an introduction for the band. Nina waves excitedly from our table, grinning and wide-eyed. I rush over, curious what has her so bouncy all of a sudden.
“Callie, I found them!”
“Found who?” I ask, accepting a fresh flute of champagne from the waiter who pauses by our table.
Nina tilts her chin toward the bar where a pair of tall, broad-shouldered men stand. One is a dirty blond with fairer skin, and the taller one has dark, close-cropped hair and a deep tan. They’re in tuxes, like ninety percent of the other men here, but I raise my eyebrows, impressed that she managed to pick them out of the entire crowd. Tall is good.
“Wow, good eyes.”
“And they came in together, sans dates, so all bets are that they’re single. I haven’t had a chance to do more recon since your mom dragged you out, though. How is she? Same as usual?”
I sigh and shrug. “Mostly the same, but I think I might be ready to forgive her. She seemed . . .” I trail off and stare into the bubbly liquid in my glass. “She seemed more sensitive tonight than she’s been in the past. She even hugged me. How crazy is that?”
Nina purses her lips. “Well, she is your mom. But I’m guessing it’s been a while since you two really had a moment.”
My guts tangle as I work back through the memories, then nod. “Not since before Dad left. More than five years, Nina.” Tears well, pricking at my eyelids. I sniffle and take a quick drink. “God, why did we wait so long?”
Nina snorts. “You and Kat are two of the most stubborn, headstrong women I know. I’m glad one of you finally gave enough to let the other one in. Halle-fucking-lujah.” She raises her glass, and I roll my eyes and clink.
The band begins to play and we turn our attention to the stage for a few minutes. I can’t help but glance back at the pair of men Nina pointed out, curious, but in no hurry. I’m not sure I want another fling, but it would be fun to have a dance partner, and at the very least someone to kiss at midnight.
But when I think of kissing, my mind is overwhelmed by the memory of Mason’s mouth covering mine while I was mid-orgasm on the plane, his tongue thrusting between my lips just as relentlessly as his cock between my legs. Warmth floods my body, the arousal making me less interested in meeting someone new. Not when I’m hoping like hell he finds me again in LA.
But Nina’s a master at picking up men, and when I look back at her, she’s already caught their attention and is waving them over before I can object.
“How the hell do you do that?” I murmur. “You’re like a man magnet.”
“Trust me, it doesn’t always work to my advantage. But tonight’s about having fun, and these guys look like a whole lotta fun.”
Her eyes brighten, and I look up to watch as the two men finally turn from the bar and make their way through the crowd toward our table.
She chose well. They’re both clean-cut men, and both fill out their tuxes like they were tailored to fit. If they were on Mom’s guest list, they probably paid a pretty penny for their duds.
The blond one has a casual smile as he glances between me and Nina, but as they draw closer, it becomes clear the tall, dark-haired one has his eyes laser-focused on me.
“Wow, looks like the big guy made his choice. You go, girl,” Nina murmurs beside me.
My skin heats. I’m not used to such focused attention from a stranger, and I’m not sure I like it. I meet his intense gaze with a challenging stare, ready to fend off an aggressive pick-up, silently hoping it doesn’t ruin Nina’s chances with the other guy. But if they’re both pushy, macho assholes, I’ll do battle for my friend too.
There’s a flash of amusement in his gray eyes, and when he starts to smile, it hits me. He reaches the table still smiling, and this close, the remnants of fading bruises around his eye are clearly visible.
My heart stops beating.
It’s him.
He’s had a haircut since I saw him last, and a close shave that reveals a set of dimples and a sexy cleft in his strong chin, but it is most definitely Mason Black.
“Hey, Doc. Fancy seeing you here,” he says in that gravelly voice that makes my insides turn to jelly.
And like an idiot, all I manage to say by way of greeting is, “You shaved.”
16 Mason
I rub my chin, unable to stop smiling. Callie is probably the last person I expected to see tonight, but I can’t say I’m disappointed. Far from it. If she’s here, I might actually be able to stomach the wait for news from the senator.
Her flirty friend is gawking at us and jumps in. “Wait . . . you two know each other?” She looks at Booth, who widens his eyes and shrugs.
“This is news to me too,” he says. “I’m Wyatt, by the way.” He sticks his hand out to the curly-haired brunette.
“I’m Nina, and this is
