Chasing Daylight

Chapter Nineteen

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonder struck, blushing all the way home

-Taylor Swift

Maria

After Halloween, things got back into a routine. I went to my classes and Kesem meetings. I went to the gym and did my work at the café. Luckily, Max was still having sex outside of the apartment, so things were usually pretty quiet, which was nice. Mason was over all the time. He watched games and made dinner and kept us entertained. It honestly felt like he had become a third roommate and I really didn't mind it. He always managed to brighten my day just by being around.

"Oh we have nerd-Maria today," Mason chuckled walking into the kitchen. I was sitting at the counter in my thick glasses and messy bun, while I worked on a manuscript. Mason had dubbed that nerd-Maria. Max wouldn't even talk to me when I wore my glasses.

"I'm working," I said rolling my eyes. The boys had gotten very good at distracting me while I tried to work or do homework, so most of the time I tried to get things done at the library or in my room. It was practically impossible to concentrate when the guys were around chatting or watching a game.

"I honestly can't remember the last time I read a book and here you are reading new ones every day," Mason laughed sitting next to me. I knew as soon as he sat down getting anything done was going to be next to impossible.

"They're not even published yet," I answered.

"All the books you read get published because of you," Mason replied.

"Shut up," I said rolling my eyes. "You're distracting me."

"How much longer is nerd-Maria going to be here?" Mason whined.

"Just let me finish this page," I said brushing my hair back. I knew a compromise was necessary for both of us to keep our sanity. I had gotten a good amount of work done before Mason stepped into the apartment. Mason let out an exaggerated sigh but kept quiet. When I finished the page only a few moments later, I turned to Mason.

"You know Max ignored me this morning when I came into the kitchen?" I laughed.

"He really doesn't like those glasses," Mason chuckled tapping my glasses with a warm smile. His eyes were so bright and they held something far more than just a friendship gaze. It made me feel seen in a way I hadn't ever felt before. He was so close I could smell his cologne. I couldn't stop myself from moving a little closer. When Mason brushed a piece of hair behind my ear, I knew it was over.

"Is this okay?" He whispered and I nodded closing my eyes. His lips touched mine gently. It was a soft and delicate kiss that made me feel safe, just like Mason always did. I knew instantly that the spark people talk about so often was real as soon as our lips touched.

"I fucking knew it," Max laughed and we quickly pulled away. I knew my cheeks were red but my heart was still fluttering. There was an undeniable spark in that kiss and I just hoped Mason felt it too.