Chasing Daylight

Chapter Twenty-Three

Tonight I'm gonna dance

For all that we've been through

But I don't want to dance

If I'm not dancing with you

-Taylor Swift

Maria

I was kind of nervous to go to Mason's house. It wasn't that he made me nervous, but I was worried it would be a typical boy's apartment. I liked sleeping in my bedroom with all my blankets and pillows. I liked knowing my sheets and room were clean. Despite the anxiety, I drove myself to Mason's apartment that night and stood at his door with a bag on my shoulder waiting for him to answer.

"Hey beautiful," Mason smiled opening the door and pulling me inside. He took my bag as I glanced around. The place was incredible. From the front door, I could see the living room with a big couch and big tv. The kitchen had a huge granite island with super nice appliances. There were big windows looking out at the trees and mountains. The place was well decorated and clean and I was honestly surprised.

"It's nice in here," I said looking up at him.

"You sound surprised," Mason chuckled leading me down the hall.

"I thought maybe you would have an apartment like Max when I first moved in," I said biting my lip. "I'm pleasantly surprised."

"There are two bedrooms back here and bathrooms attached to each. Are you going to sleep with me tonight?" He asked. My stomach fluttered. He was such a gentleman.

"Yeah, if that's okay," I blushed.

"It's more than okay," Mason smiled pushing a door and leading me into his bedroom. It was a nice space. There weren't many decorations, just a big desk pushed against the wall and a big bed with a blue comforter and a few pillows. "It's not quite as nice as your bedroom."

"At least it's clean," I smiled and Mason laughed.

"You really had low expectations," he chuckled. "Come on let's go back to the living room."

I nodded watching him set my bag on the desk before following him back down the hall. "Did you already eat?" He asked.

"Yeah, I went to the gym and made myself a smoothie," I answered sitting down on the couch. Underneath the tv was an entertainment center full of movies. When I looked closer, I realized they were all superhero movies.

"You a big superhero fan?" I asked as he came to sit down next to me with a bag of carrots.

"Yeah, my brother and I were like obsessed when we were younger," Mason chuckled. "Whenever a new one comes out we go to the theater to see it together."

"That's sweet," I smiled.

"Have you seen any of them?" He asked.

"No, that wasn't really my sister and I's thing," I laughed. "I think I could give it a chance though."

"You want to watch one? I'll let you pick it out," he smiled. I nodded climbing off the couch and crouching in front of the rows of DVDs. I picked out one that looked slightly familiar and handed it to him.

He popped the movie in and for the next two hours, he answered all my questions and laughed at my commentary. My parents used to hate watching movies with my sister and me because we always talked through the whole thing asking questions and adding jokes. It was nice watching with someone who not only laughed at my commentary but also added his own. By the end of the movie, we were laughing loudly and paying no mind to the credits rolling across the screen.

"Are you ready for bed?" He asked turning to me once we had composed ourselves.

"Definitely," I nodded. "I'm exhausted. 

"Long day?" He asked curiously.

"Running always wipes me out, especially since I haven't been doing it as much lately," I replied.

"Then let's get you to bed," he grinned standing up and throwing me over his shoulder. I squealed letting the giggles fall out of my mouth as he carried me to the bedroom.

I changed into my pajamas and got ready in the bathroom. When I got out, Mason was already in bed. I got into bed and straddled him and connected our lips.

"I like your apartment," I whispered pulling away slightly.

"Oh yeah?" Mason asked peppering my jaw and lips with kisses.

"Don't have to worry about Max stumbling in drunk or hearing him fuck a girl in the room over," I said kissing him again. He chuckled against my lips and I let his tongue enter my mouth.

--

Mason

I woke up the next morning feeling content as Maria's curly hair tickled my chin. I opened my eyes to find her back pressed against me, her legs tangled in mine. I could watch her sleep all day. When she was awake her eyes always showed that she had been through too much in life, but asleep she was peaceful and she had the smallest smile on her lips. She was so beautiful and she fit against me perfectly. As I stroked her hair gently, she turned to curl against my chest.

"Morning," she whispered tucking her head against my chest.

"Morning babe," I said stroking her hair gently. "Do you want some breakfast?"

"Yes please," she nodded sitting up and rubbing her eyes. I nodded getting out of bed and she got up and followed me to the kitchen. I grabbed some eggs and started scrambling them as she sat on the counter next to me. I turned on some music and Maria smiled leaning against the cabinets.

"This is the song my dad and I danced to at my last daddy-daughter dance," she smiled closing her eyes.

"I never learned how to slow dance," I said watching her as I pushed the eggs around.

"Let me teach you," she smiled jumping off the counter and moving the eggs to the back burner. I let her take my hands and pulled her close, my arms going to her waist and hers going to my neck.

"I'll lead," she told me looking down at her feet. "Just follow what I do."

I nodded following her lead as we made a box step around the kitchen. Maria giggled every time I stepped on her toes. I loved her laugh, it was infections. Eventually, we gave up with the steps and I pulled her against my chest swaying her around the room as the song ended.

"What are you doing for Thanksgiving?" I asked still holding her close.

"Nothing," she shrugged resting her head against me.

"Come home with Max and me," I said. "I don't want you spending the holiday alone."

"Does your mom want me there?" She asked pulling back to look at me.

"I haven't asked, but I know she'll say yes," I replied looking down at her.

"Ask your mom," she replied. "If she says yes, I'll go."

"Good," I smiled kissing her jaw.

"Go finish the eggs," she giggled. "I'm hungry."

"Alright babe," I laughed pulling away already feeling giddy about sharing a holiday with her.