Let the Games Begin // Dodge Mason

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ Chapter Three ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

     I knocked on the door of Dot's Diner, peeking inside to see Dodge cleaning the place up. He smiled as he saw me and let me in.

     "Howdy there, partner" He said, locking the door behind me.

     "Howdy? What are you, a cowboy?" I laughed.

     "And what if I was? are you into cowboys?" He leaned in.

     "Not important!" I laughed.

     "We have business to discuss." I took a seat at one of the tables, he followed my motion as he sat across from me.

     "If either of us wins, we split the money 50/50."

     "Yeah, figured that one out already," Dodge says.

     "But why do you want to be partners with me? Natalie's playing, isn't she your best friend?"

     "I love Natalie, but she can be selfish- especially when it comes to her dream of getting far far away from this town."

     "Okay, but why partner up with me?"

     "Well, you're new. You don't know the game too well so I can help you with that, but you're also stronger than me- you can help me out with some challenges as needed. Win-win situation."

     "Also, you're cute," I mumbled.

     "I'm sorry, what was that last part?" He smiled at me.

     "Hm? I didn't say anything," Blush crept onto my face.

     He leaned in from across the table, leaving only inches between us. My focus stayed on his eyes, but I watched how his bobbled from my eyes to my lips, making me suck in a breath.

     "Really, because it sounded like you said-" Fireworks started going off.

     "Shit, that's the signal." I grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the window.

      "Need a ride?" He offered.

     "Sure, if you don't mind stopping by my house first to get a bathing suit?"

     He nodded his head and grabbed his keys.

     I walked through the front door of my house, trying to be as quiet as possible.

     "Oh, hi honey!" My mom said as she walked into the living room.

      "Wanna watch a movie tonight?"

     "I can't tonight, sorry. I'm just grabbing something really quick then heading back out."

     "You're not playing Panic, are you?" She asked, crossing her arms.

     "No mom! I told you that game is dumb!"

     "Then where are you going so late at night?" She questioned.

    Shit, how do I get out of this.

     "Hope I'm not intruding," Dodge walked into the house.

     "Hi there Ms. Sloan- my names Dodge. I asked Lilia to see a movie with me after work, I know it's late, but I promise I'll have her home right after." He flashed a smile at my mom.

"If it's only a movie, what do you need to grab? He's not making you pay, is he?"

     "No, of course not. I would never make her pay. She just wanted to grab a jacket so she's not cold in the theater." He explained.

     "Alright... But I want you home right after, okay?"

     "Yeah," I nodded.

     "He's cute." My mom whispered in my ear as she made her way back into the kitchen.

     "Mom!" I groaned.

     "I'll be just a second," I told Dodge as I made my way back to my room.

     I opened my drawer and grabbed a simple sage green bikini out of it, pulling off the outfit I was wearing and sliding on the bikini before getting dressed again. I grabbed a hoodie so my mom wouldn't question it and made my way outside to Dodge's car.

     "All set?" He asked.

     "Yeah,"

     He nodded and started driving to Pilots Point.

     A/N: Dodge covering for Lilia?!?! I love them so much already. Remember to vote and comment if you're enjoying the story!