Friends, lovers... and an orange

Chapter 14

"I hope your birthday present is the best one ever. I deserve it after tonight" Adele sighed when the car dropped her and Mason at the hotel where they were staying, the launch of his perfum and everything that came with it finally over.

"Thank you very much for this, Addie. It means a lot."

"You're welcome" she said, taking his hand on hers. Holding hands had become something they now did without thinking, something that had become normal and organic for them.

"And about your birthday present... I wasn't going to say anything until tomorrow, but fancy an Italian road trip?"

"A road trip? Where?"

"It's a surprise" Mason smiled, his dimple showing.

"But when are we leaving? Tomorrow?"

"The day before. Tomorrow is a day to relax and recharge."

"I don't know if I'll manage to relax or even sleep knowing that you are taking me somewhere."

"You've been as worried about the launch party as I've been, Addie. So the moment you get into your room, you'll instantly fall asleep. But try to make it to the bed first" Mason smirked.

"It'll try" Adele laughed. "Same goes to you, tho."

"I'll do my best. And here we are" he said, stopping in front of her room's door. "Breakfast tomorrow?"

"Breakfast tomorrow" she smiled.

"Ok."

"Ok."

"So... ummm... Good night, Addie."

"Good night, Mase" she said. Though neither of them moved, their hands still linked together.

"Good night, Addie" he repeated, finally moving and kissing her cheek. Her cheek, or the corner of her mouth, the feeling making her knees go weak. "I'll text you when I'm up."

"Ok" Adele whispered, still trying to process how close his lips had been to hers.

"Good night, Addie. For the third time" he laughed.

"Good night, Mase" she said, frozen in place as she watched him walk towards his room. As he opened the door, he looked at her one last time, giving her a smile that made Adele's stomach flip inside her and that she was pretty sure would show up in her dreams. And it did.

She dreamt about that smile and about his lips almost on hers. Though maybe not just almost...

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"Mason, is that... no! It can't be!" Adele said as she looked out the window. They had been on the road for a few hours, laughing and singing their hearts out to the playlist he had made especially for this trip with all their favourite songs.

"Do you recognize this town?"

"Of course I do! My dad took a photo of us looking at something on our cameras in front of that church! I actually printed it and have it in my room."

"What? Why? It is such a random photo" he laughed.

"I don't know. I like it" Adele shrugged. "I have many others from that summer printed. It was one of the best of my life."

"Same" Mason smiled. Though he suspected she didn't remember it for the same reasons he did.

"If we are here... does it mean..."

"Maybe" he smirked.

"Oh my God, Mase. Please tell me you managed to do it. Please, please, please."

"You must be patient, little padawan."