Never Date a Genius

Chapter 48

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He didn’t let go of her hand.

Not when the coach called for the team photo. Sophie was red faced as she hid behind his back but Mason won't let go.

Not when Chris tried to drag him into the huddle.

Not when his teammates whooped and pounded him on the back.

It was like his grip had a mind of its own, white knuckled, almost shaking.

Sophie gave him a puzzled look. “Mason, you can let go. I’m not going anywhere.”

His jaw tightened. “Don’t say that unless you mean it.”

She blinked, startled by the edge in his voice.

“I’m serious, G,” he said, voice low, almost pleading. “I just got you back. I’m not… I can’t risk turning around and finding you gone again.”

Her chest tightened, and for a moment she didn’t know whether to laugh at his stubbornness or cry for the boy who had just admitted his biggest fear.

So she squeezed his hand back. “I won't leave, Mace.”

His eyes softened, but he still didn’t let go, not as they crossed the court, not as they pushed through the crowd, not even when they reached the exit.

Like maybe if he held on tight enough, she’d stay forever.

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The cold night air hit them the second they stepped outside, but Mason still didn’t let go.

The noise of the gym faded behind them, just the muffled roar of celebration, doors swinging shut, and then… nothing.

They walked side by side through the parking lot, their breaths clouding in the air. Sophie’s shoes clicked softly against the pavement. Mason’s sneakers scuffed, his steps matching hers like he was afraid to get even half a step ahead.

Streetlamps washed everything in gold, the light catching on the strands of her hair. He kept glancing at her, then away, like he needed to keep checking, she was still real.

She finally broke the silence. “You’re still holding my hand.”

“Yeah.” His voice was quiet, almost hoarse. “I told you. I’m not letting go.”

“Mason…”

“Just until you’re home,” he said quickly. “Maybe longer.”

She could have teased him. Instead, she just smiled faintly, the kind of smile you give someone who’s been through a storm and is still bracing for another.

They walked in quiet comfort toward his pick up. The world was noisy around them, but in that bubble, it was just the two of them.

Once inside, Mason didn’t start the engine right away. Instead, he reached for her hand, holding it like a lifeline.

“You don’t know how much I needed this, needed you,” he confessed, voice raw and vulnerable. “I don’t want to lose you. Not ever.”

Sophie squeezed his hand, her own heart fluttering. “You won’t. We’re in this together.”

Mason started the engine, the low rumble filling the quiet space between them. But instead of driving immediately, he turned slightly toward Sophie, his eyes searching hers like he needed to make sure she was really there.

“You don’t know how much I missed you,” he said quietly, voice thick with emotion. “These past few days without you felt like… like I was lost. Like a part of me was missing.”

Sophie glanced over, surprised by how raw his words sounded. “Mace…”

He shook his head, swallowing hard. “No, you need to hear this. I was scared. Scared you’d move on, scared I’d lose you to Jason or… anyone else.”

He clenched the steering wheel, his knuckles pale. “I hated that feeling. The thought that maybe you were thinking about him more than me. That maybe I hurt you too much and I'm not enough.”

Sophie’s heart ached for him, the boy who always seemed so strong and confident was laying himself bare. “Mace, you are enough. You’ve always been enough.”

He let out a shaky breath, eyes flickering to the rearview mirror before back to her. “But I wasn’t sure if you still felt the same. After everything… the fight, the distance, the misunderstanding.”

His hand reached across, brushing hers gently. “I don’t want to be the guy who almost lost the only person who ever really mattered to him.”

Sophie squeezed his hand, warmth spreading through her. “You won’t lose me. Not now. Not ever.”

A small, almost relieved smile tugged at his lips. “Good. Because… it’s always been you, G. Even when I was a clueless kid, even when I didn’t know how to say it right.”

He exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing just a bit. “I’m not letting you go again.”

The pick up hummed softly as they finally pulled onto the road, but inside, the silence was filled with a promise, one neither of them needed to say aloud.

“You’re not changing your mind, right?” he asked, half a whisper, half a plea when they reached her driveway.

“I’m not.”

For the first time all night, his shoulders eased. But he still didn’t let go.

“G, can I stay? Just tonight? I don’t want to be alone right now. Not when I feel like I could lose you again.”

Her breath caught, but she nodded.

“I’m scared, Mason. But maybe… maybe we’re stronger than our fears.”

He smiled, relief flooding his face.

“Together, G. Always.”

Inside her room, Mason didn’t just sit beside her. He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her like if he let go, she might disappear. Sophie rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

Sophie whispered, voice shaky but determined, “I’m not going anywhere. You don’t have to be afraid anymore.”

Mason whispered back, “I believe you.”

And for the first time in a long time, Mason felt home, not in a place, but in her arms.