2 Hours and 37 Minutes

Chapter 5

Mason's POV 

           “Mason?” “Mason!”

            I felt someone shaking my shoulder. “Hmm,” I moaned as my head lolled to the side.

            “Mase, honey we’re here,” Mom said as she got out of the car and slammed the door. That jolted me awake. Scrubbing my face with my hand, I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and the tension out of neck. Glancing back at Lee, he was sound asleep in his car seat probably dreaming about cotton candy and power rangers. I got out to help Mom with the bags. When I reached the trunk, Mom had her bag with the handle extended ready to roll across the concrete and Lee’s bag slung over her shoulder. The only bag that remained to retrieve was mine so I grabbed it. Mom made a motion for me to get Lee while she started for the door. As gently as I could, I scooped up Lee; his head fell on my shoulder, and his arms involuntarily went around my neck. His curls tickled my cheek as I leaned down to pick up my discarded bag. Shutting the door lightly, Mom noticed and used the automated locking mechanism to lock the car from the hotel entrance. When I approached, she held the door open for me, and she followed closely behind me. 

            The Four Seasons Resort was a beautiful hotel. I mean I’ve been here a dozen times; we only live a couple hours away, but each time it always amazes me at the sheer extent of it: this place is massage with the spa, gym, in ground pool, and not to mention the balconies with an ocean view. This time it seemed different, brighter somehow. Maybe it had something to do with the sexy blonde nestled at the front desk.

            I stood rooted in my spot as my mom pushed around me. Her nudging me along snapped me out of my daze. I had never seen a girl like that in my life. She was so small; I could practically fit her in my pocket. Presumably her family made their way to the elevator, and she trailed behind them, until the douche at the front desk called her over. My blood was boiling, and I don’t even know why: I didn’t know this girl, but I just felt this overwhelming urge to protect her from the likes of Nick.

            Nicolas Browning was a complete and utter prick. He was in my calculus class before he dropped out. What’s he even doing hitting on that girl? She’s too young for him. He was a junior when he left at the age of twenty-one. Word on campus was that they kicked him out for being caught with drugs on school property on multiple occasions. That guy is bad news; let’s just say that if I had a sister this guy wouldn’t be able touch her with a ten foot pole.

            Then the joker had the nerve to put his lips on her skin. It felt like my skin was on fire. What the hell is happening to me? Thankfully I didn’t have to go full on attack mode because the guy she was following to the elevator shouted her name. Cass. Before she left, Nick slipped her a piece of paper. As she approached the guy at the elevator, I noticed he was practically murdering Nick with his eyes. He must have been her brother because they were practically the spitting image of each other. I guess brothers think alike. Averting my eyes back to Nick, I noticed the wicked gleam in his eye as he latched his gaze on her ass. The look in his eyes told me that he thought he just found a new toy. Like hell!

            When the pair boarded the elevator, I breathed a sigh now that she wasn’t there for Nick ogle; I shot my own set of daggers in Nick’s direction. He looked disappointed when the elevator doors closed, but then he shifted his gaze to the next awaiting customer which was my mom. Glancing over my mom’s shoulder, Nick noticed me and his brows creased in confusion by the severity of the glare I was throwing his way. I came up behind mom just as she was getting the key cards, and Nick was saying our suite was on the third floor, 323. Mom turned to go to the elevator, but I stopped her.

            “Mom, can you give me a minute?” I asked motioning for her to take Lee. Confusion etched its way on her face, but she nodded taking Lee from my arms. I was going to kill Nick, and I didn’t want to wake my brother.

            “Don’t be long,” Mom threw over her shoulder as she retreated to the elevator. When the doors closed, I turned my attention back to the prick checking out my girl. Wait, what?  

            “Hey man, how’s it hanging?” Nick greeted as he extended his hand for a shake.

            “Could be better,” I gritted out as I accepted his offered hand and squeezed a little harder than necessary. I found great pleasure when he winced.

            “Who pissed in your Cheerios?” he countered rudely as he rubbed his hand on his leg.

            “You don’t look at her like that,” I growled in response. This guy was practically undressing her with his eyes. Even if I didn’t have these feelings for this girl I’d never met before, I still would’ve been upset about his behavior. Girls should be treated with the upmost respect, and I’ll be damned if this guy was going to give her anything less. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to admiring the female form, but I’m not a sleaze like this asshat. 

            “Like what?” he teased. His eyes glittered with amusement. He knew what I was referring to; this isn’t the first time he’s been my definition of prick. Shrugging my shoulders and shaking my head, I shot a final deadly glance then turned for the elevator.

            “See you around!” Nick had the nerve to shout after me. My shoulders tensed, but I kept walking. The elevator doors were opening by the time I crossed the floor. Once the other patrons vacated, I was a lone passenger riding up to the third floor. My anger subsided as I took a few calming breaths. This is going to be a long week.  

 *****

A/N 

I wasn't sure if I was very convincing from a guy's perspective, but I tried. 

xx sciencegirl