"What?" Derek feigned ignorance, "Which 'she' are you talking about?"

Mason frowned, "I've been working my butt off helping you, and you're teasing me?"

Derek snorted, "You drove her away yourself. Don't take it out on me now."

Mason did regret it. That's why he pretended to be seriously injured, hoping to clear the air.

But then, one thing led to another, and he never found the right moment to talk.

Now, she treated him worse than a stranger. She'd smile at ...