I walked into my room with a feeling oddly empty. There was this hollow feeling that I could only describe as emotionally exhausted. After a romantic date with Mason, I should be glowing with happiness. He did everything textbook perfectly. What was wrong with me?

I busied myself by pulling out all of my bathing suits and making a mental pro con list for each one. It appeared that my mother thought I would be swimming everyday with the eight bathing suits I had to choose from.

I changed into a deep emerald green bikini with a sparkly appliqué in center of the top. The straps came up behind my neck in a halter style gave me some much needed support. The bottoms tied on the sides of my legs so I could make it fit and flatter my butt. I found a cool romper style cover up and brushed my hair. I had to admit I looked pretty good. It should have made me feel better but, it didn't.

Sitting on the far corner of my bed, I stared at the digital clock that sat on the top of the television. This whole vacation I was going through the motions. I met with people, went to meals, and did my best to fit into this foreign world. Mason was the only guy I had ever met to make me feel free to be myself and he was about to slip away from me.

Five minutes into my sulking Paisley busted down my door. She was having what could only be described as a tantrum about her wardrobe.

Paisley was frantically chatting and flittering around my room. She seemed terribly nervous about going to the luau. I had never seen her so insecure. After deciding that the stash of bathing suits that her father had approved of wasn't working for her, Paisley made her way to my room. I let her try on a few of my bathing suits, but desperation was starting to take over.

"You don't understand Paris,"she told me sadly, "every time I put a bathing suit on I feel like a twelve year old."

"I think that you look fine," I said honestly and much less enthusiastically then she was looking for. Paisley was currently wearing my bright orange one piece bathing suit. It had cut outs on the sides and a band down the middle connecting the bottoms. It was one of my favorites and it almost gave the allusion that her hips had curves.

"I don't want to look fine," Paisley told me as she looked disgustingly at herself in the mirror. "I want to walk in there and feel good about myself. Haven't you ever needed to feel that way?"

"Is this about Andrew?" I wondered, "Because I think he is very happy with what he's seen."

"No, not really. He has definitely seen me in less," Paisley confessed with a wicked grin. "Everyone from school is going to be there and I know they are all going judging me and wondering what Andrew's doing with me."

My mouth flew open, "Paisley you have got to be kidding. You're gorgeous!"

Paisley gave me a slow sad smile, "Everyone wants what they don't have right? I mean people tell me all the time that they love my red hair, but if they had it they'd hate it just like me. Girls with curly hair spend forever with straightening irons. Curvy girls want to be skinny. Skinny girls want boobs and a butt."

I nodded, "The grass is always greener right."

"Something like that," Paisley stared down at her feet,"What if Andrew decides that I'm not what he wants anymore?"

"Paisley," I stopped her, "what you don't understand is that Andrew doesn't wish you were different. I don't wish you were different. People don't look at you and see your insecurities. They love you for the beautiful vibrate person you are."

"That's a pretty rosy view on things don't you think? Everyone has their opinion and lets face it girls can be mean. I think one of the reasons Nicole hates you so much is she can't find enough wrong with you. She doesn't have anything she taunt you with."

"No, you're right, girls can be down right horrible," I agreed. "and there are plenty of things she could find to needle me with. But, the real reason that Nicole can't get to me is that I won't let her. Nicole can say or think whatever she wants and I won't react. That's the attitude you have to have. It's surprisingly freeing."

Paisley tilted her head and frowned, "Okay, if you are Miss. Zen goddess, why are you sad tonight?"

I shrugged not meeting her eyes. "I guess it just kind of hit me today how much I'm going to miss everyone. I had this wonderful perfect night with Mason and in a couple of days it will be as if he never existed." I could feel my eyes getting heavy with moisture, but I fought it away by blinking. When did I become this silly girl that cries over boys?

"Well," Paisley said sitting next to me on the bed and laying her head on my shoulder, "you don't have to forget I existed. We both have phones and computers. There is no reason we can't stay in touch. Talk to Mason, I bet he's feeling the same way you are. Even if you can't have a typical relationship you could still stay in touch. I think it would be awesome if you came for trials, lots of people do. Mason would probably love that."

I let out a long drawn out sigh, "I hope so. Now lets find you something to wear."

Paisley jumped up, "Yes please!"

I frowned. "How come you don't like any of the suits you brought?"

Paisley sighed loudly,"My father is the only conservative Moroi out there. He wants me to be his little girl forever."

"That's kind of sweet," I shrugged.

"Says the girl who's father is much more reasonable," Paisley pointed out and went back to digging through the pile on my bed.

Paisley's comment woke me up and I refocused my funk. Set out determined to help her, I remembered a bathing suit I hadn't pulled out. The top was getting too small so I hadn't even considered wearing it.

Paisley looked great in it and I told her so. The ski blue triangle topped two piece had thin straps and loose fabric that draped just above her belly button. The open back and boy short bottoms helped to emphasize all the right parts. We had done some excellent work.

"Wow, I love this one Paris," Paisley squeaked.

I smiled genuinely happy to have helped her, "I'm glad, keep it. I think it's a little too small on me."

"No way," Paisley said surprised. "I saw the label. It must have cost a fortune."

"It doesn't cover the ladies," I confessed waving my hands across my chest, "I'm never going to wear it again."

"I wish I had your problems," Paisley said trying to joke, but I could tell it was a sore subject for her.

Twenty minutes later Paisley had reapplied both her and my make up with a water proof version and dried her hair, which seemed like a waste of time to me.

My father knocked on the adjoining room and let himself in. "Hey girls," he said with a big smile for Paisley."Ready to go party it up?" His bright yellow Nautica board shorts and matching teeshirt made me smile. My mother was always dressing him in bright colors to make him look less pale.

I laughed, "Just what every girl wants to do, party with their dad."

"Hey at least it's your dad and not mine," Paisley added with a serious face, "he doesn't even know what a party is."

"Your dad used to know how to party," my dad told us with a wink, "he didn't get all straight laced and serious until he met your mom."

This was news to me. "I didn't realize you knew Paisley's dad."

"Sure we went to school together for years." Dad admitted and walked toward the door. "You going to walk down with us Paisley?"

"I need to run back to my room for a second, I'll meet you there." Paisley explained and headed down the hall in the direction of her room.

"You all right Paris?" my father asked as we stopped at the elevators, "You seem very tense."

"Sure, everything is fine," I lied and forced my shoulders to relax.

Dad frowned and asked hesitantly, "Does this have anything to do with Mason?"

I shook my head.

He tried again, "Mathew?"

I rolled my eyes clearly annoyed, "When did you start thinking that I had become one of those dumb girls whose emotions are ruled by boys?"

Dad laughed, "Paris, every sixteen year old girl's emotions are ruled by boys. You have just been slow on the uptake."

"Nope sorry to disappoint you, no boy problems," I finally looked up to meet his eyes, "but if I'm being honest I'm sort of uncomfortable going to this shin dig. It's not my school."

"That doesn't matter," he told me patiently, "it's not mine either, really. That didn't stop them from asking me for a donation."

"They asked you for money?" I asked taken aback, "Did you give it to them?"

"Sure," Dad smiled at me as we stepped off the elevator and into a very humid hallway, "I'm always up for a good party. Besides I would do anything to make sure you had a good time. That's what this is about Paris, no drama or silly games. Have fun okay?"

"Absolutely," I immediately agreed.

Stopping in front of the locker room doors I gave him a huge smile, "Thanks dad."

"I don't expect you to stay with me or anything you're not six, but I'm here if you need me. No one puts their hands on you Paris," he said in a very no nonsense tone. It was a tone he only used when he meant business. "Find a locker and get settled. There is a door inside that leads directly to the pool."

I nodded and entered the locker room. This was unlike any locker room I had ever seen. The walls were painted a girly bright pink color and each of the rows of lockers had an electronic key code built in. As I pulled off my flip flops I realized that the tile floors were warm, like they were heated. I poked my head around to find a room of showers well equipped with spa products, fluffy towels, and plush robes. This place was crazy.

"Paris?" I turned around to find Alyssa Zelkos giving me an indulgent smile. She was wearing a minuscule black string bikini that was only held up by a few thin black strings. "What are you doing?"

"O' I'm just looking around," I said with a shrug.

Alyssa shook her head at me, "Well hurry up. Mathew saw your dad come out and has been pacing around waiting for you. He even bribed me to come drag you out."

I put my hands on my hips and gave her a disbelieving look, "Didn't you give me advice just a couple of hours ago to stay away from your cousin?"

Alyssa laughed and shook her head at me again, "I did, and you probably should. However, Mathew is being terribly insistent and I do have a soft spot for my only cousin."

"Silly Mathew," I agreed, "he has a way of getting under your skin doesn't he?" I ran my fingers nervously through my long hair. It hung down covering my chest.

I stripped out of my cover up and locked up my phone and wallet. Just as Alyssa and I were on our way out we literally ran right into Rose. "Hey Paris," she said with a smile, but gave Alyssa a strange glance.

"Hey Rose," I responded with a little wave.

Alyssa and I attracted a lot of attention walking into the party together. There seemed to be a buzz in the room that felt directed toward us. A rosy faced man handed me a bright pink flowered lei. I fingered the soft pedals and pulled it around my neck. I had never seen one before that wasn't plastic. The room was decorated with a large tiki bar and round tiki style bar tables. Large floral displays created dividers for privacy between the different pools. Several small and large hot tubs lined the walls. A sound track of chirping birds and water falls played softy.

One Olympic size swimming pool sat in the middle of the huge room. Most of the younger people seemed gather in and around it. Paisley sat with her feet dangling on the side on the pool. She flashed me huge smile and a small wave.

"Come over here," Alyssa ordered, "there some people you need to meet." I followed her, but scanned the room for my father and Mason.

I immediately recognized many of the faces. Several different clicks gathered around the different sides of the pool, but the majority of the eyes were on us.

Paisley stood up and came toward us as we walked to the edge of the huge pool. "Hey Paris, you look like a mermaid with your hair down like that," she smiled. She still didn't have one hair out of place.

"You know Paisley?" Alyssa asked me.

Women in teeny tiny polka dot bikinis passed tulip shaped drinks around with colorful umbrellas in them as we talked.

"Sure, we met earlier this week. How did you beat me down here?" I asked Paisley.

Before she could respond Andrew pulled himself out of the water with a devious smile on his face and scooped Paisley in his arms fireman style. Andrew jumped in the water splashing the crowd around me. When they came to the surface a bigger crowd had gathered around them waiting for further entertainment. Paisley's previously perfect hair was soaking wet around her shoulders as she clung on to Andrew.

I was so distracted by Andrew's spectacle that I didn't notice Mathew come up behind me. I immediately recognized the calculation look in his eyes and moved out of his reach. Mathew wasn't easily discouraged, he lunged for me and ended up flying sideways into the pool. A loud roar of cheers erupted poolside. I smiled smugly to myself.

I heard an unfamiliar deep voice say,"Hey, Alyssa introduce me to your friend."

Turning toward him Alyssa said, "Hello Nathan."

I took a step toward Alyssa and my jubilant mood was suddenly halted.

"Paris Ivashkov," Alyssa motioned between us, "this is Nate Bodinca."

The last time I had seen this guy was in the feeding room. He about to take a bite out of some poor girl and I ran out of the room like some cheesy horror movie. It wasn't his fault that I had these issues, but I still couldn't get the vision of it out of my mind.

I forcefully swallowed the bile collecting in my mouth and stuttered,"Bodinca? Are you related to Nicole?"

The guy had the nerve to laugh, "Yeah, my little sister makes a name for herself wherever she goes." He smirked at me, "Don't worry Paris I think that you and I will get along much better."

Mathew jumped up out of the water and shook his head from side to side like a dog. He had a huge smile on his face.

"Seriously Mathew," Alyssa said wiping the stray drops of water off of her arms.

"Nate," Mathew said in a clipped tone, "what do you want?"

"O I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I can see what has Nicole all fired up," Nate responded eyeing me lewdly.

"Nate goes to Princeton with me," Alyssa admitted clearly annoyed with him.

I nodded, in an uncomfortable silence.

"Come in the water Paris." Mathew tried to convince me. "It's warm and we are just about start a volleyball game." Mathew pointed toward the middle of the pool where a large net had been set up.

I heard a much more welcome voice from behind me say, "Paris can be on my team." Mason wrapped his arm around my waist possessively and placing his palm on my belly button. He kissed me gently on the fleshy skin just under my ear.

I leaned back into him soothingly. "Hey, I wondered where you were." I remembered my fathers earlier warning and tried to take a step forward, but Mason held me in place, "Have you seen my dad?"

"In a the hot tub in the corner with my parents." He said very softy, "Who do you think sent me over here?"

I shrugged not wanting to move an inch.

"You want to play or what?" Mathew said bursting my bubble.

"I'll take any opportunity to kick your butt Zelkos," Mason said smartly.

After carefully removing my lei I took off my hair tie and pulled my hair up into a messy bun. "Okay boys lets do this," I said stepping to the edge of the water and dove in. I swam under the water to the far side of the pool by the net. The bath like water felt amazing.

The others followed me and after a bit of fighting everyone split into teams. Mason insisted on being on my side and it was clear after a few volleys that the teams were unbalanced. Mason was all over the net spiking and shutting down Mathew and Andrew. Alyssa found slaughtering the other team hilarious.

I took the ball back to serve and spoke to Mason, "I think that you've clearly made your point."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Mason snapped and reached for my right arm as I tired to pass him.

I gave him an annoyed look, "I get that you want to win and beat Mathew, but you don't have to spike it in his face every time."

A slow smile made it's way across his face, "I know, but it's so much fun."

I rolled my eyes and served the last few points of the game.

I swam under the net toward the losing team. "You should be happier than that," Mathew said to my frown, "I've never been so humbled."

"I'm sorry," I told them embarrassed at Mason's unsportsmanlike behavior.

I heard Mason splashing up behind me, "You don't need to apologize Paris. We were just better then them."

I closed my eyes trying to stir up some patience.

"It's okay Paris really," Mathew tried to soothe me, "we all have our strengths. Obviously Mason's is volleyball.

"Don't pretend that you know anything about me Zelkos," Mason warned him.

I swam, beating everyone back to the side of the pool that they had been gathered.

"Really Nathan, out of all the people here tonight," Nicole screeched holding onto the ladder for support. Her face was turning the same deep red color as her tiny bikini.

"Chill out Nicole it was only volleyball," her brother returned.

Mason caught up with me whispering the command into my ear, "Get out of the pool!"

I flashed him a disbelieving look and spoke softly," What?"

Nicole was out of patience. "I guess I'm going to have to put up with Mathew's wandering eyes for a few more days, but I can't believe my own brother would associate with her," she spat in my direction.

"Get out of the pool," Mason ordered. "Now!"

I looked back and forth between Nicole and Mason, both of whom had clearly lost their minds.

"You don't get to have it both ways you know," Nicole directed toward me. "Either you are one of that kind," she paused to give a disgusted look to Mason, "or you can pretend to fit in with us. But, you should know that you will never be excepted by either of us until you choose."

I finally agreed with Mason and using the lip of the pool I pulled myself gracefully out of the water onto my feet. "What if I don't want to choose Nicole? What are you going to do about it?" I taunted her. Apparently the Zen Goddess had left the building.

"I know all about you. You aren't trained in anything, you couldn't hurt me," Nicole said snidely. "We all know what you are going to become." She turned her venom toward Paisley, "Don't think I won't remember what kind of person you are. Clearly you have no loyalty. I'm sure you will end up even more outcast then your mother, which would be quite an accomplishment."

I heard a few gasps from behind me. Mathew was yelling at Nicole trying to get her attention. Nathan pulled himself out of the water behind me, but was a few steps behind Mason.

"Out of here now! Lets go find your dad," he repeated.

Something in me snapped. Somewhere between her threatening Paisley and taunting Mathew I had lost my mind. I took a few steps in Nicole's direction and all humor washed from my face,"Trained or not I like my chances Nicole. You keep talking and I am going to make you glad that your bathing suit is already red." I was having some kind of out of body experience. I had never threaten to hurt anyone before.

Mason grabbed onto my arm, linking our elbows and trying to pull me back toward him.

I could feel all of the eyes focused on me.

Rose quickly came up behind me. I could feel her at my back. "What's the matter Paris?"

"Nothing, I was just leaving," I tried to get myself to listen to Mason. I was disgusted that I had lowered myself to her level.

"You should have heard her," Nicole chimed in, "Paris threatened me."

"Hmm seems to me Nicole you better keep your mouth shut then," Rose smirked. "I've seen Paris knock Mason on his back I can't imagine what she could do to you. " It was easy to see how upset Nicole's words had made me.

"I bet, she seems like the easy type to me," Nicole prodded.

I smiled, "I guess you know all about that type don't you."

Nicole looked scandalized, "You are supposed to be a guardian. How can you let her talk to me like that?"

"I didn't hear anything," Rose smiled sweetly. "I'm not supposed to be a guardian, I am a guardian. You need to start respecting what that means if you hope to have anyone risk their life for you."

"Whenever," Nicole hissed.

Rose looked horrified.

"It's okay Rose," I lightly tapped her arm, "Nicole is just annoyed because she isn't the center of attention. Maybe if we all stare at her for awhile she'll calm down."

Mason turned his head slowly toward me with a shocked expression on his face and busted out laughing. Rose turned and chuckled into her shoulder.

"See how crazy she is," Nicole was enraged, "Paris should not be allowed in here!"

Nicole's comment sparked something in Rose. "Girl you have no idea what crazy is. I have seen crazy and we are not even close."

"That's it," Mason took charge, "we're leaving."

"I'm not leaving," I demanded.

"Paris move your legs or I will throw you over my shoulder and carry you out." Mason spoke so softly I could barely hear him, but he looked like he wanted to scream.

I turned and walked toward the locker room without looking back.

Mason stepped in front of me. "Five minutes I'll meet you in the hallway. Don't think I won't come in there and get you."

Knowing this would be a tough battle to win, I waited until Mason had walked a few steps into the men's locker room before I said, "No," and turned back around. I dashed toward the row of hot tubs until I spotted my father and Eddie. They were chatting and laughing loudly with large drinks in their hands. The umbrella from Eddie's drink fell and I fished it out as I stepped into the water.

I didn't turn around, but I knew Mason was coming up behind me.

Eddie gave me a concerned look, "You okay Paris? Looked like Rose got to you just in time." Eddie turned and gave Mason a strange look.

"I'm fine," I smiled, "I refuse to let anyone run me out of here. Especially that brat Nicole. This was supposed to be fun," I gave my dad a sad smile.

"You're right," my father agreed, "just relax, doesn't the water feel good?"

I closed my eyes and let myself sink into the bubbly water. "It really does," I sighed.

"Did you get the package I sent over," Eddie asked me vaguely.

Raising my mouth up above the water I responded, "Yup we are all set, don't worry."

I opened my eyes to see Eddie nod a let out a stiff breath, "I know I'm just freaking out a bit."

I laughed into the bubbles.

"Um Paris," My father asked questioningly, "why does Mason look like he wants to punch someone?"

Mason stood a few feet away. He was chatting with an older man I had never seen before. He looked miserable.

"O' Mason was just under the false assumption that he could tell me what to do," I grinned, "hopefully he gets the message now."

Eddie looked up at Mason and shook his head, "That boy has got it bad."

I shrugged and took a fruity looking drink from a waitress.

"He definitely does," My father agreed glancing at Mason, "I almost feel bad for him."

"Why is that," I huffed.

"Mason is so worried about you he's making himself crazy," Eddie pointed out.

"I remember that feeling, it's torture," dad added.

Guilt came crashing over me and I suddenly felt like a sulking child. I took a few sips of my drink and then set it on the attached table. "This hot water is making me tired," I said letting out a long yawn. "I'm going to head back to my room."

My father and Eddie, both gave me a knowing smile. "Okay, goodnight," my dad said pulling me over to kiss the top of my head. Eddie gave me a ridiculously wink, "Don't be too hard on Mason, he has no idea what he's doing with you."

I gave him a blank stare and slowly climbed out of the tub. Without looking back I walked into the locker room and collected my things. I wrapped one of the fabulously plush towels around my waist and stepped out into the chilly hallway. I walked right into a wall of Mason. He stood with his hands on his hips and a defeated expression spread across his face. He didn't have a towel around him and was probably freezing.

"Why are you giving me that look Mason?" I said exasperated.

He shook his head and closed his eyes. Without saying anything Mason turned and started walking away.

"What after all that fuss you are just going to walk away now?"

Mason whipped around and said blandly, "I'm not having this conversation here."

"Fine," I spoke just barely and followed him studiously up to my room. We didn't speak the entire way. Mason held the door for me and closed it softy.

"Now do you want to explain to me what just happened?" I started.

"Paris I have no idea where to start."

"Okay do you want to explain why you felt the need to be super volleyball player and act like a complete ass?" I taunted him and wrapped my towel tighter around my shoulders.

"What are you talking about? It was just a friendly game. Who cares if we beat them or not?

"You weren't a very good winner." I added.

"So what. It felt good to beat Mathew at something for a change, him and that whole group of over privileged jerks."

I shook my head at him in frustration. "If you dislike them so much why were you playing at all?"

"I think that is fairly obvious," Mason said with a shiver.

"No, it's not." I spat at him, "I don't need a babysitter. It's bad enough that Abe has poor Quinn following me around." I reached in my bathroom and whipped a towel at him.

"Do you understood who you are playing games with?" Mason stopped and waited, but I didn't answer, "We both know I"m not talking about the volleyball Paris. Alyssa Zelkos is queen bee. People listen to what she says and does. These people can destroy your reputation before you even have one."

"I couldn't careless about my reputation," I said making quotations with my fingers.

"You might not but, I'm sure your dad does and I'm sure your mom does too." he said. "Wherever she is," he added almost inaudibly.

I laughed humorlessly, "They have never been too concerned about reputations Mason." I tried to ignore how adorably he brushed the towel through his shaggy hair.

"What's going on?" Mason huffed. "Where did the reasonable, mature girl that I had dinner with go? Why are you acting so defiant?"

I looked away, not able to meet his eyes.

Mason began to beg,"I'm not good at this stuff Paris. I have no idea what to do with these mood swings. Just tell me what's wrong so I can fix it."

Somehow I managed to string together a few words, "It occurred to me earlier that you are leaving on Friday and that leaves us only one more day together."

Mason suddenly looked depressed. "You have known that all along Paris."

I nodded mirroring his expression. "You haven't mentioned anything about it. You haven't said anything about staying in touch or staying friends."

Mason's sad expression changed to horror. "That's because we can't. There is no way to continue our relationship after we leave here."

The tears were in the corner of my eyes, but I didn't let them fall. "I'm not saying we need to have a relationship, I'm just saying we could talk or email. We both have phones and computers it wouldn't be that hard."

"Paris," Mason said in a tortured voice, "it's not possible. Any level of communication is a very bad idea."

"Why," I almost whined.

"I can't be distracted right now. This is the most important time in my whole life. If I do well and continue to prove myself this semester I could secure my whole future. You have to understand that any kind of communication between us will be emotional, for both of us. I can't have that right now. You have no idea how many sacrifices I would have to make to have any kind of relationship with you right now."

I let out a disbelieving huff. "Right, I have no idea what it's like to sacrifice," I mocked him, "I haven't seen what my parents have done for our family. How naive I must be to have never see a difficult relationship." I turned away and started searching for a teeshirt to put on over my wet swimsuit.

"A Moroi- dhampir relationship is difficult Paris, but it doesn't require total sacrifice, Mason said ignorantly. "Look at Eddie and Jill."

I looked him square in the eyes and stated, "My mother isn't a dhampir."

"Don't be ridiculous Paris," Mason threw his hands up into the air, "I'm sure it's been explained to you. If she wasn't a dhampir you would be a Moroi."

"You're not listening to me Mason," I paused, "I know what I am and I know how this works. My mother isn't a dhampir."

Slowly the pieces of the puzzle were coming together for him and the confused look on Mason's face turned astonished, "Paris that would mean."

I cut him off and threw my teeshirt onto my bed, "Yeah that's what it means." I couldn't meet his eyes. I was so cold I had started to softly shiver. "Now go," I gestured in the direction of the door.

Mason put his hands on the tops of my shoulders and forced me to look up at him, "Go where Paris?"

"I don't know," I said defiantly.

"You thought telling me that would push me away? You thought it would make me not want to be with you?

One small tear leaked out of my right eye and I quickly wiped it away with the back of my fist. "I thought you said you weren't good at this emotional girl stuff."

Mason pulled me toward him and rubbed his hands up and down on my arms, "You're freezing Paris."

"I don't care," I gently cried into his ice cold chest.

"I don't care either Paris," Mason assured me, "I don't care who your mom or your dad are. I just care about you."

"You've seen all the drama that I have been through this week with my grandmother and Nicole. In all the stress of the trip you have been my only blessing." I continued, "How can you push me away completely? If you care about me how could you force me out of your life?"

"You have got to understand Paris," Mason begged and held me firmly at his chest, "I'm doing this for you too. You need to go have a great life. I don't want you worried about me all the time."

I shook my head in his chest, "I care about you too Mason. I will probably always worry about you." I didn't tell him that I loved him even though I was pretty sure that I did. It would only make it harder in the end.

"Let me help you forget," Mason whispered nipping my ear and kissing down my neck.

I answered almost incoherently, "I don't want to forget you Mason."

"No," he corrected me, "let me help you forget about your grandmother, Nicole, and all of the drama. I can help you forget about everything else, it's what I'm good at."

I gasped as Mason continued kissing down to my shoulder, "You are good at lots of things Mason."

"Let me show you," Mason convinced me and reached up behind my neck to untie my bathing suit top.

I let out a soft moan as I watched my bikini top hit the floor.

Mason was not wrong, when his hands and mouth found my chest I forgot about everything else.

Thanks so much for reading. I loved everyone's comments and I really thought about everyone's ideas as I wrote this chapter. It took me a long time to get this chapter just right. I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far. For all you super awesome readers that read both Mason and Paris' POV the next chapter will be another Paris. I got started on it and I couldn't pull myself away.

Happy Reading!