Chapter 33

“Mason, honey.” Joel’s gaze skidded to Otho and, for a second, there was surprise on his face. “Who’s this?”

“What are you doing here?” Mason tried not to sound annoyed, but why did he have to come here and ruin Christmas?

“I’ve called and called, but I only get voicemail.”

The phone hadn’t survived the dip in the river. Mason realized he should probably call home in case his mom was trying to reach him too. It was Christmas, so of course she’d call.

Joel softened his eyes, something that would’ve worked a couple of months ago. How couldn’t Mason have seen the falseness?

“I got worried.”

“Sure. Funny how you worry now.” Anger, hot and dangerous, coursed through him.