I raised an eyebrow and tried to pat Mason's head again. "If you don't want me to, I will."

Mason scowled. "Are you that bored? Why are you teasing a kid? You don't even act like an adult!"

Sofia was surprised too—she had never witnessed me being so mischievous.

I was briefly taken aback by what I had done. The ghost of a blush flitted across my face before my reserve came back to me as usual.

I had a business meeting in the late afternoon, so I did not dawdle. Rising from my seat, I said, "I'll drop by to visit you tomorrow, Buddy." Mason gave me the cold...