Ellen's heart dropped at what Mason said, like someone was squeezing the air from her lungs. She wished, for just a moment, that she had heard wrong. But the moment she saw Mason's serious look, all her hope was gone.
She chuckled, the sound bitter, almost mocking, but it wasn't directed at Mason. It was at herself, at the way she had allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things had changed. "I don't believe you." She pushed herself up, intending to get away, to put some distance between them, but Mason's hand stopped her.
"Hang on." He moved closer, his arm securely around her waist, pulling her back toward him. "Listen to me."
She looked at him, her eyes searching his face, trying to find something—anything—that would make her feel better. "Yes, I love Aubrey," Mason said it again. "But not in the way you're thinking. I love her as a friend."
Ellen didn't reply and just listened for Mason to continue.