Taking Chances(14)

“Tell me about him.”

He glanced up and my breath caught at his expression. If a masculine man could be described as beautiful, then his expression was just that.

“He was amazing. Hard worker, but always home for dinner with us. Brought my mom flowers every other weekend, never missed one of our games. Taught me how to play football and surf. He made sure to let us know we could have anything we wanted if we worked hard enough for it. I always wanted to be like him when I grew up. Everyone loved him, he was a great man.”

“Sounds like it. I'm sure he would be very proud of you.”

He smiled at me and sat back into the chair, looking at me intently.

“What?”

“I've never had someone ask me that. Normally people just tell me they're sorry and get uncomfortable. It’s awkward and to be honest, gets kind of old.”

“Does it bother you that I asked?”

“Not at all. It's nice to talk about him sometimes. Your dad ever talk about your mom?”

“Um, not exactly. Just said enough to let me know I reminded him too much of her. It never made sense to me, he always kept me close, like with the home-schooling, but he always made it clear he didn't want me.” I snapped my mouth shut before I could say anything else. I exhaled in relief when he didn't ask me to explain that further.

“Well it's his loss.”

Yeah, try telling him that. He was stupid enough to let a bunch of horny Marines raise me. “Are you from around here?”

“I'm from Arizona, just south of Phoenix. My dad's side of the family doesn't live too far away though, that's kind of what brought me here.”

“Do you see them a lot while you're in school?”

He shrugged and tilted his head to the side, “Usually once a month. What about you?”

“My dad’s been in the Marine Corps since before I was born, he's stationed at Camp Lejeune.”

“And what brought you to SDSU?” He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table.

“You want my honest answer?”

“Of course.”

“I wanted to get as far from home as possible, and I love the beach. Plus, the fact that it wasn't too far from another base was the only way I could get Sir to agree.”

“Well I'm glad you're here Harper.”

My stomach warmed hearing his deep voice say my name. “Me too.”

We stayed there for the next hour and a half talking about everything from favorite movies and foods to school and aspirations. Brandon was easy to talk to, and I had a feeling Breanna was right, I was already falling. Hard.





4





Once I got back, Bree and I took over Chase's room to get ready for tonight. I ended up in a pair of daisy dukes and a black off the shoulder t-shirt that I absolutely loved. I left the shadow neutral, put on some eyeliner and mascara before putting my long hair in a low ponytail. Bree came up and pulled at my hair making it look a little messy before she gave her approval of my overall look.

“You excited to spend the weekend with Brandon?”

My heart was racing and I was smiling like an idiot just hearing his name. I glanced at my left hand that was still tingling from Brandon holding it on the way to Chase’s. “Yes! I just hope he doesn't think anything is going to happen because I'm staying here.”

“You mean like happen happen. Or am I missing something?”

“No, I'm pretty sure you got it.”

“It's not like you're staying with him, you'll be in here with me.”

I nodded and looked to the door then back to her, “Do you think the guys will tell him?”

“Tell him what?”

“About me being a virgin?” I whispered the last part, I didn't know if he was home yet and I didn't know where his room was.

She snorted and grabbed her perfume to spray us with, “Who cares if they did. It's like you said, at least you're not a whore, and trust me when I say this Harper...guys love knowing a girl isn't sleazy.”

We heard the voices get louder in the living room, so after another quick glance in the mirror, we made our way out to join them. Bree had been right, there were only about twenty people here, and they were all currently surrounding the bar where Zach was chugging a massive drink. I glanced around and saw Chase's face pressed into some girl's neck and Brandon walking in from one of the halls. We smiled widely at each other as he came to stand by my side.

“Hey beautiful.”

My heart practically beat out of my chest. “How was your class?” I softly nudged his side.

“Long, but I'm glad I'm done for the week.”

“Same here, it'll be nice to always have three days to relax.”

He nodded and leaned closer, “So you guys will be here all weekend?” I caught a ghost of a smile on his lips.