Taking Chances(15)

“At least through Saturday.” I tried not to lean into him when I caught a hint of his cologne. I couldn't place the scent, but it was perfect for him.

“Can I ask you something?” He glanced over his shoulder before meeting my gaze again.

“Of course.”

“Is there something going on with you and Chase?”

I leaned away to look at his face. Was he serious? “No...why?”

Brandon looked to the side, “No reason. I was just curious.”

My face fell. “Brandon. What happened?”

“Nothing.” Brandon sat there for a moment studying my glare before conceding, “After I dropped you off, he called to tell me to stay away from you.”

“What?”

“Yeah, said that you're taken and he reminded me again that you've slept in his bed and would be this weekend.”

Taken? Hardly. I pointed to where Chase was sticking his tongue down the same girl's throat and laughed. “Well you tell me, does it look like there's something going on?” I turned towards the living room and he followed. “As for sleeping in his bed, he said he was 'protecting' me from the other guys, and I swear to you nothing happened.”

“Will you be staying in there this weekend?” He didn't sound angry or possessive, simply curious.

“Most likely, but it will be with Bree. He won't even be in the room.” I hoped.

“And you aren’t dating anyone?”

I turned to look at him over my shoulder, “Not yet.”

His smile turned playful as we sat down on the couch, “So I don't need to stay away from you?”

My breaths were coming faster as I stared into his warm eyes that were only inches from mine, “I really hope you won't.” I caught myself leaning in closer to his face and saw his eyes look at my lips then back to mine as they turned to liquid steel. Before our faces could touch I was yanked back and thrown over Chase's shoulder as he yelled for the beer pong game to start.

“CHASE! Put me down!” I couldn't even enjoy the fact that his hands were touching my bare thighs. He'd just stopped what could have been my first kiss, and his shoulder was really uncomfortable against my stomach.

“No way! The Princess needs her throne!”

I started beating my fists on his back, which just made him laugh harder and smack my butt. Ugh, this was the worst position to be in, I couldn’t even get a good pressure point to hit. “If you don't put me down I will make good on my previous threat!”

He laughed for another few seconds before remembering the night in his bed, immediately his laughter stopped and I was set down. But of course, I couldn't have the last word. Gripping my arm firmly, he pulled me towards the front door before bringing me close to his body so he could whisper roughly in my ear.

“I don't want you with him.” He growled and his grip tightened. Gah, even that sent shivers of pleasure through me.

“What is your deal with him? Is there something he did that you'd like to share?”

“He's not good enough for you.”

I shook my head and failed at yanking my arm free, it was starting to get painful. “How do you know what is and isn't good for me? You don't even know me!” I hissed.

Warm hands were on my shoulders then, and though he dropped my arm, Chase looked more pissed off than he had before. I knew he'd been gripping me tight, but my arm was now throbbing where his hand had just been.

“I thought I told you to back off man?” Chase’s voice got louder, I swear I could practically see his feathers ruffle.

I could tell Brandon was standing in an intimidating stance, but he seemed perfectly at ease making soothing trails up and down my arms. “I don't really think that's up to you.”

Chase looked at me softly, his voice still harsh, “You hurt her, I swear to God I'll break your neck.” With that, he pushed past us and went back toward the kitchen.

That was a little much. “Ridiculous.” I blew out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and turned to look at Brandon. “Before you ask, I have absolutely no idea.”

He laughed and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close to his chest. “And you're sure nothing's going on between you?”

“Positive. He probably just views me as his sister, so he’s a little protective.”

“Hah! I'm pretty sure he doesn't see you like he sees Bree.”

“What do you mean?”

I didn't think it was possible, but somehow his voice got even lower and all I wanted to do was close my eyes and listen to him talk. “You're gorgeous, funny and just all around amazing. And what makes it worse is that you don't even see it. All the guys had been talking about you before I even got here, and after today, I see why.”