Taking Chances(29)

“Huh. I guess when you put it that way.”

“Is it safe to assume you and Konrad had a good time?”

She beamed a smile at me before turning back to the road, “I actually think I like him. Who knows, I may even try to date him!”

I just shook my head. She's just like her brother. How people could be like that was totally beyond me.



***



“Ooo, don't look now, but someone's man is at our one o'clock.” Bree nudged into my side as we walked towards our second class of the day.

Of course, I had to look then. I saw Brandon with a couple guys and a girl I didn't know standing off to the side. His deep husky laugh reached us then and I smiled at the sound of it.

“Well are you going to go over there?”

I stopped walking for a few seconds then continued on the path we'd been on, “No, I don't want to bother him.”

“He's your boyfriend Harper! You're supposed to go bother him.”

I smiled and dropped my head hoping my hair would hide my blush, “I'm just kind of worried he doesn't like me as much as I like him. I didn't think I could feel so strong about someone after such a short time, and I'm sure it's because I've never dated anyone. I'm afraid I'll be too much for him, and he'll get annoyed with me quickly.” I’d seen that more than enough times with the guys on base. I knew how frustrated they’d get with their clingy girlfriends.

“Okay, I know you don't have much experience in this department, but let me clue you in. You didn't see that boy when Chase had you in the room. Guys don't go all hero over some girl they don't feel strongly about. And they definitely don't worry about protecting their innocence.”

I shushed her and looked around to see if anyone was listening.

“I'm just saying, Brandon's in deep. Trust me, I don't think it's one sided.”

“If you say so.”

“I do. So stop trying to be invisible and –” She looked over my shoulder and smiled, “looks like someone beat you to it.”

Before she could finish her sentence, Brandon had me scooped into his arms and his lips planted firmly on mine. I ran my hands over his buzzed hair before clasping them around his neck.

“Hello to you too.” I mumbled against his mouth.

He smiled and rested his forehead against mine, “I missed you this morning sweetheart.”

His voice warmed my body and I bit my lip in an attempt at hiding my idiotic grin, “Only three more and then I'll be there.”

Bree's annoyed tone broke through, “Uh, rude. It's like I'm not even here.”

Brandon's eyes didn't leave mine, “Good morning Breanna.” He gave me another quick peck and set me on the ground, capturing my hand in his.

She snorted, “He's in deep alright.”

“Bree!” I hissed.

“Yeah,” Brandon laughed huskily and squeezed my hand once, “yeah I am.”

I hid my face in his chest so he couldn't see my red cheeks or elated expression. He wasn't having that though, his fingers tilted my chin up and he bent down so our faces were almost touching.

“My class is about to start, I have to get going. See you at lunch?”

Nodding, I kissed his hard jaw, “See you then.”

He turned to leave and called over his shoulder, “Take care of my girl Bree.”

My smile fell as I caught the glare of the girl from the group he'd been talking to earlier. Was she another ex? I leaned into Bree and whispered, “Hey, you wouldn't happen to know that girl, would you?”

“You mean Psycho Barbie over there? She was at lunch with us a couple days last week. You don't have to worry about her though, he kept turning her down, and that was before he met you.”

Not another ex, but still another girl that wants Brandon. “Everywhere we go some girl ends up shooting daggers at me.”

Bree grabbed my arm and turned me toward our English class, “Um, have you seen your boy lately? Don't hate me, but he's freaking hot. I swear he should be a model. Lots of girls are going to want him, especially the ones who go Underground and see him fight, just remember he's yours and there's a lot of people ready to kick his ass if he forgets it. Me included.”

My eyes widened but she cut me off before I could say anything.

“He's not going to, I was just saying. He just let everyone in the immediate area know he's taken. Brandon's a goner when it comes to you, roomie.”

As soon as she said that, goose bumps covered my body and I tensed at what that could mean. Chase. This whole being physically aware of him was getting beyond ridiculous.

“What's up sis?” He threw an arm around Bree's shoulders and walked with us towards class.

“Uh, nothing. I thought you didn't have classes ‘til later?”