Page 51 of Chase

The next day, I’m getting ready to head out to class. As I’m opening the car door, Chase runs out, pulls me to him and kisses me. It takes me by surprise and for the first few seconds I simply let him taste my lips. When I’m about to push him away, he beats me to it, already pulling back.

“I fucking miss you Layla. Stop being mad!”

“You can’t order me to stop being mad!”

“Anyone with eyes can see I’m fucking crazy about you!”

I roll my eyes at him. “We will talk after class, okay? Are you going to be home?”

“I’ll be here, baby. Any problems call me, okay.” He kisses my temple, and then walks back into the house, leaving me to admire his muscled back and ass in those jeans. That man! Too fine for his own good.

A couple of hours later, my classes for the day are done, and I’m on my way to have a quick lunch with Derek. I walk into the restaurant and see Derek sitting there, chatting with the waitress. I jump into the seat opposite him, just as the waitress gives him her number written on a napkin. She gives me a dirty look when she walks off.

“Thanks Derek, now my food is probably going to get spit on!” I roll my eyes at him.

“Aw come on, I’m sure..” He glances at the napkin, “Katie, isn’t that mean.” He grins as he says it. I’m pretty sure he knows exactly how catty some women can be.

“Ha! Come on let’s order, I’m starving.” I check the menu, and order the chicken, like I always do. Derek orders a steak. “How was class?” I ask him.

“Same old. Accounting is boring as hell, but it’s going to pay my bills. You?”

“Alright, just a lot of human biology stuff. I need to remember so many things; I think my brain is going to explode”

We make small talk. He’s a really nice guy, and seems to genuinely like my friendship. He didn’t hit on me once, and didn’t stare below my eyes.

“So who is this guy you are complicatedly not seeing?” he questions.

I laugh. “Chase.”

He frowns. “Chase who?”

I bite my lip.. “Jackson?” I make it sound like a question.

“Very funny, Layla. Who are you seeing?” he tries to laugh if off like a made a joke. My feelings are hurt. Why wouldn’t I be seeing Chase?

He must see the look on my face because he reaches over and pats my hand.

“Hey, I’m sorry. It’s just that. Chase, doesn’t date. He fucks. He is a legend on campus. Why I heard this one story when..”

“Okay Derek! I get it. Well, we were seeing each other. Now we aren’t, but it’s still complicated.”

Derek groans. “I can imagine. No wonder James said he was staying at their house more often. He only usually stays there now and again. He’s got several other houses and he usually moves around.”

Interesting. I was learning more from this conversation with Derek, then all the prying in the world from those three brothers.

“Why did they even want a roommate? They certainly don’t need the money.” I’m trying to dig for information.

“Kade and James go away a lot, travelling. During summer holidays they go to Europe. So they wanted someone in the house. Chase isn’t hardly there, he just comes and goes. They don’t need to share a house; they just like each other’s company.” Hmm. That makes sense.

“So what about you, I heard you’re a bit of a playboy yourself. Shame on you for trying to make me your target!”

He chuckles. “I’m playing the field. I’m young. Don’t worry Layla, you have officially been put in the friend zone.”

I raise my eyebrow at that. “I’m pretty sure I friend zoned you first, Derek.” We both laugh.

The food is delicious, and I offer Derek a bite. I cut a piece of the chicken, and slather it in sauce, then lean over the table and shove it in his mouth. There was nothing sexual about it. But it probably did look bad when Chase stormed in at that very moment.

He walks over and takes the seat right next to me. His eyes on Derek, he doesn’t even glance my way.

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