Page 57 of Chase

I am so aware of him, his every moment, and every breath.

He consumes me.

Like a magnet, I’m drawn to him. I can’t help myself. He is my drug. My passion.

And I’m scared as hell.

******

I’m at lunch with Derek the next day, we meet in the same spot as last time, after my morning class finishes.

“Am I signing my death warrant by being here today?” he asks.

“No, it’s not like we are doing anything wrong. How’s life?” I inquire.

“The usual. School, work, play.” His lip curls up when he says ‘play.’ Typical.

“You do know Chase can kick my ass right?” I stare at his muscles, pondering, and he bursts out laughing. “Normally I can handle my own, but Chase is a badass fighter.”

“What?”

“Yeah, didn’t you know? He’s a legend on campus.” So I have been told.

“So he’s known for his womanizing and fighting skills?” I ask.

Derek nods. “That pretty much sums it up. But he’s a crazy fighter; I heard this one story when...”

“Derek seriously!”

“What! The guys still love to talk about it.” He chuckles.

“Why are we friends again?” I groan.

“Because you were desperate?” he teases.

I throw a fry at him.

Chapter Twenty Three

The next day, I’m sitting at the dining table with Kade, playing scrabble. I had guilt tripped him into playing it with me, but now I think he loves it.

“So, I hear you and Derek have been hanging out lately.” Kade says, looking annoyed.

“Yeah, he’s been a good friend,” I tell him.

“Friend?” He scoffs. “You know he wants you right?”

I shrug. “Other than the very first day, he’s been nothing but a friend and has made no moves. I like him.”

“Just be careful, alright,” Kade warns ominously.

Just then, Chase walks in, takes us in and a smile tugs at his lips. Then his eyes land on Kade and his smile drops, a muscle working in his jaw.

“Kade,” he says calmly. “What the fuck is that you have in your hand?”

Kade looks at his hand, then his eyes widen. I look to see what the hell is going on and almost laugh when I see Kade eating one of Chase’s Twix bars.

Kade bites his lip to contain his smile. “I will replenish your stash bro, I swear.”

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