Chase (Resisting Love #1)(38)

Kade soon follows, giving me a huge grin. “You are the best, Layla, I’m so hungry.”

Chase sits there quietly eating, staring daggers at everyone at the table. I have no idea why, nor am I going to ask. I head into my bedroom and pack my bag for class. When I walk out, Chase and his brothers are arguing, but when I walk in they all stop. This house is so much drama. I walk out and head for my car without saying a word.

******

It’s been a week and Chase and I are still over. Well, at least I consider us over. Chase has convinced himself I’m just angry at him and holding a grudge. He hurt me, bad. Tonight I’m going out for dinner with Kade, he said he wants to have a talk with me. We go to this Mexican restaurant I love called ‘Salsas’. It has the best food.

“So what do you want to talk about Kade?” I ask after we are seated.

“You need to forgive Chase already, princess,” he demands, voice stern.

My eyebrows hit my hairline. “And why is that, Kade?” I ask.

“He’s f*cking in love with you, Layla. He’s miserable without you. Damn, I never thought I would ever see him like this. He’s wanted you since he first saw you three years ago. That has to mean something to you?”

“He hurt me, Kade,” I say in a tiny voice. I see Kade’s eyes soften.

“I know he f*cked up, princess. He is just a man, one who has never felt like this towards a woman before. I know it sounds like a shitload of excuses, but give him a break Layla. He is gone for you. It’s kind of pathetic really.”

I can’t stop a small smile. “I wish it were that easy, Kade, I really do. I need some time to think. Okay?”

“Okay,” he nods, seemingly satisfied.

“You and Nikki?” I ask, with a raised eyebrow.

“You digress, princess,” he says with a grin.

“Is that not allowed?” I retort.

“You are cheeky, you know that?”

“You love it,” I assure him.

“What are you ordering?” he asks.

“The nachos. You?”

“I was thinking of getting some tacos. But nachos sounds good too,” he says thoughtfully.

“Wanna get both of them and go halves?” I offer.

“Done,” he says with a grin.

“I’m paying, by the way,” I tell him.

He laughs. “You keep telling yourself that darling.”

He paid. I sulked. Then we went home.

******

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 f*cking miss you Layla. Stop being mad!”

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

“Anyone with eyes can see I’m f*cking 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 f*cks. 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.”