Taking Chances (Taking Chances #1)(14)

“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.”

“No they weren't Brandon.” I rolled my eyes.

He raised his eyebrow and smirked, “I wouldn't lie to you. Harper, trust me when I say he doesn't want to be your brother, but I'm not about to let him try to be anything else.”

His mouth was on mine then and my entire world stopped. One hand gripped my hip, and the other snaked around behind my neck, anchoring my face to his. His full lips were soft but firm as they moved against mine. Pulling back slightly to look into my eyes, he smiled and softly brushed his lips across my own twice before kissing me again, lightly sliding his tongue against my bottom lip. I gasped and gripped his shirt, pressing my body closer to his. A groan escaped his mouth as our tongues met, sending goose bumps across my body. Our breaths were ragged when we broke apart, and I could see myself falling in love with those lips. The pad of his thumb brushed across my cheek as his liquid gray eyes searched mine.

“Harper come on it's our tu-woops! Sorry.” She hardly looked sorry as she sat there smiling at us.

“What Bree?”

“Oh! Um, it's my turn at beer pong. I want you to be my partner.”

Okay that was the second time I'd heard the words 'beer pong', what on earth is that? “I don't know how to play.”

“Well, duh. But you're not going to learn by standing back here making out.”

I blushed and ducked my head again, Brandon just chuckled beside me. “Okay, let's go.”

All the guys tried to explain the game to me as Konrad – Bree's fling for the weekend – and Drew set up the table. I nodded and started to worry when they did half a beer per cup. If these guys were good, I was going to be falling over in no time.

I leaned into Bree to whisper, “Are the cups supposed to be that full?”

“Not even close, they're doing it because Drew wants to get you drunk. Let's just hope they don't make many.”

“I'm pretty sure he's going to get what he wants.” I felt sick already and I hadn't even had a sip yet.

Apparently, it's true what they say about beginners luck, because I only missed one shot, and only had to drink two cups. Even with those, I was already feeling good and laughing a little more. I know, I know. I'm a lightweight. They set the cups up again, this time there wasn't much in each, and Brandon stepped up with Derek.

I raised my eyebrows and smiled slowly, “Ready to lose?”

“I've never lost before. Bring it sweetheart.”

The boys went first, and each made it. We drank the first two before both landing our shots as well. Brandon made his, Derek didn't. Bree and I both made ours. I started gloating, but then they both made their shots. I'm really glad Konrad and Drew weren't this good. Bree made hers and I lined up. Just before I let go of the ball, Brandon stretched his arms above his head and arched his back. His shirt raised a little exposing a perfectly muscled V that met his boxers, which were barely visible above his jeans. I missed that one. He laughed and fixed his shirt. Cheater. I whispered to Bree as Derek drank a cup and she burst into laughter. Everyone looked at us like we were crazy, so we just shrugged our shoulders. Brandon raised his hand, and as he did I bent over acting like I was looking for something on the floor, purposefully turning so my butt was facing him. He missed. When Derek went for his turn, Bree bent slightly at the waist, giving them a better view of her cleavage, her hand trailing along her chest. His ball didn't even hit anywhere on the table, which landed him a hand across the back of his head from his girlfriend. We were cracking up as we both made our next shots. Before the guys could go, two guys I didn't know came up behind us and made sure we couldn't “cheat” again, not that it made a difference. We were all laughing so hard from everyone still attempting to distract the other side, that no one made their next few shots. Although the first half of the game flew by, it took me and Bree four more turns to make our last two cups.

“I'm done. Someone else can take my spot.” I laughed and backed away from an advancing Brandon.