Taking Chances (Taking Chances #1)(17)

“Started going to a gym and training after my dad died, just to let everything out. It wasn't until I ran into Brad and Chase in a gym here my Freshman year that I started on the Underground.”

“They fight too?” How had Bree failed to mention all this?

“Not really, mostly just train at the gym. They've done a few fights, but I haven't seen Brad fight since maybe middle of last year, Chase around the same time.”

“Huh.” I repeated. Man I was all kinds of brilliant tonight.

Brandon's face was guarded while he tried to understand my thoughts.

“That's kind of creepy, but kind of hot. Can I see you fight?”

He smiled widely. “If you want, I'm sure there's another one coming up in a few days.”

“You don't know when it is?”

“Nope, I get a call an hour before it's supposed to happen. Other people start finding out about it after, that way there isn't enough buzz to attract unwanted attention.”

“Unwanted...like cops?”

“You're quick,” He whispered against my neck and I shivered from his warm breath against my skin, “Are you ready to go to sleep?”

Not really, but I nodded anyway. “Where are you going to sleep?”

“I'll sleep on the floor.” He kissed my nose and swept me into his arms like I weighed nothing at all.

“Holy crap!”

He laughed and pulled the comforter back on his bed before lowering me into it.

“You do realize I could have done that myself?” I said a little breathlessly.

“Yeah, but where's the fun in that?” He kissed a trail from my collarbone to right behind my ear, “I'll be back in a few minutes.”

I heard some drawers open and shut before he left, and though I tried to calm myself enough to fall asleep, I was still wide awake when the door opened about five minutes later revealing Brandon in nothing but a pair of work out shorts. And dear Lord that boy had an amazing body. My eyes were traveling up his torso and I thought I saw something on his chest, but before I could look close enough, the door shut and the room was dark again. He grabbed a pillow from the bed and dropped to the floor. After a few more minutes I realized there was no way I was going to fall asleep knowing he was down there. He had to be uncomfortable, and he didn't even have a blanket.

“Hey Brandon?”

“Hmm?”

I paused, and almost talked myself out of it. But only almost. Leaning over the bed to look down at where he was, I smiled and let my hand fall down to his chiseled chest. I wanted nothing more than to run my hands all over his sculpted body, but I wanted him wrapped around me more, “I don't want you to sleep down there.”

“Oh, okay.” He grabbed his pillow and walked towards the door.

“What...where are you going?”

“To crash on Drew's floor.”

“Why?”

“So you’ll be okay to sleep, I’ll see you in the morning Harper. Sweet dreams.”

This guy beats the crap out of people on a regular basis, but is doing everything to make sure I'm not uncomfortable? My God he's perfect. I chuckled and sat up, “No, I want you in the room. I just don't want you on the floor.”

“Are you sure?”

“Come here.” I held out my hand and waited for him to reach me. He took it and slid in next to me before kissing my palm.

“I really don't mind sleeping on the floor if you're uncomfortable with this.”

“I know.” I smiled to myself as I curled my back into his chest and sighed happily. I was right, it’s like I was made to be in his arms.

“Can I ask you something?”

I laughed at the same phrase that had practically started our night, “Of course.”

“Why wouldn't you see me tonight? After what Chase said?”

Ugh, I'd already forgotten about that. “I was embarrassed and kind of afraid of what you'd think of me.”

“What I'd think of you? Why?”

Apparently I'm the only person who sees it this way. I turned to face him, “Because I'm weird. Up until two weeks ago, I'd never been to a party, I'd never hung out with normal guys my own age, and like Chase said –”

“Am I the first person you've ever kissed?”

I didn't answer for a minute. “Yes.”

He laughed and trailed his fingers across my back in random patterns, “I would have never known, you're an amazing kisser.”

“You don't have to try to make me feel better.”

His next laugh was a little louder, “I'm not, I swear. During the two games of beer pong all I could think about was kissing you again.”

He had no idea. “So you didn't know what 'PG' meant?”

“Not at all. I figured since they called you 'Princess', they had just shortened that with something else to 'PG'.”

“I’m not really a fan of either name.” I grumbled.

“You won’t hear either from me,” he whispered against my neck and my whole body tingled, “I promise.”

The way he was nipping at my neck caused me to almost forget what I wanted to ask him, “Does it bother you that I’m so inexperienced?”