Taking Chances (Taking Chances #1)(26)

“Okay, I know you don't have much experience in this department, but let me clue you in. You didn't see that boy when Chase had you in the room. Guys don't go all hero over some girl they don't feel strongly about. And they definitely don't worry about protecting their innocence.”

I shushed her and looked around to see if anyone was listening.

“I'm just saying, Brandon's in deep. Trust me, I don't think it's one sided.”

“If you say so.”

“I do. So stop trying to be invisible and –” She looked over my shoulder and smiled, “looks like someone beat you to it.”

Before she could finish her sentence, Brandon had me scooped into his arms and his lips planted firmly on mine. I ran my hands over his buzzed hair before clasping them around his neck.

“Hello to you too.” I mumbled against his mouth.

He smiled and rested his forehead against mine, “I missed you this morning sweetheart.”

His voice warmed my body and I bit my lip in an attempt at hiding my idiotic grin, “Only three more and then I'll be there.”

Bree's annoyed tone broke through, “Uh, rude. It's like I'm not even here.”

Brandon's eyes didn't leave mine, “Good morning Breanna.” He gave me another quick peck and set me on the ground, capturing my hand in his.

She snorted, “He's in deep alright.”

“Bree!” I hissed.

“Yeah,” Brandon laughed huskily and squeezed my hand once, “yeah I am.”

I hid my face in his chest so he couldn't see my red cheeks or elated expression. He wasn't having that though, his fingers tilted my chin up and he bent down so our faces were almost touching.

“My class is about to start, I have to get going. See you at lunch?”

Nodding, I kissed his hard jaw, “See you then.”

He turned to leave and called over his shoulder, “Take care of my girl Bree.”

My smile fell as I caught the glare of the girl from the group he'd been talking to earlier. Was she another ex? I leaned into Bree and whispered, “Hey, you wouldn't happen to know that girl, would you?”

“You mean Psycho Barbie over there? She was at lunch with us a couple days last week. You don't have to worry about her though, he kept turning her down, and that was before he met you.”

Not another ex, but still another girl that wants Brandon. “Everywhere we go some girl ends up shooting daggers at me.”

Bree grabbed my arm and turned me toward our English class, “Um, have you seen your boy lately? Don't hate me, but he's freaking hot. I swear he should be a model. Lots of girls are going to want him, especially the ones who go Underground and see him fight, just remember he's yours and there's a lot of people ready to kick his ass if he forgets it. Me included.”

My eyes widened but she cut me off before I could say anything.

“He's not going to, I was just saying. He just let everyone in the immediate area know he's taken. Brandon's a goner when it comes to you, roomie.”

As soon as she said that, goose bumps covered my body and I tensed at what that could mean. Chase. This whole being physically aware of him was getting beyond ridiculous.

“What's up sis?” He threw an arm around Bree's shoulders and walked with us towards class.

“Uh, nothing. I thought you didn't have classes ‘til later?”

I couldn't look at him, but I saw how his feet missed a step after her question. “Had some things I had to take care of earlier, didn't feel like going home.”

A paper was pressed into my hand nearest him and I curled my fingers around it. His fingertips brushed softly from my wrist to my elbow and I had to fight the urge to look at the trail of fire he'd left on my arm. Chase and Bree talked about something at their parent's house this weekend all the way up to the door of our class. I still hadn't said anything or looked at him.

“You ladies have fun, I'll see you later.” He gave Bree a quick hug and nudged my shoulder before walking away.

After taking our seats, I leaned over toward my backpack and unfolded the piece of paper so Bree wouldn't see.

'You look beautiful today.'

I crushed up the paper, slid it under the rows of seats and prayed that she wouldn't ask why I was beet red.

That night, Bree and I both got texts a little after ten. We looked at each other, confused and rushed into getting ready when we read the messages. Brandon was going to fight within the hour, he was coming to pick Bree and me up, we'd meet the guys from the house at the place.

“Is it weird that I'm nervous to watch this?” I huffed as I hurriedly fixed my hair and make-up.

“You shouldn't be, Chase said he never loses, and the time I watched was awesome.”

“But you aren't going to have to watch your boyfriend possibly get beat up!”

“I'm sure he'll be fine!” She rolled her eyes and grabbed my hand, “Come on, we have to go.”

We ran outside and hopped into Brandon's Jeep, he had his iPhone to his ear and was smiling widely when he leaned over to kiss me.

Brandon gave someone an address and name of a building I'd never heard of and stopped for a second, “Yeah, it's on in forty, start calling people.” After hanging up, he dropped his phone in my hands, “Hold that for me ‘til it's over, would you?” He was still smiling, his left knee bouncing up and down fast.