Текст книги "Taking Chances"

Автор книги: Molly McAdams

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Brandon just shook his head and led me towards the doors with a hand behind me. I wanted him to touch my back with his big hands, to feel their warmth on me. But he never closed the distance, just guided me. We got our drinks and went back outside to sit on the patio before we said anything else. It was nice that he didn't feel the need to fill the silence, plus it gave me some time to calm my nerves.

“So tell me about yourself.” He began.

“What do you want to know?”

“Everything.” One corner of his mouth turned up, his dimple barely showing.

I shrugged, “There's not much to tell, my life has been incredibly boring.”

He laughed softly before continuing, “Okay fine, family?”

“I grew up with my dad, no siblings. Was home-schooled my whole life, I think just so he could keep an eye on me.”

“Wait, you were home-schooled?”

“Yes...?”

“I'm sorry, you're just not what I'd pictured a home-schooler to look like.”

I laughed. I wonder if he saw how I looked when I showed up a couple weeks ago, he would still think that. “I guess I'll take that as a compliment?”

His warm eyes and smile confirmed that I should. “Where was your mom?”

“She died giving birth to me.” I was expecting him to get awkward and start apologizing profusely, instead his eyes were soft and his mouth barely tipped up in a smile.

“My dad's gone too. He was on one of the planes that crashed into the twin towers.”

My heart sunk. I never understood why people felt sorry for me. Yes it hurt knowing I'd never meet my mom, but I hadn't had the chance to lose her. She was already gone. But this? I would never understand Brandon's hurt, and I didn't know how to try, but I wanted to take it away. What I did know, was that he didn't need my condolences right now, so I reached my hand across the table and rested it on top of his. He made slow circles on my thumb causing my entire hand to heat up.

“Tell me about him.”

He glanced up and my breath caught at his expression. If a masculine man could be described as beautiful, then his expression was just that.

“He was amazing. Hard worker, but always home for dinner with us. Brought my mom flowers every other weekend, never missed one of our games. Taught me how to play football and surf. He made sure to let us know we could have anything we wanted if we worked hard enough for it. I always wanted to be like him when I grew up. Everyone loved him, he was a great man.”

“Sounds like it. I'm sure he would be very proud of you.”

He smiled at me and sat back into the chair, looking at me intently.

“What?”

“I've never had someone ask me that. Normally people just tell me they're sorry and get uncomfortable. It’s awkward and to be honest, gets kind of old.”

“Does it bother you that I asked?”

“Not at all. It's nice to talk about him sometimes. Your dad ever talk about your mom?”

“Um, not exactly. Just said enough to let me know I reminded him too much of her. It never made sense to me, he always kept me close, like with the home-schooling, but he always made it clear he didn't want me.” I snapped my mouth shut before I could say anything else. I exhaled in relief when he didn't ask me to explain that further.

“Well it's his loss.”

Yeah, try telling him that. He was stupid enough to let a bunch of horny Marines raise me. “Are you from around here?”

“I'm from Arizona, just south of Phoenix. My dad's side of the family doesn't live too far away though, that's kind of what brought me here.”

“Do you see them a lot while you're in school?”

He shrugged and tilted his head to the side, “Usually once a month. What about you?”

“My dad’s been in the Marine Corps since before I was born, he's stationed at Camp Lejeune.”

“And what brought you to SDSU?” He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table.

“You want my honest answer?”

“Of course.”

“I wanted to get as far from home as possible, and I love the beach. Plus, the fact that it wasn't too far from another base was the only way I could get Sir to agree.”

“Well I'm glad you're here Harper.”

My stomach warmed hearing his deep voice say my name. “Me too.”

We stayed there for the next hour and a half talking about everything from favorite movies and foods to school and aspirations. Brandon was easy to talk to, and I had a feeling Breanna was right, I was already falling. Hard.

4

Once I got back, Bree and I took over Chase's room to get ready for tonight. I ended up in a pair of daisy dukes and a black off the shoulder t-shirt that I absolutely loved. I left the shadow neutral, put on some eyeliner and mascara before putting my long hair in a low ponytail. Bree came up and pulled at my hair making it look a little messy before she gave her approval of my overall look.

“You excited to spend the weekend with Brandon?”

My heart was racing and I was smiling like an idiot just hearing his name. I glanced at my left hand that was still tingling from Brandon holding it on the way to Chase’s. “Yes! I just hope he doesn't think anything is going to happen because I'm staying here.”

“You mean like happen happen. Or am I missing something?”

“No, I'm pretty sure you got it.”

“It's not like you're staying with him, you'll be in here with me.”

I nodded and looked to the door then back to her, “Do you think the guys will tell him?”

“Tell him what?”

“About me being a virgin?” I whispered the last part, I didn't know if he was home yet and I didn't know where his room was.

She snorted and grabbed her perfume to spray us with, “Who cares if they did. It's like you said, at least you're not a whore, and trust me when I say this Harper...guys love knowing a girl isn't sleazy.”

We heard the voices get louder in the living room, so after another quick glance in the mirror, we made our way out to join them. Bree had been right, there were only about twenty people here, and they were all currently surrounding the bar where Zach was chugging a massive drink. I glanced around and saw Chase's face pressed into some girl's neck and Brandon walking in from one of the halls. We smiled widely at each other as he came to stand by my side.

“Hey beautiful.”

My heart practically beat out of my chest. “How was your class?” I softly nudged his side.

“Long, but I'm glad I'm done for the week.”

“Same here, it'll be nice to always have three days to relax.”

He nodded and leaned closer, “So you guys will be here all weekend?” I caught a ghost of a smile on his lips.

“At least through Saturday.” I tried not to lean into him when I caught a hint of his cologne. I couldn't place the scent, but it was perfect for him.

“Can I ask you something?” He glanced over his shoulder before meeting my gaze again.

“Of course.”

“Is there something going on with you and Chase?”

I leaned away to look at his face. Was he serious? “No...why?”

Brandon looked to the side, “No reason. I was just curious.”

My face fell. “Brandon. What happened?”

“Nothing.” Brandon sat there for a moment studying my glare before conceding, “After I dropped you off, he called to tell me to stay away from you.”

“What?”

“Yeah, said that you're taken and he reminded me again that you've slept in his bed and would be this weekend.”

Taken? Hardly. I pointed to where Chase was sticking his tongue down the same girl's throat and laughed. “Well you tell me, does it look like there's something going on?” I turned towards the living room and he followed. “As for sleeping in his bed, he said he was 'protecting' me from the other guys, and I swear to you nothing happened.”

“Will you be staying in there this weekend?” He didn't sound angry or possessive, simply curious.

“Most likely, but it will be with Bree. He won't even be in the room.” I hoped.

“And you aren’t dating anyone?”

I turned to look at him over my shoulder, “Not yet.”

His smile turned playful as we sat down on the couch, “So I don't need to stay away from you?”

My breaths were coming faster as I stared into his warm eyes that were only inches from mine, “I really hope you won't.” I caught myself leaning in closer to his face and saw his eyes look at my lips then back to mine as they turned to liquid steel. Before our faces could touch I was yanked back and thrown over Chase's shoulder as he yelled for the beer pong game to start.

“CHASE! Put me down!” I couldn't even enjoy the fact that his hands were touching my bare thighs. He'd just stopped what could have been my first kiss, and his shoulder was really uncomfortable against my stomach.

“No way! The Princess needs her throne!”

I started beating my fists on his back, which just made him laugh harder and smack my butt. Ugh, this was the worst position to be in, I couldn’t even get a good pressure point to hit. “If you don't put me down I will make good on my previous threat!”

He laughed for another few seconds before remembering the night in his bed, immediately his laughter stopped and I was set down. But of course, I couldn't have the last word. Gripping my arm firmly, he pulled me towards the front door before bringing me close to his body so he could whisper roughly in my ear.

“I don't want you with him.” He growled and his grip tightened. Gah, even that sent shivers of pleasure through me.

“What is your deal with him? Is there something he did that you'd like to share?”

“He's not good enough for you.”

I shook my head and failed at yanking my arm free, it was starting to get painful. “How do you know what is and isn't good for me? You don't even know me!” I hissed.

Warm hands were on my shoulders then, and though he dropped my arm, Chase looked more pissed off than he had before. I knew he'd been gripping me tight, but my arm was now throbbing where his hand had just been.

“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.

“You think you're funny, huh?”

I nodded and continued my retreat but he caught my hips and firmly pressed his lips to mine, when our lips parted he picked me up and started walking me towards the couches. I wrapped my legs around his waist and kissed him as passionately as my tipsy self would allow. I whimpered when he caught my bottom lip between his teeth as he sat on the couch. Good God, was this what I’d always been missing? Or was my blood heating and my heart racing just because it was Brandon? Grabbing his broad shoulders, I melted against his body, his muscled arms holding me tight. Our tongues met again and he gripped my hips tighter when I arched my body into his. Before I could protest from his lips leaving mine, he started making a trail across my jaw and down my neck, my eyes shot open when a familiar voice broke through the haze Brandon’s lips and tongue had put me in.

“So much for the PG rating.” Chase sneered as he made his way towards the back door with the girl from earlier.

My eyes went wide when the party came back into view; I had completely forgotten we weren’t alone. Looking down at the position Brandon and I were in, I quickly climbed off his lap and sunk down next to him, trying to keep my eyes off Chase.

Brandon looked at me confused, “Wait, 'PG' is a rating they gave you?”

I blushed fiercely and looked at my hands. I guess the guys hadn't informed him.

“What, she didn't tell you? Princess over here was as virgin as someone could possibly get until she met you. Now she's just simply a virgin, I guess we can raise it to PG-13 until later. I'm sure she's ready to get rid of it all together. Maybe you’ll have better luck than I did.”

My breath was coming quickly for a completely different reason now, and I couldn't meet Brandon's eyes again, though I knew he was still staring at me. Chase and his nightly tramp snickered as they walked outside and I took off for his room. I should have known he would lock it while people were here, but I was two seconds from breaking it in so Brandon wouldn't see the embarrassment covering my face. I turned into the bathroom and shut the door as I heard him and someone else approaching. Less than a minute later, there was a soft knock and Bree walked in, shutting the door again behind her.

“Will you ever forgive me?”

I looked up at her, “Forgive you? For what?”

“For telling them the last time.”

“Bree you didn't tell them maliciously. You weren't even completely coherent when you said it! What he did is completely different.”

She sat on the floor next to me, and ran her fingers through my ponytail.

“Did everyone hear him?”

“No, everyone was still in the kitchen, I just happened to be standing there with Konrad when they walked by.”

I nodded and tried to be happy about that. “Can you get the key to his room please?”

“Harper, you can't just hide when someone tries to embarrass you.”

“Breanna. Please. I can't face Brandon right now.”

“Why not?”

“Did you not just hear everything your brother said? How could I after that? He'll probably start calling me PG like the rest of them.” I looked at her like this should be obvious.

“I don't know him well, but from what I have seen this week and what you've said I would bet he isn't like the rest of them. He's seriously pissed at Chase for embarrassing you. I had to talk him down from going after him and coming to your rescue. I figured you'd want to talk to me first.”

“Thanks Bree, you're a good friend. And I'll talk to him, but later. Can you please go get the key, I really just want to be alone right now.”

She shut the door behind her, but a few seconds later I heard her voice coming back towards the bathroom. “She doesn't want to see you right now, just give her some time.”

I could tell it was Brandon by how deep the voice was, but I couldn't make out what he was saying to her.

“Because she's humiliated! She'll come around though...No, if you want to blame someone, you can blame me. I'm the one who told everyone the first day she met them...Look, Chase is an ass, but you're going to embarrass her more if you confront him. He'll make sure of it, so drop it.”

I didn't hear anything else for a few minutes until Bree came back with the key. She checked the hall before leading me to Chase's room.

“My first two parties ever, and I hide out for most of them.”

“Well I don't exactly blame you for this time. But I wish you would talk to Brandon. He doesn't understand why you're avoiding him.”

I laughed humorlessly and grabbed a pair of pajama shorts and racer back tank top from my bag. “Thanks for talking to him for me. I think I'm just going to go to bed.”

“Really? It's only eleven.”

“Yeah, we got up early; I'll stay up later tomorrow, kay?”

I grabbed my mouthwash, toothbrush, paste and clothes and ran back to the bathroom. Before shutting the door, I turned to Bree, “Thanks again Bree. If you see Brandon again tonight, will you please tell him I'll see him tomorrow?”

She frowned but nodded. After I was make-up free and clean, I put on my pajamas and climbed into the bed. I don't know how long I'd been in there, but it wasn't long before Chase came barging in.

“Can't you just leave me alone?” I groaned and rolled over to face him.

“Once again Princess, you're in my room.”

“Fine, then I'll go.” I tried to make my way around him but he planted his hands on my shoulders holding me in place. “Chase let me go!”

“Not until you talk to me.”

I couldn't even throw my hands out in exasperation, “We have nothing to talk about!”

“I'm sorry I hurt you but I was just so damn mad!”

“Do you know how immature you sound right now? You decided to hurt me because you were mad?! What did I ever do to you Chase? And why do I always end up with your hands on me? Let. Me. Go.”

“Because you won't stop and talk to me for five minutes!”

“Then you should understand that I don't want to talk to you.” He still didn't let me go, “Answer me! What did I do to make you mad?”

His face was suddenly directly in front of mine and he gripped even harder, making me gasp from the sudden pain; it felt like his thumbs were digging into the sockets. “Nothing! You did nothing, I'm not mad at you!” The scent of vodka was pouring out of his mouth, I'm pretty sure I could get drunk just from his breath.

“Seriously, you're hurting me! Get off me and leave me alone!” I didn’t feel threatened yet, but I instinctively went through different moves I’d been taught in case I started to.

The door swung open and Brandon rushed in, followed closely by Bree and a few others. “What the hell, Chase?!” He roared and stomped towards us.

Brandon's fist connected with Chase's face seconds after his hands left me. I shrieked and jumped back as he fell to the ground.

“Keep your hands off her!” Brandon took a step towards me and pulled me close, cupping my face in his hands. “Was he hurting you?”

I just stared at him and put a hand over his reassuringly. I didn’t need a guy coming to my rescue, but damn if Brandon punching him hadn’t just turned me on.

“Come on, let's get you out of this room.” He led me towards the door, stopping at Bree. “Bree I'm sorry –”

She held up a hand to stop him, “Don't. He deserved that one.” She smiled at us before glaring at her brother, still on the floor. Brandon must've hit him hard. “Can you make sure Harper has a bed to sleep in tonight? I don't want him near her.”

“Of course.”

“And keep your hands to yourself.” She said sternly, complete with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes ma'am.” He squeezed me gently once before pulling me through the crowd gathered in the doorway and hall. Once we were in his dark room he turned to face me and cupped my cheeks once again. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I'm fine. He wasn't doing anything other than trying to talk to me.”

“He doesn't need to force you to speak with him, or to stay in the room with him. He should have let you go the first time you asked him.”

“The first time?”

He sighed, “We heard everything Harper.”

I groaned and let my head sink into his chest, silently thanking the dark for hiding my blush, “Awesome. I'm starting to think I'm just not meant to come to this house.”

“Maybe just when Chase is here.” He laughed when I playfully slapped his stomach. “I'll protect you.”

“I noticed that. I think you knocked him out.”

“Trust me, I didn't. I only hit him hard enough to make him think twice before touching you again.” He released me so he could look at my face, or attempt to anyway, it was really dark in his room, “Did that bother you?”

“No, just surprised me. I wasn't expecting it.”

“I'm sorry, it was hard walking in on you two for the second time tonight and hearing you tell him to let you go.”

If I had punched him, I wouldn't have stopped with one. And here he was apologizing for standing up for me. I wrapped my hands around his neck pulling his face to mine, pausing just before our lips touched, “Don't be sorry.” I pressed my lips softly to his twice, before resting my forehead against his.

“I shouldn't have done that in front of you.”

I smiled into the darkness, I understand he didn't know that my entire body was warming over what just happened, but I wasn't about to tell him that either. “You're sure you didn't knock him out though?”

Brandon's rich laugh surrounded me and I sighed at the warmth it carried, “I do this for a living Harper, I’m positive I didn’t hit him that hard.”

“Uh, what? You do what?”

“I fight, didn't Bree tell you that?”

That was a big negative, I'm pretty sure I would have remembered something like that. “Um, no. What do you mean you fight for a living? Fight how?”

“MMA, it's mostly underground fights though. Every now and then I'll do local tournaments, but I prefer the Underground. Less rules, better pay.”

Suddenly his size was a little more intimidating. He was tall, muscled and seriously rugged. But I had thought he looked like an underwear model, or an Abercrombie and Fitch model. “Huh.” I replied lamely.

“That bothers you.” He deadpanned.

I shook my head. Nope, still definitely turned on, even more so now. Was that weird? “How long have you done that?”

“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?”

I could feel his smile against my collar bone, his lips brushing against it as he shook his head, “No. If I’m being honest, I love knowing that your firsts will all be with me.”

All? Oh God my heart was racing just thinking about being with him like that. It wasn’t something I wanted yet, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to think about Brandon’s hard body pressing against mine. “Have you ever been with someone?” The way his body stiffened, I knew he knew what I was asking.