Like that wasn't confusing.
He leaned in to press his lips to the finger marks, then on my left shoulder and finally my right. Chase's eyes were dark by the time he looked back into my eyes. “I'm so sorry Harper.” he whispered and leaned in close to kiss the corner of my mouth.
My knees started shaking but I somehow managed to stay standing.
“Get my number from Bree, I have to go into work tonight but if anything happens, call me and I'll be there.”
I just nodded and watched him walk out. I didn't even know he had a job, but I was positive I wouldn't be calling him tonight. Nothing good would come of it if I did. If my heart was already twisting from what just happened, he would surely break it when I saw him with his next girl. I couldn't let myself get any closer to him. No matter how much I wished he was different, he wasn't, and he would probably never change. I needed to stop thinking about him and focus on my date with Brandon. I dried my hair and curled the ends before doing my make-up with Bree. She said we had to pick carefully because my green shirt was being used to bring out the red highlights in my hair, and we didn't want to take away from that. Whatever that meant. She settled for a neutral goldish color and thankfully let me do my eyeliner and mascara. I wasn't too keen to have someone else putting pointy objects near my eyes. My phone chimed and I reached for it, smiling when I saw who it was from.
J. Carter - ‘Blaze! How’s California?’
Me - ‘AHHHmazing. When are you going to come visit? ;)’
J. Carter - ‘Soon as I get the okay.’
Me - ‘Promise?!’
J. Carter - ‘Of course. What’s my girl up to?’
Me - ‘I met someone and he’s taking me on our first date tonight!’
J. Carter - ‘Uh…really?’
Me - ‘Yes, really. What, am I not dateable?’
J. Carter - ‘Never said that…just wasn’t expecting you to meet someone, or date or anything like that.’
Me - ‘You could at least be excited for me.’
J. Carter - ‘I am. Call me later. Miss you’
Me - ‘Miss you too.’
“Let me guess…Jason?”
I looked up at Bree, “Yeah, how’d you know?”
“Every time he calls or texts you, you stop paying attention to anyone else.”
“Well I don’t get to talk to him often.” I shrugged.
“Uh huh. Does Brandon have some competition?”
“What? No way. Carter’s my best friend. There’s never been anything like that between us.”
Bree just raised a blonde brow at me and turned me toward the mirror.
I was dressed in a green shirt that was loose at the top but form fitting where it rested on my hips, faded jeans with the bottoms rolled up to my calves and flip flops. After getting Bree's approval of my appearance, I left the room to find Brandon.
“You look gorgeous Harper.” He breathed when I walked into the living room.
“Not so bad yourself.” I winked. That was a lie, he looked downright delicious. He had on a pair of reefs, dark tan cargo shorts and a black button up shirt, sleeves rolled up to his tan, muscled forearms.
He led me outside and I laughed when I saw the top had been put back on, “I don't feel like fighting guys off you tonight.” He kissed me once and helped me into the Jeep. I wasn't complaining, I'd actually done something with my hair today, I didn't want it messed up.
Bree had been right, I shouldn't have been nervous about the date. We'd had so much fun laughing and getting to know each other during dinner, and the movie was hilarious. As promised, we didn't make out in the theater, but the few tender kisses he'd stolen throughout the night left me wanting more, and honestly I couldn't wait to get back to the house. Chase was long forgotten by the time we were on our way back. We walked into a party much like the first one I'd been to, and I stifled a groan. Hopefully this one didn't end the same as the others. Brandon squeezed my hand reassuringly as we made our way to the kitchen. I was whisked away by Bree to get the play by play of the date, and though she'd told me to keep it clean, she was frowning with my lack of juicy details.
“Uh, who's that?” She pointed over my shoulder and I turned and searched through the sea of people. It didn't take long for my eyes to land on a leggy blonde hanging off Brandon. I smiled when I saw him repeatedly take her hands off him.
I looked back to my friend, “Well what do you say we go find out?”
When we got close enough, I could hear her whiny voice, she was obviously intoxicated. “But Brandon I've missed youuu.” She pouted at him and tried to run a finger down his chest, but he caught it and once again put her hand by her side. “We're so good together, remember? I'm sorry about this summer honey but I want you back.”