He said I was beautiful. My smile grew wide and I put the rubber band I’d been digging out of my purse back in, “I doubt that, but thanks.”

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.”