“Uh...Bree?”

I heard the toilet seat close and someone sit down on it. “Nope, just me.”

“Chase! What the heck are you doing in here?” I tried to cover different body parts, but my chest alone needed two arms to cover everything, so it wasn't working out too well.

“Calm down Princess, I won't peek.”

“I could've sworn I locked that door.”

“You do realize how easy it is to unlock my bathroom door when I have the key right?”

“Can you please leave so I can get out of here?” I whined as I shut off the water. A towel was thrust through the side of the curtain and I gladly wrapped myself in it, but still didn't open the only thing separating us.

“Answer one thing first, and I'll leave.” He waited for my reply, but went on when he didn't receive any, “Are you going out with him tonight?”

“Yes Chase, I am.”

“Is that what you want to do, or are you trying to get back at me for telling you not to?”

“I thought I only had to answer one question?”

“Harper.” He deadpanned.

“Ugh, no I'm not doing it to get back at you. Yes, I really want to go out with Brandon tonight. And if he asks me out again after tonight, I'm telling you right now I will say yes. I don't see why I shouldn't go out with him, and since you clearly don't want me, I don't think you're allowed to have a say in the matter.

He flung the curtain open and I jumped back, almost slipping in the tub. “I didn't say I don't want you. I said I don't deserve you.”

“That's practically the same thing.” I glowered at him, “We both know how you are Chase, you screw every female you come in contact with. I don't want to be just another girl to someone, and when it comes to Brandon, I won't be.” I waited for a response from him, but didn't receive any. “If you can convince me right now, that I have a reason to not be with him, then start talking. Otherwise, you and your confusing words need to stop.”

“As long as he is what you want, I'll stop bothering you.” He reached out to brush his fingers across the main bruise and I watched as his eyes clouded over.

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.