Off Limits 18+

Chapter 22

Chase

I've never been nervous for a dinner at the James' house until today. I couldn't even tell you how many dinners, or even holidays that I've spent with them, but today seems different. Today is different. This is my first holiday with Scarlet as her boyfriend.

Fuck, I don't even know if I am her boyfriend. We skipped a bunch of steps but I meant every word I said when I gave her that ring. It was more than a promise, it was me giving her my loyalty, my heart.

"Get in the car, jackass. We have to go," Jordan yelled.

"Fuck off, I'm coming."

We headed over to Ethan's place to pick him and Leah up. I was praying that it she didn't flip her shit on me together. She hated me, obviously for good reason, but holidays weren't intended for drama, nobody needed that bullshit today.

Ethan came strolling out of the house alone, no Leah in sight. I gave Jordan a knowing look and right when Ethan got into the car, Jordan looked back at his brother.

"Where's Leah?"

"She's not coming dude, just go."

"She's really not coming?" I sighed.

"Nope."

That's all he said. Nope. He was pissed and probably hurt that his fiancé wasn't coming to dinner with his family. I felt like an even bigger asshole now, this was my fault.

"This is my fault. I'll go inside and talk to her."

"Drop it. She's not even inside, she went over to Kelsey's house. Can we just go?"

Jordan pulled out of the driveway and nobody said a word the entire ride there. What could I say? I knew this was my fault. When we pulled up to the James' house, Grace and her sister were just getting out of the car. Jeff was grabbing something from the trunk, probably a dish of some sort.

"Hey, stranger," Jordan teased, moving over to Noah and kissing her on the cheek.

She smiled and leaned into him as they walked to the front door. They were getting pretty close. I think Jordan had finally met his match.

Mr. James greeted us at the door, opening it with a big grin on his face. He brought his hand up as I went to walk past and whispered, "I'd like to talk to you if you have a second."

"Sure thing, boss." I smiled.

"Where's Leah?" Scarlet's voice cracked as the question left her mouth.

Ethan shrugged. "She decided to spend the day with Kelsey. No biggie."

I could tell there was so much more she wanted to say but her mom grabbed her arm and tugged slightly, bringing her back into the kitchen.

I knew that look. Scarlet had guilt written all over her face and I hated that she was taking responsibility for this. It was right then and there that I decided my personal goal was to make her smile today.

I followed Mr. James into his office and closed the door before I sat down on one of his leather chairs. I leaned back and stretched my long legs out as he started talking.

"It's probably time to have this conversation." His expression was serious. I knew how he felt about me but half of his heart belonged to his daughter. He needed me to do right by her.

He brought his hands together and intertwined his fingers. "Scarlet loves you and I assume you feel the same way. Or at least I hope you do given that you two are... intimate." He cleared his throat. "I'm asking for you to respect my daughter, Chase. Don't break her heart. I don't want things to get messy between you and the boys or at work. I've known you since you were a kid and have always seen you as one of mine, but she's my daughter, Chase. She's my baby. I will always have to be on her side."