The Chase (And Everything That Comes With It)

Chapter 3

*Caroline's POV*

After Liz went off with the three other guys, one stayed back and started walking to where I was sitting. He smiled shyly when he reached me.

He ran a nervous hand through his hair. "Um, hi. I'm Ashton. I just, want to apologize again for knocking you over out front."

I smiled in return. "It's alright. You were being chased. I'm Caroline. It's nice to meet you."

He asked if he could sit down with me and I said yes. He started off the conversation.

"So, what brings you to this hotel?"

I grinned. "Well, my sister and I are taking a West Coast road trip because we just got out of high school. This was one of the most important stops along the way."

He nodded.  I asked him, "What brings you here?"

He gestured to the three boys over at the diving pool.  "I'm in a band, and we all decided come here before we go on tour.  We thought it would be like one last relaxed vacation before stuff got crazy.  I'm actually glad we decided to come here."

"Why?"

He hid his grin that got bigger as he blushed and said, "Because I got to meet you."

I blushed when he said that.  He is actually really cute when he's not being chased by a horde of screaming girls.  His hair reflected the shining sun and when he smiled his eyes crinkled up.  I really didn't know what to say after that, but I came up with something anyway.

"So, tell me about your band."

He smiled and ran a hand through his (perfectly messy) hair.  "There's not much to tell.  This is our first serious gig, and before this we were just posting YouTube videos.  I play the drums, and sing a little.  I really like being in the band; I met some of my best friends.  The screaming girls are just a plus."

Wait, what?  "So, you enjoy being chased by screaming girls?"

He smirked.  Oh my god, why is he so, so...I don't know, arrogant all of a sudden?

"I enjoy being chased by screaming girls, if you're one of them."

I raised an eyebrow.  Okay, this conversation is getting a little weird now.  We just met, and he's already saying this stuff?  I don't even know him.

I sat up straight.  "Oh, is that so?  Well, I can bet on my heart that I will never be chasing after you."

He looked surprised.  I don't know why.  Does he really think that every girl loves him?  I've never even heard of him or his band, to be honest.

I grabbed my towel and stood up.  I had had enough of this "oh yeah I'm so manly everyone loves me" stuff.

I looked back down at him.  "I'm sorry, I have to go.  My sister and I haven't unpacked yet.  I guess I'll see you around, maybe."

He grabbed the end of my towel as I walked past him.  "Wait, what did I do?  I just wanted to get to know you."

I didn't turn around.  "Maybe next time you talk to a girl, never assume that they are all going to fawn over you.  Not all girls like to be flirted with when you have just met a guy.  Not all girls like to be chased."

His hand moved to my wrist, and I jumped at his touch.  So much for being mad.  He tugged on my arm, gently turning me around to face him.  His face was serious, looking up at me with big, beautiful, hazel-brown eyes.  Stop.  It.

His touch was gentle on my arm.  "But what if I like the chase?"

Oh my god.  I had had enough.  He was so arrogant, the type of guy that would date girls just to date them and brag to his friends about it.  He was the type of guy that...would never go for a girl like me.  But I am fine with that.  I don't need a man to make me happy.

I pulled my arm away and tried to make myself sound as flippant as possible.  "Well, you can chase anything or anyone; except for me."

I walked briskly to the diving pool where Liz was laughing about something one of the boys said.  I walked up to her and the boys.

"Liz, I'm going to go unpack my bags.  I can unpack yours, if you want me too."

She gave me a confused look, but nodded.  "I can unpack mine.  It's getting late anyway, we need to get dinner."

I gave her an apologetic look.  I pulled her closer to whisper, "I just need to go.  I need to talk to you."

She nodded, making her topknot bounce all over the place.  "Okay,"  She turned to face the three boys.  "Sorry, I have to go, but I'll see you around-"

"Wait."

One of the boys with a blond quiff looked nervous, and he smiled a little when he realized everyone was staring at him.

He focused in on Liz.  "I, um...I uh, was wondering if...can I have your number?"

Her mouth dropped open.  Her face turned slightly pink around her cheeks, but they never broke eye contact.  She closed her mouth, and nodded slowly.

"S-sure, I...my phone is up in our room, I can go get it."

He nodded with the biggest grin on his face, and looked down at his feet.  "Yeah, sure, whenever.  You can unpack your bags; I'll still be here."

She smiled and adjusted her bag on her shoulder.  We both said goodbye and started walking away to our room.  She turned to me.

"So, what did you need to talk about?"

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Hey, sorry this update is so late, but now I'm on summer vacation!!!!!!  I'll try to update more often.  Love you guys!!!!