It All Started With A Deal

Chapter 4

Moving a Little too Fast

My eyes fluttered open. I yawned, stretching my arms out only for them to collide with the couch cushions. My brows drew together. The couch? I frantically turned to look around. Sure enough, I was laying on the couch in my living room. My breath quickened as I rushed to get up and make it to my room before anyone saw me. Charles would've had a fit if he'd seen me. "Relax, I'm the only one home," a voice from behind me read my thoughts.

I let out a deep breath. "Hi, Chase."

He chuckled. "So who was the boy that brought you home?"

I tilted my head. It took me a long moment to realize who he was referring to. "Oh, Liam. That's my boyfriend."

Chase's eyes practically popped out of his head. "Woah, that's risky. You know Charles is going to kill you if he finds out."

"Yes, I'm fully aware. That's why the plan is that he won't ever find out, hopefully."

Chase crossed his arms. "So, when did this happen and why didn't you tell your own brother?"

I gave my little brother a sheepish smile. His appearance mirrored mine and it was almost impossible to tell that we weren't related by blood. The same could not be said about Brandon, a fact that I was thankful for. "It's not a huge deal. I'm pretty sure he's not over his ex anyway, so it probably won't amount to anything."

Chase didn't seem to believe me. He raised one brow. "The guy carried you into our house bridal style. He looks like a freakin' supermodel, you better hope it amounts to something. I bet his family is rich too."

Chase wasn't wrong. The Harding's were very rich. I'd been over to Liam's home once and it was three times the size of our janky house that could barely be considered a two-story. Chase took my silence as an answer. "Oh my goodness, he is rich. Dude, marry him! Lock that down."

I giggled at my brother's ridiculousness. I shook my head, glancing around the vacant room. "So where is everyone else?"

Chase took a sip of his coffee. The kid was addicted to the stuff and couldn't go a day without it. "Mom's at work, Dad's probably somewhere getting drunk and Brandon never came home last night." I was sure Brandon was with Tara, no doubt having a good time. "You better hurry and get ready for school. Athena will be here to pick you up in ten minutes."

My eyes widened. I checked my watch to see that he was, in fact, correct. "How long was I asleep for?"

Chase grinned, shaking his head. "Thirteen hours. I tried to drag you up the stairs but you were too heavy. I would have had the supermodel help but I didn't want to embarrass you."

"Much appreciated." Liam did not need to see my room. I sprinted up the stairs. "Oh, and he's not a supermodel," I shouted on my way up.

"For now."

I jokingly rolled my eyes and grabbed a quick change of clothes. I ran a brush through my hair a few times before chucking my bag over my shoulder and rushing down the stairs. Chase handed me a granola bar on the way out. I grinned at him, taking the shiny, green wrapped bar of goodness from his hand. "Thank you!" I kissed him on the cheek and ran out the door to meet Athena. The second I was in the car I interrogated her. "So how did things go with Sam?"

Her smile grew brighter. "Saph, I can't believe it! He wants a real relationship. He actually likes me."

I squealed. "That's so exciting!"

She scrunched her nose, attempting to hide her blush. "I can't believe it, this is actually happening."

"I'm so happy for you. When's the first official date?"