The Chase (Briar U, #1)

by Elle Kennedy

I narrow my eyes at her. “A joke,” I echo. “So you have zero interest in making out with me?” Hell, why am I challenging her? My dick twitches against my zipper, a warning that I shouldn’t be entertaining the idea of kissing Summer.

“I mean, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if we did,” she says with a wink. “And it’s always nice to have someone to kiss at midnight. I was mostly joking, though. I just like making you blush.”

“I don’t blush,” I object, because I’m a dude, and dudes don’t go around declaring they’re blushers. Summer hoots. “Y...

“Oh really? You can see this supposed blush right through my beard, huh?” I...

“Uh-huh.” She reaches out and strokes my cheek above the heavy beard growth. “Right. Here.” I gulp. My dick stirs again....

“Can a moron be anything other than stupid?” Dean asks with a grin. “Oh, shut it, Di Laurentis. You know what I mean.”

Allie’s show is actually based on a book I really enjoyed, and although I’m happy that she’s a working actress, I secretly think the book was better. The book is always better.

Not always, but almost

Summer releases Allie and returns to my side, laying a hand on my arm. It’s not a possessive grip by any means, but I don’t miss the way both Garrett and Hunter zoom in on it. Dean doesn’t notice, thank God,

The last time I saw Summer, I made a conscious effort to keep my distance. Tonight, I let her touch my arm. I shared a drink with her. Honestly, if I liked to dance, I probably would’ve let her drag me onto the floor.

Garrett snorts. “No shit, dude. That chick wants to ride your dick.” “I know.”

Guilt pricks my throat. I hope I haven’t been leading her on tonight. “Don’t worry,” I assure him. “I won’t go there.”

He looks startled. “Why would I be worried?” His eyebrows furrow. “Wait. You might be misunderstanding. I’m not warning you away fro...

“Of course. I mean, one—you never hook up.” I swallow a laugh. That’s not true at all. I get lots of action. I just don’t talk about it.

“Two—Summer’s cute. She’s fun. Easy to talk to.” He shrugs. “She could be exactly what you need. You’d have to run it by Dean first, though. He thinks she’s a brat, but he’s protective of her.”

Run it by Dean? As in, ask Dean for permission to bone down with his little sister? Garrett is frickin’ crazy...

“You’re talking about more than a casual hook-up here,” I say. “Well, yeah. She’s Dean’s siste...

“She likes hockey,” he points out. “That’s a start.” “And I think it might end there,” I say dryly. “I design and review video games. I’m into art. I’m covered in ink and I binge-watch crime shows on Netflix. And she’s… I don’t even know.”

I scan my brain. “She’s obsessed with shoes, according to Dean. And he insists she has a shopping problem.” “Okay. So she’s into fashion. Some people consider that art.”

I snicker. “You’re reaching.” “And you’re judging. She seems like...

I’m on a roll now, because my dick is still semi-hard and I’m desperately grasping for reasons to not screw Summer.

I hate that intrusive sensation of eyes boring into me. It’s a scar left over from childhood, a need to blend into the background, to be unseen.

I’m two seconds from telling him to cut it out when he starts to laugh. “Oh, I get it. I was wasting my time trying to sell you on her. You were already sold.” His gray eyes light up gleefully. “You have a thing for Dean’s sister.”

I think what it boils down to is that she’s out of my league.

She obviously doesn't think so

But at the end of the day, I’m that nerdy kid who would hole up in his bedroom playing video games, trying to pretend his parents weren’t fighting like cats and dogs.

Poor guy

Needless to say, I didn’t have girls like Summer throwing themselves at me. And I didn’t party with my teammates after hockey games, so not even the puck bunnies wasted their energy on me.

In college, I’ve made more of an effort to be social, but deep down I’m still the guy who wants to remain invisible. Summer is the most visible person I’ve ever met.

But Garrett’s right. I’m being a judgmental bastard. She might come off as a bit spoiled and superficial at times, but sh...

I’ve decided to take G’s advice and stop fighting it. I’m going to give in, kiss the hell out of her when the clock strikes midnight and see where it goes from there.

It’s definitely Summer. “TWO!” But she’s not alone. “ONE!” I wrench my gaze away the moment Hunter’s mouth hungrily collides with Summer’s perfect lips.

Poor guy

“I’m sure your file also mentions my writing issues?” The distraction works. Froghole glances back at the file, shuffling a few pages. “Difficulties with written expression—yes, that tends to be a symptom of ADHD.

Ooo good to know

“Most written work is an issue.” My cheeks are on fire. It’s so frigging embarrassing sitting here talking about how stupid I am.

You’re not stupid, Summer. You just learn differently.

Preach

But although I love my parents dearly, their support doesn’t make it any less humiliating that I can’t organize my thoughts on paper. Hell, I can barely hold on to those thoughts for five seconds before my mind wanders somewhere else.

Other people have learning disabilities, I know that. But when your parents and two older brothers all got into Harvard Law and you’re the fashion major who has trouble writing one measly paragraph, it’s a little hard not to feel…less than.

A rush of anxiety courses through me. What? Is that even legal? Well, I’m sure it’s legal. But…why would the assistant dean serve as the advisor for a fashion major?

If it were up to me, I’d be done with college for good. But I promised my parents I’d get a degree, and I hate disappointing them.

Despite what some people might think, fashion isn’t fluff. I’m not fluff. So take that, Colin Fitzgerald!

Oof, I had a feeling she heard that

Awesome. I’m offering rides to complete strangers now? The level of dread Fitzy has instilled in me is off the charts.

Brenna laughs. “We’re strangers who just committed to a car ride together. What else are we going to talk about, the weather? Tell me why you don’t like these chicks.”

“Dicks,” I correct. “Huh?” “My roommates are guys. Three guys.” “Oh hell yes. Tell me more. Are they hot?”

I can’t help but laugh. “Very hot. But it’s a messed-up situation. I made out with one of them on New Year’s Eve....

“It was a mistake.” I bite my lip. “I had a crush on one of the other two, but I overheard him talking shit about me, and I was upset, so…” “So...

It wasn’t being called “fluff ” that upset me, so much as the fact that he was standing there listing all the reasons why he would never, ever date someone like me.

“What the fuck.” Brenna smacks her palm on her thigh. “Screw. Him.” “Right?”

“Oh my God, and now you have to live with the creep?” Genuine sympathy rings in her voice. “That’s the worst. I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah, it sucks. I’m…” Frustration jams in my throat like a wad of gum. “I’m mad, obviously. But I’m al...

“Jesus, you sound like my father.” She deepens her voice and mimics her dad. “I’m not mad at you, Brenna. I’m just…disappointed. ...

“It’s true, though. I am disappointed. I thought he was a nice guy, and I liked him. I was convinced he was going to make a move on me—he was sending out vibes, you know? And I to...

I glance over sheepishly. “That’s huge for me. I don’t ever sleep with someone before I’ve been on a date with them. And even then, it’s u...

My life would literally be in shambles if I didn’t have my mom. She’s my rock.