Chase by Chantal Fernando, Dawn Martens Page A

him. “Semantics. We have considered each other family for two years.”
    “Well ‘family’ is currently staring at your ass.” He growls, his voice getting aggressive.
    “Well then I guess we are even, because I’ve had to put up with stares from various women all night. The worst stares are the smug, knowing ones. Because their eyes are telling me they have already had you!” Now I’m getting angry.
    Chase is silent. I can see him glancing around.
    “Who’s fucking giving you looks? I’ll fire their asses.”
    I sigh. I see one woman who’s been staring at me all night. I gesture to her inconspicuously. Chase looks at her then grimaces. He looks at me sheepishly. “Okay maybe her, but it was a long time ago. Like a couple of years.”
    I practically growl. “Doesn’t your company have a no fraternizing policy?”
    Chase grins, “We do. But it’s more frowned upon than anything.” His grin drops and his face turns worried. “I don’t want you to be uncomfortable Layla. Do you want to leave?”
    “No,” I reply quickly, “but you can also deal with Colton checking out my ass for the entire night.” I sway my hips seductively.
    Chase glances behind me and growls. “Bastards eyes are fucking glued to your ass.”
    “Karma,” I snicker.
    His lips twitch, then he spins me so I’m facing the other way.

    ******

    The next day I decide to do some cleaning. I crank my iPod dock to full volume, and start with the kitchen. After the kitchen is sparkling, I remember Sasha so I give her a quick text.

    L: Saw Colton last night. Forget to tell me something?

    S: Oh yeah I dumped his ass.

    L: You okay?

    S: Yes! I’m already seeing someone new ;)

    L: We need to catch up soon!

    S: Yes we do, I’ll call you. Mwah xx

    I giggle. My cousin is a firecracker.
    Since I’m home alone, I start dancing to One Direction- Kiss, you while I vacuum and mop all the floors. I do a little grinding move, step back and land on someone. I scream and turn around, grabbing the mop as a weapon. I see all three brothers staring there, laughing. I walk to my dock and turn the music off.
    “Give a woman a little warning around here!” I growl, embarrassed.
    Chase’s eyes are soft of mine. “We were enjoying the show babe.” His dimple is out in all its glory.
    Kade lifts up his phone. “I’ve got it recorded if you want to see. My favorite part is you using the mop as a microphone.” He erupts in laughter again.
    I groan. “You show anyone that Kade, and I swear! I will be the biggest cock block the next time your lady friends come over!”
    That causes James to crack up laughing again. These men! Chase kisses me and gives me a curious look.
    “Why are you cleaning? You know we have someone come in once a week or so.”
    I frown. “What is she, a fairy? I’ve never seen anyone here before.”
    This causes all three of them to chuckle, although why I have no idea.
    “She comes on Monday mornings. I think you have classes then.”
    I do indeed have classes then. I guess that makes sense. Chase pulls me mop away from me and pulls me into his arms.
    “So, I didn’t know you were a One Direction fan,” he says, voice on the verge of laughter.
    “I am not a One Direction fan!” I say defensively.
    “Then how come you have heaps of their songs on your iPod?” Kade barks out merrily as he snoops through my IPod! Argh!
    “I plead the fifth!” I say adamantly. They all laugh.
    “You can dance like that all you want though.” Chase mumbles through a crooked grin.
    “Hopefully to better music next time,” James adds.
    I bury my face in Chase’s chest and sigh.

    ******

    I get home from my doctor’s appointment; I’m finally on birth control. That’s one less worry for me, and in a week from now we can stop using condoms. Chase was going away to Sydney on business tomorrow. He had avoided it as long as possible, but now he had an important meeting he couldn’t miss. I was going to visit my parents for the