“Why would I need to pack a bag?” I picked up my head and looked at him.
“Because you might want to change at some point. And maybe brush your teeth. Oh, and you don’t want to forget your glasses.”
Maybe Rachel was right. He wasn’t using the hotel just as an excuse to hook up.
“All right, but are you sure you want to go by my house?”
“Is there a reason I shouldn’t?” He looked at me skeptically.
“It’s a sorority house. My friends are probably going to grill you with questions.”
He took my hand in his. “Is that supposed to scare me?”
I shrugged. “Maybe.”
“The only thing I’m not revealing is where I’m taking you. That’s a surprise.”
“Is it?”
“Yes. I didn’t tell Rachel because I knew she’d spill.”
“It’s not a hotel?”
“I’m not telling. You’re just going to have to wait and see.”
“Then how do I know what to pack?”
“I don’t plan on you wearing much tonight, but if you insist on clothing, it’s entirely up to you. Sexy lingerie is also at your discretion.” He arched an eyebrow.
“Are you not into it?”
“Lingerie? No, I tend to just wear boxer briefs.”
I hit his arm playfully. “No, really.”
“You’re beautiful in anything and nothing at all. There’s nothing wrong with sexy stuff, but it’s definitely not necessary.”
“I just like bright colors.”
“Bright colors?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Bright colored bras and panties that match. That’s my thing.”
“Then wear something blue.” He led me to the door. “That’s my favorite color.”
I laughed. “All right, I’ll keep that in mind.”
Chase held open the door to a Nissan Sentra. “Whose car is this?”
“A rental. My car’s been sitting at my parents’ house for months now.”
“You rented a car?”
“Yeah, that way I can fly up to Ohio.” Chase closed my door.
I waited until he went around to his side to press for answers. “Fly up? You bought a plane ticket too?”
“It’s nothing—I needed to see you.” He settled his hand on my leg.
“I needed to see you too.”
“Wow. You’re actually admitting that?”
“Maybe.”
Chase pulled away from the curb, and we started the short drive over to my house. It would have been faster to walk considering the traffic, but then we’d have had to go back to get his car anyway. “I’ve got some potential interviewees ready for Jade.”
“Great, she’ll be thrilled!” That was one more positive thing to add to the list.
“Yeah, everyone seems to think it’s cute.”’
“Cute?” I turned to him.
“Yeah. Cute that my girlfriend wants to interview them.”
“But I’m not going to be the one doing it. I told you.”
“Well, they weren’t going to do it for a friend. Looks like Jade’s got a new partner in crime.”
“This is going to be an interesting experience.” I’d told Jade I’d be there for the interviews, but actually participating? That might be pushing it. I wasn’t shy, but I knew very little about music.
He rested his hand on my leg. “You’re going to do great.”
Chapter Thirteen
“So, this is what a sorority house looks like.” Chase pulled up along the curb a little ways down from the porch.
I nudged his arm. “Stop it.”
“Why are you so nervous?”
“I’m not nervous.” I unbuckled my seatbelt.
“Yes, you are. Look at you. You’re nervous to introduce me to your friends.”
“Of course not. If that was the case, why would I have texted my roommates to make sure they were here?”
“Then how do you explain the panicked look on your face?”
“Did it ever occur to you that maybe I’m more nervous about you meeting them?”
“And why would that be?” He turned off the car and unbuckled his seatbelt.
“I don’t know. I’m not the typical girl you date.”
“And I’m not the typical guy you date. That’s a good thing.”
“Judging by recent experience, yes. A very good thing.”
He met me on my side of the car and took my hand. “If you’re this nervous now, I can’t wait to see what you’re like when we meet each other’s parents.”
“I’m not going to even think about that possibility. Meeting your brothers is enough family for a while.”
He squeezed my hand. “All right, let’s meet these roommates of yours.”
Juliet and Mallory were thankfully the only two sitting on the porch when we walked up. They both jumped off the swing as soon as we reached the top step.
“So, this is Chase.” Juliet sized him up before winking at me.
I rolled my eyes. “This is Juliet, and yes she’s always like this.”
Chase shook her hand. “Nice to meet you. You’re the sarcastic one I hear?”
Juliet smiled. “Glad my reputation precedes me.”
“And you must be Mallory.” Chase shook Mallory’s hand before I could introduce them.
Mallory accepted the handshake. “And how did she describe me?”
“As the runner.”
“Great. I’m sarcastic and she’s an athlete.” Juliet feigned annoyance.
“Okay, time for the million dollar question. How did Cara describe me to you guys?” Chase grinned.
“As the sexy musician that she likes to have sex with and talk to.” Juliet stepped away from me before I could respond non-verbally.
Chase laughed. “So, nothing about my witty sense of humor and sparkling personality? I guess I’ll accept sexy.”
“Don’t you mean weird sexy?” Mallory grinned.
“Did she ever explain to you what that meant?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Nope. I don’t think she knows.”
He put an arm around my waist. “I bet you’re right.”
“Of course I know.” I pulled away enough that I could look at him.
Mallory laughed. “At least we know Cara’s showed you her real personality.”
“Yeah, Cara’s been pretty open with me.”