Finding Chase (Chasing Nikki) Read Online Free PDF Page B

consisted of sports or band posters stuck up with tacks and tape, it would've looked like we had a designer come in. Mom had set us up with our entire kitchen and dining supplies too.
    I chuckled as I remembered her words.
    “There will be no traditional college wooden spool tables or shelves made out of crates for my son.”
    “But mom,” I'd replied with a grin. “That's half the fun, scavenging for useful things. You're robbing me of my college experience.”
    “Trust me, Chase. Scavenging sucks. Plus, you never know where those things have been. You can't possibly properly sterilize them, either. It's gross.”
    “True, but if we have a wild party, all this nice furniture could get ruined. If I have crappy stuff to start with, then it won't matter if it gets busted.”
    “Precisely, which is why you won't be having any wild parties. This is part of your inheritance—I won't be buying you more later on. So unless you want destroyed furniture, I suggest you take care of it.”
    I laughed. “Is this your way of trying to ensure I behave while I'm gone?”
    She snorted. “You, behave? Is that even a possibility?”
    “Remember, I’m reformed now.”
    “You might be, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the college is.”
    I hugged her tightly. “You know I'll take care of it because Dad bought most of it. As for the rest, I give no guarantees.”
    “I guess I'll have to settle for that," she grumbled, hugging me back. "But at least promise me you'll be careful. It's going to be hard for me without you around.”
    Things had grown serious then. “I'll miss you too . . . a lot.”
    I grabbed my keys off the dresser and left my apartment, almost bumping straight into Brittney as she left hers. She was dressed in a tiny, blue bikini top, cut off shorts, and flip-flops. I couldn’t help letting my gaze wander over her fabulous figure.
    “Wow! You’re looking pretty good today.” I chuckled. I wasn’t used to seeing her quite this stripped down. “Where you headed?”
    She smiled. “To my new job.”
    “Dressed like that?” I clasped my hands together. “Please tell me you got a job at Hooters! I swear I’ll come eat there every day to support you.”
    “No.” She laughed, shaking her head. “I’m working as a waitress for a restaurant called Poppy’s Grill. He has a niece who has cancer. They’re doing a fundraiser carwash today to help with medical expenses. I’m going there. You should bring your pickup, and get it washed.”
    “I’d be happy to,” I replied, thinking of Nikki’s dad who’d also died of cancer. It was a devastating disease. “Where’s this place?”
    She dug into her purse and pulled out a business card. “The address is on here. You and Brett should try the restaurant too. Tana and I ate there the other night when I applied. It’s really good.”
    “Sounds awesome. I’ll definitely come by after I’m done with weights this morning.”
    “Okay, see you later then.” She started to walk away, and I stared after her.
    “If you have a break maybe you can eat with me,” I called out, spur of the moment.
    She turned and grinned while walking backward. “If I’m not too wet and dirty, I’d like that.” She continued on her way, and I stood there appreciating the view from the backside as well.
    I’d always thought she was smokin’ hot, but gradually she’d become more like a sister, especially as my relationship developed with Nikki. But seeing her like this today reminded me she wasn’t my sister in any capacity. It kind of scared me to feel such a sharp flicker of interest. I thought that part of me had long been dead and buried.
    Sighing, I rubbed a hand over my face. There was no way I could think of a relationship with Brittney. Besides the fact I was done with putting my heart through the ringer, she wasn’t available, and even if she was, there was no way I was willing to risk our friendship. She was too important to me. If things went badly, I’d