Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews(5)
Author: Piper Rayne

 

“We’re gonna have so much fun,” Bryce says, then glances at Miles. “No matter what big bro here says.”

 

I laugh. One of the draws about moving here was spending more time with Shayna, Bryce, and Violet.

 

“Big bro says that you’d better not get her into any trouble,” Miles says, looking at Bryce as if he’s a police officer letting her go with a warning.

 

Bryce rolls her eyes.

 

“I couldn’t believe it when Violet told us where you’re living. What are the chances?” Shayna shakes her head and smiles, then takes a sip from her Solo cup, eyeing all of us over the rim of her glass.

 

Creases form on Miles’s forehead. “What does that mean?”

 

“She lives across the hall from Chase now. Like, right across the hall.” Bryce looks delighted, telling my brother this information.

 

I don’t know what the deal is with those two. It’s clear neither of them like the other, but they both get off on poking the other.

 

He looks to me for confirmation, and I nod. “I ran into Brady and Violet in the elevator. That’s how I found out about this party.”

 

My brother looks as though he doesn’t know how to feel about this development.

 

“You’re probably really happy, right, Miles? I mean… now Chase can keep a really good eye on your sister. We all know how overprotective you are of her,” Bryce says.

 

Miles’s jaw clenches.

 

“Okay, you two, retreat into your separate corners,” Shayna says, clearly seeing, as I am, that Bryce is trying to upset him.

 

“Are you sure you’re okay with me being here?” I ask Miles, pressing my lips together while I wait for him to answer.

 

He smiles at me. “Of course I am. It’s gonna be great.”

 

He pulls me into another side hug, and though I want to believe him, something about his tone rings different.

 

 

 

 

 

Four

 

 

 

 

 

Chase

 

 

 

 

 

“What do you think, Chase?”

 

“Huh?” I blink and tear my eyes away from the petite, long-haired brunette who’s been stealing my attention all night.

 

Not that she’s been trying to. Twyla’s just being her usual self, lighting up the room and flitting from group to group, leaving nothing but sunshine and smiles in her path.

 

Jesus, if my old man could hear me now, he’d have me committed.

 

“Do you think we can go all the way this year?” Brady asks me.

 

“Course we can. If Burrows can manage to not get injured, we’ll be good.”

 

Lee shoots me the finger, then takes a pull off his beer. “So… kinda weird that Twyla’s your neighbor now, huh?”

 

“That’s one word for it.” I bring my own beer to my lips.

 

Brady barks out a laugh.

 

“What’s that about?” My eyebrows furrow.

 

“Oh nothing,” he says, all innocent, as if there’s not a shit-eating grin on his face.

 

“You got something to say, say it.”

 

Brady straightens. “All right, I will. I think you have the hots for her.” He looks around to the others for confirmation that they think the same.

 

“You’re outa your fucking mind.” I scowl.

 

“If you say so.”

 

“He has a point. You’ve barely taken your eyes off her,” Lee says.

 

“Bullshit.”

 

“Your eyes have practically been glued to her ass all night,” Brady adds.

 

My hand clenches around my beer so tightly I’m afraid the glass might break. “That’s Miles’s little sister, assholes.”

 

“Did I hear my name?” Miles walks up, all smiles, clearly having no idea what we’re discussing. If he did, he’d have my balls in a vise grip from these guys even suggesting what they are—whether they’re right or not.

 

“We were just wondering when you and Bryce are gonna sleep together and get rid of all the sexual tension between you guys.” Brady claps him on the shoulder.

 

What’s up with this guy? He gets engaged and decides to call everyone out on why they aren’t with someone?

 

Miles shakes his head with a look of disgust. “That pussy’s poison.”

 

“You’re saying that like you know firsthand.” Lee arches his eyebrow.

 

Before Miles can respond, Violet pokes her head between Brady and Lee. “Mind if I borrow my fiancé for a few minutes, boys?”

 

Brady wraps his arms around her shoulders. “What’s up?”

 

“We should probably say a few words… thank everyone for coming.” She places a quick kiss on his lips.

 

His hand slides down, and he pats her ass. “You got it.” Brady looks at the three of us. “Excuse me, gentlemen, duty calls.”

 

They move to the far end of the room and stand in front of the TV mounted on the wall. Brady tries to get everyone to quiet down, and when that doesn’t work, Violet has him hold her drink, puts her pinkie fingers in her mouth, and lets loose with the loudest whistle I’ve ever heard. It rivals the one Coach wears around his neck during practices.

 

Everyone stops what they’re doing and turns their attention to the front of the room.

 

“Sorry to interrupt everyone’s good time, but Brady and I wanted to say a few words,” Violet says. “First we want to thank Chase for hosting tonight.”

 

“Yeah, we know you didn’t want to do it, but A for effort. Next time, maybe consider getting a caterer,” Brady adds, and Violet playfully smacks him on the arm while I scowl. “Seriously though, I know opening up your private space to everyone is not at the top of your list of things you want to do, so we really appreciate it.”

 

I shove my free hand into the front pocket of my jeans and nod at him.

 

“I don’t come from a big family, but I always wished I did.” Violet looks out over everyone. “And I’m starting to realize what a big family this team is. I want to thank all of you for making me feel comfortable as the newbie of the group. Especially because I didn’t know the difference between a touchdown and first down.”