Lindsey

Chase is amazing. Like, really amazing. It's been a week since we were able to have some time alone, but I couldn't be happier. Liam thinks Chase and I are just becoming really good friends, so it's a little less nerve-wracking when he walks into a room where Chase and I have just been whispering back and forth. We just act like we're sharing a friendly secret.

It's a good thing my brother is pretty oblivious to what's actually going on. I feel terrible for lying to him, but I'm terrified of what he would do if he found out what's been going on behind his back. They've been friends for so long, and they've been through so much together; I'd hate to be the reason that changes.

Speak of the devil...

I'm sipping on my coffee at the kitchen island as Liam strides over.

He gives me a light smile and messes my hair. "What's up, sis?"

I shoot him a glare as I try to fix the mess he created. "You mean besides the rat's nest you made on my head? Not much. Where are you off to this morning?"

He shuts the fridge and turns to me, holding a water bottle in one hand. "Heading down to the gym for a bit with Tay. You wanna come?"

I laugh. "Yeah, I'll pass." I'm not a big fan of the gym.

He nods and starts walking toward Taylor's room. "Alright, suit yourself. If you need to go anywhere, take Chase with you. He's skipping out on us too!"

I roll my eyes. Always so over-protective. "I'm a big girl, Liam. I think I can handle a day to myself. I manage to get to and from work every day without getting into trouble, don't I?"

He holds up his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, don't bite my head off. I'm just trying to look out for my baby sister." He shoots me his best cheesy big bro smile.

I shake my head and continue sipping my coffee as he knocks on the door and asks Taylor if she's ready.

Moments later, they leave, chatting animatedly about last night's game, leaving the apartment to Chase and me. He hopped in the shower while Liam and I were talking, and I just heard the water shut off.

I bet he isn't completely dressed yet...

I smile to myself as I walk toward his bathroom door. My hand slowly reaches out for the handle, and I'm hoping the door is unlocked. I twist and find my wish has come true. The door slowly opens, and I peek my head inside. Chase is standing in front of the sink brushing his teeth, wearing only a towel that is wrapped low around his hips.

His eyes meet mine in the mirror, and I shuffle inside, closing the door behind me and flipping the lock. He quickly finishes his task and turns to greet me with a minty-fresh grin.

"Good morning, beautiful." He leans in and gives me a sweet kiss.

I place my hands on his warm chest as I lean into the kiss. "Good morning. Liam and Taylor just left for the gym. We have the place to ourselves for a bit."

His hands trail down my arms as a knowing look passes over his face. "What did you have in mind?"

Feeling bold, I look down his body to where the towel is secured around his hips. I lick my lips and reach forward, releasing the towel to the floor. His breathing hitches, and I remove my shirt. I didn't wear a bra last night, so he has a full view of my naked chest.

His eyes darken, and within seconds, I am completely bare as he picks me up, and we take full advantage of this moment of privacy. He takes me fast and hard against the bathroom wall, giving me exactly what I've been craving. I never knew I'd like it that way- hard and a little rough- but everything Chase gives me is incredible. He makes me feel so alive.

We're in too big of a hurry to worry about a condom this time, so after Chase has made sure I am completely satisfied, he takes himself to the brink of orgasm before pulling out and exploding all over my bare stomach. It takes a few moments for us to catch our breath and unwrap ourselves from one another, but once we do, Chase picks up a clean washcloth and gently removes the ribbons he painted on my stomach.

Unable to stop smiling, we both dress and exit the bathroom after checking that we are still alone. We make sure the bathroom is well vented, and there is no trace of our tryst left- we don't need a repeat of last week.

It's another hour before Taylor and Liam get back from the gym. And in that time, Chase and I have been cuddling on the couch, talking about various things.

I remember at one point that I have an appointment later this week to look at an apartment. I finally found one that fits my budget and is close enough to work that I won't have to worry about public transportation. Chase gets quiet at my mention of this, and a strange look crosses his face. When I ask him what's wrong, he suggests I stop the apartment search and just stay here. I protest that I can't take Liam's room from him and that I've kicked him out of it far too long already.

Then he takes a deep breath and suggests the last thing I was expecting- that I move into his room. I laugh and remind him that Liam has no idea about us and the only way to make his suggestion a reality is if we came clean to him. He cups my face and gives me a look that steals my breath away. The next words out of his mouth are both terrifying and exhilarating...

"Then, we should tell him."

I think I stopped breathing. He continues. "We should take the leap and hope for the best. I don't want you to leave, Lins. I look forward to seeing you every day, and if you move out, I'll lose that. And I can't lose you."

He kisses my lips softly, lovingly, pouring his heart and soul into it. I start kissing back as we hear Taylor loudly say something to Liam behind the door. We break apart and move to separate ends of the couch. They wave at us as they pass through to the kitchen talking about...whatever they were talking about.

I'm still too mind blown by Chase's suggestion to comprehend much else right now. Can we do that? Am I ready to tell Liam?

I spend the rest of the day in a haze, trying to find answers to those two questions. Chase and I don't get an opportunity to talk alone again that night, so when I go to bed- still mulling over those questions- I decide I'll text Chase my answer when I have it.

After what feels like an eternity later, I finally come to my decision. I pull out my phone and text Chase.

Okay. Let's do it. Let's tell him...

A few minutes later, I get a reply.

Really??? 😊

I smile as I type my response.

Really!! 😊

We discuss how and when we should go about it over text and decide to tell him in a couple of days before the guys leave for their next round of travel. That way, we can both be there to tell him, and we still have tomorrow to figure out our best plan of attack. We both agree we may have to get Taylor on board so she can run interference in case Liam blows a fuse.

I feel nervous and excited about our plan. We won't have to sneak around anymore in a few days, and I can't wait for that. I just hope Liam doesn't take it too rough. I'm banking on Taylor being able to keep him in check. Who knows, maybe he'll take it well?

I only hope...

......

I'm riding high on cloud nine. I can't wait til tomorrow. That's when we are finally coming clean to Liam! I'm sitting with the group at our usual spot in the bar. The guys just played a home game and did a phenomenal job. The atmosphere is amazing; everyone is having so much fun.

I feel like nothing can ruin this for me.

~

An hour or so passes.

Things are still going so wonderfully.

Then, something horrible happens.

My heart drops, and everything comes crashing down around me...