Loving Chase: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Novel

by Tania De Melo

  “But I want to know where his flighty brain’s going...I'm curious now.”

  Letting out a groaned breath, Chase looks to me, knowing exactly what he meant. “Jordan seems to think my brother may have a thing for you.”

  Laughter rips through my body and shoots out my mouth. The librarian directs yet another warning at me, so I raise my hand in acknowledgment and mouth a quick sorry, then turn to Chase. “Stop joking. I was seriously asking.”

  “I’m not joking, Velyn.”

  “No. No way. Your brother hates me. Hell, every time I catch him even remotely looking at me, he has a scowl on his face.”

  Chase shrugs. “I don’t know, Vel. Jordan may be onto something. Most girls fall at Dylan’s feet without even a word from him. They just fall at the slightest of smiles he may throw their way. But you didn’t, and I think that may have bothered him. Especially with, well, let’s just say it didn’t sit well with him.”

  “Chase, you can say it—especially with where I come from and the fact that I’m poor.”

  I look away from him. I’m not upset about it, just disappointed there are still people that think I’m less of a person because of where I live.

  With a deep breath, I look back. “Well, if that’s the case, then that’s his problem. Maybe if he showed a little respect to the people beneath him, they wouldn’t think he was such a douchebag.”

  Chase nods. “I’m starting to see that now. I used to think it was all an act. That he said those things just for the shock value and to see my reaction, but lately, he’s proven otherwise, which sadly makes me realize Dylan’s not whom I thought he was at all.

  “No, I think to you as his brother he was that person. I just don’t think he cares or can care, for anyone else that way,” I try to reassure Chase.

  “Yeah, well, it’s going to make for one lonely life if he keeps it up. Even I have a limit, and hopefully, he’s starting to see that.”

  I offer Chase a smile, but when he smiles back, I see the disappointment and sadness. He may not admit it, but he looks up to his brother. Yet at every turn, Dylan just keeps letting him down.

  Well, not anymore.

  I may not like Mr. Dylan Dandridge, and personally feel that someone would be doing the world a great service by picking him off. But that’s not going to happen, and I won’t sit by and let him continue hurting the one person that actually cares what happens to him.

  Chapter 9

  Dylan

  It’s after eight p.m., and Chase still isn’t home. He hasn’t even text or called to let me know that he’d be running late, not that I expect he would.

  I move to the French doors overlooking the backyard. It’s dark, and there’s a mean storm brewing in the distance. He needs to get home before those clouds make their way over here. I pull out my cell to send him another text. I know he won’t reply, but at least he’ll see it.

  Just as I’m about to hit send on my phone, the doorbell chimes. “Dumbass forgot his keys.”

  I make my way through the foyer, opening the door. However, it’s not at all whom I was expecting.

  “You and I need to have a chat.”

  I look into the eyes of the mousey, yet very determined chick in front of me. “And what would we have to chat about?”

  “Your much-needed attitude adjustment,” she retorts.

  I let out a chuckle. “Is this your way of trying to open up a shared dialogue? If so, let me inform you that you suck at it.”

  With her hands on her hips, Velyn locks her gaze with mine. “Let me assure you this isn’t going to be a shared dialogue. It’s going to go more in the way of me talking while you listen with your mouth shut for once.”

  “And what if I just shut the door in your face and head back upstairs to enjoy the rest of my night?” I put out.

  Her arms move across her chest in an assertive stance. “That’s absolutely within your right, but keep in mind this may be the one last chance you have to fix this mess you’ve caused with Jordan and Chase.”

  “There’s no mess to be fixed; they just need to realize they’re overreacting,” I scowl. Where does she get off telling me there’s an issue with my brother and best friend?

  “You’re a real piece of work, you know that,” she adds.

  “And you, G.D., are getting to be a real pain in the ass. Did you ever think that maybe you’re the cause of all my problems?” I shoot back.

  “Why, Dylan? Because I won’t bow down to you? Put myself forth in an offering to the great Dylan Dandridge, and let you take me to bed then discard me like all the others? Yeah, no thanks. I don’t care to be another notch added to that infamous bedpost of yours, nor do I care to lower myself to your level. My dignity is one thing I’ve managed to keep intact throughout my life, and I’d like it to remain that way.”

  I let out a growl. “You know for someone who showed up at my door, you’re a real bitch. I didn’t ask you here, Velyn. You came of your own conscious volition.”

  She stands there, her breath heavy in the night air. A moment passes with the two of us just staring each other down, and then she starts to turn away.

  “What, leaving so soon? We haven’t even got to the part where I show you that you’re wrong, and you apologize for wasting my time,” I say.

  She turns to look at me, her expression yielding. “I don’t get it.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Dylan, you have everything. You want for nothing. Is your life that boring, that easy to brush off as mundane, that you neglect the best parts of it? Don’t you see how the way you act is pushing the only people who even give a shit about you, away?”

  Her words sting, but what the hell does she know? “What happens in my life isn’t any concern of yours.”

  “It is when my best friend’s hurt and sad. Dylan, I have no idea what’s going on with you and Jordan, but with Chase, he won’t say it, but it’s bothering him. You’re his older brother. He looks up to you and all you seem to do is let him down...disappoint him.”

  “You’re getting on my last nerve. I think it’s best you leave.” My words come out in a growl, so she knows this conversation’s done.

  When she turns to leave, the silver light of the night fades turning black, and the skies open up, unleashing a violent mix of rain and hail.

  I let out a sigh knowing very well I can’t let her go out there. Grabbing her by the back of her coat, I pull her in before she starts to head off. “You’re not going anywhere in this. You may think I’m an asshole, but this asshole’s not about to let you get hurt out there. Come inside.”

  Her eyes go wide a little caught off guard by the sudden jolt, but she recovers. then Velyn studies my face like she’s trying to get a read on me. “Hmm, maybe Chase was right.”

  “Right about what?” I ask.

  “That there may be one redeemable quality deep down inside you.” She flashes me a quick smile then makes her way through the foyer and up the stairs. I stand there for a moment taking in her last words.

  Pfft, whatever—I have more than one redeemable quality.

  I shut the door and head up, finding Velyn in the living room. She’s looking out to the back through the French doors just as I’d been doing only minutes ago.

  “It’s horrible out there,” she comments.

  I move to her side, peeking out. “Yeah. They were calling for a pretty bad one. I’ve been trying to get a hold of Chase to tell him to get home, but he’s not answering my calls or texts.”

  “Yeah, well, as I said, you’re not really his favorite person right now. But just so that you don’t worry, I’ll tell you he’s fine. He’s still at the library in a late-night study session with some of the other students from one of his classes. He shouldn't be out yet, but just in case I’ll send him a text telling him to stay put until the storm lets up.”

  I look to her and nod. “Thanks.”

  She pulls out her cell and types away. When she looks up to me, I can’t help but laugh.
r />   “What?” she asks.

  “Where on earth did you find that antique, and why in the hell are you still using it?”

  Her brows pinch together in confusion, so I nod down to the phone in her hand. Rolling her eyes, she replies, “Not all of us are fortunate enough to throw money at every new piece of technology that comes out.”

  “Fine, but what about getting one from the last decade?” I ask.

  Velyn shrugs. “Like I said, not all of us are that fortunate.”

  She turns away, heading to the couch. Why do I all of a sudden feel like a real ass? Walking over to where she’s seated, I take the spot across from her.

  “It really means nothing to you?”

  “What’s that?” she asks.

  “Money.”

  Letting out a breath, she looks to me. “Of course, it does. It just means something different to me than it does to you.”

  “How so?”

  Velyn turns to me, sitting up and bringing her knees to her chest. “Well, to you money’s the deciding factor on where a person stands on the social ladder. To you, it defines value, who you are as a person, and how much more powerful you are in comparison to those around you. To me, …it’s just simply my means of survival.” She lets out a sigh. “I know how you see me, Dylan.”

  “Do you now?”

  “I do. I know the first time you saw me, some of the things you noticed were my older somewhat faded clothes, my well-worn shoes, that my hands weren’t manicured with French tips and that my hair’s its natural mousy color—no highlights or trendy style. I know you noticed all this because, to you, those things matter. They tell you whether or not I’m worthy of your attention.”

  I let out a dry laugh. “So, you think you have me all figured out, right?”

  “Am I wrong, Dylan? Be honest, and I don’t mean with me but with yourself for once. Truly think about what I just said and be honest with yourself.”

  “Of course, I notice those things, and don’t you dare tell me I’m the only one; you do the same thing. It’s natural to observe others. It’s our instinct.”

  She perks up a little. I think I just got her, but then she opens her mouth. “You’re absolutely right. I do notice those things, but how I perceive them is far different from you.” She sits up legs crossed and opening herself up to me instead of trying to shield herself off like she has been. “Tell me, Dylan, honestly. When you first met me, did you not see the homely looking girl whose family obviously has no money?”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “Liar! That’s exactly what you saw. That’s why when you saw me a few days later in Chase’s room, you called me a golddigger,” she says. I lay back against the arm of the couch, just looking at her with a smile crossing my lips. “Why are you smiling? I just accused you of judging me.”

  Letting out a laugh, I point to her. “You just proved my point.”

  She slants her eyes almost as if she’s getting ready to shoot daggers at me. “And what point is that?”

  “That you pass judgment just like anyone else. You assumed that’s what I noticed just like you judged me as some rich-kid bully that same day. It’s what set this whole thing off; that first day in the quad when you found me goofing around with Chase,” I say.

  The anger in her eyes turns to realization, then in a whisper, she replies, “It’s not the same.”

  Softening my voice, I reply, “But it is. The only difference is that my judgment wasn’t about how much money you had. When I saw you, I thought you were hell on wheels the way you were charging at me. Then when you got right in my face standing up for Chase, I saw more. I saw that just after a couple of hours, you stood up for someone you barely knew—your new friend.”

  “Then why were you such an ass to me, Dylan?”

  “Because even after you realized who I was, you carried on this anger toward me,” I reply.

  She shakes her head. “No, I didn’t. I never even spoke with you after that; not until the morning when you barged into Chase’s room and accused me of befriending him only for his money.”

  “Wrong! I came into the diner that same afternoon to ask you to come to my party. That was my peace offering, and you snubbed me. I even went home and convinced Chase to talk you into it. I wanted you there for me, Velyn.”

  She throws her hands up as though relieved that a moment of realization has hit me. “Exactly, Dylan, and like I said, there was no way I was going to be another one of your little one-time hook-ups.”

  Oh my God, I’m done with her.

  I stand to my feet, looking down. “I’m not going to sit here and let you shoot down everything I say without even considering it—I’m done. When the storm lets up, feel free to show yourself out. Until then, I’ll be in my room.” I move to walk away, but as I round the other side of the couch, I’m suddenly surrounded in darkness. “Dammit!”

  “Dylan, I can’t see anything.”

  I let out a sigh. “That’s usually the case when the power goes out, genius.”

  “Asshole. I mean, I can’t even see a sliver of light. I’m afraid to move off the couch.”

  “Use the flashlight on your phone. Oh, wait, did they even have that technology back in the ninety’s when your phone was made?” I let out a snicker just before— “Ow, what the hell was that?”

  “My antique phone. It may not have all the bells and whistles that the new ones do, but it sure holds its own against solid concrete,” Velyn replies.

  I groan. “That wasn’t solid concrete; it was my head.”

  “One and the same if you ask me.” she snickers.

  “Velyn, you realize I grew up in this house...know it like the back of my hand. Can easily walk around blindfolded. What I’m getting at is, I can leave your sorry ass to sit all alone in the dark. Who knows, maybe tonight will be the night that Henry makes an appearance,” I mention.

  I can hear her moving around, then she asks hesitantly, “Who’s Henry?”

  She can’t see me, but I’m smiling. “The evil spirit of our old gardener. Connie’s positive that to this day, he walks the grounds and every so often the halls looking for revenge.”

  “You’re making that up.”

  I am, but why not play with her a little. “Nope, and neither is Connie. She’s one of the godliest people I know. She wouldn’t lie about something like that.” That part’s true, but then again, Connie’s always seeing or hearing things. Like just the other day, she was convinced that Elvis himself was trying to make contact with her.

  “I know what you’re doing, Dylan, and it’s not going to work.” It’s quiet for a moment as she waits for my response, but I don’t give one. “Dylan?”

  I just stand there quietly.

  “Dylan, seriously answer me.” She pauses to hear for a response, but like before I offer nothing, so once again, she calls out, “Dylan, please answer me. I’m afraid of the dark.”

  That last part came out with a tremble in her voice. I turn on my phone’s light, shining it just above her, and that’s when I notice the tears.

  “Crap, Velyn, I’m sorry I was just playing around.” I move in front of the couch, falling

  in beside her. When I get a closer look, I see it’s not just her voice trembling. Without another thought, I pull her into my lap and wrap my arms around her. “I’m so sorry. It’s okay. Really, I was kidding about everything. Dammit, Velyn, I’m a dick. I’m so sorry.”

  I feel her tears fall against my neck. Her trembling is subsiding, but I can tell she’s still upset. I know this isn’t the time, but the thought of how good she feels in my arms hits me. It’s not even sexual; it’s calming for me too. Almost like I could hold her here like this forever—no, not almost…I could absolutely hold her like this forever. It feels natural; it feels right!

  Chapter 10

  Velyn

  He’s a jackass for what he just did. But as much as I want to dislike him even more than I already do, I can’t deny this feeling of complete peace I’m e
xperiencing right now here in his arms—a peace I haven’t felt in a long time. This should feel odd. I mean, it shouldn’t feel this natural, this right.

  When my anxiety calms, I should pull myself away from him, but something I can’t control has me moving in closer, and as though instinctively, his arms tighten around my body, swallowing me whole. Neither of us says anything, almost like we’re afraid for this responsiveness toward one another to end. But that can’t be right. There’s no way that Dylan Dandridge is experiencing any of this right now; there’s just no way. Not Mr. love ‘em and leave ‘em.

  Then it happens. I feel it like a torpedo in super speed trying to break through the water. I jump from Dylan’s lap, almost throwing myself to the other side of the couch.

  He lets out a cracked chuckle. “Sorry, it has a mind of its own at some of the worst times.”

  I’m thankful for the cover of darkness at this moment, and not because of my embarrassment, but rather to cover the raging flush of heat to my upper and lower body. It’s almost primal—wanting—needing.

  The tremble is back, but this time for a different reason. I inhale deeply then release my breath steadily in an attempt to slow it down, but it doesn’t work. My pulse quickens, my heart pounds—I’m about to explode, then the lights turn back on.

  Crap!

  No hiding it now, but when I look up, Dylan’s already jumped off the couch, almost running out of the room.

  What the—?

  I’m sitting here for what feels like forever when I hear the front door open, and not moments later, Chase enters the room.

  “Hey, I thought that was your car out there. What are you doing here? I mean, not that I mind, but I thought I told you I would be at the library,” he questions.

  With the last of my recent episode subsiding, I offer him a smile. “You did. I just needed to take care of something.”

  Knowingly, Chase shakes his head. “Velyn trying to reason with Dylan is, and will forever prove to be pointless. He is who he is, and apparently, that person has hit an all-time high on the asshat meter.”