Finding Chase (Chasing Nikki) by Lacey Weatherford Read Free Book Online Page B

what he was working on,” Brittney whispered as she watched him walk through the front door.
    “Say the word, Britt, and I’ll go out there and pound his ass.” I was pissed for her. Any guy would have to be blind not to see what a catch she was.
    “I’m right there with him,” Brett added as the four of us watched through the window. The two of them were kissing on the sidewalk as they moved toward Matt’s car. We watched them until they were out of view. I ground my teeth together—so much for no public displays of affection. Had he raised his head up for two seconds he’d have seen us gawking at them.
    “No. Leave him,” she said, and I stared at her.
    “Don’t let him treat you this way, Brittney. He doesn’t deserve you.”
    “I’m not letting him treat me this way,” she said, lifting her chin a notch. “We’re through. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
    “Please say you’re gonna let me be the one to tell him. I’d really love to punch the guy right now.”
    She smiled a bit dejectedly, and patted me gently on the leg. “Thanks, but no. He’s supposed to pick me up for breakfast tomorrow. I’ll tell him when he comes.”
    “I’m sorry, Brittney,” Tana said, hugging her best friend. “Are you okay?”
    She nodded, and grabbed her purse. “I will be, but I don’t feel much like eating right now. I think I’ll call a cab and go home, if you don’t mind.” She threw some money on the table. “That should cover my dinner.”
    “Wait,” I said, grabbing my wallet and throwing some bills down too. “Brett, there’s enough for my meal and some extra to help with groceries. If you and Tana will take care of that, I’ll make sure Brittney gets home okay. I’m beat tonight. Have them box my food, and I’ll eat it tomorrow. I can hardly stay awake.”
    “We can come now too. Are you sure?” Tana asked glancing between Brittney and me.
    “No, eat your dinner. I’m sorry I ruined everyone’s plans,” Brittney said.
    “You didn’t,” I replied, squeezing her shoulders briefly. “I’m going to get the hostess to call us a cab.”
    I left her with Brett and Tana while I walked to the hostess station for help. I saw Matt leaning against his car with the girl pinned beneath him as he kissed her. He obviously didn’t care about who saw him. Did he think he was going to get away with it?
    My hands clenched into fists, and I wished I could go yank him back by his sandy brown hair and beat his face. He stayed there long enough I worried he’d be there when our cab showed up. How would I get Brittney to the car without causing a big scene? I cast a worried glance in her direction. She was still talking to Brett and Tana. I was glad—she didn’t need to see this. Finally, Matt helped the girl into the car and quickly joined her before they drove away. Not five seconds passed before our cab pulled up.
    “Brittney,” I called, signaling to her, and she joined me. I ushered her outside and opened the door, sliding in behind her.
    “Desert Breeze Apartments near Southern and Rural Road, please,” I leaned forward and told the driver then settled into my seat. I closed my eyes and sighed deeply.
    “You really are tired, aren’t you?” she asked after a couple of minutes. “You weren’t saying that as an excuse to come with me.”
    “I’m beat,” I said with a soft chuckle. “They’ve been running us hard.” I gave her a heavily lidded stare and grinned. “Don’t think I’m a wimp now, okay?”
    “Whatever. I’d be surprised if you weren’t tired. You helped us carry in all those boxes, bags, and furniture items we bought today too.”
    “Brett seems to be fine.”
    “He didn’t carry half of what you did. Plus, he stopped and made out with Tana every time he brought something in.”
    “Disgusting,” I said with a scrunched up face.
    “Pitiful, indeed,” she added, and we both laughed, the golden glow of the streetlights brushing back and forth across us. I watched