Chapter 2

Rachel

I knew the moment Chase entered the hall. The atmosphere changed, it became charged with some sort of undercurrent that sizzled.

Subconsciously, I raised my head up to meet Chase' deep gaze. His eyes scanned me up and down thoroughly that for a moment, I felt naked.

Chase moved his gaze to Norman before sitting down on the chair facing I and my brother.

I watched Chase as he and Norman talked. I did not join them.

Previously, I was wondering if Chase had changed and now I had my answer.

The boyish features that made him the acclaimed ice prince of our college gave way to deeper and mature ones that oozed sensuality.

His grey eyes seemed to have darkened a little when he observed me but their color returned to normal swiftly so I did not know what he thought of my present appearance.

Chase looked like he had faced trials and that he overcame them. He seemed successful and I wondered if I had the capability to stand by his side.

Without any regard for whether I was a worthy fit for him, I was going to try my best to fight for my love.

Chase looked towards me, "Long time no see." His unfathomable gaze caused electricity to run under my skin.

It numbed me while jumpstarting my nerves at the same time.

I gave a brisk nod, "Yes. It's been very long."

I did not know why our conversation sounded distant and awkward. I could not help my apprehensiveness because Chase was a changed person now. I feel like I don't know the correct way to approach him anymore.

My feelings have overflowed and he had changed.

Norman stood up, "Chase! Where is the game room you told me about? Let's us go and try it out."

Happiness surged through me at my brother's sentence. I had been off games for far too long. Besides, it could act as a medium to soften the awkwardness oozing off me.

Chase took us to the huge game room in his mansion. Expensive and high end equipment decorated the room.

He powered the gigantic monitor occupying the center position and handed out two consoles to I and Norman. Chase brought out his laptop instead.

I was disappointed Chase didn't participate in our gaming but I consoled myself with the fact that he was just focusing on his business.

Few minutes into the game, I rose to my feet. I turned to Chase.

"Please, where is the bathroom? I need to use it." I said softly and he set his laptop down in order to lead the way.

Soon they arrived in front of a huge brown door. I looked on in confusion as Chase opened the door to reveal a bedroom that was more than double of my room's size.

A few thoughts started jumping around in my head.

Did Chase know of my feelings for him? Did he like me too? Why was he bringing me to his bedroom?

If anyone told me this isn't the master bedroom, I would deny and argue. The furnishing and arrangement was okay despite being low key.

I wouldn't believe it either if anybody said there wasn't other bathrooms in this huge house.

Some inappropriate thoughts began to mingle with the one already swirling in my head but I shook them away.

Chase was a gentleman through and through but I was afraid that even if he isn't a gentleman and he wanted to make a move, I would love to accompany him wholeheartedly.

This thought scared me tremendously. I was a pure girl. I did not have any relationship history and I was like a blank piece of paper. I may have a robust theory about the intimate interactions between a woman and a man but when it comes to the practical aspect, I was still a newbie.

I tried to keep myself composed as his handsome figure walked confidently before me. The muscles strained from his white shirt in a futile attempt and his long legs was the stuff of dreams.

Chase might have seen the question on my face along with the faint blush that appeared as an aftermath of my dirty thoughts.

His gaze threaten to drown me as he said, "Senna hasn't finished cleaning the rooms and bathrooms in the mansion. This is the best one."

I nodded before moving past him swiftly. It was like I wasn't quick enough because some of his overpowering scent clung to me like glue.

The bathroom was gleaming and its clean surfaces showed the splendor the owner had put into it. I whipped out my phone.

After Chase left, I tried to cut myself off from this feeling of love that sprouted within me unknowingly. During those times, I did not search him up no matter how my heart longed for him.

With his appearance in my life again, it seemed like all those restraints I imposed on myself disintegrated to ashes. I was back to that lovestruck girl that burned with the ardent desire to be his partner.

G****e, my trusted search engine disappointed me this time. It did not have what I wanted to know about. There was little to no articles about Chase. Only articles of him coming back from overseas to assume the position of CEO for Steel Cell Group, a powerful company under his family.

Even this articles had no photos to speak of. Only one picture was used and reused in the news portals information.

The picture was a professional photo. It showed Chase in his corporate suit looking dashing and ambitious. It satisfied my itch but it still wasn't enough.

I wanted to know all of his experiences oversea. I wished to be there to console him doing his dreary moments and to be a companion in his joyous ones.

I wanted to be a part of him.

I exited the G****e app and kept my phone. I sat on the toilet to do my business while thinking of how to approach Chase.

I didn't want to destroy the friendship we had. He had a favorable impression of me but that can change if I threw myself at him without any regard. He might not treasure me that way.

I refuse to believe that an handsome catch like Chase didn't have suitors. Even if he wasn't outstanding as he is or if he had average looks, his almost unlimited wealth already made him a target.

Even if my courtship fails, I would want our friendship to remain. At least then, I would know he was still by my side.

When I finished my business, greed made my steal some of the soaps that smelt like him to clean my hands.

I chided myself softly. I was already behaving like an extreme fan.

I went out of the bathroom confidently but all that confidence disappeared when Chase approached me quietly. His walk towards me was like the an hunter stalking a beloved prey.

I bit my lip. It was moments like this that made me think Chase might be interested in me too. Alas, was I ready to find the answer to my doubts?

I said I wanted to seduce him. It was true but it was going to be a slow burning process.

It would be like cooking a living crab in cold water that would eventually turn boiling hot.

My thoughts was to make him like me, then get him to admit his feelings to me.

That way, I wouldn't be like the other women throwing themselves at him.

Chase's hand landed on my face. His body heat felt like searing irons that seemed to brand itself into my heart.

His hand moved from my cheek to rub the corner of my lip softly.

"You've got something on your face." His voice sounded deeper than his usual tone when he was giving an explanation for his behavior.

The voice activated an explosion in my mind and I could not reply. It was only later that I gave a weak nod.

I had a vague memory of the path to the game room but I couldn't say for sure that I can lead the way back. At least I knew the general direction.

I walked briskly as I wanted to avoid the deep presence following me. I scoffed at myself in ridicule.

I said I wanted to claim this man and now I was fleeing at his touch. I was so contradictory!

When he saw that I almost took the wrong turn, Chase took the lead again.

We returned to the game room in a strange mood but Norman didn't pick up the weird atmosphere.

He dragged me to seat beside him while Chase continued working on his laptop.

My heart ached for Chase. He did not have a chance to relax and enjoy his return before he was bombarded with work.

I picked up my gaming console to resume my match with my brother.

All was going well until Norman with his typical blabbermouth spoke.

"Hey sis. When are you going to get a boyfriend? Did that Greg guy ask you out yet?"

What?!

I could feel something explode.