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Skylar

Becoming comfortable in life took time. Growing up, I stuck to myself and kept out of everyone’s way.

I kept my attention on the books in my hands and paid attention in school.

My brother was the golden child. He had his dreams and aspirations in control from a young age.

And he had his best friend, the kid who lived in the broken home across the street, Chase.

The home with all the yelling, slamming of doors, and tires screeching at all hours.

His parents were the worst. Sometimes, he would come over with bruises that he failed at hiding, and sometimes, he would stay for days.

Chase spent most of his time at our house, from my earliest memories, all the way until he and my brother graduated from high school.

After that, they left. While mom and dad missed the two boys, they then set all their focus on me.

They pulled me out of my shell and tried to understand what I was interested in.

It’s not that they didn’t try before; they did. I prevented letting them in, directing the conversation toward Ethan and Chase.

As much as I love my brother, he is also suffocating. He plays the over-protective brother role a little too much. Yes, I’ve valued this from time to time; however, I’m self-sufficient, and he refuses to acknowledge it.

Which is why I need the space from him right now. I moved back home two weeks ago, when my job mentioned they were opening an office back in my hometown. I jumped at the chance to leave the small town for the big city, close to my roots.

My apartment building is on the east side, bordering downtown. The neighborhood isn’t ideal, however; it was the most affordable option initially; hence; I leased it briefly. It will do for now.

And then there’s Chase Thorne. My brother’s best friend. The guy who I’ve always had a crush on, however, never gave me a second glance. I was just his best friend’s little sister, not one of his adoring fans. And like he said, I’m practically his sister.

Chase Thorne is not only an extremely attractive man.

He’s also got a good heart. He’s honorable and humble.

I’ve followed his career; he does things for others, and he has a good reputation.

I wouldn’t be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t attracted to him.

Because I am. But the problem is, he’s my brother’s best friend.

That’s a no-go, which my brother has made abundantly clear - many, many times.

I wasn’t expecting Ethan to bring me to a party tonight after we had dinner.

It was last minute, along the way back to my place, and he said that we wouldn’t hang out too long, that he just needed to connect with a few clients and make an appearance.

It was all part of how he does business.

I wasn’t expecting to be in the same room as sports royalty or celebrities, either.

Sure, I knew my brother played an important role in other people’s careers.

He was a big-shot agent for athletes, someone who negotiated contracts, got deals, and sponsorships for his clients.

He pulls me across a crowded dance floor, greeting various individuals, then halting before Chase and another guy.

Confidence and strength radiate off of Chase.

His gaze goes through an assortment of emotions in an instant as his eyes dissect me: piercing, recognition, shock, then warmth.

He’s truly handsome. Being this close to him, and not separated by a screen or hundreds of screaming fans, makes me short of breath.

My mouth goes dry, and I didn’t know what to say, so instead I stay primarily silent, until the perfect opportunity presents itself to escape the barbaric behavior of my brother for only a moment.

I knew Chase was going to follow me, and I hoped my brother wouldn’t follow.

A hand on my shoulder slows me down, and I turn around to see Chase.

“Why rush?” he exhales loudly, amidst the music.

I offer him a small smile. “I’m sorry. I needed a moment to breathe. Ethan can be a little much at times, but right now, he’s a little over the top.” I reply to his softening gaze.

“He’s just being protective. He’ll calm down and get over it. Let’s just get the ice and beer before E. comes looking for us,” Chase urges, stepping in front of me and signaling for me to follow, which I do, all while staring at his ass.

We move around people left and right, passing by couples grinding on one another, to a group playing beer pong, before we reach a gray door.

After stepping across the threshold of the door, it closes behind us, and the light comes on by itself, and we search the shelves for what we came for originally.

Chase supplied my arms with beer, then ice from the distant freezer.

Once his arms are full, he turns and smiles. “Ready?” he asks.

I nod, and we make our way back to the gray door. Chase turns the knob, and nothing happens.

“Hmm, that’s weird,” he mumbles.

“What’s happening? Can’t remember how to use a door?” I tease.

“Um, no. The door won’t open.”

“Unlock it,” I tell him.

“There’s no lock.” He steps aside, giving me a view of the door. He’s right, there’s no door lock, no deadbolt, nothing, just a doorknob.

“I’m confused.” I look around the garage. “Why is there no other door in here? Isn’t this a garage? Shouldn’t there be an alternate exit? Isn’t that a rule?”

“I don’t think this is a standard garage. This entire house isn’t standard. It’s a freaking fortress.” Chase says. He sets down the ice and reaches out for the cases of beer I’m holding, setting them down on the ground beside the ice. “We should explore. Perhaps there’s a hidden passage.”

We walk along each wall, and the only way in and out is through the single gray door. And I’ve tried it a few times, still locked. We looked for a way to open the garage doors, or for any other exit, but there was nothing we could find.

“What do we do?” I ask.

Chase pulls his phone out of his pocket and swears. “No service.”

“What kind of sorcery is happening here?” I mumble out loud.

“It’s a fucking fortress,” he repeats.

“Well, at least I get a break from Ethan for a little while longer.” I sigh.

“Might as well get comfortable. Who knows how long we’ll be in here?” He grabs two camp chairs and places them side-by-side. “Maybe we’ll get rescued when they realize we haven’t returned.”

Nervous, for some dumb reason, to be locked in a room with Chase, I take my seat beside him. We’re silent for a few moments before Chase knocks his knee against mine.

He wants to know what I’ve been doing, my college experience, and my work.

I’ve forgotten how easy he is to talk to, and we relax with one another’s presence as time goes on.

With us sitting for so long, the unpredictable light makes us laugh as one of us must jump around and act as a human sensor to keep the lights on.

Chase looks at his phone every few moments, hoping for time to pass or for his phone to work.

“So, are you dating anyone?” he asks.

I almost choke on my spit at his question and shook my head.

“What about you?” I ask.

“It’s hard dating in my line of work.” He shrugs.

“There are plenty of ballplayers who have significant others.” I shake my head. “Why not you?”

He looks at me. His gaze searing into me. And then he just shrugs.

“Maybe it’s because I’ve been waiting for the right person to come along.”

“And has one, yet?” I ask, curious.

“I’ll let you know,” He replies after a moment.