Chapter Three

Christian

I watched the cute little nerd running up the stairs. I couldn't help but smirk at the large milk stain covering her butt and most of her legs. It was kind of weird how I never noticed Charlotte before—wait, no. She preferred to be called Charlie.

I mean she was really cute in the-girl-next-door kind of way. She was short, and much smaller than me—maybe five two, three at most. She had long, thick brown hair that framed a petite heart shaped face, pouty lips and large chocolate colored eyes. If only her gigantic glasses weren't covering half her face.

I pondered that for a moment even as she disappeared from my view. She was only seventeen, but then again that was only three years younger than me. I didn't normally go for girls younger than myself—hell, who am I kidding? I never go for younger girls, but that didn't mean I couldn't start.

Unfortunately, the thought hadn't lasted long. It only took a minute for me to come to the conclusion that Charlie was probably a virgin. Sure, I enjoy sleeping around. What can I say? I enjoy the companionship without all the strings attached. It is just easier that way.

But, unlike other guys, I don't do virgins. I had standards, and morals, or at least I liked to think I did. I had a little sister, and I would kill any guy who used her the way I usually used women. It was hypocritical, but true. Me and my three cousins were all a little over protective when it came to Karla, after all she was the only female in the family aside from our mothers.

It was like a silent mutual agreement between all four of us, that to respect a girl's innocence we would stick to the more experienced brauds, usually college chicks. At least they knew what they were getting themselves into and never expected anything more than sex.

"Christian, what's taking you so long," Sarah's whiney voice came from the living room before she walked through the doorway. She looked over at me seductively, "So, what was that noise?"

Sarah was the very definition of the word "sexy". She was one of my more usual booty-call girls, and even though I didn't like to keep regulars, she was just too damn fine. She had that perfect hour-glass shaped body with large breasts, big luscious lips, long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She knew exactly how to dress to turn a guy on without looking too sleazy.

My cousins were envious because I managed to snatch this little minx up first.

I leaned up against the island counter and looked Sarah up and down. I waved of her question and said, "Nothing important." I reached for her waist and pulled her toward me. "Now, where were we before the interruption?"

She wrapped her arms around my neck and looked up with her dazzling blue eyes. "About right here," she said before pressing her lips against mine.

The next morning I was woke up to the sound of people talking animatedly in the kitchen. This was the only thing I hated about having my bedroom downstairs. I never got to sleep in. But being so close to the backdoor had its advantages.

Sarah left late last night, after we got better acquainted that is. I promised to call her, but now I wasn't too sure if I was going to. I didn't have as much fun as usual. Either there was something wrong with me, or she was losing her touch. I decided to go with the latter.

I pulled myself out of bed, and left my bedroom in nothing but my plaid pajama bottoms. The hallway was engulfed in the smell of pancakes, which brought a smile to my face. Sunday mornings were always the best at the Steele residence.

Walking into the dining room, I collided with my cousin, Nate.

"Woah," he steadied himself. "Slow down, turbo."

"Can't–the smell of my mom's famous pancakes turns me into an animal." I grinned and then reached over and stole Nate's plate that consisted of more syrup than anything.

"Hey! Those are mine."

"My house."

I put the plate down on the table and was just taking my seat when my Mom grabbed the plate and passed it back to Nate. "First come, first serve," she said and kissed the top of my head. "You're after Karla." She smiled that motherly smile of hers.

I couldn't stay mad at my Mother, and Karla was nowhere in sight, so instead I turned and glared at Nate. "What are you doing here anyways? Don't you have your own family to be pestering?"

Nate shoved pancakes into his mouth and said, "What? And miss your mom's famous Sunday morning breakfast?" He talked around a mouthful of food. "Not a chance."

"Nathanial, sit down and swallow your food before you speak," my mom said while handing the syrup over to my dad.

"Thank you, hunny." He kissed her cheek.

Nate sat down beside me. "So where did you disappear to last night?"

"Sarah."

"Again?" He shoved food into his mouth. "You are one lucky man."

"Nathanial, what did I just tell you?"

He swallowed his food. "Sorry Auntie Caitlyn."

"So where is Karla anyways?" I asked my mom.

"She and Charlotte took Herbert outside."

At the mention of Charlie, I froze. I don't know why, but I felt like going and finding them. It was completely preposterous, and even I knew that, but I still couldn't get her out of my head. I mean she was three years younger than me, not even remotely my type and she couldn't manage to say two words to me without stuttering!

And yet, there was still something about her. I don't know how I knew, but she was different from the other girls. There was something wondrous hidden behind that shy, stuttering nerd, and I felt compelled to figure out what it was.

"Well, I'm going to go see what is taking them so long." I jumped out of my seat, and left the dining room before anyone could stop me.

I could almost feel Nate's scrutinizing gaze burning into my back.