She’s in college now.
I can’t remember the number of times I’ve lain awake all night wondering what guy touched her, got to feel her against him. I’ve thought about driving to her college and beating the shit out of any person with a dick who thought they could get close to her. She belongs to me, only me, and I won’t have anyone stealing her away.
“You’re making it really cold.”
I close the window. “Cute.” I point at her outfit.
“Please tell me you got one? I was told all of us are getting one.”
“I’ve got one in my room.”
“Great. Well, I’m going to wash up.”
I watch her.
“It requires you to leave, Myron. I know you think you’re the gift and all that, but I do need to get changed.”
“Do you think I’m not a gift?” I step closer to her.
“I don’t have time for this.”
The heavy scent of vanilla fills the air. It’s the scent of her shampoo. I know because I was the one to pick up the groceries, and she always asked for the vanilla scented.
I love the smell of vanilla. It always reminds me of her.
It’s not a bad thing. I like being reminded of the woman I could never have.
She tilts her head back and looks at me. “Look, I don’t know what you’ve got to say to me, or how you intend to make this time terrible, but can we call it a truce? I don’t want to be ignored over Christmas. I know you like to pretend like I don’t exist.”
“Yes.” I don’t argue with her. The only reason I’ve ever ignored her is for her own good.
I mean it. If she thought there was a chance between us, it would have been next to impossible to stay away from her.
It no longer matters now. I’m done listening to my dad. He can have his happy ending, but I’m not allowed to?
Kate Reid has been a thorn in my side for a long time. I’ve wanted her, but stayed away, because I’m a good son. Sure, I piss my dad off with being a prick, but deep down, I’ve always done as I was told.
Now, I’m done walking away from happiness.
“Yes?” Her brows go up in surprise. “Wow, I’m … wow.”
“In shock?”
She smiles, and it’s wide and beautiful. “Yes. This is going to be a good Christmas. I know it is.”
“Then let’s seal the deal with a kiss.”
“A kiss?”
“Yes, pretend there’s mistletoe around. We can kiss and make it all better. Call the truce to make our family happy.” All I want is to have a reason to kiss those plump, kissable lips.
“O-okay.” She’s cute when she stutters.
I don’t make her come to me. Stepping into her space, I place my finger beneath her chin, and see the arousal dance within her gaze.
“Is there a guy at college?” I ask. I need to know how far I’ve got to fight to make her mine.
“What?”
“Do you have a boyfriend?”
“No. I don’t have time for a boyfriend.”
“Good.” I slam my lips down on hers and kiss her like my life depends on it.
Chapter Two
Kate
At first, I think I’m dreaming.
Then as his tongue traces my lips, I know I’m not. It’s not that I’ve never been kissed before. I have. But not like this. There is a hunger to Myron I wasn’t expecting. I don’t know if I can trust it. Is this some kind of cruel joke because he knows I’m attracted to him? How I compare all other boys and men to him? I try not to, but it’s something I can’t control.
Myron is horribly distant, and I … I want to enjoy the kiss but I can’t help but think this is some kind of horrible joke only he knows, and even as it kills me to do so, I push him away. It’s the only way I can keep myself from falling into his arms and giving him everything.
“Kate?”
“I don’t know what it is you’re trying to do or what game it is you’re trying to play. I want no part of it.”
“You think I’m joking around with you?”
“Isn’t that what you always do? The constant joker? I mean seriously, what do you expect? What do you want from me?”
“You’ve got it all wrong.”
I shake my head, even as my heart aches for it all to be the truth. I know deep down it’s not. It’s nothing more than a pack of lies.
“I need to get changed.” I don’t want to think about how good his lips felt on mine. It’s bad enough I’m sending away the guy I’ve had a crush on even before he became my stepbrother.
Ugh!
I’m going to need therapy soon, I just know it. What kind of person lusts after their stepbrother? Shouldn’t I have some natural immunity or something to his charm?