Page 17 of Step Brother Bear

Derek shoots me a pointed look. “Nurse of the year over here,” he says, almost sarcastically.

Darrell doesn’t seem convinced. He moves closer to Derek, still inspecting him.

I attempt to lighten the mood, “How was your trip?” I ask, sitting on the couch, still able to feel Derek’s warmth from under me.

Mom beams. “Oh, it was wonderful! Met lots of fans. Did a bunch of tourist stuff in the city, ate at fabulous restaurants.”

“Sounds nice. Seems like a faraway trip, though, for such a short time.”

“Yes, we were sad to leave, but I was dying to get back to you.”

“Oh…really?”

“Yes, because you'll never guess who we ran into while we were there.”

“At the conference?”

She shakes her head. “No, at a steakhouse on our last night.”

“Okay…”

“Lewis!”

“What?” My whole body heats. Why does she seem so fucking giddy about running into my newly ex-boyfriend? She'd better follow up with a story about how she keyed his car afterwards.

“Isn’t it kismet?” She beams.

“Um, why would it be?”

“Because, what are the odds that the three of us would be at the same restaurant all the way on the other side of the country?”

“Yeah, spooky,” I reply.

“Well, I had to invite him to dinner!”

“No, you didn’t?” Bile fills my throat.

“Yes, Isabella. He told us that he missed you and regrets breaking up with you!” She squeals, a smile on her face.

“He did?” I can’t believe it’s possible. Of course, I’m not over him, and the prospect that he regrets ending things with me sends my thoughts spiraling into an array of what-ifs.

“Yes!” She squeals.

Darrell clears his throat. “Fine young man. Always liked him.”

I raise a curious eyebrow. Darrell never seemed interested in any aspect of my life, let alone the men I date, but I don’t let his comment interrupt my lightning mood.

“When is he coming?” I ask.

I’m shaken by a coffee cup falling to the ground. Derek glares at me, fists clenched, face red, and jaw clamped. “Sorry. My shoulder hurts,” he says before turning to ascend the stairs.

Shit. I forgot he was in the room or even imagined he would care. I should feel bad about appearing so obviously interested in the notion of my ex rekindling our relationship, especially after everything that just happened last night. But Derek is my stepbrother. No matter what monster secrets and pleasures we shared, it doesn’t change the fact that any sort of relationship with him is completely inappropriate. Besides, if Lewis really is regretful about our breakup and wants to get back together, I can move out—the answer to all of my problems. I can’t help but feel excited at the prospect.

“Well, that was dramatic,” Mom says with a laugh, returning her attention to me and away from the staircase.

“I’ll clean it up,” Darrell groans and grabs a broom from the entryway closet.

“Anyways, he’s coming tonight!”