Page 21 of Step Brother Bear

Please don’t. I've heard this story a million times, and even with all the practice, his delivery still isn’t any funnier. But of course, my parents are howling at the end of it. They fucking love him, and as I watch his side profile, animated and glinting with pride, his blond hair combed back, his blemish-free skin, the meticulous tidiness of his grooming, I wonder how I ever felt love for him, let alone desire. Perhaps I never did, and I just imagined a man I wanted to see—someone a little rougher around the edges, who gave me so much attention it annoyed me.

The dinner lasts way too long. By the time Lewis stands and thanks my parents for a wonderful meal, I’m halfway asleep in the palm of my hand. He finally looks me in the eye, probably for the second time this whole evening. “Walk me out?”

“Sure.”

My parents hug him. “Please, come back anytime.”

“I plan to. I can’t believe Isabella didn’t bring me around more often.”

“We’ll never forgive her,” Mom says with a laugh, except I don’t believe she’s joking.

Lewis follows me through the front door and shuts it behind us. I turn to him, an array of emotions occupying my thoughts.

“I had a nice time, Isabella.”

“Yeah, me too.” I lie. Well, technically, I did have a nice time, just not with him.

He steps closer, grabbing my hands and pulling me against him. “Isabella, I made a mistake. I never should have broken up with you.”

There are a million things I should say. A big fuck you being the first thing, but my warring feelings won’t let me open my mouth. He fills the silence. “I know. It’s confusing. You don't have to say anything now, but can I see you sometime this week? Maybe just the two of us?” I’m surprised at his suggestion; surely I thought he’d want his new fan club to tag along.

I don’t ponder a response, only nod. “Yeah, that sounds great.” I shouldn’t be agreeing, but it’s Lewis—the man I’ve loved for years, the man who can save me from my fucked up living situation and restart the trainwreck of my life.

His face lights, and for a moment, I’m reminded of his glimmer that always drew me to him. He pulls me close, shutting his eyes and leaning toward me. I panic, but don’t stop him as his mouth crashes against mine. I’d always thought Lewis was a great kisser, got the job done, but right now, with his lips on me, I can’t ignore the rancid feeling in the pit of my stomach.

More than that, I can’t ignore my heart's longing for fangs to be pressed against my mouth instead.

Chapter 11

“Ilook fucking stupid,” I whisper to my empty room. It’s the only costume I could find. I refuse to wear the blonde wig, since the low-cut cottagecore pink dress with the pastel green corset begs for attention enough. I don’t remember this Goldilocks costume fitting this poorly senior year of high school, but that’s probably because my ass and tits have only gotten bigger over the years. I probably will have a nip slip tonight. I hope I’m drunk enough not to care.

My phone vibrates in my hand, and I catch a text from Chrishell. We’re out front.

I give myself one last glance, examining my curly hair that I half attempted to wrangle into two pigtails, my bright pink cheeks, my thigh-high socks, and my shiny pink heels. I look cute, even if it feels like I’m asking for too much attention, but maybe that’s what I need, someone to get my mind off of Lewis and my annoying stepbrother for the night. Goddammit, I must be ovulating because why the fuck do I think another dick in my life is even a semblance of a good idea?

Yep, most definitely ovulating because as I skip out of my bedroom, I subconsciously make as much noise as possible, the horny side of my brain hoping Derek sees me in my new attire. Alas, the slut wins, because right before I descend the steps Derek's voice tickles my eardrums. “Where are you going?” I flash my gaze to him, leaning against his doorframe and sizing me up with a calculating grin.

I cross my arms over my chest, suddenly self-conscious for some odd reason. “A costume party.”

“Really? I was going to guess church.”

“Ha, ha.” I walk down the stairs.

“Where’s the costume party?” Derek asks, his breath against my ear. I nearly stumble, surprised how fast he got so close to me.

“Why do you want to know?”

“Hm, you seemed to enjoy me getting into your business yesterday.”

My cheeks heat, and I turn toward him, slapping his chest. I hoped we could pretend yesterday didn’t happen at all, but it looks like that’s not an option. “Shut up!” I grit my teeth. “I’m going to Zinc with Chrishell.” I keep walking.

“Yuck.”

“I heard it’s nicer now. The crowd grew up with us.”

“No, not Zinc.”

“Asshole.” I roll my eyes, hand on the doorknob.