Page 4 of Stepbrother For Christmas

“No,” Chase and I say at the same time. Then we exchange a look of mock disbelief before we burst out laughing.

I haven’t had this much fun in a long time. Mostly because I haven’t been able to enjoy the holidays ever since my dad passed away six years ago. But to my surprise, things feel much more cheerier with Chase around.

“Take over singing, guys,” Jim says cheerfully. “I’ve got Santa Hat cupcakes to help Carol with in the kitchen.”

“No more singing for us tonight!” Chase replies. “And besides, I bet there’s a bunch of things Emma would rather do.” His intense blue eyes stare at me. “Right, Emma?”

My heart does a flip flop and loses its rhythm for a second. “Oh,” I reply, my cheeks flaming. “That’s right. Yeah, there’s a bunch I want to try.”

My goodness, what am I saying? I sound so awkward and stiff.

To his credit though, Chase has really gone out of his way to make me feel comfortable and welcome here.

God, he’s so gorgeous.

He has dark brown hair and deep-sea blue eyes. With a chiseled jaw and lips that are beyond inviting, I bet that women go crazy for him. His gaze is so intense I feel I can’t look away, and whenever he talks to me, I get this tingly feeling in my nipples.

I should be ashamed of myself.

I don’t have a lot of experience with men, but I know that this means that my virgin body is wanting and needing sex. And with, of all people, my new stepbrother.

Stop it, Emma.

Stop thinking about him like that.

You’re a filthy girl, aren’t you? my inner voice berates me.

Yes, yes…YES.

I recite a silent mantra for inner balance but each time the tingling happens, I feel a wave of guilt wash over me.

Oh God.

We’re practically related now that his dad has married my mom, and I shouldn’t be thinking about him like that.

“Okay…fine then,” Jim replies with a half-smile. “But in the meantime, will you show your sister the room that she’ll be staying in later?”

Chase’s eyes darken, but he quickly masks it with an impassive expression. “That I can do.”

* * *

“My dad set you up in my old bedroom because it has the best view in the house,” Chase explains with his hands in his jeans, breezily.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I say quickly. “He didn’t have to give me your room. I’d be fine sleeping on the couch.”

“Oh, I don’t mind.”

I tilt my head to one side. “B-but where will you sleep? I feel bad that I’ve displaced you.”

“I’ll sleep on the couch downstairs.” He shrugs one shoulder. “It’s totally fine.”

I nod. “Oh, okay.”

“Now, let’s get back to the room tour.” He grins. “To the right, there are fresh linens and brand new pillows on the bed. Also, your mom put some toiletries and fresh towels on the dresser,” he announces before pointing to the spot.

“Awesome, thanks for the tour.”

“Oh, and the dresser drawers are all empty. So feel free to unpack and get comfortable. I also took the liberty of putting your suitcase by the closet. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask.”

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