Page 8 of Stepbrother For Christmas

Today, she’s wearing a maroon top with a sexy black skirt and stockings.

Your staring is so obvious, my inner voice shouts.

Unable to resist, my eyes trail a path from Emma’s pretty face to her breasts and down to her sexy winter boots. Then I force my eyes away before her mother notices my reaction to her.

“Don’t mind Mama, Chase. She’s just being dramatic. When I was younger we would go to the mall to people watch and take in some ice cream. But preparing for school and traveling has had my mind elsewhere,” Emma explains before giving her mom a teasing smile. “But if the offer still stands, I’d like to go with you to the mall today. A new pair of winter gloves is still on my shopping list.”

Hm. So Emma overheard our conversation and my near-apology to her mother just a second ago. Did she set me up for that awkward conversation?

Carol beams over at me. “That sounds like a wonderful idea. What do you say, Chase? Wanna spend some shopping time with your stepsister?”

Suddenly Emma shoots me a mischievous smile. It’s the same impish smile that she gave me when I told her that she doesn’t need to wear anything at all when I’m watching.

Then, it hits me. Emma’s getting me back for my comment yesterday. And it seems she’s decided to play me at my own game.

Ha! If this is a game to Emma, it’s one I refuse to lose.

My lips quirk up on one side. “Heck yeah. Let’s go to the mall.”

CHAPTER 4

Emma

I have always been a good girl. But Chase brought out a side of me I hadn’t known existed. It’s a bad girl side that wants to mess with his head and give him a taste of his own medicine.

Mmm…I love the intense look that he gave me in the kitchen right after Mama gave him the scare of his life.

Did he really think I’d tell on him?

I can’t wait to play more pranks on Chase. He's the brother that I never had. Um, minus the butterflies in my stomach that he keeps giving me.

Oh God.

The butterflies in my stomach are worse since he kissed me.

The memory is still so vivid.

How can I forget his tongue in my mouth and the possessive way that he grabbed me by my hair?

Heck, I’ve never been kissed like that before.

I know that it was just a mistletoe kiss…but I want him to kiss me again.

God, you’re pathetic, Emma, my inner voice says.

Why is everyone in a relationship, but me?

Because UNLIKE YOU, they’re not a jinx.

Ughhh. Is this really my life?

You’re alone, awkward and overly superstitious.

Why do bad things always happen to me?

When do I get to be truly happy?

I literally can’t even relax right now.

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