Page 37 of Raise 'Em Up

Trevor pulls me to a stop and grabs both my hands in his. “Rylee, we are in college. You also are on a very competitive sports team. Trust me, I know how much that can take up your time. It’s not like I’m sitting in my dorm room pining after you.”

“You’re not?!” I gasp with mock shock. “I’m offended.”

He grins, and it’s so damn sexy. “Brat.”

“Why does everyone call me that?” I pout. “I’m a delight to be around.”

“You are.” He pulls me close, wrapping his arm around me. I love moments like this.

“Anyway, it’s okay. As long as we can talk on the phone, text regularly, and have some moments with just the two of us, we will be okay. Am I a little jealous that the guys get to be around you more often? Yes. Does part of me want to ask if there’s any way I can move into the Cheer house, so I can have that time too? Also, yes.” He chuckles. “But I’m not too sure the guys like me all that much.”

“They like you. They have no reason not to. I think it’s just going to take some time for them to get used to sharing me. They haven’t had much time with me either, believe it or not. At least, not much time since we’ve all found our way back to each other.”

“Glad they got their heads out of their asses.” He chuckles.

“Me fucking too.”

“How are you doing? With everything, I mean?” he asks me, his eyes searching mine.

“Honestly, I haven’t had much time to think about it.” I shrug. “I know it should be a bigger deal, but I think I’m more upset about being blindsided, by yet another messy thing to happen in my life, than the fact that we’re technically step-siblings.” My nose scrunches at the last part.

“Yeah, that’s weird to hear out loud,” he responds with a chuckle.

“Yeah.” I sigh. “But seeing as how I don’t know James, and we don’t have any sort of relationship, it doesn’t affect me all that much. What about you?”

“I think I’m just shocked about a few things. I feel stupid that I didn’t put two and two together when you told me what hotel you lived at. I knew it was one my grandfather owned, I just wasn’t aware it was his main hotel. I don’t really have anything to do with any of that.

“I knew James was some rich businessman when my mom and him got together, but that's all. He treated us well, and that's what mattered,” he tells me.

“Then we find out that my step-dad has a daughter, when we thought he had no kids. Not that it would have been a big deal if he had kids when they first got together. I know my mom would have loved his kids in the same way he loves me. And, well, now he does have a daughter.” He laughs again.

“Was your mom mad? That wasn't the kind of first impression I wanted to make.” I worry, nibbling my lower lip.

“No.” He shakes his head. “She was worried about you. Wanted to make sure you were okay. She would love to have you over again, when you're ready, as my girlfriend. The step-daughter thing, also whenever you're ready, and if you’re not, then that's fine too.”

“She’s not mad about the fact you're dating your step-sister?” I raise a brow.

“Nope.” He grins. “She sees it as we're not blood related, we didn’t grow up together, and we didn't know about each other until recently. And there's the fact we’re adults and can do what we want.”

“I like her,” I admit with a smile.

“Same.” He grins. “And I know she’s going to just love you.”

“Trevor,” I whisper, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Yes?”

“Kiss me,” I plead.

His smirk makes my belly clench. “Don’t have to ask me, baby.”

He cups my face and leans in, placing a kiss against my lips. I moan as I lean into his touch. Growling, he kisses me harder. Our lips move together until we’re both breathless and in need of air.

“Go on a date with me tomorrow. I need some time with my girl,” he tells me, his voice thick and husky. Damn it, I wish I didn't have to go back to work.

“Okay.” I’m not sure if I have plans, but if I do, I’ll be changing them. I need this time with Trevor, to know that everything is good between us now. Because I’ve been worrying about it, even though I knew deep down that I didn’t have to.

“Let’s get your sexy ass back to work.” He gives me a blinding smile.

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