Page 16 of The Step Dare

“How about we head back to your room for a bit?” I say. “Just to chill out. I’ll get us a box.”

“Yeah, I’m sure I’ll want these tots later.”

We grab boxes and head back across the ship. As we near the room, I ask, “You think they started boning again after we left?”

“It’s probably worse than that. Probably got really emotional and started cuddling and whispering how great they think the other is.” He scratches at his skin. “I’m getting hives just thinking about it.”

I laugh as he uses his key card to get us into their room, and I’m relieved his dad hasn’t returned. Not that I don’t think he’s great, but Bren and I need some space.

I set my box on the desk and fall back onto Brenner’s bed.

“So we’re gonna be stepbros, huh?” I say as Bren lies beside me.

“Looks like it.”

“I hope you haven’t given Troy or Atlas or Ash or Colin any shit about messing around because if you have, they’re gonna make hay if they ever find out we’ve done stuff together.”

“Well, I’m not gonna tell them,” Brenner assures me. “I mean, you might. I’m surprised you haven’t run around telling the whole school about these amazing blowjobs.”

“Even knowing it’s true, I’d take that shit to the grave because I know it’d make your ego even bigger than it already is.”

Bren rolls toward me, repositioning on his elbow so he can gaze down at me, his dark bangs a wave over his forehead, his earrings sparkling in the room light. “Or maybe because youdon’t want to offer free advertising. Want to keep me all to yourself.”

I wince, reaching up and placing my forefinger against his bottom lip. “Maybe just that mouth.”

“You tease that this mouth gets me into trouble, but sometimes you like the kind of trouble it gets me into.” He bites at my finger, then gently nibbles.

“Maybe I like the trouble it getsmeinto.”

Releasing my finger, he grins that life-giving smile, the sort of smile that reminds me that no matter what we’re dealing with, everything will be all right.

“Speaking of,” he says, his expression more serious, “now that we’re gonna be stepbrothers, this stuff we’ve been doing…”

“Yeah…”

It would definitely make things messy.

Well, messier.

“It’s been fun,” I say, and quickly realize it’s a fucking understatement. “Like, a lot of fun.”

“What can I say? I’m a lot of fun.”

“Now is not the time to be cocky, Brenner.”

“What? I know what I’m good at.”

I roll my eyes.

“I love my mom more than anything. She’s been through hell…from losing Aria to finally leaving Dad. She’s spent years in therapy after that, getting a good friend group, working on herself. Your dad’s a good guy, and she deserves to be happy.”

“Despite that stuff I have in my fucked-up head—”

“It’s not fucked up.” The words come out harsher than intended, but not like I’m mad at him for saying them. “Sorry, Bren. I just think anyone who lost their mom like you did would feel that way.”

“I got what you meant. It’s just gonna take some time. And I do know Dad deserves to be happy too, and I mean, he’s maybejust nearly as awesome as Nicole, but someone as amazing as her has to settle a little, right?”

We laugh because he knows damn well he has a great dad.

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