Page 42 of The Step Dare

He gives me an almost sad smile then, one that says he’s happy but worries he should feel guilty for that.

“She would want you to move on,” I tell him. “She’d probably kick your ass that you didn’t do it sooner.”

He chuckles, and we lean against the wall before going inside. “She definitely would. That’s how we know ghosts aren’t real. She would have haunted my ass until I started to live my life more.”

The cool thing is that we’re not exaggerating. That’s the kind of woman she was. She would have hated the idea of Dad being alone all these years. “I miss her,” I admit.

“I know. Me too.”

I turn to look at him. His hair is dark like mine, except for that little bit of salt mixed into the strands. He has a few wrinkles around his eyes—which seem less deep now that he’s with Nicole. A question sits on the tip of my tongue, but I’m not sure if I should ask it, if bringing it up makes me an asshole.

“What is it, Bren?”

“Even now that you’re in love with Nicole? You still miss her?” I feel like a kid. It’s so fucking dumb to act this way, but sometimes my emotions are so big, I can’t keep them locked away like I normally do.

“Of course. That won’t change, no matter how much I love Nicole. And you know what’s really cool? Nicole knows that. She understands it. She asks me about Mom. We talk about her—her and you. I hope you know she would never try to take Mom’s place.”

“It’s stupid of me to ask that.” I swipe at a stray tear. “I’m an adult. I shouldn’t worry about someone trying to take Mom’s place.”

“You’re allowed to feel what you feel. It’s valid. Your mom will always hold a special place in my heart. Her memory and the love I had for her won’t get erased by what I feel for Nic.”

Sometimes you need to hear something you already know, and this is one of those moments for me. Hearing him say the words helps ease the weight I keep pretending I’m not carrying. “You’re right. I know that. I’m sorry. I don’t want you to think I’m not happy for you or that I don’t love Nicole.” I think about everything she’s been through with her ex, how much she loves Tay, and how good she is to her son…and my dad. “I’m glad it’s her.”

“I love you, kiddo.” He wraps an arm around me, pulling me close. “I’m glad it’s her too. And look at what this means for you and Taylor. He’s been your best friend for a long time, and now he’s going to be your brother. There’s always been a special bond between you two, and now you get to see how that transforms into something new.”

If only he knew how deep the bond is between us and all the ways it’s transformed into something new the past few months. “Stepbrother…yeah. That’ll be fun.” If a constant case of blue balls is fun.

“It’s going to be great. I know it. We’ll take more trips together, like the cruise. We’re going to be one big happy family.” Which is what Dad has always wanted.

Only I can’t stop jonesing for my stepbro’s cock, and I’m scared to death it will mess up everything.

*

“I got youfried rice, spicy chicken, with zucchini, broccoli, and onions,” I tell Taylor when I get home. He’s sitting on the couch, shirtless, with his laptop and schoolbooks around him.

He whips his head in my direction, and I have to bite my cheeks so I don’t smile. “Onions?”

“Extra,” I lie. I’m not an idiot. Well, at least not when it comes to Tay, who has a deep aversion to onions.

“Shut up. You asshole.” He gives me the finger, and I laugh.

“I can’t believe you almost fell for that. Do you even know me at all?” I place the container on the coffee table in front of him.

“I thought for a minuteyoudidn’t knowme.”

“But I do.” I sit down beside him. “What do you want to do?”

His brows draw together. “Um…eat and do my homework. You just got home, and you’re already trying to figure out something to do?”

“Ugh. Fine. You’re so boring.” It technically is homework time for me too, but luckily, I don’t have anything that needs to be done today.

He cocks his head slightly, his eyes doing that thing they do when he’s trying to read between the lines. Fucking best friends. They can be so annoying.

“Are you okay? Did something happen with your dad?”

I shake my head. “No. I mean, nothing happened with him, and I’m okay. We had a good talk. I feel even better than before about things, but you know how talking about Mom gets me.”

“All up in that head of yours.” I’m surprised when he reaches out and pushes the hair off my forehead. “It’s busy in there.”

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