Page 5 of The Step Dare

“Burgers?” He wades through the water toward me. “I know you were still identifying as straight at the beginning of last year, but you have to know that’s not slang for anything.”

I snicker.

“I’d rather hit up the milkshake stand,” he says.

I don’t even want to say this. Fuck, I try to bite my tongue because I know what he’s suggesting, but I can’t help pointing out the obvious. “There’s no milkshake stand on the boat.”

“But we can make one real quick, if you’re interested.”

“Quick? Is that what I am?”

“You sure as hell were that first time.” Even with his sunglasses on, I know the expression he’s making—narrowed eyes as he revels in the playful dig. It’s one of the things I like about us—we can roast each other, but we know where the lines are.

“Is that why you keep coming back for more?” I ask.

Bren shrugs. “Someone has to do the hard work of training the noobs.”

“You’re a real saint, aren’t you?”

“I am. And I think you’re almost ready.”

Once again, I know better, but I can’t resist seeing where this leads. “Almost ready for what?”

He holds out his giant-ass cup so the straw’s just inches from my lips. “Come on. I’ve tried yours. Don’t you wanna try mine?”

A smile tugs at my lips, but his words tug at something else within me.

That familiar burst of curiosity.

It’s something I’ve definitely thought about…especially when he gets his cock out. Wondering what he would taste like…wanting him to feel that same pleasure he’s helped me feel.

“I don’t know that I’m ready for that,” I confess. “But I’d be curious to play around with it some.”

“Really?” he asks, and I nod. “Do I need to dare you?” he teases, but his expression is deadly serious before I hear, “Tay!”

I love my mom, but right now, it’s the most annoying voice in the world. We both turn to the deck, where Mom and Keith—Brenner’s dad—stand together, sipping their drinks.

Initially, the trip was supposed to be Mom, Brenner, our friend Lance, and me. But Lance caught COVID right before, and fortunately, Brenner’s dad was able to step in and cover the other half of Brenner’s room. Also, kind of worked out. Bren and I went to the same high school, where Mom and Keith worked on the PTA together. They’ve always gotten along pretty well.

“We’re heading over to the singles meet and greet on Deck 9,” Mom says. “You guys think you’ll be here a while?”

“Probably,” I say.

“Have fun,” Brenner adds.

I watch as they head through the automatic doors leading back into the ship before Brenner and I turn to each other. I’m still thinking about Brenner’s suggestion. His drink isn’t far, so I take the straw between my fingers and bob it up and down.

“You think that’s how you get the rum punch to come out?” he teases.

“I guess there’s only one way to find out.”

I can’t fucking believe the words coming out of my mouth, but as Brenner grins, it’s hard to think about much other than getting back to one of our rooms.

“You’re gonna have to get out and grab our towels,” he says.

“Huh?”

“I’m hard and wearing a Speedo. You’re hard in board shorts. Got it?”

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