Page 87 of The Step Dare

Just like I sure as hell didn’t know what it had in store for me and Bren.

*

The following morning,I wake with Brenner in my arms.

After the rehearsal dinner, we hurried back to our room, and Brenner gave me a generous blowjob before jerking off on my abs. It was the most we could muster after running around all day.

Now I’m happy to have him in my arms, clinging to me.

“Don’t wake me up,” he whispers.

I laugh. “You’re clearly already awake.”

He buries his face in my chest. “Uh-uh,” he says like a kid.

“Come on. It’s a good day. It’s the day we officially become stepbrothers.”

He peeks up at me. “Mmm. That’s more what I’m interested in. Now you’re really stuck with me.” He offers a quick kiss. “But seriously, I need a few more minutes of sleep.”

“That’s fine. You mind if I run down and grab some breakfast? I’m starving.”

He releases me, and I slip out of bed, hurrying into my sweats, tee, and Crocs. “Want me to bring you anything?”

“Nah. If you do, I can’t pretend I have to eat to delay having to do shit through breakfast.”

I chuckle and grab my key card. “Sounds good.”

As I start for the door, Brenner says, “Hey, your phone! It’s on the nightstand.”

I roll my eyes. “Bren, I’m just heading downstairs to grab a few muffins and coffee, and I can do without another fake crisis from Sherrie for like five minutes.”

He laughs. “Fair enough.”

I head out the door, and by the time I reach the first floor, I’m starting to feel a little more energy, even pre-coffee, which is promising. As I start through the lobby, a familiar face catches my attention, and I freeze in place.

A man stands at the front desk, chatting with the receptionist, who throws her head back, laughing at something he said. And as a smile plays across his lips, goose bumps prick across my flesh.

Because it’s not just any man.

It’s the Piece of Shit.

26

Brenner

Imust’ve crashedhard for a little while after Taylor left because I feel groggy as hell when I open my eyes. I’m surprised our parents let us sleep in, but since they’re having an afternoon wedding, we have some time. I’m also super glad they haven’t seen that the second bed in Taylor’s and my room is untouched. I can’t imagine not having him in my bed every fucking night for the rest of my life, which should be a total mindfuck, but it’s not. It’s my favorite thing ever.

Damn it. Now I can’t go back to sleep. Groaning, I roll over and see Taylor’s phone on the nightstand. I stumble out of bed and look at the time. Hmm. He said he’d be five minutes, but I’m pretty sure it’s been more like twenty. I assumed he’d go to the buffet, but maybe he got snagged by family or someone in the wedding party and is eating with them.

I take a quick piss, wash my hands, brush my teeth, and get dressed, before grabbing both our phones and heading down to find my man.

When I get to the restaurant, I scan the tables to find him. The hotel and venue are both oversized cabins, with a lot of dark-brown logs and a rustic feel that’s perfect for Dad and Nicole.

I spot my dad first, at a table with Nicole, both sets of grandparents, and my uncle and his wife.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Dad says with a wide grin. I swear I’ve never seen him happier than he is right now, and that fills me with more joy than I know what to do with.

“I can’t help it. I worked my fingers to the bone yesterday.” Everyone at the table laughs, but I keep looking around for Taylor. Where the fuck is he? “You two kids ready to tie the knot?” I tease.

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