Page 23 of Stepbrother Obsessed

“Cool,” I say with an encouraging grin. “For what? You know I support you no matter what you do.”

She bites her lip and nods again.

“Well, I’m applying for housekeeping jobs.”

I tilt my head at her.

“Like as a maid at a hotel? That’s what you did before you met Ned, right?”

Angie nods.

“Yeah, I quit when I got engaged because Ned’s income was enough to support us both. But now that he’s gone, I need to make money again. His life insurance wasn’t very much, so it’s back to housekeeping I go. But I’m qualified,” she says with a lift of her chin. “I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty, and grease and slime stand no chance against me.”

“Of course!” I say in an encouraging tone. “But what kind of housekeeping are we talking?”

Angie grimaces a bit, but then her expression smooths.

“Well, basically Austin has seen a huge influx of rich people ever since the pandemic. Even during the pandemic,” she amends. “A lot of people relocated to Texas, and to this city in particular, so I’m interviewing for private housekeeping jobs.”

My brow crinkles.

“Like you’ll swing by their house once a week to tidy up? That kind?”

Angie shakes her head, blonde tresses swinging.

“No, I’m interviewing for live-in positions. I’ll basically be a housekeeper to a rich family. Potentially even to people who are billionaires.”

“Wow,” I breathe, my eyes going wide. “That’s amazing Ang! I’m so proud of you. I know Ned’s passing was difficult and—”

“No, I’m fine,” she interrupts with a somewhat sad smile. “But yeah, it’s time for me to rejoin the workforce because Ihaveto. The money’s running out, but it’s more than that. I need to feel useful again, and to feel like I mean something to the world.”

“Of course you do,” I say in an encouraging tone. “You’ve been so good to me, Ang, through all of this, by listening with a kind ear and always providing a shoulder to lean on. I appreciate you.”

My pretty friend smiles gently.

“Thanks, Kris. I appreciate you too. Now I have to go because I have an interview in two hours,” she says, her gaze flickering to the clock on her phone. “Talk soon!”

“Good luck!” I call as we wave one last time. Then, the screen grows dark, and I sit back. I hope Angela gets a job soon because I know what it’s like to watch the money slowly running out. It drove me to auction my curves at a salacious gentlemen’s club because I was so desperate! But now, my plans have gone awry, and my only question is what’s going to happen to me and my son? Nick is my buyer ... but the billionaire hasn’t made his claim yet.

13

Nick

“Thanks for meeting me,” I say in a deep voice. “Come in. Please, sit down.”

Kristie enters a private suite at Club Duality, and is it my imagination, or is the gorgeous blonde even more beautiful than before? She’s dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt, but the t-shirt highlights her big breasts while the denim hugs those wide hips. My fingers itch to stroke her curves, but I know this isn’t time. Kristie’s just as likely to bite my head off as she is to listen to me with an open mind.

But I deserve her ill-humor because I transformed into a fucking caveman the moment I learned of my son. I forced her to bring Riley to me, and my heart was swept away by the sight of the doting blonde cuddling a baby in her arms. Those two belong to me, and now it’s time to clear the air.

But my stepsister’s hesitant as she takes a seat on the couch, and for good reason too.

“Thanks for inviting me,” Kristie says in a wooden voice. “I gather this is about Riley? He’s safe at home right now with a babysitter.”

Internally, I flinch because my stepsister’s obviously ill at ease and suspicious to boot. I don’t blame her because this is a case of David versus Goliath. She’s David, scrappy and small, while I’m Goliath with all the might of my riches behind me. She must feel intimidated, yet Kristie squares her shoulders and straightens her spine, the gesture like a lance to my heart. I adore her for her determination to protect our son, and know that this is the woman for me.

But first, Kristie has to realize that, and I take a deep breath to begin the conversation.

“So I want what’s best for our son, and I’m sure you do too,” I begin.

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