Page 28 of My Shining Stepbrother

“Hi.” I say shyly with a smile.

“Hello, my beautiful Goddess.” Reese says with his affectionate tone.

Ricky walks in and starts to laugh. “Do I ever get to add more work to your body, or has it become Rose’s now?” He crosses his arms and stares at Reese.

“Sorry, man, I think the rest is all for Rose.” Reese turns his attention to me as he speaks. The blush crawls up my face, and the butterflies flutter inside my stomach. How can one man make me feel so important?

Ricky nods in understanding. “She is a truly gifted artist. I have been thinking of having her do my special piece.”

Reese opens his eyes and mouth in shock. “Wow! You have been planning that for three years.” Reese says excitedly.

I look at them both with confusion and curiosity. “What is the special piece?”

“A tribute to all my family and friends in my life. I want to show them how deep my love for them is.” Ricky states with adoration for his idea.

“That sounds beautiful.” My excitement comes through my voice. “Do you have the full idea of what you want?”

“Even better than that, I have a rough draft drawn up. I'll schedule a consultation with you, and we can discuss it further.” He smiles, telling me he means it. He thinks I am good enough for this piece.

“I can't wait.” He nods again before saying his goodbyes and walking away.

I grab Reese's hand before leading him to my booth. He doesn't fight or resist but instead gives in wholeheartedly, allowing me to take control.

Once the door is shut, I start jumping with excitement as I shout. “I'm getting clients! Oh my God!” I start clapping my hands like a cheerleader. Who am I right now?

“I told you that you would, baby. People just needed to see your work.” Reese says as he steps closer to me.

“Thank you for believing in me.” I place my hands on his chest once his hands meet my waist.

“You don't have to thank me for that, Rose.” he lifts one hand to tuck a stray hair behind my ear. His fingers swiped across my cheek, sending tingles down my body. “I will always believe in you, always.”

I shake my head as if we both forgot and got lost in the moment. “I believe you had a tattoo scheduled for today.” My eyebrow cocks teasingly. “Let me show you what I have drawn, and then we will figure out the placement.”

He stops me as I reach into my drawer to collect his drawing. “I want it right here on my chest.” He points to the open space. “I want the way you see me close to my heart.”

“Can I show you what I have drawn first?” I can’t help but feel he should see it first. The drawing might be a bit more intimate than what he was expecting it to be.

“I trust you, baby.” He grabs my hand with his and looks me in the eyes. “Let’s get started.” I nod excitedly but nervously.

I prep his chest, place the stencil and start working on the piece. Being this close to him and smelling his masculine scents has my mind going crazy. It is physically impossible to remain calm in his presence.

“I really hope you like this.” I say with a hint of doubt.

I don't look up at him, but I feel his eyes burning gaze staring at me. He takes a deep breath as if he is trying to calm himself down as well. “As long as you follow my request, I am sure I will love it.”

“I did what you wanted and drew my raw thoughts of you.” I focus on his tattoo and the details within.

His body begins to relax just like mine. Somehow just being in his calming presence stables my inner thoughts and mind.

My hands caress his chest soothingly as his breathing gets more profound. Every time I touch him, my body lights with excitement and flames. The combination consumes my body. I want this man more than any person I have ever met. Although he is mine, I can’t help but wonder. Does he feel the same way?

- Reese -

The way her touch ignites a fire inside of me has my breathing going erratic. If we were in a different setting, I would devour her lips and ensure she knows how much I care for her. For eight months, I tried to ignore all thoughts of her. I tried to stay away from the idea of how her body would feel pressed against mine. Now having that knowledge in my mind, I can not stay away. Her taste and how she responds to my touch are imprinted in my body. I can never get enough of her.

I stare at her with a smile as she focuses so hard on her work. Her tongue is slightly sticking out of the left side of her mouth, taking in every detail. She is my favorite sight in this world.

“Taking a picture would last longer.” She teases me but never looks up.

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