Page 30 of My Shining Stepbrother

“Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself.” I tease him, followed by a wink.

He holds out his arm and waits until I loop mine through. He leads me down to his car and opens the door for me to get inside. I sit and relax as he gets into the driver's seat.

After a few minutes of driving, I break the silence. “Are you going to tell me where you are taking me?”

“I wasn’t planning on it. It’s still a surprise, baby.” He winks at me before turning his attention back to the road.

I cross my arms and fake pout, causing him to laugh loudly. He reaches over and grabs my hand, bringing it to his lips. The sweet gesture goes right to my heart.

We pull into a low-lit, gorgeous Italian restaurant. I open my mouth, take in the view of the place, and let the lights fill my eyes.

“This place is beautiful.” I say quietly but still loudly enough for him to hear.

“It really is.” Pride fills his words and features.

“Let’s go inside.” He says as he gets out of the car before walking to my side and helping me out.

Walking inside, Reese is greeted by Mr. Lewis with great respect. The host leads us to a private corner in the back of the restaurant. Candles and rose petals were laid across the table and the floor surrounding it. A waiter comes by with a Brand new bottle of white wine and sets it down for us.

Reese takes my hand and leads me to my chair, pushing it in once I am seated. He takes his seat and grabs the bottle of wine.

“Would you like a glass?” He tips the bottle toward me, and I nod. He pours the glass and hands it to me.

I stare at the man across the table from me and begin to think. He never speaks of himself and remains a complete mystery. I want to know all about him, but he hides secrets. I wish he could trust me with those secrets. I look down at the glass of wine and start swirling it, thinking of what could be his secret.

Reese reaches across the table, taking one of my hands into his as he rubs his thumb over my knuckles. I look at him with a weak smile as I try to hide my lost thoughts.

“As beautiful as you are when you think, I can tell when something is going on. Talk to me, Rose. What's going on?” The concern is written all over his face and in his voice.

“I realized you know a lot about me, but I barely know anything about you, Reese. Do you not trust me?” The pain in my words doesn’t go unnoticed by him.

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, Rose. I am just not used to talking about myself. I keep everything private. It’s just who I am.” He says with a nervous tick in his voice.

I look away, not meeting his eyes. “I don't even know your middle name.”

“Malcolm.” He says with hope, but it only deepens my confusion.

“What?” Confusion seeped through my words.

“My middle name is Malcolm, and my favorite color is red.” Strength laces his words, and he squeezes my hand tighter.

“Oh.” I pull my hand from his and grab my glass again.

“Does that help?” His question only caused me to sink deeper into my chair.

“No.” I finally look into his eyes, but anger is showing in mine this time. “What do you do for work, Reese.”

His blue eyes swim in a storm of clouds as I wait for his response. “I told you I own several businesses.”

“What kind?” My anger is growing. I'm tired of beating around the bush with him.

“It doesn't matter.” He shrugs his shoulders, adding fuel to the fire.

“It matters to me, Reese.” I say it louder than I wanted to, but I have his full attention now. “I can't date you and not know what you do for work. You know the challenging parts of my life and what I do for work. I'm asking you to let me in and open up.”

He slumps forward and rubs his hands over his face. “I'm sorry. You're right, and when I tell you, all I ask is, please don't get mad.”

“What is going on? Why would I get mad?” Now I'm worried, annoyed, and angry.

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