Page 12 of Hey, Stepbro

Besides, Blakely and I are polar opposites. He's a bookworm who's married to his Kindle, and I'm the starting quarterback on the Rawdogs.

But maybe our differences could work to our advantage. Maybe we could learn from each other in more ways than one.

There's something about him that draws me in, something I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe it's the way he looks at me over his Kindle or the way he moaned my name when he came.

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of my phone buzzing in my pocket. I glance down and see a message from my pen pal.

AnimalLover:How's it hanging?

Me: All good over here. With some friends.

AnimalLover:Nice. What are you up to this weekend?

Justin glances over my shoulder. "Oooh, who's that?"

I quickly pocket my phone, trying to hide it from Justin's prying eyes. "A friend," I say, taking another swig of my beer.

Pablo raises an eyebrow. "A friend who's asking you what you're doing this weekend? Sounds like you're keeping something from us, man."

My face heats up, but I try to play it cool. "Calm your fucking tits. It’s nothing."

Justin grins, nudging me with his elbow. "Is this the guy you were talking about? The one you're into?"

My heart races at the thought of Blakely, but I try to play it off. "No, it's not him. It's an old schoolmate."

Pablo leans back, eyeing me suspiciously. "If you say so."

I take another swig of my beer, trying to calm my nerves. It's not like I'm doing anything wrong, right? Blakely and I are experimenting, trying new things.

Isn't that the truth?

"Quit giving me crap," I groan.

"Relax, man."

"So, what are you guys up to this Friday?" I force the subject.

Pablo shrugs. "Nothing much, maybe hitting up a party or two. You know how it is."

I nod. "I hear you."

Justin and Pablo simmer down, but their eyes remain on me, still questioning. I try to focus on the present moment.

Me:I haven't really planned much. You?

AnimalLover:I was thinking we could meet.

Me:Where?

AnimalLover:Well, I volunteer at a shelter every Saturday morning called Rainbow Paws. We bring in doughnuts and coffee for people who play with the animals, so it could be cool to hang out there.

Me:I'll think about it.

AnimalLover:It's super chill, I promise. The animals are all sweet—except for the Dachshund puppies. They keep finding ways to get into their treats, even though we hide them.

I smile at the thought of cute puppies munching on treats.

Me:It does sound fun.

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