Page 34 of Hey, Stepbro

"Thanks, Wax." I blush, then take a sip of my latte. "But I'm not sure if he feels the same way. I mean, he was straight two weeks ago. And he has a terrible reputation as a player."

Waxley arches a brow. "Really? From what you told me, he seems to be into you."

"We're still getting to know each other. Yeah, he blew me in the mall bathroom. What stepbrother doesn't do that occasionally?"

"It sounds like you guys have a great connection. Go with it. Let it flow naturally. If it's meant to be, it will be."

"Okay, rom com movie script writer."

"Don't get sassy with me."

"Sassy is my middle name."

"Well, change it," Waxley says. "I'm the only sassy one around here."

"Uh huh."

"I'm a card-carrying member of the Twinks With Attitude alliance. You're not."

"My membership was accepted last night. That makes two of us."

"I guess we're both sassy and fabulous."

He takes another sip of his latte and I smile. "You’re right. I need to relax and let the relationship progress at its own pace."

Waxley clinks his mug against mine. "To Brock and Blakely. May you have a long and happy relationship."

"Cheers, loser."

Waxley sighs as he leans back. "I want a hot football player like Brock. It's not fair you get all the good ones."

"You'll find someone. You have to keep looking."

"I'm not sure if anyone's ready for that kind of commitment with me yet," he says, a sad look in his eyes.

I pat his shoulder. "You'll meet the right person. Give it time."

He nods, then takes a deep breath. "Not many guys are partial to overalls-wearing, rainbow pin-wearing activist types."

"Don't say that. You're a great person. And you have a big heart."

"Thanks." He smiles and takes a sip of his coffee. "I guess that's what's important. So, what are you going to do next?"

"I'm going to keep talking to Brock. You're right—I'm sure he's feeling the same way I am, I need to be patient."

"That's the spirit. And you know I've got your back."

"However, Brock has a reputation for being a player." I grit my teeth. "I don't want to give my heart to someone who's only trying to get into my pants."

"No, you don't," Waxley agrees. "But that doesn't mean you can't explore the connection. Keep an eye out and don't give your heart away too quickly."

I like that idea. I’ll take things slow with Brock and see where the relationship takes us. After all, it's not every day that you meet someone who makes you feel like you can be yourself.

I smile, warmth spreading through my chest. "You're not wrong."

"If Brock wants to be with you, he'll prove it. He'll show you that he's serious, that he's in it for more than the sex. Be patient and trust your gut."

I turn to Waxley. "Tell me about your dating life lately. I mean, it sucks that I’m not giving you this great dick every night, but I’m sure you’re over it by now. Any more luck?"