Page 41 of Hey, Stepbro

The movie starts, and I'm instantly transported into a world of time-tested relationships, love and romance. Brock and I sneak glances at each other during the movie, giggling like fucking schoolgirls. I'm so taken by his presence, so aware of every movement he makes.

It's the same feeling I get when we kiss.

When the movie ends, we head outside holding hands. The night air is electric and the stars twinkle brightly overhead.

"I really want to grow old like the couple in the movie," I say.

"I think that's everyone's fantasy," Brock says with a snort.

"Well, I want to make it come true." I turn to face him, my heart racing.

He pulls me close and wraps his arms around me. His breath on my neck sends shivers down my spine.

"Let's do it," he whispers. "Let's make it happen."

I can only nod, not quite believing that this is real.

Is he talking out of his ass? Or does he really mean this?

We stand there, holding each other for what feels like an eternity before Brock finally breaks the silence.

"Come on, let's grab food," Brock says. "I’m starving."

Despite the hammering in my chest, I'm so grateful for this moment. Brock is perfect, absolutely and utterly.

We walk back to Brock's dad's house hand in hand, both of us lost in thoughts.

But as we approach, something in the back of my mind still nags me. Is he a player? Are the rumors true?

I decide to confront him and take a deep breath before I speak.

"Brock, can I ask you something?"

He looks at me with surprise, but nods for me to continue.

"Are the rumors true? Are you... a man whore?"

My heart is pounding as I wait for his response. He looks away, and my stomach drops. But then he turns back to look at me, his blue eyes serious and sincere.

"No," he says quietly. "Who the fuck said that?" His voice is strong and confident, and I believe him immediately.

"I want you, Blakely," he continues, taking both of my hands in his own. "And only you."

"I've heard some things around campus, and I wanted to make sure they weren't true."

He pulls me close, wrapping his arms around me. "They're not," he whispers into my ear. "I would never do that to you, or anyone else for that matter. You know that, right?"

I nod against him, relieved beyond belief. Brock is not a player; he loves me and only me.

We stand there in silence for a few moments longer before Brock smiles down at me, his eyes twinkling with care.

"Now let's go get some food," he says, taking my hand again.

I push out a breath. "Did you ever fool around in your last relationship?"

"I was committed to my partner, Amanda. I wanted to marry her. I was faithful to her and never strayed." He looks away for a moment, his eyes distant, then turns back to me. "I loved Amanda with all my heart. I would never have done anything to hurt her."

Something claws at my chest. My head spins, and I inhale deep breaths of air.

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