Page 110 of Hey, Stepbro

"Maybe." I grin sheepishly. "I feel really lucky to have him."

"You deserve all the happiness in the world. And Brock's a pretty great guy, as it turns out. Now, let's finish decorating so we can admire our handiwork."

Together, we hang ornaments, string garlands, and drape tinsel around Animal Paws.

Right as I'm about to hang another ornament, the door to the shelter opens... and Brock walks in.

My heart skips a beat at the sight of him. He's wearing a stylish winter coat that hugs his broad shoulders perfectly, and a knitted scarf wrapped snugly around his neck. The way it accentuates his chiseled jaw and piercing blue eyes is nothing short of breathtaking. His bulging muscles ripple beneath the fabric.

I'm pretty sure I've never seen a more handsome man in my life.

"Wow, this place looks amazing. You two have been busy." Brock flashes me a warm smile.

"Thanks, stepbro. We're trying to make it festive for the animals."

Brock approaches us, and Stella nudges me playfully. "Talk about perfect timing. Your prince has arrived to help us finish up."

"Stella." I try to adopt a scolding tone, but I secretly love her teasing.

She laughs and waves her hand. "Relax, I'm joking. Besides, it's obvious you two are crazy about each other."

Brock wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. "She's not wrong, you know. I'd do anything for you. Even hang Christmas decorations in an animal shelter."

"Really?" I look up at him. "Does that mean you'll read the next Aster Rae book with me too?"

Aster Rae is an author of Daddy kink romance I recently found on Kindle Unlimited. I’m in love with their latest release,Cuddle Bug.Some of their other books are pretty ridiculous, but this one stole my heart. Never in my life have I read something so precious. The two characters make me want to do a happy dance.

One is a twenty-one-year-old boy who likes to watch ships come sailing into the harbor in New York. His Daddy Wren, a fluffy plus-sized Daddy in his forties, cares for him and helps him with his chronic medical condition.

And the steam? Off the charts.So swoony.

"Only if you promise to watch a football game with me afterward."

"Deal." I'm already looking forward to our future together.

As we hang the decorations, I know I’m the luckiest guy in the world. With Brock by my side, nothing will stop me from shining like the star on a Christmas tree. And the warmth of the shelter and cheer of the holiday season only serve to remind me how much love and support I have in my life.

"Hey." A bit of hesitation is suddenly apparent in Brock's voice. "There's something I need to talk to you about. Can we chat in private for a moment?"

"Of course." I glance at Stella, who gives me an encouraging nod.

Brock leads me toward the back of the shelter, and as we walk, I notice the Christmas decorations scattered everywhere, waiting for Stella and me to hang them. There are lights, shiny ornaments, and festive garlands that will turn the shelter into a holiday wonderland.

"Is everything okay, Brock?"

Brock takes a deep breath, his eyes meeting mine with a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You're doing such amazing work here at Animal Paws, and it means so much to me that you're letting me be a part of it."

"Thank you. But is there something else on your mind? You seem nervous."

He exhales slowly, and then speaks up again. "I found your research about Nightingale Pharmaceuticals." His voice is shaky, but he presses on. "At first, I didn't want to read it because it was too painful... My dad works for that company."

This hits me all at once. I blink hard, unsure if my ears processed his words correctly.

"Nathaniel works for Nightingale Pharmaceuticals?"

The shock rams into me like a tidal wave. How had I never known this before?

Brock nods. "Yes, but I didn't realize that they were the company you believe is responsible for your mom's death."

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