Page 27 of Hey, Stepbro

"You're brave, Blakely. More than me." Stella hugs me tightly, her words sincere.

I hug her back, a little emotional. "No, we're both brave. We've been through a lot, but we're still standing."

Stella pulls away, wiping a tear from her eye. "Yeah, you're right. We're survivors."

A few months ago, Stella opened up to me about her own Mom's passing. She wasn't hooked on substances like mine, but she died in a car crash; Stella's also known pain.

After a few moments, I stand up and stretch. "Well, I should probably head back to Dad's house. I have an early morning tomorrow."

"And a late night. God, I can't believe Brock's gay."

"He's bisexual, not gay."

"Whatever, bro."

"Don't bro me. I'm not your bro."

"Whatever, sis."

"For some reason, I hate that even more."

Stella stands up as well, dusting off her pants. "I'll walk you home."

As we head down the street, a little anxiety zaps through me when I think about tomorrow night. What if Brock doesn't want to hang out with me again? What if he's being nice and doesn't actually like me?

What if this is all in my head?

Stella notices my apprehension and bumps her shoulder against mine. "Hey, don't worry so much. You'll have a great time tomorrow night, I know it."

I smile weakly, trying to believe her words. "I hope you're right."

"Thanks for walking me home," I say, turning to face her when we reach Brock's dad's house. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good luck with Brock. And remember, be careful."

"I will. You’re the best."

CHAPTER9

BLAKELY

Brock meets me outside the English department for our date that isn't a date... but might be a date? Oh, God. Is it a date or not?

My eyes roam over his sexy, toned muscles, his chiseled jaw, the Riverside Rawdogs sweater that accentuates his killer pecs, and his incredible thighs in his jeans.

Man, my stepbrother is hot as fuck. There's no denying it.

Brock wraps me in a warm embrace, kissing my cheek softly. "Hey, beautiful. Ready for our adventure?"

I grin, more confident now that I'm with him. Did he really call me beautiful? He must be messing with me, that joker. "Definitely. What do you have planned?"

"I thought we could wander around, see where the night takes us. Maybe grab some food, watch a movie, or do something else... fun."

A shiver runs down my spine at his suggestive tone, wondering what he has in mind. "Sounds great to me. I'm not a tough date, you know. Anything you have in mind, I'm good with."

"You're the one who asked me out," Brock reminds me. "You should come up with the plans."

"I guess you're right. Oops, I mean, I didn't ask you out. It's not a date."

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