Page 30 of Hey, Stepbro

How do I tell Brock he's everything I've ever wanted in a partner? I never thought I'd meet someone who makes me feel this way, who'd want me back. Brock is so special—if he's being honest.

Yet for all I know, this is a ruse. Maybe Brock tells everyone shit like this to get into their pants. That's why I need to keep my guard up.

Brock swallows hard. His Adam's apple bobs. "I feel something special for you. I… I don't know what it is. You're smart, kind, and you care about animals, which my ex never did. I kinda want something that's more than having fun. Maybe not this second, but eventually. Believe it or not, I've always been a sap. The idiot who wants the fairy tale happily ever after exactly like our dads have."

My heart is hammering. He's looking at me with such sincerity, such love and respect in his eyes over the brim of his shake. "Why do you think I read so many romance novels? I want the same shit. But over the years, I've begun to think it doesn't exist."

"Tell me about your dating history," Brock urges.

I snort. "There isn't much to tell. Men on apps either think I'm too scrawny or pathetic to date."

"Bullshit." Brock's eyes glower. "You're strong, powerful, and everything a man could want."

"That's not how most people see it. I'm a total geek. I do nothing but read and play with animals, and that's not considered 'macho' by most guys. I'm scared to be honest with them because I think they'll reject me. I'm scared to open up, to let them see the real me. I'm scared to be vulnerable and let someone actually care about me."

Brock's eyes are wide, and he looks at me like he's seeing me for the first time. He squeezes my hand, then releases it.

"Blakely," Brock says softly, "I see you. I see all of you. There's still a lot I need to learn about you, but know that I like you the way you are."

Tears well up in my eyes. I never expected to hear such understanding, such acceptance from anyone.

Brock reaches across the table and wipes away a tear. His thumb lingers on my cheek.

"Thank you."

He smiles. "You're welcome. And don't worry, I'm here for you. No matter what."

My chest tightens. I can't believe how lucky I am to have found someone like Brock. Someone who not only sees me, but accepts me. It's like a dream come true.

Or is it?

How do I know he's telling the truth? Brock has a reputation of being a player, and I don't want to get hurt.

I look at Brock and take a deep breath.

"I want to believe you," I say. "But I need to know that you're being honest. That you're not saying these things to get into my pants."

Brock takes my hand again and squeezes it. "I understand. You have no reason to trust me. That's why I'm telling you the truth. I'm not here to play games. I want a real connection with you. I'm not looking for a fling or a one-night stand. I want something real. Something that lasts."

"How do I know you're not full of shit?" I snort.

"You don't. All I can do is prove it to you. I'm not going anywhere, and I'm not going to lie to you. I'm here for you, and I won't let you down."

I look at him, searching his eyes for any hint of deceit. But all I see is sincerity and honesty.

"Okay," I finally say. "I'll take you at your word."

Brock leans across the table and presses a gentle kiss to my forehead. "I promise you won't regret it."

My forehead burns with heat, and it feels wonderful. I want to stay like this, at this stupid table with our shakes, forever. I pray Brock won't let me down. Oh, I want to finally be vulnerable and honest with someone without fear of being judged or rejected.

I pray I've found someone who finally understands me. Someone I can be my true self around.

Maybe, just maybe, this is the start of something special.

Brock checks his watch. "The latest Marvel movie is starting in ten minutes. Do you want to go?"

"Hell yeah."

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