Page 66 of Hey, Stepbro

When we reach the back door, Brock retrieves some towels from the laundry room, tossing one to me. We quickly dry ourselves off, still chuckling over our impromptu frolic through the field.

"Ready for that shower?" Brock inquires with a smirk, his blue eyes sparkling mischievously.

"Abso-fucking-lutely."

We make our way to the bathroom, hand in hand, ready to wash away the grass clinging to our feet. As we step into the warm spray of water, I know that I'll never forget this morning—the freedom, the love, and the sheer exhilaration of being with Brock.

And as we lather each other up, exchanging tender touches and gentle kisses, it becomes crystal clear that our relationship is no longer a mere product of our shared past or living situation. We've crossed a threshold, and there's no going back. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

CHAPTER20

BROCK

The door to the LGBTQ+ Student Union meeting room swings open, and I take a deep breath as I step inside. The scent of coffee and freshly baked cookies fills my nostrils, making me feel at ease.

This is my first time attending a meeting here, and I'm doing it for Blakely. He's been an active member of this group since he started college, and now that we're dating, I want to support him in every way possible.

"Hey, Brock." Blakely waves at me from across the room, his eyes twinkling like stars.

I can't help but admire how he always manages to look so effortlessly adorable. His tousled brown hair falls over his forehead, giving him a boyish charm that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Hey." I grin, striding over to him with excitement bubbling inside me.

As I reach him, I can't resist the urge to lean down and press my lips against his in a tender, loving kiss. Fireworks are going off in my chest, and I don't care who's watching.

"Wow, you two aren't shy, huh?" someone teases, and we break apart, both blushing a little.

The room is filled with a mix of laughter and applause, and I can tell everyone here is genuinely happy for us.

"Can't help it," I confess, wrapping my arm around Blakely's waist. "I'm so in love with this guy."

Blakely smiles up at me, his cheeks flushed pink. "I love you too, Brock."

"Alright, everyone," the group leader announces. "Let's get started on our plans for next month's activities."

I glance down at Blakely, a surge of pride and affection pooling inside me. His enthusiasm and passion for this community is infectious, and I can see why he loves it so much.

A few students take turns sharing their ideas, and one proposal quickly catches my attention. "We're starting a puppy program on campus," a girl with short purple hair explains. "Stressed students can play with animals between classes to help them relax."

"Are you serious?" I exclaim, unable to contain my excitement. "That's fantastic. Everyone loves puppies, and it's a great way to relieve stress."

"Right?" she agrees, beaming. "We've got some local shelters on board, so we'll have a rotating cast of adorable furballs for everyone to enjoy."

The room buzzes with enthusiasm as people chime in with their support for the idea. I imagine Blakely cuddling an armful of puppies, his eyes lighting up with joy.

"Speaking of stress relief," Waxley pipes up. "What do you all think about installing Little Free Libraries around campus? Students could exchange books, discover new reads, and foster a sense of community through literature."

"Love that idea," someone shouts from the back of the room, and soon enough, a chorus of agreement fills the space. The thought of students bonding over their love for books warms my heart, and I can't wait to see these Little Free Libraries become a reality.

"Great suggestions, everyone," the group leader chimes in. "Let's get to work on making these ideas happen."

I glance at Blakely again, seeing the spark in his eyes and the passion he has for this community. "Reading has always been such a powerful escape for me," he shares, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "It's incredible how a good book can transport you to another world and make you feel connected to characters who only exist on paper."

Others join in, sharing their experiences and favorite books. I watch as Blakely listens attentively, nodding and adding his own thoughts to the conversation. His intelligence and passion are on full display, making me beam with pride.

"Definitely," a girl with a pixie haircut and nose piercing chimes in. "Books have helped me through some really tough times in my life. It's amazing how much comfort and strength we can find between the pages of a story."

"Plus, reading can be super sexy," Waxley adds with a wink. Laughter erupts from the group, and even though I know this is an LGBTQ+ Student Union meeting, it feels like we're a group of friends hanging out, bonding over our shared love for literature.

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