Page 7 of Hey, Stepbro

"I did speak to someone new a few days ago," I tease.

"Oh, this should be good."

"He wanted nothing to do with me. He said I was scrawny and unattractive."

Stella's face contorts in anger. "What a jerk. You're gorgeous and anyone who can't see that is an asshole."

I shrug, trying to brush it off. "It's alright. He's entitled to his opinion."

"No, he's not," Stella argues. "He's entitled to be respectful and kind. And if he can't do that, he can go fuck himself."

I laugh at her fierce protectiveness. "You always know how to make me feel better."

"That’s why fate put me in your life."

That's when my mind drifts to Brock.

Last night, when I returned home from class, I decided to watch a few of his football videos.

I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. Brock was undeniably talented, and the way he moved on the field was nothing short of impressive. But there was something about him that rubbed me the wrong way, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Maybe it was how he always seemed to have a smug grin on his face, or the way he walked around like he owned the place. Whatever it was, I found myself disliking him more and more.

I also couldn't help but feel a little envious of Brock's athletic ability. He's tall and muscular, with a chiseled jawline that makes everyone swoon. But the more I watched, the more I realized why he annoyed me. He always looks focused, even when he scores a touchdown or makes a great play. And when he's not, he's smirking, as if he knows something that no one else does.

To say I'm a little intimidated by him is obvious. He's a jock through and through, and I'm a bookworm who volunteers at the animal shelter in his spare time.

Stella notices the change in my demeanor and looks at me with concern. "You okay?"

I nod, not wanting to get into it. "Thinking about my new stepbrother."

Stella's face darkens. "Yeah, he's a real piece of work."

"Why do you say that?" I ask, curious.

"Haven't you heard the rumors? He's a total player. He walks around campus like he owns the place, and he runs through girls faster than you’d believe."

"Well, he's not worth getting worked up over," I say firmly, my mind still on the football videos. "He ignored me during our first meeting. The asshole wouldn’t get off his phone and I haven’t seen him since."

"Let’s focus on what's important. The animals."

We spend the rest of the day caring for the animals, giving them the love and attention they deserve. As we work, my mind keeps drifting back to Brock.

I nip the feelings in the bud.

Brock is no different from all the other dicks out there who reject me for being myself.

He’s a tool and a jock.

The less I think about him, the better.

Plus, he’s straight, so whatever dirty thoughts I'm nursing about him can fade away.

CHAPTER3

BROCK

"Hey, stepbro."

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