Page 126 of Stepbrother Dearest

Graham: no

Graham: why?

I paused. Today was Graham’s birthday. He didn’t have plans with his friends or family?

Caleb: want to hang out?

Graham: okay

Caleb: have you eaten?

Graham: not yet

Caleb: how about dinner?

Graham: dinner?

Caleb: yeah, the meal that’s traditionally consumed in the evening. Supper also works

Graham: anyone ever tell you you’re annoying?

Caleb: yeah, you. All the time

Caleb: you want food or not?

Graham: yeah, okay

Caleb: want to go out or get something delivered?

Graham: I’m confused

Caleb: it’s a simple question G

Graham: out?

Caleb: great. Have you heard of Annabelle’s?

Graham: no

Caleb: check the website and see if it’s somewhere you’d like. If it is, I’ll meet you there in an hour. If not, text me an alternative

Graham: okay

Graham: thanks

Caleb: see you there

* * *

An hour later I leaned against the outside of the building watching traffic drive by.

“Hey.”

I turned toward Graham’s voice and nearly swallowed my tongue. He looked gorgeous in a midnight-blue button-up and black pants that clung to his incredible body and contrasted nicely against his light hair and bronzed tan.

I’d spent way longer than I’d ever admit choosing my outfit, and the appreciation in his gaze as he checked me out settled some of my nerves.

“You clean up nice.”