“Your wish is our command,” he says, a small smile playing on his lips.
Before I can stuff another shirt into the bag, I whirl around and throw my arms around Ford, pulling him into a tight hug. It catches him completely off guard—his body stiffens for a split second before he melts into me, arms wrapping around my waist.
I hurry to finish packing and then pull my phone from my pocket to send a text.
Me: Hey Mom. Hope you’re having fun with the girls. I’m headed to spend the night with a friend. Just wanted to give you a heads up.
Her reply comes within seconds.
GiverofLife: K
“Everything good?” Jacob looks at me with a raised eyebrow.
I smile. “Yup. We’re good to go. Let’s get out of here before he comes home.”
Jacob grabs my hand and leads me out of my room and down to his car.
Chapter 2
Matthew
Shit, shit, shit.
I kissed my stepsister. My sexy as hell, freshly turned eighteen, stepsister. As our lips met, I could taste the sweetness of her cherry lip balm. Since I’ve been back, she’s been like a siren, luring me into her web to ravage me and steal my soul. Dylan is stunning, and the way she’s so carefree is intoxicating. Add in the moans I hear coming from her bedroom, and the times I’ve crept like a perv, peering through the window, haven’t helped. Now that I know she’s not only into the sport I love, but a fantastic player, I couldn’t help it. My reasoning went out the window, and I kissed her.
The slap was a surprise, but not unwelcome. I deserved it, after all. I just kissed her at the championship game, and it’s not like people don’t know I’m a scout for Colorado. Tomorrow, I’ll have to call the coach to let him know about this new development. I hope he doesn’t change his mind about taking Ford, Jacob, and Dylan. My intention was to have a conversation with her,but she hurriedly fled the field. The other two followed her, with Ford looking back at me with a wink. He’s probably enjoying this because he’s caught me watching them.
Fuck, fuck, fuck. I need to talk to her.
I rush home, but she’s nowhere to be found. Maybe I beat them back? They might have gone out to celebrate their win. I sit down on the couch to wait for them, but they never show up. Starting to get worried and a little annoyed, I text my dad.
Me: Hey have you or Holly heard from Dylan? She’s not home yet and I’m getting worried.
Dad: Yeah Holly just updated me. She texted her mom that she was staying at a friend’s tonight. No need to worry.
I immediately know she’s avoiding me, but that won’t do. We need to talk.
Me: Thank you.
Dad: Glad to see you are taking your big brother duties seriously.
I don’t respond because I don’t know what to say. My dad doesn’t know just how badly I want to take my brotherly role and shove it up his fiancé’s ass. I want more. I want Dylan to be mine. I want to be the reason she smiles and laughs—the cause of her moans and pleasure. Only a few things are standing in my way: our parents, her temper, and those two douchebags.
I can’t take my eyes off my phone, my heart thumping in my chest. I want to call her, but I know it’s pointless. Instead, I pace the living room, running my hands through my hair. This isn’thow it was supposed to go. I was supposed to come back, scout some players, and help my dad with his upcoming wedding. Unfortunately it seems I’ve found myself tangled in a web of desire and frustration.
My mind keeps replaying the kiss. The way her lips felt against mine, the shock in her eyes, the heat between us. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. But now she’s gone, and I’m left aching and confused.
I head to the kitchen and grab a beer, hoping it’ll calm my nerves. As I take a long swig, I head back to the living room and sit down. I set my beer on the end table and close my eyes, replaying everything that led up to today’s game. I still can't wrap my mind around the fact that Murphy was Dylan. How did she keep it a secret? The team knew, but that’s it. That says something about their teamwork and dedication to the sport.
As the night drags on, I can’t stop thinking about her. The way her hair falls in waves around her shoulders, the sparkle in her eyes when she’s excited, the way her laughter fills the room. I want all of it. I want her.
But I can’t have her. Everything becomes more complicated because she happens to be my stepsister. Our parents would never understand, and the guys would probably kill me if they found out. And then there’s Dylan herself—stubborn, fiery Dylan, who’s probably more pissed off at me than she’s ever been.
I get up and lock the door before settling back onto the couch. I’m going to sleep here tonight. That way, if she comes back, I will hear her and she can’t escape the chat we need to have.
I pull the blanket off the back of the couch and lie down, my mind racing. What am I going to do? How can I fix this? The answer escapes me, and I’m haunted by dreams of her as I sleep.
“Dylan, can I have a word with you?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly.
