CUZ: Billionaire Stepbrother Romance Read Free Page A

“Can we go on a trip?”
    “What kind of trip?
    He moved slightly, and his robe opened, giving me a glance at his rock hard chest and tattoo.
    “I want to go to New Orleans.”
    “Why?”
    “You’ll think it’s silly.”
    “Just tell me, okay? It’s been a long day and I’m tired.”
    “It’s about our parents…”
    “Damn, sis,” he interrupted. “Not that shit again.”
    “It’s real this time.”
    “How am I supposed to believe you?”
    “I told you why I made up that story before.”
    “Yeah, but how do I know you’re not doing it again?”
    “You can trust me,” I said, putting my hand on his thigh.
    He sighed, moving back a little. Part of me wanted to lean forward and kiss him, get it over with, but I resisted the urge and made puppy eyes. A smile spread over his face.
    “Why you gotta do that to me?” he asked.
    “Come on, Joshie. It’ll be fun. You’re not working right now, and you definitely have the money.”
    “If I do this, it’s over. No more searching for our parents. They’re gone, and we can’t change that fact.” He reached out and put his strong, powerful hand on my bare shoulder, causing me to flinch.
    “But what if…”
    “Life isn’t what-if, it’s what we make of it,” he said, standing up.
    Kiss him. Kiss him now!
    I stood up, feeling faint. Even his smell turned me on.
    “Think about it, okay?”
    “I said we can do it,” he said, crossing his hands over his chest.
    There goes my show.
    “But you had stipulations.”
    “And?”
    “Fine. Goodnight, Cuz.”
    I turned and walked to the bathroom, closing the door behind me. Once back in my bedroom, I got undressed and climbed into bed. Thoughts of Josh and everything else ran through my mind, keeping me from falling asleep. Eventually, I drifted off to the land of dreams. He was there too. No matter where I turned, he was there for me.
     

Four

 
     
     
     
     
    Josh
     
    The next morning, I offered to take Ashley home with me. Mother raised an eyebrow at us, but I told her I planned to help her find a job. My forest green Mercedes gripped the road like a magnet on metal as we drove away from our parents’ house. I turned the stereo on. Mellow jazz flouted from the speakers, filling the cabin.
    “We don’t have to listen to this crap, do we?” she asked.
    “Seriously? You’re dissing jazz? Mom and dad aren’t around anymore.”
    “I know, but I thought we could talk about the trip. Have you made up your mind?”
    “What do you think?”
    “Well, I know you told Mrs. Knight you were taking me to get a job.”
    I laughed. “Like that would ever happen, right?”
    “I’ve worked for a living before,” she said.
    “Well, I wasn’t really lying to her. I’m thinking about buying up some land in New Orleans to start a company.”
    “Why the hell would you do that?”
    “Land down there is cheap right now because of Katrina.”
    “You’re just like him, aren’t you?”
    I turned to glance at her. “What do you mean?”
    “You know exactly what I mean, Josh. Mr. Knight is the worst kind of capitalist. And you’re becoming more like him all the time.”
    “Agree to disagree,” I said, stepping on the gas pedal.
    As smooth jazz played, I raced to the airport.
    “Where are you going?”
    “I thought you wanted to go to New Orleans.”
    “Are you driving there?”
    “Of course not. We’re going to the airport.”
    “We’re going now?”
    “Yeah, why not?”
    I smiled. She rolled her eyes.
    “What?” I asked.
    “You’re so fucking decadent. And I don’t have any clothes.”
    “We can buy some new ones. And you know you love it,” I said.
    Before she could reply, I bounded up the stairs and into the jet. Once we were both inside and seated, we waited for our turn to take off. I opened a bottle of champagne while we waited.
    “Flying still freak you out?” I asked, handing her a glass.
    “Yeah. Can you tell?”
    I smiled. “You’re fine. Most of the women I bring on the