Romance: Stepbrother Passion Read Free Page A

been.
    I swiftly make my way across the lawn covered in darkness, my head tucked under my jacket to protect me from the pelting rain, and I reach his pool house in only a matter of seconds. Inside, I hear the muffled sound of music and realize that he might not be alone.
    Crap!
    How could I have been so stupid as to not think of that?
    I think about turning back, about my dry, safe bedroom back inside the house and all the other boys I will meet in college.
    But it is too late.
    Dylan opens the door.
    “What the hell, Ella? Get in here, you’re soaked!”
    He grabs me by the arm and pulls me inside.
    “I’m sorry,” I say, shivering. “I was going to knock and then I thought…”
    “Here,” he says, cutting me off. “Dry yourself off.”
    He passes me a towel and then turns down the stereo. Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Bad Moon Risin g hums faintly.
    “This song reminds me of you,” I say, smiling.
    “I heard you had a date?” Dylan asks me bluntly.
    “I did, but I bailed early. I had too much packing to do.”
    Dylan nods indifferently.
    I feel my chance slipping away.
    “I don’t know why I’m here,” I say, fighting the nerves. “I mean, I just wanted to see you. I’m leaving tomorrow and if I never…if we never…” I expect him to start flirting in his usual Dylan-style way, but his expression stays solemn.
    “You shouldn’t be in here, Ella.”
    “Why?”
    “Because I don’t trust myself with you.”
    “But I’m not asking you to,” I blurt.
    It comes out even as a surprise to me.
    But Dylan shakes his head.
    I feel my heart sinking.
    “Look, you can’t stay,” he says, firmer.
    “Why? Am I not pretty enough for you? Am I not slutty enough?”
    “No, Ella. That’s not it at all. I think you’re gorgeous.”
    “What then?”
    “If you stay I…” He pauses, looking down at the floor and then back up. “I might not let you leave tomorrow.”
    “Then I won’t.”
    “And what, Ella? Hang around here in this damned retirement village of a town? Get a job waitressing at some diner or my Dad’s donuts store?”
    I do not know what to say.
    Silence falls between us.
    “We’re from two different worlds,” he finally says.
    “That’s not true,” I stammer.             
    “Look you’re smart. You have a future. You have the grades for college. You deserve better.”              
    “But I want you.”
    The words just jump out of my mouth.
    And as soon as I say them, Dylan stares at me in shock.
    I can almost see the thoughts going through his head. He is considering my statement as his eyes wander over my body.
    “And I’ll only hurt you,” he turns away.
    “You won’t,” I protest, knowing that he probably will and yet still wanting him in all his shades.
    Rough, sensitive, confident and vulnerable.
    I get knots in my stomach just thinking about us together.
    “Besides, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to take the risk.”
    He looks me up and down like he is undressing me with his eyes. Then he closes the gap between us.
    Oh…
    My heart is pounding firm as he presses against me.
    His lips land on mine and he takes what he wants.
    He kisses me hard and fast, taking away my breath. I kiss him back with a mirrored intensity only to feel something in him shift.
    He changes, kissing me softer and slower.
    He leads me back toward the bed, sitting down so that I am standing in front of him.             
    “Take off your clothes,” he orders. “I want to see you first.”
    I stare at him sheepishly yet find myself obeying, stripping down to only my underwear. The music stops. The rain drums wildly on the roof.             
    “All of you,” he says sternly.
    “Can’t we just…make out for a while first?” I ask, fidgeting nervously.             
    “I thought you said you wanted this?”
    “I did. I do. It’s just…”
    “What, Ella? I don’t have all night.”
    “I’ve never done this