Stepbrother: Moving In/Moving Out Read Free Page B

happen again. End of story.”
    “I love you,” Seth says. “I’ve spent many years pretending I didn’t and I’m not going to keep that up now that I have you.”
    “Now that you have me?”
    “And I love you, too,” Carter says. “I always have and it’s unfair for me to be pushed aside just because you two have a little more history.”
    Seth nods. “The timing isn’t perfect. And it would be equally as unfair to force you to choose between us right now.”
    “I’m confused…” I say.
    “So,” Carter continues. “Seth and I have decided that we want to settle this like men.”
    I massage my temples. That hangover headache clearly made itself at home in my skull. “Is this a gladiator thing?” I ask. “Are you going to fight to the death or, I don’t know… race your cars on the streets… or…
    “We decided that the man that pleases you the most will win,” Seth says.
    “Pleases me?” I repeat slowly.
    “Sexually.”
    I take a deep breath. “Oh, for god’s sake…”
    “We each get one night with you,” Carter explains. “Afterward, you’ll choose between us.”
    “Are you freakin’ kidding me?” I ask.
    “It’s fair,” Seth says. “We agreed.”
    “Well, I didn’t,” I say. “Sex isn’t the only thing that makes a relationship worthwhile.”
    “We know that,” Carter says. “But, we’re choosing to focus on this anyway.”
    “This is stupid,” I say.
    “Do you agree to it or not?” Seth asks.
    I roll my eyes. I’ve already made my choice. Spending the night with Seth was wrong. We can’t have a relationship. It wouldn’t work. No one in our family would ever accept it. But the memory of him making love to me is still fresh in my mind. I can still feel him on top of me, grinding inside of me, kissing me. It was ridiculously intense. I’d be lying if I said I never wanted to experience it again.
    “And the both of you will respect my choice, no matter what?” I ask.
    They stand up tall, as if they’re both soldiers standing to attention for their commanding officer.
    “Yes,” Carter says. “No matter what, your choice is final.”
    I sigh. This competition is stupid. But if it makes them both happy, what’s the harm? I can get one last night in with Seth and then continue life as normal afterward by choosing to be with Carter. As long as everyone holds up their end of the bargain, it should turn out okay.
    “Fine,” I force myself to say. “One night with each of you.”
    They both smile.
    I suddenly feel very, very dirty.

Chapter 4
     
    Carter insists on going first. He’s just that kind of guy.
    My entire work day consisted of reading his text messages.
    You’re going to feel like a new woman when I’m done with you.
    I can’t wait for tonight.
    Are you as excited as I am?
    And to be honest, yes. I am. I don’t remember the last time I felt so pampered.
    I come back to the apartment and find it cast in darkness. The only illumination comes from the bedroom we share. I can immediately tell it’s from candles.
    “Whoa…” I say as I push open the door.
    The room has been completely straightened and cleaned. Carter stands in the center of the room wearing a dress shirt and tie.
    “Well, you clean up nice,” I say as I toss my purse onto the dresser.
    “I wanted to put in the extra effort for tonight,” he says.
    I nod and look around the room. “Thank you,” I say. “But you know it’s not necessary. It’s an easy choice—”
    “Shh—” He holds up a finger. “Don’t think about that right now,” he says. “Just relax.”
    I take a step closer to him and he wraps his arms around me. His lips graze my forehead. It has a soothing, calming affect on me and I relax deeper into his embrace.
    “Lie down on the bed,” he tells me.
    “Where’s Seth?” I ask.
    “He’s made himself scarce for the night,” Carter says. “Forget about him.” His lips find my neck and he plants a few strategic kisses along my collar bone.
    “That