Series: Peach State Stepbros Series by Riley Hart
Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78418 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78418 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“Don’t you fucking say it.”
We both know this is date-y, but do we have to say the fucking word?
He’s smiling as he opens his mouth like he’s about to.
“If you say it, it’s definitely not one.”
“One what?” His eyebrows tug closer, really bringing the drama in his feigned confusion.
“You know damn well what you were gonna say.”
“I don’t think I do. Maybe you should tell me.”
Why is my face so hot right now? But he’s being so fucking adorable, my body can barely handle it.
“You were gonna say the D-word.”
“D-word?” Colin says, searching around. “Wait, did you think tonight was a…a date?” He’s really hamming up his performance.
And I give him a good tease. “Now I know why you didn’t get the lead in that Arthur Miller play senior year.”
“Oh, this is so embarrassing. You thought when we said hibachi and ice cream and a movie… Fuck, I never know when I’m sending the wrong signals. I don’t know how to break this to you, but I’m just here for the Ash-hole.”
I snicker; I can’t fucking help myself. I know he’s just joking around, and I fucking love it.
“I guess I’m an agent of chaos.” Colin moves close, his lips millimeters from mine. “That must be so hard on you to have thought you were gonna get a date with all this and find out all you are is my naughty plaything.”
He licks my lips before coming in for a kiss, pressing his weight against me, his tongue teasing mine, desire pulsing through me until I gasp. As I roll my head back, his mouth runs down my jaw to my neck. He makes his way back up until his lips are by my ear. “You think maybe we could just be friends and hang tonight? Then fuck around later? No strings?”
Colin bites at my earlobe, then sucks gently before pulling away, looking so fucking proud of himself for his performance.
I wish I wasn’t grinning so hard, but when he’s good, he’s good. “To be clear,” I say, “I know it’s kind of a date, but we can agree that’s a stupid word, so can we just go out and have fun?”
Colin shakes his head. “You are fixated on me. I feel like I’m leading you on, but maybe if we go out together tonight, I can help you understand that’s just not happening. You’re not even my type. I like nerdy guys.” He studies me. “Brunettes with hazel eyes…who wear glasses.”
“Interesting that you just described me to a T, though we both know you prefer blonds.”
His gaze settles on my bangs. “I must’ve been mistaken.”
And…he’s got me laughing again.
“Don’t worry,” he goes on. “I’ll help you through this, bro.”
I don’t fight it. “Yeah, I’d really appreciate your help through this, bruh.”
“Perfect. Now come on, Ash. You got our table reservations for six thirty, and we don’t want to be late for our date.” He really emphasizes the word, which I admit doesn’t sound horrible coming from his mouth.
“I fucking give up.”
“Figured you would,” Colin says before offering another kiss.
And really, though I doubt many people would get it, this might be my favorite way to start a date with Colin.
A sound catches our attention, and I turn to see Frat Cat pawing at his leg.
The meds the vet tech gave us have really helped, and he’s been moving about quite a bit.
“You didn’t drop the baby off at the sitter’s already?” Colin asks.
“The babysitter’s down the hall.”
His brow rises.
“I was gonna ask Miranda again, but Marty insisted.”
“Marty? Really?”
“He’s taking to him pretty quickly. Think Frat Cat mellows him out a bit.”
“You hear that, Frat Cat?” Colin asks. “We gotta roll to your sitter’s.”
“You’re gonna have to set me down for that.”
“Do I?” he asks, carrying me to the door.
“No, I need my wallet!”
Colin backtracks, watching out for Frat Cat as he heads to my desk and grabs my wallet, then heads into the hall, Frat Cat following close behind. Fortunately, we don’t have far to go before he finally frees me. Marty’s looking at us like we’re out of our minds as we’re in stitches at his door.
After we walk him through instructions for watching our kitty, Marty says, “You know most cats are pretty independent, right?”
“He’s just a baby,” I say. “And he likes lots of affection.”
“Especially scritches,” Colin chimes in, “and if you stop petting him for too long, don’t worry, he’ll remind you.”
Marty rolls his eyes. “You two have the most spoiled cat I’ve ever met. But don’t worry, he’s in good hands.”
We don’t doubt it, so we say goodbye to our precious fur baby before heading out.
We take my car to the hibachi restaurant, where the host seats us at a table with two other couples. We get our usual—Colin, steak, chicken, and shrimp; just chicken for me. As the server grills, he singles out Colin to catch some of the meat and veggies in his mouth. He aims to get Colin to miss a few times, but the guy clearly doesn’t know my brother, and unsurprisingly, Colin pulls off some Hail Marys. Once the performance comes to an end, we enjoy our meals, catching up about our day, before Colin heads to the restroom. When he returns, he plops down in his seat, relaxing back the way he does when he’s full.