Sweet Billionaire Stepbrother ~ Part 1 (3 page)

“Still crushing on Superman? Haven’t you outgrown him yet?”

“It's not Superman she’s crushing on, silly, it's the fine specimen of Henry Cavil that makes her panties melt.”

“Taylor!” I shrieked, my face warming up at an alarming rate. Grayson’s eyebrow lifted as his curious gaze rested on my face.

“Is that right? Henry does it for you, huh?”

“Um, he does have superpowers, you know.”

Oh God,
that’s
the best line I can come up with?
Heat from my cheeks radiated off me. Damn that poster. I’d been meaning to take it off the wall for months.

Taylor tilted her head and appraised the life-sized poster. “Actually, now that I’m really looking at the man’s face, I have to say he is gorgeous. Those eyes . . .” She drew in a breath and went quiet for a moment. Crossing her arms, she said, “Nah, I could never crush on
him
.”

“Why not?”
I mean who in their right mind would not get their panties in a knot over H.C.

“Yeah, tell us.” Grayson encouraged.

She looked over at her brother and then back to the poster. “He . . . um . . . well
you
kind of look like Henry—just an
uglier
version of course. Anyway it would be just plain weird if I crushed on a man who looks so much like my own flesh and blood.” She turned to me, grinning. “Of course it's totally cool for you, you aren’t biologically related.”

I laughed, trying to hide my mortification. Where the hell did Taylor get her crazy ideas from? I narrowed my eyes and scrutinized the poster on the wall, then my gaze went back to Grayson.

Same eyes.

Same strong jaw.

The Cupid’s bow shaped mouth.

Oh. My. Fucking. God.

How had I never connected the dots before? They even had the same boyish smile. This was just plain weird.

My back stiffened. “Any resemblance is pure coincidence and Sloane gave it to me for my birthday two years ago, so of course I put it on the wall. She paid a lot of money for it,” I justified as I walked over to the print and pointed to the bottom right hand corner, tapping my index finger lightly just below a black scribble. “It's a limited edition poster. That’s his
real
signature.”

I raised my chin while I folded my arms, waiting for someone to challenge me further.

“So one day when you marry Henry you can ask him to personalize it with your name. How cool would that be?” Taylor held up her hand for a hi-five. I just shook my head and laughed.

Grayson’s gaze swung from the poster to Taylor. “Marry him? What are you talking about?”

“Oh, I've heard Layla and Sloane talk about their dream men. I think our dearest sister wants to be Mrs. Henry Cavil.”

I shot her a warning glance but Taylor wasn’t letting go. She scratched her chin and looked back at me. “Um . . . come to think of it, since I think you look like Emma Stone, Henry is not the man for you.” She tapped her index finger on her lips for a few seconds, her eyes glistening with mischief. “Actuuuually,” she said drawing the word out, “Laura’s brother just arrived back home from military service and Oh. My. God. He looks like Ryan Gosling. He’s the perfect match for you!” 

This conversation was getting ridiculous. “That talk about our dream man was hypothetically speaking. And you shouldn’t be telling your brother everything you overhear or I might not let you in when Sloane comes over again.”

She made a gesture as if she was zipping her mouth closed, turning a key and throwing it over her shoulders. I laughed, glad she was getting the hint to shut up.

“About that drink. Want to come downstairs with me and have a coffee?” Grayson smiled, causing small crinkles to form in the corners of his eyes.

I shrugged. “Sure, why not. The caffeine kick will help me to finish my assignment. It's due in six days.”

I needed to get away from Taylor for a while. She was running her mouth more than usual and it made me uncomfortable in front of Grayson. All that talk about Grayson, Henry and Ryan had made my mouth go dry and my panties just a little damp. It was time to get out of my room before I completely embarrassed myself.

As if guys who looked like movie stars would even look in my direction.

“On the day of the graduation ball? Wow that sucks.” Taylor shrieked.

She was right, it did suck—not that I really was all that fussed about the ball or needed much time to dress up, but I wanted the work done before it was due so I could tick it off my list. I had several job offers and I wanted to take my time to choose which of the three would be the best for me to kick-start my career. Since each had their pros and cons, I hadn’t been able to decide yet.

“Wow, it's that time of the year?” Grayson asked, smiling down at me. “It’s a special night, you will enjoy it.”

I shrugged. “Yeah, but haven’t bought a dress yet. Sloane and I are going shopping as soon as I finish this damn assignment.” I was sure Grayson wasn’t interested in my dress dilemma, so I steered the conversation back to safe ground. “Getting good grades is my main priority, so I need to give it my best shot.”

“Take time out to enjoy this moment, Layla. You’ve worked hard. Get the pretty dress and for one night just forget about your studies.”

“You can talk,” I laughed, “you’re practically stuck to your desk most of the time.”

Grayson reached out and gripped my elbow, steering me out of the room. “I'm dying for that caffeine fix. We can talk more once you’ve made me one of your famous strong brews.”

––––––––

H
olding the steaming mug between my hands I curled my legs up on the sofa, taking small sips as I let my gaze wander over Grayson. Without being too obvious, I checked out his broad shoulders and wide chest all the way to his narrow hips. His dark brown hair had grown longer than usual and scraped the collar of his shirt. Resisting the urge to run my fingers through his silky strands and tug on those lengths, I gripped my mug tighter.

He sat down beside me on the sofa, stretching his muscled biceps as he yawned.

“Tired?”

“Yeah. Sleeping on Mason’s pull out sofa wasn’t exactly comfortable after such a long flight. I’m looking forward to my own bed tonight.”

“Why didn’t you come home instead?”

Grayson hesitated for a moment before answering. “I did, but the house was in darkness and I didn’t have my key. So I just went to Mason’s place and crashed there.”

Okaaaay.

I sucked in a breath. “Um . . . what time was that?” Oh God, please tell me he didn’t see me swimming naked last night.

“I have no idea. All I know is that it was very late.” The way his eyes gleamed made my stomach churn. Was he keeping something from me?

In almost a whisper, I asked, “Did you see anyone?”

Working on my assignment until my brain was fried, I’d needed a break and to clear my mind. It wasn’t until I got to the pool area that I had the bright idea to go for a swim. It was a spur of the moment thing to pluck off my pajamas and dive onto the pool. I’d been certain at the time that nobody would have seen me. I’d be mortified if Grayson had witnessed it all.

This time he didn’t hesitate for a second. “I didn’t even make it to the front door.”

Phew. Thank goodness for that. Yet, it still seemed like he had a secret. Maybe I was just imagining it. Pulling my knees to my chest, I met his amused gaze, trying to read him.

I could get lost in his eyes. His deep blues were the same as always.

Gentle. Kind. Intelligent.

Just being around Grayson made me feel at ease and happy. He was going to be a wonderful pediatrician.  Children loved him and naturally gravitated toward him whenever we went to a barbeque or family gathering. He’d also make a fantastic dad to some lucky woman’s kids one day. With his looks women would be swarming all over him.

For the first time since I’d known him, I wondered what kind of women Grayson was in to. They’d have to be smart, there was no doubt about that, but physically? I didn’t know if he preferred blondes or brunettes, tall or short and come to think of it, he’d never brought a girl home or spoken of a girlfriend.

“Hey, you haven’t heard a word I said.” he chastised, hitting my thigh playfully with a cushion.

“Wh . . . what?” I blinked fast, getting my mind out of dream world and back to the moment.

“I asked who the lucky guy was who is taking you to the ball.”

A warm glow spread over my cheeks. “Oh, um . . . I’m going with Seth.”

“Seth Matthews? The guy who took over from me as team captain?” He rubbed his chin while a small frown settled between his brows. “Watch out for him, Layla. He’s a lady’s man and not one too shy to brag about his conquests in the bedroom. I wish you could hear how he talks about the girls he’s been with.” Grayson seemed really agitated so I just gave him a sweet smile.

“Oh really? He doesn’t come across that way in science class. He’s really nice. We usually work together on projects.” I bit my bottom lip, a little unnerved by Grayson’s words.

Okay, honestly? I was planning to give up my v-card to Seth Matthews. I’d based my decision on logic. I’d heard other girls talk and apparently he was a sex god. I mean, who in their right minds wouldn’t want their fist time to be with the guy who had taken more girl’s virginity than anyone else? Seth had by far the most points on his score card and to my logical brain it simply meant that he knew what he was doing and he was good at it.

It was about time. Being twenty-one and still a goddamn virgin wasn’t something I had particularly planned, it just happened because . . . well, other things were more important.

Admittedly I was more than a little shocked when Seth asked me to be his date since he had so many other girls to choose from, but I’d hoped it was because we got on so well in class. I didn’t treat him any differently than I treated any other guy—not like most girls who melted when he looked in their direction.

Yeah, it was cliché to give it up on prom night, but since I’d missed that opportunity four years ago at high school, I wanted it over and done with this time. This ball was my chance to finally get rid of my virginity—I was going into it with eyes wide open.

Up until this point I’d ‘saved’ myself for the right guy. Problem was, I’d turned twenty-one a few weeks ago and not yet met a single male who was even remotely right for me. Maybe it was because I set my damn standards so high. Henry Cavil . . . or Grayson Forbes. In my eyes they were the only two men I really thought were worthy. For obvious reasons neither were exactly available as husband material.

Logically—and I was as logical and rational a thinker as any woman could be—Seth was the perfect candidate. He’d know what to do.

Yet a tiny part of me was scared. Scared that it would be a disaster.

Grayson’s inquiring gaze searched my face. His jaw locked as a small vein ticked in his neck. “Don’t become a notch on his belt, Lala. You’re better than that.”

Holy hell. He can read my mind?

And when he called me
Lala
, his special name for me, I just melted. Every. Single. Time.

I quickly looked away, trying to save face as warmth crept over my chest and neck. I willed it to stop spreading to my cheeks, but of course, I failed dismally. Grayson, my best friend besides Sloane, knew what my plans were without me saying a word and he clearly didn’t approve.

Sloane on the other hand thought it was a brilliant idea. For her first time having sex, she’d been mauled by a horny boy who had no fucking idea how to use his tools properly and she swore it was one of the worst experiences of her life. I was determined to not go down the same route as her.

“Um . . . I don’t think I should be discussing my date with my stepbrother. I know you just want what’s best for me, Grayson, but you have to let me make my own decisions. Same for Taylor. You’re so damn overprotective sometimes it can be—”

“Annoying?” A frown formed between his lush eyebrows. “I care about you. I don’t want you to get hurt by some lame jock who only wants bragging rights. Your first time . . . it should be so much more.”

“How do you know I’m still a virgin?” I shrieked.

God, was it that damn obvious?

“You told me you’d never been kissed before. Remember the night we talked till three am and then fell asleep in front of the fireplace?”

“Yeah, but that was ages ago. What makes you think it hasn’t changed by now? You’ve been away for a whole semester you know. I could’ve—”

He pressed his fingertips to my lips. “Don’t.”

Still frowning, he peered down at me through thick black lashes, the blue around his eyes nearly black.

“Don’t what?” I asked as I drew in a shaky breath. Why was the way he was looking at me making my stomach twist in a way I’d never felt before?

Dropping his fingers from my mouth, he picked up my hand from my lap and squeezed it.

Sweet Jesus, this is intense.

My heart beat so loudly I wondered if he could hear it.

“Don’t throw yourself at a boy who doesn’t deserve you. Promise me.”

Squirming under his penetrating gaze, I cast my eyes down while thinking of an answer. No way in hell would I lie to Grayson, yet I couldn’t tell him the truth either. The warmth of my cheeks turned into a raging fire. I could probably fry eggs on them, they were that hot.

“Henry Cavil isn’t available.” I smiled sheepishly, trying to make light of the tingling in my veins. “And Seth really is very nice to me. You have nothing to worry about.”

He cleared his throat and let go of my hand. I felt the loss of his closeness, it was as if he was not only taking a step backward physically, but also mentally.

“I just don’t want to see you get hurt. What I’ve seen of Seth is different to how you’ve seen him. At the time I just ignored him because he was so much younger than me . . . and I had no idea he was going to target
you
. If I’d known then, I would’ve smashed his balls in.”

My eyes widened. I'd never heard Grayson speak like that about anyone. Staring at him wide eyed and with my mouth gaping, I wasn’t sure what to make of it.