Step-Lover by Bella Jewel Read Free Book Online Page B

me.”
    “Mel, you okay?” I yell out.
    Melanie is watching Brody, who has found a spot by the lake and is staring out. Her face is soft, as if she wants to go over and sit by him. I can’t help the warm smile I give her. She likes him. She’s drawn to him. Maybe she’ll be able to get him out of his shell. At the sound of my voice though, her gaze turns to me, and she beams. “Fine here. Off you go. And behave; don’t forget those condoms I gave you. Safe sex, honey.”
    I want to throttle her until I see the scowl Blade has aimed in my direction, then I decide I’d much rather squeeze her brilliant cheeks. I hook my arm through Bryce’s and notice his cheeks are red. Sweet.
    We walk off down through the path I was on only yesterday. Bryce is easy to talk to. He tells me about his life here and his family. He works at the local marina, fixing boats and unloading. He’s charming and he’s easygoing. I like him. He’s a good distraction.
    “What about you?” he asks as we weave through the shrub surrounding the path.
    “I’m starting pre-med when school goes back.”
    He stares down at me, shocked. “Wow, that’s impressive.”
    I shrug. “I always wanted to help people.”
    He nods, clearly impressed. “Good for you. I would have loved to have been smart enough to pull that off.”
    I scoff and wave my hand. “I have no doubt you are.”
    He flashes me a charming smile. “Listen, I know we’ve only just met, but I really hope you make it to the party tonight.”
    My lips tip up in a half-smile and I tuck a lock of stray hair behind my ear. “I think I’d like that.”
    He nods, pleased. “Good. Now, are you keen for some fun or what?”
    He offers me his arm and I take it with a smile. “Oh, bring it on.”

CHAPTER SEVEN
    THEN – ONE YEAR EARLIER
     
    My fingers tremble as I slide them down my body and lift the hem of my dress. Mystery Guy stares at me, his eyes lusty. He’s wearing only a pair of jeans, and his gorgeous body is on display for me as I lift my dress up and slide it over my head. When I’m in my bra and panties, I watch with burning cheeks as his eyes travel down my body and a low hiss escapes his lips.
    “Fuck, you’re gorgeous.”
    I flush and cross my arms over my chest. He quickly stands, gently removing them. “Don’t cover up, darlin’. A body like yours should never be hidden.”
    “There’s a donut.”
    He jerks back and looks down at me in confusion, brows furrowed. “Pardon?”
    “A donut, right there.” I point to my belly where it kind of looks like a mini donut around my belly button.
    He chuckles and reaches down, stroking a finger over the tiny bit of fat I can never get rid of. “Darlin’, that ain’t a donut. What that is, is fuckin’ real.”
    “Real?” I scoff. “Yeah, real fat.”
    He grins down at me. “Tell you somethin’ . . . no one wants to fuck a stick.”
    I raise my brows. “A stick?”
    “Yeah, a stick. You have curves; there ain’t nothin’ wrong with that.”
    I flush. “Oh.”
    “So stop talking and kiss me, because I can’t stand to stare at you one second longer. It’s killing me.”
    With a small smile, I step closer until our skin touches. His body is hard, and against mine it feels hot and totally arousing. He reaches around and tangles his fingers into my hair, then he kisses me. It’s slow at first as he coaxes me to get closer to him, pressing my body against his. Then, when his arm is firmly around my waist, that kiss becomes scorching.
    I whimper against his mouth as he grinds against me, his denim-clad erection pressing right against my clit. I gasp as the friction creates pleasure, and that pleasure shoots deep into my belly as he rubs against me. He pulls his mouth from mine with a groan and reaches around me, unclipping my bra. He lets it fall and his eyes drop to my aching nipples.
    “Going to suck you right there,” he breathes.
    His head lowers, but his arm stays around my waist. He captures my nipple