My New Step-Dad(16)

“What the hell are you wearing, Sophie?” Doesn't she have, like, a zip-up adult onesie or something she can put on? I think to myself, but my cock seems to like the idea of that too.

She looks down at her body and blushes a little. “Pajamas.”

She’s utterly innocent at times, but so forward when she really wants something. I don’t think she’s trying to get a rise out of me but I’m not sure.

“Damn it, Sophie, you see what this does to me.” She looks at my cock, blushing more. “You can’t walk around here naked and not expect me to have a reaction. Or is that what you want?”

“Naked? Really?” She rolls her eyes at me. “I just wanted to be comfortable. Trust me, I heard you loud and clear this morning.”

“What are these?” I say, and shake the papers, trying to get my mind off what she looks like and how innocent she is at this moment. For some reason, that fact that she’s doing what I told her to do this morning isn't helping cool me down. As much as I hate her little stunts to get my attention, I was craving them.

“Listings for places I could buy. My mother left me a trust and I want to have a stable place while I figure out my next move. Real estate is a good investment,” she throws back at me while making a grab for the papers.

“You’re not going anywhere.” I don’t know where this came from, but when the words tumble out of my mouth, I know I shouldn’t have said them. “What I mean is, I’ll help you find a place, but not this second. You need to decide what you want to do first, and it’s better to do that here, and not buy a place you’re not sure you’ll need in a year.”

She slowly nods her head, and I can see she hasn’t thought that far in advance. I feel a little of the tension in my chest ease at her agreement. Once I’m sure she’s placated, I put her bag on the table and walk to the kitchen, adjusting my cock as I toss the listings into the trash.

I see some defeat in her as she follows me. I know I was harsh with what I said. I don’t want her to think I’m being too hard on her, so I try to offer up something to make her feel like she gained a victory.

“How about we eat dinner and watch a movie? I don’t really want to work tonight, and I can’t remember the last time I just relaxed at home.”

At my words, I see her face light up like Christmas morning.

“That sounds great!”

I feel a pang of sadness at how excited she is at just having dinner and watching a movie with me, something so simple.

Pulling out a chair, I motion for her to sit down and I follow suit.

“What are your plans Sophie?”

“I’m not sure, to be honest with you. I’d planned to come back and go to college, follow in my mother's footsteps, but I’m not so sure anymore.”

“Why not?” I ask, taking a bite of the pork Lily made. I couldn't see soft Sophie as a lawyer. Sure she was full of passion and life, but it would be wasted on something like law.

“I was only doing it to get close to my mom. I’m starting to think what I really wanted was a family, and I thought going into law would give me that.”

A bark of laughter escapes me at her words, but when I look up at her face, I see it. She’s lonely. I can't stop myself from reaching out and cupping her face with my hand, rubbing my thumb across her cheek. She leans into my hand like it’s the most natural thing in the world to do.

“Trust me, Sophie, going into the same field as your family doesn't make you closer to them. I should know.” I’d done the same thing. Where had it gotten me? Four states away from my family and I barely see them, even on holidays. I could go months without talking to them. My mother was always off doing whatever she wanted. She was too busy being selfish and couldn’t be bothered to raise me. I had so many nannies I can’t remember them all, and my father, well, he was me. He lived and breathed his job.

“I don’t want my life to be like hers. I didn't even know her. I know this is terrible to say, but I don’t think I miss her. I long for the idea of what could have been.”

“And I’m telling you, sweet Sophie, that idea you are longing for would’ve just made you into me—a person who tried to be what their parents wanted but ended up like them, not closer to them. In fact I’m probably farther apart.” I drop my hand from her cheek and go back to eating my dinner.

“I’m not going to be like her,” I hear her whisper.

“Your mother wasn't a terrible person, she just wasn't a mother. She didn't get close to people and it's probably why our arrangement worked so well. Everything was about work, nothing more. After I realized there was nothing I could do to make my parents want us to be closer, I got lost in my career. It’s my life now; I just won't make the same mistakes as them by dragging someone else into my life and ignoring them. I don’t want or need that.” Or I thought I didn't. Because since Sophie walked into my life, work doesn’t seem so important. In fact, I haven't worked much at all. It doesn't matter that I’m not with her at all times; she still fills my every thought. She’s like a breath of fresh sweet air.

“It’s not too late for you. You could change too.”

I can’t bring myself to respond. I don’t want to think about it. I’ve spent years building my career, pouring hours of my life into it, but the idea of walking away from it leaves a sweet taste in my mouth. Sophie and I have more in common than I would’ve ever thought. She makes me want things I shouldn't. She makes me see myself opening a small firm on my own, coming home to a wife and children every night. But even if that was what I wanted, Sophie couldn't be that person. She's too young for me, and I couldn't imagine what people would say if I started f*cking my stepdaughter. I wouldn't have to quit my job; I would be thrown out on my ass.