Sweet Billionaire Stepbrother(31)

“Funny thing . . . he never gave me a real answer. Said it wasn’t me and that any man would be a fool not to like me. Then he said he’d prove it by taking me to dinner sometime this week.”

“Oh. Right.” My stomach performed a sickly flip.

“What I can’t understand though is that I practically threw myself at him and he didn’t even notice or make a move. I was so open about what I wanted, but he didn’t try anything.”

“He didn’t?” My voice was small and scratchy because my throat had tightened so much.

“I’m sorry, Hon, I know this must be awkward for you talking about your stepbrother like this, but I need advice on how to get him to f*ck me.” She looked like she wanted to cry, I felt horrible. “I think I’m falling for him, Layla. I’ve never wanted a man so badly.”

Usually men fell over themselves, practically tripping over their dicks to get to my best friend. I could understand that this was a strange experience for her. Just as strange as me suddenly having two guys chasing after me. Okay, maybe not quite chasing, but still . . .

“You want advice from a girl who last had a boyfriend in grade school? What the hell do I know about these things? I’m probably the last person who can help, Hon.” Ain’t that the truth.

“Thing is, I’m sure he really likes me. He kissed me a few times and it was amazing. I want him, Layla, and you’ve got to help me get him.”

Sweet Jesus. I was in so much trouble. How could I deny my best friend? What would she say if she knew what happened between me and the man she wanted. She’d hardly believe that he’d want me over her.

We were both out of our depths and Grayson was slap bang in the middle of this dilemma.





5: Layla


“Can I stay for breakfast? I’m hoping to see Grayson. Will you help me with him?” Sloane asked, sitting on my bed as I begun to get dressed.

I pulled a t-shirt over my head and combed my wet hair. Thank goodness I got rid of that fancy hairdo when I washed it. I was back to the old me—with highlights- plain Jane who didn’t stand a damn chance against a beautiful woman like Sloane.

“Hon, you’ll get more information from Cosmo or Google than me. I don’t have a clue how to get a guy.” I couldn’t help the bitterness that snuck into my voice.

Grayson was drunk last night. I was now pretty sure that was the only reason he wanted me. That, and the fact we were both half naked to start with. Shame washed over me as I recalled how easily I fell for his charms.

How could I have thought for even a moment that something could come from having sex with my stepbrother? Of course it couldn’t. I had to face reality: I was the ugly stepsister.

“Oh my God, here I’ve been rambling on about my situation and I haven’t even asked you how you went with your guy. What happened with Seth? Did you get your cherry popped?”

How to answer that without telling lies?

I lowered my eyes. “Seth didn’t quite work out. Turns out I was only a bet to him to prove his manliness.”

“Oh God, Hon, I’m so sorry. I’ve never really liked Seth . . . or his military older brother. That one just gives me the creeps with the way he f*cks me with his eyes. Hawke Matthews is so intense, he scares the shit out of me.” She shuddered to prove her point. “What you need, is a man like Grayson. Someone who is considerate and kind . . . and f*cking hot. Hmmm, I wonder where we can find you someone like him.”

I nearly choked on the coffee Taylor had brought me.

I didn’t want a man like Grayson. I wanted Grayson.

But what I wanted and what I’d get were two vastly different things.

Feeling sick to the stomach, I told Sloane, “You go down to breakfast. Mum and Taylor will be happy to have you. And maybe you’ll see Grayson too.” I rubbed my temples. “I still have a hangover. I’m going to crawl back into bed and sleep some more, okay?”

“Okay. If you don’t mind. Hope you feel better soon. Wish me luck!” She called out in a singsong tone as she walked out of my room.

“Luck,” I mumbled, feigning enthusiasm.

Luckily I’d changed the sheets and made a fresh bed before everyone barged in on me this morning. I lifted the bedding and slid between the cool sheets. My body was on fire as shame burned through me. How could I ever face Grayson again? How could I look at him without giving away how much I wanted him?

I was so screwed.

Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, I heard voices and footsteps walking toward my door. A soft knock and Grayson’s concerned voice made my stomach lurch. Then I heard my mother’s voice and Sloane’s. Why couldn’t they just leave me the f*ck alone so I could drown in sorrows and have my own little pity party?

“Honey, are you okay?” Mum sounded truly concerned as she lay her hand on my forehead. She always did that when I wasn’t feeling well. “You feel feverish. Lucky for you Grayson is home. Let our doctor take a good look at you, sweetie.”

I groaned and buried my face in the pillow. Really?

Feet shuffled closer to the bed and then a cool hand lay on my shoulder.

Refusing to look up at Grayson, I mumbled into the pillow. “Go away. I’m okay. I just have a damn hangover and I need some sleep.”

“Ouch, she bites this morning,” Taylor said. Trust her to have some smartass comment.