Auctioned on Valentine's Day: A Second Chance Stepbrother Romance

by Amy Brent

  “I know,” Trey said in a tone that was a long departure from his usual cocky tone. “But I just got back in town, and I had to call you. I’ve missed you.”

  Honestly, I had no idea what to say. Saying that I hadn’t missed him one bit since we broke up felt nasty and mean, but at the same time, lying felt just as wrong. We had dated for a long time and, in my own way, I still cared for him.

  For that reason, I tried to let him down easy and used my sweetest voice to say, “As much as I’d love to see you too, I’ve been really busy with school. It’s my last year before med school and I can’t afford any distractions.”

  He sighed, but in true Trey fashion, pushed his luck. “C’mon, Jess. I’m sure you can squeeze some time for dinner or at least drinks.”

  I took a deep breath and opened my mouth, ready to turn him down in a more obvious way. But then, I looked at my mostly naked self, and the absurdity of my current situation hit me like a sack of bricks. I had just masturbated on the floor while fantasizing about a man who was twice my age, a self-proclaimed player and married to my mother. Despite the little stupid voice in my head saying that theirs was a marriage of convenience, I knew that this was all kinds of wrong and unhealthy.

  That realization made my body cold with fear. My tuition, as well as my mother’s and Ben’s future, depended on this deal they had and I couldn’t risk jeopardizing it because I was careless and horny. No, I had to find a way to keep my mind—and body parts—away from Ben Walker and, maybe, Trey was that way.

  “Okay,” I said with a sigh. “I guess I can squeeze some time tomorrow night for dinner. But just so we’re clear, it’s not a date.”

  One of Trey’s throaty laughs echoed in my ear, and I couldn’t help but smile at it. We talked for another five minutes, mostly about where he would take me and what time we would meet, then, once we hung up, I put my clothes back on and dragged my ass to the bathroom to clean up before bed.

  I looked at my reflection in the mirror and did my best to convince myself that this plan would work. That Trey would be a great Ben substitute and that going out with him was my way of getting things back to the way they should be. However, as I finally lay down on my bed and closed my eyes, Ben returned to my mind.

  Realizing that my step-daddy was here to stay, I flipped onto my stomach and groaned at how royally screwed I was to want the one man I knew I couldn’t have.

  Chapter 12 – Ben

  I had four conference calls, three meetings, signed two deals and fucked one intern on my office desk, and Jessica was still the only thing on my mind.

  I had stopped getting excited about just talking and flirting with a woman at the age of seventeen when I learned what seduction and fucking were all about, but for the first time in over two decades, it did it for me. Getting to know Jessica, flirting with her on my living room floor and getting caught up in her beauty and innocence had aroused me more than Vanessa’s pussy and I wanted more.

  Desperate to see her again, I rescheduled a business dinner with my new CFO and headed home. For some reason I can’t fathom, I stopped at a local pizza place and ordered two large pies to go. Maybe she would have to study again, and I wanted to be ready to keep her company the right way.

  As I parked my car, I realized that both Pam’s and Jessica’s cars were parked in our garage and felt my excitement dwindle a bit at the thought of having to share my night with my wife as well. Since there was nothing I could do about it, I checked myself in the mirror, and after assuring that my hair was perfect and my tie was straight, I grabbed the pizzas and stepped out of my car.

  Loud, annoying yelling was the first thing I noticed when I walked through the front door. Living alone for most of my life, my existence was a peaceful one and, most of the time, the only sound that ever echoed in my home was music playing in the background. I liked it that way and, for that reason, an instant frown formed between my eyes as I followed the sound all the way to my kitchen.

  The closer I got, the louder and clearer their angry words became. Then, once I was almost at the end of the hallway, Pam barked something that made me stop walking.

  “I thought that phase of your life was over, Jessica. That boy isn’t good for you, and you know it.”

  My nostrils flared with an anger I could barely control. Rationally, I knew I had absolutely no right to feel the way I did, but I didn’t really care. I wanted Jessica more than I had wanted anyone in a long time and though I couldn’t have her, that desire still made her mine.

  A groan echoed towards me, and Jessica’s voice followed. “Oh, my god, mom. Can you just not meddle? It’s my life, and I’m an adult. Those two things assure that I can do and see whoever I want, whenever I want.”

  Even more peeved by those words, I forced my feet to move again just as Pam started arguing that despite Jessica’s adulthood, her decision to go out for dinner and drinks with her ex was childish and stupid. In total agreement with my wife, I filled my lungs, straightened my back, and wore my commanding, powerful CEO expression as I made my way into the kitchen.

  “What the fucking hell is this godawful screaming in my house?” I demanded, making it crystal clear how annoyed I was.

  At my presence, both mother and daughter turned to look at me. Instantly, my eyes zoomed into Jessica who was wearing a pair of dark wash jeans that hugged her curvy hips and toned legs in ways that should be illegal. Her juicy cleavage was on full display thanks to the plunging neckline of her white boho top, and her face had a light coating of makeup that highlighted her natural beauty. It was without a doubt a date-worthy look, and I hated to see her dressed up like that for another man.

  She pulled in a deep breath when our gazes met. The angry intensity in my eyes made Jessica visibly flinch under my stare, and the corners of my lips tugged upward just a little bit at her reaction. Her mouth opened as if she was getting ready to say something, but before any words came out, I turned my attention to Pam.

  Unlike her daughter, Pam was clean faced, wearing lounging clothes and with an angry fire in her eyes that almost matched mine. With her hands on her hips, she said, “I’m sorry about the yelling, Ben. I didn’t realize we were so loud, but my daughter is being impossible, and I got carried away.”

  Jessica groaned at her mother’s words, but I just ignored her as I placed the pizzas over the counter and waved a hand at my wife’s apology. “I don’t want apologies, I want to know what’s happening.”

  “My ex-boyfriend is in town and invited me out for drinks and something to eat,” Jessica blurted out before her mother could say anything. I turned my eyes to her once more and received a challenging glance as she continued, “I said yes—not that it concerns either of you since I’m a freaking adult.”

  I clenched my teeth and pulled a long and deep breath to calm the need I suddenly felt to spank her. The idea of my hand slapping her naked round ass was arousing, but not enough to completely subside the anger I felt at that moment.

  “You may be an adult, but what you do is absolutely our concern,” I explained in a calm and purposely condescending voice. “You’re Pam’s daughter, living under my roof and I’m the one paying for your education. For those reasons, you need to respect your mother, the house’s rules and honor the investment I’m making in your future.”

  A spark of outraged fire glowed in Jessica’s eyes at my words, but I didn’t back down or looked away from her. Instead, I stood beside her mother and continued to stare deep into her eyes challenging her anger and stubbornness with my own.

  “So, you’re saying that because you’re paying for stuff and my mom doesn’t like Trey, I don’t get to have a life. Is that it?” There was disdain for both her mother and me as she asked the question.

  Deep down, I wanted to say that it wasn’t right. That she could have a life as long as it didn’t involve another man meddling with what was mine. But I knew I couldn’t say that, especially in front of Pam, so instead I pulled in a deep breath and prepared myself to give he
r another good—and acceptable—explanation as to why she couldn’t leave with Trey.

  However, before a word came out of my mouth, the doorbell rang. Jessica looked behind me and took a step toward the arch leading into the hallway, but I stepped in front of her.

  “We have a butler in this house,” I informed in a cold and firm tone. Then, narrowing my eyes at her, I added, “And you don’t walk out on me.”

  Her chest bounced with heavy breaths as our silent staring match continued. With each passing second, my desire to grab her by the neck and kiss her lips grew and, despite Pam’s presence, I almost gave in. Luckily, before I had a chance to do something I would certainly regret, Geoffrey walked in to announce Trey Mulligan.

  Finally, Jessica looked away from my eyes and smiled as she walked around me. “Hey, Trey,” she brazenly greeted, and my hands balled up into fists.

  I turned around just in time to see Jessica—my Jessica—wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him on the cheek. My blood boiled and my hands closed so tightly my knuckles grew white and cold.

  My problem with him wasn’t just the sweet greeting he had gotten from the woman I desired. It wasn’t even the moronic smile on his lips or the fact that he had chosen to wear a t-shirt, jeans, and Chucks to a date. No, my problem was that I simply couldn’t understand what the hell she was doing with him. There was no way a boy like that would ever be good enough or able to satisfy her as well as I could.

  “Hi, Ms. Carlisle,” he greeted in a cocky voice.

  Pam let out an audible sigh, and when I stole a glance sideways to look at her, her lips were pressed together in the grimmest of smiles. “Hello, Trey. Hope you’re doing well.”

  I rolled my eyes at her politeness and interrupted the chit-chat.

  “She’s Mrs. Walker now, and I’m her husband, Benjamin Walker,” I said as I walked in his direction and extended a hand. The confident smile slipped right off his lips at my approach, and I reveled in the feeling of superiority his reaction brought me.

  The boy cleared his throat and placed his cold palm in mine. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Nice to meet you, Sir.”

  At least he was properly addressing me. It would have been tough for me to allow him to keep his teeth in his mouth had he called me by my given name. Through the corner of my eyes, I saw the annoyed look Jessica was giving me, and the knowledge that I was affecting her made my lips curl into a smile as I squeezed his hand with all of my strength.

  “I wouldn’t say that it’s nice to meet you, but since I have, let me make some things clear,” I started while still squeezing his fingers and received dirty looks from Jessica and Pam who had suddenly materialized beside me. Not fazed by them one bit, I continued, “I’m new at this parenting thing, but Pam and Jessica mean a lot to me. I won’t have anyone mess up their lives or hurt them. Is that clear?”

  Trey pulled in a long breath and nodded. At his unsatisfactory reply, I tightened my grip a bit more, and though he visibly winced, he also answered with words. “Yes, sir.”

  “Good,” I said finally releasing my hold on him. He covered his right hand with his left and massaged the pain away as I added, “Since it’s a weeknight and Jessica has classes tomorrow, I expect her back here and you gone by ten-thirty.”

  “What?” Jessica protested with loathing in her eyes. “You’re not my father, Ben. You can’t give me stupid rules like that.”

  I raised a brow and tilted my head. “Of course, I can. My house, my rules.”

  Jessica groaned and asked her mother for help, but before Pam could say anything, Trey grabbed her hand and said, “It’s fine, bab—” he cut the pet name short and, after clearing his throat, said “Jess. It’s early. We have plenty time to talk. Let’s just go.”

  She gave me another snarky glare, then turned around and vanished down the hall. After wishing Pam and I a good evening, Trey disappeared behind her.

  Although I still hated the fact that Jessica was going out with another man, knowing I had Trey’s fear and respect made me relax a bit. I knew that he would think a hundred times before laying a hand on her, which would allow me just enough time to figure out how to make her mine without losing my deal with Pam in the process.

  Once I heard the front door close, I let out a long breath and turned to look at my wife. To my surprise, she had her arms crossed, lips pursed and a pissed off arched brow on her face. Knowing for a fact that the expression had something to do with me, I reminded myself why I had stayed unmarried for so long and once more cursed my father for forcing me to take a wife.

  Chapter 13 – Pam

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” Ben asked as if he was so innocent, it was the first real flaw in the man I had begun to consider a friend and my saving grace.

  For a moment, I debated whether or not I should voice my concerns. I had a lot riding on this marriage and couldn’t really afford to jeopardize it because of my over-protective concerns. On the other hand, however, Jessica was my daughter and, like I had warned Ben last night, it was my job to do everything in my power to protect her.

  I pulled in a lungful of air and grew a little taller in my spine as I met his questioning gaze with a firm and serious stare. “Because apparently, the warning I gave you yesterday didn’t stick as well as I hoped.”

  Ben raised a questioning brow, and his lips pulled to one side in one of his cocky grins as he walked past me towards the dishes cabinet. Grabbing two plates, he asked, “Warning? What warning?”

  “The one about staying the hell away from my twenty-two-year-old daughter,” I deadpanned.

  He turned his eyes to me with an outrage that was so fake it was almost funny, but his gaze quickly drifted to the pizza boxes over the counter. “I’m not sure what you’re implying, but I don’t like it. Fake marriage or not, you’re still my wife, Pam. I would never be inappropriate to your daughter. Now, come choose what flavor you want. I’m starving.”

  The casual way he lied was so insulting it made me angry. In fact, it made me livid, and as a result, my politeness vanished. No longer caring about my financial gain in this arrangement, I took a few steps towards my husband and came to a stop close enough to him that I could smell the clover notes of his cologne.

  In a low and almost whispery voice, I said, “Don’t insult me, Benjamin. I saw the way you were all cozy to Jessica yesterday, and the pissing match with Trey just now was obvious. She’s a pretty and young woman, and you want her.”

  At those words, Ben turned to look at me. His blue eyes were cold, and his expression was almost mocking.

  “Are you jealous, honey?” he asked in the most offensive and condescending tone I had ever heard.

  My nostrils flared with a new wave of anger, but I didn’t allow it to rile me enough to make me yell or slap him—though, he kind of deserved it. Instead, I stayed leveled and rolled my eyes.

  “Don’t flatter yourself,” I blurted out, allowing the disdain I felt for him to show. “I haven’t been into workaholic man-child since Jessica’s father. The only feelings I have for you are friendship and a weird sense of duty towards your dead father, but to be honest, you’re acting like such an ass that those feelings are fading fast.”

  His eyes widened and a dangerous light shined on them. “I’m acting like an ass?” I nodded a reply, and, in an even darker tone, he replied. “You’re the one accusing me when all I did was help protect your daughter from a man you didn’t want her to go out with.”

  Although his words sounded reasonable and very convincing, there was a nagging feeling in my gut that called it bullshit. Still, I reeled in my temper once more to avoid further drama and only said, “Okay, then. If that’s the case, then I owe you thanks. But please, keep in mind that though I want to be your friend and wife for the duration of our agreement, the only reason I accepted this crazy fake marriage thing was to give a better life to Jessica. If I suspect that you’re making a move on her, I’ll divorce your ass before you can say you’re sorry. She’s bright
and special, and I won’t allow anyone or anything to stand in her way. Not even myself. Is that clear?”

  Ben’s face didn’t lie, he was annoyed as hell at me and my threat. But I honestly didn’t give a crap about it. All I cared was that he eventually nodded and, in a dry and worried tone, said, “Crystal clear. Now, do you want some pizza?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do,” I replied, and he quickly placed a slice of fresh margarita pizza on my plate.

  We sat at the kitchen table—an object Ben admitted not knowing existed in his home—and munched on the greasy goodness together. For the first few minutes, our interaction was stiff and awkward, but after a couple of slices and a bottle of beer each, things lightened up, and we went back to being friendly as we usually were.

  For the rest of the night, we talked about things at his office, my application to the first-class international position and how much I didn’t need him to talk to his golfing buddy on my behalf. When Jessica finally returned home that night, Ben and I were still talking in the living room.

  I was honestly relieved when he kissed me on the cheek and excused himself without so much as a glance in her direction. If this was going to work, then we all had to remember what was our part in this arrangement and I was happy and hopeful that Ben had—though reluctantly—remembered his.

  For all our sake, I just really hoped he wouldn’t eventually forget.