Yet, she couldn’t say that. Her gaze locked with Hunter’s and she had the feeling he could read her mind. Andi looked away. Much to her surprise, Katie was looking at her, and there was a smirk on her face. Did she know about her relationship with Hunter? If yes, how much was she aware? Or perhaps she could tell that they weren’t really on speaking terms.
Andi hated the constant speculation that went on in her head.
Sometimes she wished she could keep quiet the voices that bothered her so, but of course, it was her own conscience. Rather than talk to the girls, she concentrated on her work. “What are you wearing, Katie?” asked Simone.
She was sitting so close to Hunter that if he wanted, he could touch her leg. Andi could imagine his hand sliding up the other girl’s calves and the sensations that would vibrate through Simone's nerves. She’d been there, and she knew exactly how mesmerizing his touch could be. She shook her head to free herself from these thoughts and opened a new file on her laptop.
“I am wearing a green, full length gown,” said Katie. “What about you?”
“I am confused between two choices. A hot red number or a classic black one,” said Simone with a pout. “What do you think, Hunter? Do you think red would suit me better or black?”
“You will look great whatever you wear,” he said without glancing her way.
“Always the gentleman, aren't you?” Simone trilled. Andi wanted to punch the other girl. She was so fake. Couldn’t the others see through her nonsense? Why didn’t Hunter realize that she was chasing him? Perhaps he liked being the center of so much attention. Andi wished she could walk away but that would raise a lot of questions. She had to sit here and endure this flirtation and pretend that it didn’t affect her.
“We should go and start work,” said Katie.
“Oh dear God, you’re not turning into another Andi,” groaned Simone. “Work, work and more work, that’s all she thinks about.”
It was a clear jibe but Andi didn’t give her a reply. She didn’t want to stoop to the other girl's level. If she answered once, she would be forced to do so again and again and all she wanted was some peace and quiet. “It’s important to work hard and establish these habits,” said Hunter. “It wouldn’t hurt for you to try that, Simone.”
That shut her up good. If Andi wasn’t careful, she might have laughed, but she didn’t think the woman would ever forgive her if she showed such open encouragement for Hunter’s comment. Instead of saying something, she concentrated on her work. Simone got off the table, huffed, and left.
Katie smiled. “Don’t think she liked it.”
“I guess she didn’t,” said Hunter.
“Take care. See you guys tomorrow.”
After they left, Andi studiously ignored Hunter’s gaze. She didn’t want him to know that she was pleased he took her side. Perhaps she should say something, but anything she said would lead to something more, and she just didn’t want more complication. But one thing was sure; his little comment made her heart lift and allowed her spirit to soar.
Tomorrow was another day, and she looked forward to the charity gala. It was bound to be a fun affair, and she wanted to have a good time. It had been too long since she allowed herself some leeway to simply enjoy herself. It would be her day to break free from the rules that she bound herself in.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Andi checked her reflection in the mirror of the bathroom. Without being arrogant, she had to admit that she looked good. Fucking great, actually. She’d worn the cream dress that Laura and Justin got for her from their honeymoon. It highlighted her hair and made her eyes appear brighter. A thick coat of eyeliner and soft lipstick completed her look. Tonight, she wasn’t going to think about her issues and dilemmas. It was a night for dancing, for laughing, and for making merry.
When she strode out of her room, Hunter was checking something on his phone. He looked up, and she saw him gape. She wanted to stop and admire him; he looked incredible. But instead, she ignored him and went downstairs. Her father was looking handsome in a tuxedo.
“Wow, honey. You look beautiful. Doesn’t she, Hunter?”
“Yes, of course,” he said in a strangled voice as he walked downstairs behind her.
Andi actually felt a slight buzz in her heart. He wasn’t as unaffected by her presence and appearance as he tried hard to portray. Good. She wanted him to suffer just like she did whenever she saw him. They sat in the car, and she made sure that there was enough distance between them for him not to get any ideas. But he studiously kept his gaze away from her as they drove to the office.
When she stepped out of the car, Andi was glad to see Austin, a new intern who joined just a day before. She smiled. “Hey, Austin. Are you waiting for someone?”
He was a geeky guy who was a foot taller than her and wore glasses that made him appear much older than his age. “No, I…I don’t know anyone so…”
She felt sorry for the guy. “Austin, this is my father, Justin, and my stepmother, Laura. And you know Hunter, of course.” She turned away before Hunter could say anything and tucked her hand under Austin’s arm. He looked flabbergasted by her sudden move, but she was determined to help him, and also use him as an excuse to walk away from Hunter. “Come, we can go inside, and I will introduce you to others.”
She strolled inside and headed for the group of interns who were lounging in one corner. “They have done a fine job of decorating this place.” She looked around. The boring hall was converted into a festive one for this occasion. Three huge buffet tables stood at various ends, and there was a stage on the far side where the speeches would be made. A live band was scheduled to make an appearance later. “Hey, guys. Austin and I were admiring the hard work that’s been done here.”
“Yes, it’s rather grand,” said Katie. Simone turned away and started talking to someone. So she hadn’t forgiven Andi for the comment that Hunter made. It didn’t matter to her. She stood with them and made small talk as they all waited for the ceremony to begin. The chairman was scheduled to make a speech. They waited with everyone, and the program started on time. Andi listened intently. She saw her dad and stepmother in the crowd, but she didn’t see Hunter. Good. Maybe he intended to stay out of her way as much as she planned to do with him.
It was crazy that they had to go to such lengths to avoid each other, and yet, there wasn’t much they could do to fight the mutual attraction that bound them to each other. “Do you want something to drink?” asked Austin once the speeches were over.
“Actually, yes. Thanks. I wouldn’t mine a glass of wine.”
Once he trotted off, she smiled at Katie. “Nice party, isn’t it?”
“It seems so. And it appears that you have already acquired a boyfriend,” said Simone in a catty voice.
“He isn’t my boyfriend. Austin is new, and I am just trying to make him feel comfortable.”
“Whatever, dear.” Simon walked away.
Andi wanted to stick out her tongue, but she resisted the impulse. The woman was deliberately trying to make her mad. Did she suspect that the reason why Hunter wasn’t interested was because he liked Andi? If so, she was in a lot of trouble. It wouldn’t take long for Simone to advertise that fact to everyone she knew. The woman liked to make trouble. She thrived on it. Andi felt uneasy. Austin came back with her drink, and she thanked him. As she talked to Austin and sipped her wine, Andi realized that he was an easy guy. Although he was a bit shy, once he began to discuss his ideas, she could see that he had a spark. It wouldn’t be half bad to hang out with him. At least it was better than loitering around bitchy girls like Simone or Hunter who made her heart beat much faster than normal.
When the dancing started, Andi pulled Austin on the dance floor. She saw Wesley with Katie and didn’t feel even the tiniest bit of jealousy. Despite her best efforts, her heart never accepted Wesley as a substitute for Hunter. No man could ever replace him. He was unique, special and perhaps because he was off-limits, she wanted him more. Or maybe the
re was some real connection. Much to her surprise, Austin was a confident dancer. Sure, it wasn’t like when she danced with Hunter. They had a chemistry that was way too obvious, but then she couldn’t really expect poor Austin to compete with Hunter.
And why the hell was she thinking about him all that much?
Andi was annoyed with herself. Once the dance was finished, she excused herself and went out. After making her way to the bathroom, she refreshed her makeup. “Don’t think about him. Don’t think about him.”
Tears pricked at the back of her mind. Who was she fooling? She was crazy about Hunter. Loved him? Perhaps, yes. There was no way she could live knowing that he was nearby but she couldn’t be with him. This party would have been so different had she been with him. She would have been the life of the party, and he would have been too. They would have rocked the dance floor. But nothing like this could happen. Even if they had a relationship, it would always have to be hidden.
Not that he was even thinking along those lines.
When she went out, much to her shock, he was lounging right outside. As always, her heart thumped at the sight of his long, lean legs, his wide shoulders, and gorgeous face. She wanted to walk into his arms and kiss him senseless. Her body ached to join with him and make wild love. “What are you doing here?”
“Waiting for you.”
For a moment, she was speechless. What the hell did he want now? “Why?”
“I saw you dancing with Austin.”
She shrugged and began to walk back towards the hall. “So?”
“I didn’t like it.”
Andi was sure she didn’t hear him right. He was jealous. No way. Up until now, he had shown her that he didn’t really care what she did and whom she did it with. Once they broke up, he just wasn’t interested in her anymore. Why the hell was he pretending that he cared now?
She whirled to face him. God! He looked so handsome in a tuxedo. She wanted to rip it off him and get her greedy hands on his hot body. “What?”
“I didn’t like you dancing with him.”
“You were jealous?”
“Damn right I was,” he exploded. His hand landed on her and he tugged her into a corner, behind the pillar. When his lips clamped on hers, she didn’t quite know how to respond. Andi didn’t know that her body craved him with such greed, because without meaning to do so, she kissed him back. His lips were demanding, and she allowed him to devour her. Her tongue clashed with his in an erotic dance that left her breathless. When he lifted his head, she saw the coils of desire that leapt and coiled in his eyes.
He wanted her.
She’d known that always, but Andi didn’t want to end up under him and then continue this cycle of ignoring each other they had fallen into. “We shouldn’t do this.”
“Wait.” He put his arm in front of her so that she couldn’t leave. “Please. We need to talk.”
Anger exploded deep in her belly. How dare he treat her as if what she wanted wasn’t important? “When I wanted to talk, you didn’t want to, and now when I am not interested, suddenly you are eager to say whatever is on your mind.”
“I’ve always wanted to talk to you, make love to you, and be with you. But it’s…important for us not to be seen together. I am tired of pretending that I don’t care, Andi. I…have real feelings for you, and as hard as I have tried to suppress them, I just can’t do it anymore.”
All the breath whooshed out of her body. She couldn’t believe he was saying these things. For a few moments, she could only stare at him because if she took her gaze off him, he would vanish and she would realize that this was nothing more than a dream. “What did you say?”
He put his hand on her cheek, and she felt her skin burn from the brief contact. “I…think I am in love with you. I can’t think about anyone else but you. I can’t do anything but want you. It’s a disease.”
“You love me?”
He nodded. “I do. I really do.”
This was insane. He couldn’t be saying all those things, and yet she could read the truth in his gaze. He was finally telling her what was in his heart. How could she reject him when she felt the same way? Andi bit her bottom lip. Tears pricked her eyes. “I love you too.”
His lips claimed her once more, and this time, she slipped her arms around his neck. His tongue tasted each nook and cranny in her mouth. It swept over her lips and kindled a desire that was impossible to ignore. She melted in his arms. Her breasts pushed against his chest as she allowed him to caress and fondle her. At the sound of footsteps, they stopped. She stepped away, feeling aghast, but luckily whoever it was didn’t come their way. Hunter grabbed her hand and pulled her away.
“Where are we going?” she whispered.
“There is a coat room here somewhere,” he muttered.
Pushing open a door, he stepped through. She caught a glimpse of several jackets and wraps before he pushed her against the wall and clamped his lips on her. The fire that burned inside was hotter than ever before. It sizzled through her blood. Arousal was instantaneous. His lips nibbled down her throat and she took a big gulp of the air as his hands played with her dress. Lifting it, he ran his hands over her thighs and hips and then cupped her waist. He pushed his groin against her and she felt his cock straining against her.
It longed to be free from the confines of his clothes and plunge into her. She could feel his need and it matched that which set her on fire. She fiddled with the buttons of his trousers and they slipped off. If someone came in now, they were screwed. The thought flashed through her mind, but she couldn’t really make sense of it. It didn’t matter where they were and what could happen; she wanted him, and if she didn’t feel him throbbing inside her, she would go mad.
When she cupped his cock in her hands, Andi felt the burn of it. His finger tugged down her panties and she slipped out of them. He cupped his fingers around her warm butt and hoisted her up. There was no time for foreplay. If she didn’t have him now, she would die. Her pussy brushed against his penis and she wrapped her legs around his hips. Pushing her against the wall, he positioned himself and then pushed inside her with a massive thrust. He speared through her with such ease that she hardly felt the movement until he was deep within her muscles. Her pussy expanded to accommodate him. When he pulled his cock out, she felt her juices stick to his engorged cock. Once more, he thrust into with all that he had. With each move, she felt the storm that was already crashing within her body. Andi was breathless with need. She clenched his shoulders as her breasts heaved. The ride was hard, and it was incredibly, incredibly good.
Sensations, wild, strong, and stormy, pulsated through her. Andi couldn’t think, she couldn’t reason. All she could feel was Hunter’s pelvic bone as it ground against her and his cock as it speared her again and again. Once more his mouth crushed on to hers. They were joined in the most intimate way possible. His cock throbbed inside her and his mouth was clinging to hers. His tongue danced with hers for some time, and then she threw back her head and let out a moan. The ocean of pleasure that crashed and swelled through her was violent. His lips nibbled down her throat and each kiss was delicate and loving.
“Hunter,” she said his name as if it was a prayer.
As if he understood her unspoken command, his fingers tightened on her butt and he picked up his pace. She matched his rhythm, moving her hips in time to the motion of his impressive cock. Again and again, he thrust inside her and then pulled out. Her pussy contracted and expanded. When he slammed into her, her clit vibrated with need. She could feel the crash and pull of the waves of pleasure as they careened through her veins. Her skin hummed with a craving for release.
She fucking loved it.
Andi had forgotten where she was and what they came here for. All she could think about his hot, hard body that crashed into her and the way he made her feel. His fingers dug into the flesh of her butt and she loved, loved the feel of them. He made her spin higher and higher on the roller coaster ride until she thought she coul
dn’t go further. Everything inside her sizzled and burned. Her blood boiled, and she was beyond reason. When the orgasm slammed through her, her toes curled and she trembled in his arms. A moment later, he exploded inside her.
Putting his forehead on hers, he rested. She took great, gulping breaths of air. He let her down and she felt his still firm cock slide out of her. Picking up her panties, she donned them while he pulled up his trousers. Just as she was about to say something the door of the coat room opened.
Andi gasped at the sight of the person. Hunter’s cheeks flushed with color. “You?” he said.
She felt as if her legs didn’t have any feelings. If she weren’t standing against the wall, she would have collapsed to the ground. They were in deep shit, and from now on, nothing would be the same again.
*****
Secrets with My Stepbrother, Volume Three is will be out on June 7, 2015 currently available on pre-order here. To be notified as soon as the book is available, please sign up for my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/_6x31.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Secrets with My Stepbrother, Vol. 2 Page 6