A Step Two Close

by Jaimie Roberts

Hunter soon got in the other side of the car and pulled out of the parking space. I waved to Mandy and Christian as they waved back. They still looked worried about me.

  “Who’s the guy?”

  I had to smile at Hunter. Maybe he did care. “He’s a . . .” Hiccup. “He’s a . . .” Hiccup. “He’s a fwiend.”

  He looked over and smiled for a moment. “Just a fwiend?”

  I giggled. “Yes, just a fwiend. Whydoyouwannaknow anyway?” I slurred.

  “You haven’t fucked him?” I started laughing. “What’s so funny?”

  “I haven’t got the right equipment. You do, though.”

  When he saw what I meant, his eyes widened—making me giggle again. He eventually straightened himself up and smiled. “That’s good then.”

  I frowned. “Why?”

  He shook his head. “It just is.”

  I huffed, but I didn’t say anymore. I was too pissed to care. All I wanted was my bed. In fact, I started dozing off just when Hunter came to a stop.

  He got out of the car, and, before I knew it, I was back in his arms again. “AJ, wake up. Where’s your key?”

  I chuckled. “You’re not putting your key in my lock.”

  He tightened his hold. “Shh... We’re at your house.”

  I put my finger to my lip and burst out laughing again. Just as I did, the porch light came on, and the front door opened.

  “Oh, Kat. I’m so sorry if we woke you. I just wanted to make sure Ayden got home safely.”

  My mum looked at me cradled in Hunter’s arms before turning her attention back to him. “That’s very noble of you, Hunter. Thank you. Please, do come in.”

  I rolled my eyes at her sickly voice as Hunter walked through the door. As soon as he was through, he placed me down on my feet and steadied me.

  “I’m fineeee,” I protested again.

  Hunter smiled. “Okay.” He winked at me, and I almost lost my footing again.

  “I’m so appreciative of you bringing her home. I do worry about her when she goes out late at night.”

  Worry, my arse!

  “That’s okay, Kat. I wouldn’t be a very good stepbrother if I didn’t take care of my stepsister, now would I?”

  My God, now he’s just being plain sick. Did he have to bring up the fact that we’re going to be a family soon?

  My mum smiled sweetly. “Of course.” She then looked toward the kitchen. “Do you fancy staying for a coffee before you go home?”

  Hunter shook his head. “No, that’s fine. Thank you, Kat. It’s Sunday tomorrow, and I have to be up in time for swimming practice.”

  Mum smiled again. “That’s right, of course. Enjoy your day tomorrow.”

  He nodded and headed towards the door. “I will.” He looked towards where I was standing. “I’ll see you next Saturday.” He gave a little wave and was out the door before I knew it.

  I was about to head up the stairs when my mum stopped me. “What did I fucking tell you about showing me up? I warned you, and straight away you went against me. Are you doing this on purpose?”

  I sighed. “I didn’t know he was going to be at the bar, did I? It’s not my fault he turned up and saw me.”

  She pointed her finger at me with venom in her eyes. “You’re a disgrace. If your father could see you now, he would be ashamed.”

  I felt my anger rise. “Don’t bring Dad into this.”

  She threw her hands up. “Why not? He would be embarrassed by you—just as I’m embarrassed by you.”

  She was pushing my buttons, and she knew it. “Just as embarrassed as he would be about you going around fucking every Tom, Dick, and Harry who gives you the time of day.”

  I was so busy looking at how mad I had made her that I didn’t even notice the hand that was about to connect with my face. “Your dad’s already told me that he’s ashamed of you and that you must be punished.” Before I could even wrap my head around what she was saying, I felt the immediate sting, and then I remember falling.

  I just don’t remember anything after that.

  Chapter Six

  My week was up. Seven whole days had gone by in a blur. It was moving day for Hunter and Mason, and I was determined to keep out of their way. In fact, I had been keeping my head down all week. When I eventually woke on the hallway floor at five o’clock in the morning last Sunday, I picked myself up, took some painkillers for my throbbing headache, and spent the rest of the day in bed. I had a mark on my face from where my dearest mother had hit me, but, one week later, it had virtually disappeared. I didn’t know what on earth she was on about that night, talking as though my father was alive. I daren’t ask her because I knew it would only end up in another confrontation. She was paranoid as it was without me adding salt to the wounds I knew she would inflict on me in the end. It was always best to leave well enough alone. Maybe she had been drinking herself that night. Who knows?

  Mandy made good on her promise to call me and so did Christian. I didn’t want to see anyone because of how embarrassed I was. Instead, I got up, went to college, came home, and stayed in my room. That was all I ever did. Despite the fact that I was bored out of my brains, I couldn’t have anyone looking at me with pity in their eyes. Mandy knew about my mother and so did Christian, but Hunter and Mason didn’t know a thing. They just thought she was this sweet, single parent, who had lost her dearly departed husband almost thirteen years ago.

  Little did they know...

  I was keeping well out. It was lucky for me that today was a beautiful day, which warranted having my tan topped up. I had been doing this for a couple of hours each day once I got home from college, and my skin was already turning a nice bronze colour.

  I was lying on the sun lounger, basking in the heat. I loved spring and summer. They were my favourite times of the year. I had topped up my sun lotion about twenty minutes prior and was lying flat with my eyes closed. I just wished I had more privacy, so I could take my top off. In fact, I was planning to do just that from my balcony once the sun got a little warmer later.

  I was just thinking how peaceful it was to be out of my mother’s way when a shadow was suddenly cast over me. I knew it was a person straight away.

  “Hey, sis. Not drunk today I see.”

  I moaned, knowing all too well who it was. I opened my eyes and squinted, finding Hunter standing there with nothing but his trunks on.

  Shit, he was hot. I couldn’t stand the fact that his body was taut with just the right amount of muscles. They were all standing proud, aching for me to touch them. His dark hair shone golden in the sun, which made me realise his hair wasn’t as black as I thought it was. His green eyes sparkled as they undressed me with wild abandon.

  Yes, he was looking at me. He was making it obvious that he was leering, but instead of hating it, I loved every sweep of his eyes as they roamed over me. I wanted it, but hated it all at the same time.

  “What are you doing here?”

  Hunter smiled and sat down next to me. “It’s moving day, remember? We’ve been busy bringing boxes in, but you’ve been out here the whole time. Your mum said it was probably best to leave you alone.” He gave me that concerned look again. “So, what’s up?”

  I propped myself up a little, realising that my peace and quiet was over. “Nothing’s up; I was just getting a tan.”

  He looked me over again, and it made my knees weak. “So I see. You’re looking good, sis.”

  I sighed. “Will you stop calling me that? I’m not your sis.”

  He looked me up and down once more. “No, you most certainly aren’t.”

  I sat up a little. “Then, why do you keep calling me that?”

  Hunter shrugged his shoulders. “I guess it makes me horny. I may even call you that when I fuck you.”

  I huffed. “You’re sick. Do you know that?”

  Hunter laughed. “And do you know how easy it is to wind you up?”

  I rolled my eyes and sighed. “Why did you come out here, Hunter? I’m trying to enjoy
some peace and quiet.”

  He pointed to the pool. “I came to do some lengths. Want to join me?”

  I shook my head and got up from the sun lounger. “No, thank you.” I got up and started to walk away when Hunter whistled.

  “Hmm... That’s a fine peachy arse you got there, AJ. I can see your bottoms riding all the way up that tight little crack of yours.”

  I turned and placed my hands on my hips. “Will you stop it?”

  He got up in my face, making me immediately breathless. “Why?”

  “Because you can’t be like that with me anymore. It was one night. One. It won’t be repeated.” Just remembering that night made my nipples stand to attention. Hunter noticed of course. He noticed bloody everything. He licked his lips with a little growl. “I’m only asking for one day. One night wasn’t enough. When will it get through your head that this is going to happen?”

  I pushed at him a little. “It’s never going to happen.” I gave him one final push to get him in the pool and as far away from me as possible, but Hunter was fast.

  Grabbing my arm, he pulled us both in. We crashed into the pool and the cold water hit me straight away.

  Once I came up for air, I scowled at him. “You bastard!”

  Hunter laughed. “You’re the one that pushed me in.”

  “Is everything okay over there?”

  My mum’s sickly sweet voice called to us from one of the upstairs balconies. We both looked up and Hunter started swimming towards me at the pool’s edge.

  “We’re fine. Thank you, Kat. Just getting to know each other.”

  With one side of the pool hiding us, Hunter slipped his finger into my bikini bottoms and straight away found my clit. I moaned a little, gripping the pool’s edge.

  “That’s so sweet. Do you like the pool?”

  His finger slipped over and over on that sweet spot he knew would make me weak. I was paralysed—unable to do anything but feel every pleasurable flick.

  “The water’s perfect, Kat. It feels great.” He looked my way and growled a little in my direction. The only thing I could do was frown my ecstasy back at him and hope my mother didn’t see my torture.

  Why did he have to touch me?

  “That’s good. You need to make yourself at home here, Hunter. Our home is your home now.”

  He smiled my way, flicking his finger ever so gently across my nub. It was rock hard now and eager for a release I knew I wasn’t going to get.

  “Oh, I will, Kat. I certainly will. Thank you.” He didn’t take his eyes from me the whole time he spoke. It was only when my mum’s shrill voice could be heard that he turned.

  “You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you’re here now.”

  Heat was rising throughout my body. I thought I was going to explode. I wanted to stop him, but I knew I couldn’t do that without my mum knowing what was happening. Instead, I gripped onto the side with all my might, determined not to let him see just how fucking glorious his touch felt.

  But then I did the one thing that gave me away. I moaned.

  “Are you okay, Ayden?”

  I looked up to my mother with a pained expression on my face. Hunter wouldn’t stop his onslaught. In fact, he was picking up the pace. “I’m fineeee... Oh my God!”

  Shit! I’m totally giving myself away. Every move he made, and every swipe of his finger had my pulse sky-rocketing. I could hardly move—hardly breathe—it felt so good. My orgasm was climbing, and I knew I was going to blow any second.

  I can’t believe he’s doing this. Surely he doesn’t want me to orgasm right here, right now?

  I looked across at Hunter, who was smiling from ear to ear. “You’re close, aren’t you, sweetheart?” he whispered. “Come all over my fingers.”

  I moaned again, and Hunter looked up to my mum. “Ayden’s fine. She just has a little cramp in her toes. It’s common when you go swimming.”

  Closing my eyes, I gripped the side of the pool so hard that my knuckles started turning white. I was going to come. I could feel it. I was going to come here in the pool—in front of my house with my mother watching the whole thing.

  Please, no!

  “As long as everything’s okay?”

  Please go. Please just go away!

  Hunter waved with his other hand. “She’s fine.”

  My mother waved back, turned, and just as she disappeared back into the house, I blew like a fucking rocket.

  “Fuck me, that’s sexy.”

  Colours danced in front of my eyes, blinding me from sight. At first, I couldn’t breathe or even move. I was still gripping the pool’s edge for dear life in the hope that it would keep me from going under.

  Hunter pulled his hand away. “Do you have any idea how hard I am for you right now?”

  I shivered at the loss of his touch. With my orgasm fading, I was able to take stock of the situation I was in.

  “Shit, Hunter. Why did you do that?”

  He smiled brightly, revealing to me those perfect white teeth of his. “Are you telling me you didn’t enjoy that?” He moved to grab my hand. “Here, come and feel how much I did.”

  In that instant, I swam towards the ladder. “No!” I exclaimed. I certainly wasn’t going to get myself in even bigger trouble. He had only been here five minutes, and already he had me basking in a glorious orgasm.

  Hunter started laughing as he watched me climb up the stairs. “So. Damn. Sexy. I could bite that peachy arse of yours.”

  I got to the top, turned round, and gave him the finger. Hunter laughed even harder. “That just makes me want it more.”

  I huffed my annoyance and moved towards the house. I didn’t want to be where my mother was. Hopefully she was still in her bedroom.

  I had to flick away some of the water droplets from my skin. I didn’t bring a towel with me because I hadn’t planned on going in the pool just yet.

  I picked up the pace and heard Hunter swimming behind me. He was obviously going back to normalcy, swimming his lengths. I didn’t know how he could remain cool after that encounter. My breathing was still all over the place.

  As I reached the door, I cursed because I knew I was going to make the floor all wet. I would just have to bolt for my room as quickly as I could.

  As I reached the hallway, I was suddenly stopped by a hand on my arm. “Ayden, is everything okay?”

  I looked up to find Mason staring at me with a worried expression. He obviously saw my distress and wondered what was wrong.

  Fuck, I didn’t need this. If he knew it had something to do with Hunter, then he would get suspicious.

  I violently shook my head. “I’m fine, honestly. Just a little cold.”

  “Are you sure?” I nodded, and he looked down at my breasts. No doubt he saw how hard my nipples still were.

  Oh God, no.

  “Please don’t,” I implored.

  His eyes snapped to mine in shock. With the release of his hand on my arm, his posture sagged a little. “I’m sorry.” He walked away from me, and I was left in even more shock than before.

  How on earth was I going to get through the next two years with these two in my house? It was like my worst living nightmare come true.

  As I got to the top of the stairs, my mother unfortunately saw me. Her expression said it all. “What in the hell are you doing parading yourself like that around the house? You’re dripping everywhere.”

  I sighed, racing for my door. I didn’t want to be having this conversation. “I didn’t mean to go in the pool. I forgot my towel.” I got to my door and swung it open. “I’m going to shower now.” I cut her off with a slam of my door. I didn’t want to hear her venomous retort.

  I quickly got in the shower as fast as possible and it was only when I got out that I heard voices. It was Mandy.

  Oh shit! I had known she wanted to come over, but I didn’t expect her so soon. I hadn’t had a chance to warn her.

  Fuck!

  “I hope you don’t mind me coming over? I brough
t some champagne with me as a welcome gift for Mason and Hunter.”

  I heard the shutting of the front door and my mother’s shrill voice. “That’s lovely, Mandy. Please come in. I’ll get you a drink.”

  I heard muffled noises and quickly got myself ready. I put on a denim skirt, a red tank top, and I brushed my fingers through my wet hair. I had to be quick because—no doubt—Mandy was about to meet Mason very soon.

  I practically ran down the stairs towards the kitchen. When I walked in, Mandy smiled and held her glass of gin and tonic in the air. “Afternoon, Ayden.”

  My mother swung around from looking in the fridge and looked at me. “Mandy brought champagne. Isn’t that sweet of her?”

  I nodded. “Yes, it’s very sweet. Thank you, Mandy.”

  I wanted to put my finger down my throat. I thought Mandy could sense it as she smiled knowingly towards me. “You’re very welcome.” She turned to my mother. “So, when are we going to meet Mason, Miss Pearson?”

  “Did somebody say my name?”

  He appeared as if by magic in the doorway. Mandy turned, and as she did, her eyes went as wide as saucers. Luckily, my mother couldn’t see, but I certainly could. Mason halted his stance and tried desperately to hide his surprise as well.

  Out of nowhere, Mandy dropped her glass. “Holy—” I ran towards her and held my hand over her mouth.

  I laughed nervously. “I guess Mandy is overwhelmed at how handsome Mason is, Mum.” I pulled my hand away and glared at Mandy.

  My mother giggled and went to fetch the mop. “I think I had the same reaction when I met you. Didn’t I, Mason?”

  Mandy still looked shocked, but glanced down to see the mess she had made. “I’m so sorry, Miss Pearson. I’ll clean that up.”

  She shook her head. “Don’t worry about it, Mandy. I can soon clear the mess.” She bent down, picking up the broken glass pieces as Mandy kept on staring. I bent down to help as I needed to get Mandy out of the kitchen and fast before she completely gave the game away.

  One by one, we picked up the pieces, and I placed the contents in the bin. “Thank you, Ayden.” My mother smiled sweetly, but I knew it was fake.

  “You’re welcome. Sorry about that. I’ll take Mandy to my room... if that’s okay?”