But everything comes full circle because I had an opportunity to open Amazing Blooms in Prescott, and I took it. The rent was reasonable, and I figured I might never get the opportunity again. But I didn’t look up anyone from my old life, and especially not my former stepbrother. What was I going to say? Um hi, remember me? The gangly, knobby-kneed girl whom you barely talked to? We never kept in touch after the divorce, not even via social media, so he likely wouldn’t have any idea who I am. But when I saw him at the Krazy Kat, everything came rushing back: Tim’s incredible good looks, the huge body, as well as the teasing glint in his eye, and the way he made Lanie moan and come so hard during my girlhood. He made me moan and come last week too, and it was the culmination of my dreams.
But what am I going to do now? How do I handle this terrible secret? I’ve just purchased a date with my former stepbrother, but I suspect he doesn’t remember me one whit. After all, I even changed my name, sort of. When we were siblings, I used the name Angelina, but after moving to Texas, I shortened it to just “Lina.” And my last name, Hall, is so common that no one would put two and two together. Add to that the fact that I don’t look like a little girl anymore, and all bets are off.
Shaking my head, I make myself a warm cup of chamomile tea and return to my bedroom. I get under the covers and just lie there for a moment, contemplating my life. Did I really make love with my former stepbrother? Did my dreams really come true, accepting his huge length into my wetness, the way I’ve always fantasized? A warm tingle starts in my pussy, and I squeeze my thighs together. Yes, I did, and I don’t regret that part one bit.
Then again, Tim paid me for sex, so I’m not sure I should call it “making love.” It was more a scandalous romp in the back room that’s had me dreaming of it ever since. Yet, it was so good, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat if I could. I still have the three bills that he tipped me with, and a sly smile crosses my face just remembering how he used them. Who knew he was so dirty and that I’d love it so much? Who knew that I’d just want more of the same?
But soon, I’m going to go on a real date with the man of my dreams, and I have to say something. Omission would be scandalous, and Tim would never forgive me if he found out that we’re related some other way. The question is: how do I tell him? And what should I say exactly? Will my former stepbrother hate me if he finds out? After all, I should have alerted Tim from the beginning, before we made love, but now, I’ve already tasted the gorgeous man, and I’m not going to let him go.
6
Lina
* * *
It’s finally Friday night, and I couldn’t be more excited because tonight’s my date with Tim. I want to look good, even though I know I have a tendency to get frazzled when I’m nervous.
I grab my heating iron and spend forever curling my hair, but by the time I’m done, the curls look crazy and uneven. Frustration knots in my gut as I glare at the unruly locks. I decide to leave it for now and focus on putting on my clothes instead. I slip on a purple lace cocktail dress and matching heels that I chose the night before, and the fit is perfect. It’s a bit tight at my bust, with a low vee, but it still looks decent. I’ll have to be careful not to move suddenly so that I don’t pop out.
With that out of the way, I can return to my failed locks. I frown at myself for a little while before a stroke of genius hits me. I gather the curls up into a bun at the top of my head, and they form a cute mass. Now we’re getting somewhere. I play around with the positioning of the curls for a few minutes and practically stick an entire package of bobby pins into it, but by the I’m done, it looks elegant and feminine. Wow, I’m impressed.
The next hurdle to get past is my makeup. I can’t find my rose lipstick, so I settle for a light pink gloss instead, being sure to highlight my cupid’s bow. Will Tim like that? I study myself critically. Guys tend to appreciate plush lips, and I definitely have a pout to remember, so hopefully he finds it irresistible. I giggle a bit, put in a pair of silver chandelier earrings, and then clip a purple chrysanthemum from my shop into the side of my bun. When I look at myself in the mirror, I have to smile. I look quite pretty, if I do say so myself.
Then, I grab my clutch, my keys, and my cell phone, spritz myself with some of my favorite perfume, and head out the door.
Lugo’s is a fancy Italian restaurant in Prescott, and I pull into the parking lot, feeling a bit out of place. Most of the cars here are luxury sedans, while I’m just driving my old clunker. Of course, Tim offered to pick me up, but I said no. I like having my own car, just in case I need to make a getaway for whatever reason. I’m not anticipating that tonight, but who knows? Things could go badly when I reveal our past relationship.
I spot Tim the moment I get out of my vehicle. He’s standing near the entrance looking like a GQ model in a black suit with a white shirt and dark tie. The crisp fabric highlights his broad shoulders and long legs, and I want to lick that bronzed throat. Steady, the voice in my head chides. You haven’t even said hello yet.
I get out of my car and wobble towards him in my high heels.
“Hi,” I say shyly. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”
His blue eyes flare, and I catch him staring a moment too long at my bosom.
“Don’t worry about it,” he growls. “You look beautiful, and I haven’t been waiting long at all.” He offers his elbow to me like a gentleman. “Ready to head inside?”
I giggle as I take his arm, slipping my hand into the muscular loop. “Of course.”
It feels right to be with Tim like this, and once inside, I let the hostess know that we have a reservation. She nods, eyeing my date appreciatively as I grow warm, knowing that he’s with me, and that he only has eyes for me. Then, the woman leads us to our seats and we settle into the plush booth. Lugo’s is a fancy place, with subtle red-brick walls and heavy, dark furniture. A wooden fan above us swirls gently, and the lighting is dim and romantic, enhanced by cream table cloths and flickering candlelight. As we settle in, Tim smiles. He’s so gorgeous and I desperately want to kiss him, but I hold back.
“So how are you Petal?” he asks in a low growl, once our hostess leaves. I gasp, my eyes going wide, and he chuckles. “Did you not think I’d recognize you? Sweetheart, that was one of the best nights of my life. Of course I recognized you the moment you placed your bid. But what were you doing at the auction?”
I blush hotly again. OMG, how do I explain this?
“Well, it was kind of a coincidence,” I begin. “Yes, we did meet at the Krazy Kat, but that was just chance, I promise. I figured that we wouldn’t see each other again, but a friend invited me to the bachelor auction. I had no idea you were going to be in it, until we actually got there. I know they had a brochure with the bachelors’ names on them, but I swear, I didn’t even know your full name until the night of the event.”
He settles back in his seat, apparently satisfied with my answer. But I’m shaky inside because I’ve only told half the truth. This would be the perfect time to reveal that I’m actually Angelina, his former stepsister, yet all I can do is smile with delight as he takes my hand.
At that moment, a waiter apporoaches for our orders.
“Have you gotten a chance to look at the menu?” the waiter inquires politely. Tim looks at me, and I nod.
“I’ll have the garden salad, and a glass of chardonnay please.”
My handsome date frowns from across the candlelit table.
“That’s all?” he inquires. “Honey, please don’t hold back. I’m paying for dinner and I want you to enjoy yourself. Please, order anything you like on the menu.”
I swallow and smile at him before turning to the waiter once more.
“And also the lobster ravioli, please,” I add belatedly. “Plus a slice of chocolate cake at the end.”
The waiter and Tim both laugh, but the big man seizes my hand.
“That a girl,” he growls. “I like a girl with an appetite, and especially when she orders dessert up front.” The
n, he orders the steak and shrimp and a glass of pinot noir. “And toss another slice of the chocolate cake in too,” he instructs.
“Certainly,” the waiter bows. “Excellent choice, sir. I’ll be back with your drink orders shortly.”
I stare at the gorgeous man before me in awe. I can hardly believe I’m here, in this luxurious space with Tim Carlton, at long last. I’ve only been dreaming of him since I was a little girl, and here he is, looking good enough to eat. His tan is set off by the white tablecloth, and again, I’d love to run my tongue up that bronzed throat and across his square jaw before gently tickling his lips with my tongue.
He looks like he can read my mind as those blue eyes flare with heat, and once our wine has arrived he takes a sip before setting the glass down casually.
“So tell me, sweetheart,” he says suddenly. “Where are you from?”
OMG, this is the perfect time to reveal the truth, but instead, I end up dancing around it.
“I’m from here, actually. I grew up in Prescott but then my mom and I left when I was a child to move to Texas. She got a good job there, so I lived in Texas until coming back just earlier this year.”
He nods, looking serious.
“Did you miss Prescott?”
I smile genuinely.
“Very much so. Texas is amazing, but it’s so hot and humid during the summers. I felt like I was melting sometimes, so Wyoming is a welcome change. Have you lived here long?” I ask innocently. Of course, I already know his whole life story, but I pretend. Besides, I am interested in hearing him tell it. I’d love to know more, from the man’s own lips.
He grins, flashing even white teeth.
“Yeah, I’ve been in Prescott my whole life. The whole born and raised thing, and I’ll probably die here too. But I like it. Small town life suits me well, and I’ve never wanted to leave.”
I nod with understanding. “Not even to go to college?”
He grins. “I’m not much of a college type. I’ve always liked to read, but actually hitting the books in order to get good grades? That’s not my thing. So I started as a volunteer EMT when I was still in high school, and got all the certifications within a year or two of graduation. It’s my calling, and I love it. I take my job seriously.”
I nod.
“You must be very good,” I say in a soft voice. “Being an EMT is stressful, and I can’t imagine it’s easy.”
He nods.
“It wears you down, with the long hours and endless emergencies, but I like it. I’ve got more than enough adrenaline, let’s just put it that way. How about you, sweetheart? Did you come back to Prescott to …?”
I take a sip of my wine before finishing for him.
“To strip?” I ask archly.
He nods, blue eyes warm. “I’m not judging you honey. Your body is beautiful and you’re great on stage. But what drew you back to Wyoming?”
I throw my head back and laugh a little.
“Well, it definitely wasn’t the Krazy Kat, that’s for sure.” The intimacy is overwhelming, and suddenly, I want to tell him everything. I want him to know who I am and the important role he’s played in my life. I want to be upfront, so that if he decides to storm out in anger, at least I won’t have invested too much. But something stops me, and I gnaw on my lip. Tim reads the situation and slips his big hand over mine.
“If it’s too painful, you don’t have to—”
“No, no. It’s nothing like that.” I flip my palm up so that our fingers are interlocked and squeeze a bit. “Actually, I didn’t move to Wyoming to be a stripper. I moved here to open a flower shop called Amazing Blooms.”
He jerks in surprise. “No kidding. I think I’ve seen it before. You’re right off the corner of Oak and Lamar, aren’t you? With the wood paneling and the red and white striped awning?”
I smile happily.
“That’s the one,” I say in a gentle voice. “I’ve wanted to be a florist for a long time, so I saved up a bunch doing odd jobs back home. I figured I’d open my first store in Texas but then a friend of a friend of a friend mentioned that the owner of Amazing Blooms was looking to sell her business so that she could retire. If I put a little down, I could buy everything, and not only that, but I’d be grandfathered into her current lease, which is stunningly low. So I did it,” I say in simple tone. “I threw my life savings into this project, and moved up here as soon as things were finalized.”
He nods.
“You get a lot of business, right? I see people going in and out a lot.”
I shake my head.
“Sort of, but a lot of people are just looking. I have a lot of window shoppers, and a lot of people who are interested in gardening, but not yet ready to make the commitment. So I haven’t actually sold much, which is problematic.”
Tim looks thoughtful, before nodding.
“So thus, Krazy Kat.”
“Yes, Krazy Kat,” I agree. “It works. It’s not what I’d anticipated, but when you have a bunch of bills staring at you in the face, you’ll do what it takes. They seem nice enough, and you know that Krazy Kat is in Mystic, so hopefully the good people of Prescott never realize that I dance there during the nights.”
He grins.
“Very smart. The schedule and location are perfect.”
I smile back.
“Thanks. That’s what I thought too!”
“But have you danced before, honey?”
I shake my head, looking down at the table.
“No, never. I mean, I’ve always been good at shaking my ass, don’t get me wrong, but stripping was never something I’d considered as a job. You can imagine my surprise when I got the position on the spot,” I giggle. “I guess they were desperate for new dancers. Plus, the girls taught me a few moves on the pole, and the rest is history. Now I work there once or twice a week, and the tips are good. Enough for what I need.”
Tim stills for a moment.
“Do you usually give lap dances in the private room?” he asks in a low voice.
I blush as I meet the fire in his gaze. “No,” I whisper. “You were the first.”
Possession flares in those blue eyes and he subtly shifts closer to me in the booth. Then he bends his black head, putting his lips close to my ear. “Good,” he rasps. “Because I don’t want you to do those anymore.”
His voice sends delicious shivers down my spine, his breath hot on my neck. All at once, I’m transported back to the room at the Krazy Kat, and I remember the magical way he controlled and dominated my body. I look up at the handsome man, wanting nothing more than to experience a repeat of that night, and he reads my mind, silently sliding a big hand up my thigh. But at that moment, our server returns with our food, and we pull apart, both of us breathing hard.
“That was close,” he grins after the waiter leaves.
“Too close,” I whisper, blushing hotly.
“But I like it,” he says in a low voice. Then, he bites into his steak like nothing’s wrong. “So what got you interested in becoming a florist?” he asks, as if we weren’t just about to make love right in the middle of the restaurant.
I stammer a bit, unable to recover my cool so quickly.
“My grandma,” I say. “She always had gorgeous gardens, and she grew pretty much everything. My mom also had a bit of a green thumb, and together they taught me everything I know. Right now, my apartment is filled with plants, but I’d like to have an outdoor garden of my own someday too. It would be wonderful.”
Tim nods thoughtfully.
“Any siblings share this hobby of yours?”
I almost choke on my sip of wine but manage to get a hold of myself. “Nope. None. What about you?”
Oh no, why did I say that? I open my mouth to correct myself, but Tim’s already started talking again.
“No, no siblings at all. Oh wait a minute. I had a step-sister a long time ago, but we fell out of touch after our parents divorced,” he frowns. “I wonder where she is now?”
I almost choke on my ravioli.
“Um, oh, I see. Do you, um… do you ever miss her?” I ask in a rush, holding my breath as I wait for the answer. I know I’m playing with fire right now, but I can’t help it. I have to know what Tim thought of me back then.
He thinks for a moment, merely contemplating.
“Not really, to be honest. We didn’t interact because I was a lot older than her, so we weren’t exactly peers. Plus, our parents weren’t married for very long either, so our paths didn’t cross much. But come to think of it, I think she was really into plants and flowers too.” He pauses for a moment. “She was a sweet kid, but honestly, I can barely remember her name right now. I think it was Angela. Or was it Melissa?”
My heart drops. I knew it. My stepbrother barely noticed me back then, and it’s embarrassing to realize he doesn’t even remember my name.
“Well, wherever she is, I’m sure she’s fine,” I say in a low voice. Then I shake myself and ask in a perky voice. “So what made you want to be an EMT?”
With that, the conversation flows onto the next subject and the rest of the date passes without a hitch. I laugh at some of his more ridiculous stories of being an EMT, and I also share some of the silly things that have happened at the Krazy Kat.
“No way,” he says, his fork paused in mid-air.
“Yes way,” I retort sassily. “I didn’t see it myself, but Marlene, my best friend at the club, told me that by the time it was over, they had to disinfect the place with an electrostatic sprayer. It was that debauched and dirty.”
Tim shakes his head, taking another bite of steak.
“I don’t know if I want you working there at all anymore, sweetheart. Definitely not the back rooms, but even the front is starting to be too much.”
I laugh merrily.
“Trust me, all’s well that ends well. Nothing was permanently damaged, but yes, some of the girls at the Krazy Kat are insane. But only in a good way!” I add with a smile. “They’re my friends.”
Pregnant by My Stepbrother Page 4
