Step Brother

by Jayna King

  “Absolutely. He may be vain and a little shallow, but he’s never been a violent man. He would never physically hurt your mother. I’m sure of it.”

  As I pulled in front of the house, I felt the weight of Tatum’s hand on my leg, and I forced myself not to touch her. I was afraid if I started, I’d never be able to stop. She was just extraordinary—I wanted her, alone, just the two of us, with days and days to explore one another. I knew that a few minutes alone with her in the car was never going to satisfy me. I wanted so much more.

  I stopped the car. “Hang on. I’ll get your door. Don’t damage my masterpiece.” I opened the door for her and took the pie while she unfolded herself from the car. “Tatum, have drinks with me after dinner. I have a situation I’d like your opinion on.”

  “Is it a legal problem?” she asked, her tone more professional that I liked.

  “Sort of. Is it a date?” I wanted to pin her down before we walked into the weirdness of a family Thanksgiving dinner.

  “I don’t think you’re supposed to call it a date. I’m your sister, after all,” she said with a giggle that somehow made her even more irresistible.

  I handed her the pie and leaned toward her to press a chaste kiss on her cheek. “Stepsister,” I whispered in her ear, and I could feel the shiver that went through her body.

  7 -- Tatum

  My heart was still racing from being so close to Reed when my dad opened the door.

  “Happy Thanksgiving,” he said, shaking Reed’s hand and moving to give me a hug. He saw the pie and decided to kiss me on the cheek instead. “We’re so glad you’re here.”

  Tina was in the foyer, looking like she was posed for a magazine photograph. Her shiny red hair looked like polished copper, and the emerald green wrap dress she wore was very flattering. “What a lovely pie, Tatum,” she said, taking it from me. “Let’s go take it into the dining room.

  I followed her. “I had a little help from your son. I was … um … struggling with the topping, and he was good enough to lend a hand.”

  “He’s a multitalented young man,” she said over her shoulder, and I couldn’t help but agree.

  “Wow,” I said, walking into the dining room. It looked like Martha Stewart had puked up pumpkin prints all over the enormous room.

  “I did the decorating myself. Your father thought it might be too much, but I just love the holidays. Having you and Reed here for Thanksgiving just means the world to us, Tatum.” She set the pie on the long side table that was littered with silk leaves in autumn colors. “There. It looks lovely, don’t you think?”

  “Absolutely.” Tina was over the top, but she was trying.

  “We had a photographer here yesterday, and he thought my decor was delightful. Said he’d never seen such a festive flair in someone untrained before.”

  “Why was there a photographer here?” I asked.

  “Oh, it was just some local homes feature. With Donald’s company, every bit of free publicity helps.”

  “Until you have reporters following you on the way to the grocery store.”

  Tina waved her hand, dismissing what I’d said. “Fortunately, I have Brooke to go to the grocery store for us, but even if I was being followed, that seems a small price to pay for such a wonderful life. I try to be grateful for what Donald has given me.”

  She left the room, and I stood where I was, hardly able to believe that I’d really just heard criticism in Tina’s voice. Was she actually implying that I wasn’t grateful for the privileges I’d had growing up? If only she knew how awful it had been, she’d rethink her stance on privacy. I shook my head, thinking I must have misinterpreted what she’d said. I needed to give her a chance, rather than leaping to judge her.

  “Let’s get started with a cocktail,” Dad suggested when we returned to the foyer. “Tina, have Brooke bring drinks into the den.”

  Tina dutifully turned and headed for the kitchen.

  “Come with me, kids,” Dad said, dropping his arm over my shoulders. “I’ll show you my favorite room in the house.” He kept talking as we walked, describing how he’d insisted on redesigning the den when they’d moved in. “Tina likes things a little frillier than I do, and I let her do her thing with the holiday decorations, but this room is mine.”

  He opened the door to a large, rectangular room that was open to a loft on the second floor.

  “Wow,” I said, taking in the spare, modern style that still managed to be quite grand. “You designed this?”

  He nodded. “Yup. The architect was ready to kill me, but I had a vision.” He pointed to a tight spiral staircase that led to the loft. “I have my desk upstairs. The skylights give me great natural light for looking at blueprints, and it’s the quietest place in the house. Even when Tina has the ladies over for cocktails—pretending to talk about books—I can find some peace here.”

  “Mom’s in a book group?” Reed sounded surprised.

  “Yeah. It’s some neighborhood thing. I can never tell if Tina really likes any of the girls, but everyone’s a potential voter. Never hurts to get on people’s good side.”

  “Potential voter, eh? That’s sounds like the Dad I remember.” I sat down on one of the leather chairs facing the gas fireplace in the corner. “Something you want to announce?”

  Reed looked at me and my father and surprised me by coming to sit on the arm of the chair I occupied. My instinct was to lean into him, but I managed to stop myself.

  Dad looked at the two of us. “Nothing yet. When I have something to announce, you two will be the first to know. I will tell you I’ve had some people urging me to get involved in the local scene again. They know how dedicated I was to supporting local business interests. Politics is a calling, Tatum. You should know that.”

  I could feel my blood starting to boil. I stood up. “I need the ladies’ room,” I said over my shoulder as I left the den. Passing Tina on my way to the bathroom, I was tempted to ask her if she had any idea what she was in for, but I stayed silent.

  “Anything you need?” she asked.

  “No. I’m fine. Just heading to the bathroom.”

  She smiled brightly and left me to it.

  By the time I calmed myself down and headed back to the den, I was determined to keep my mouth shut, get through Thanksgiving dinner, and get out. I figured a cocktail or two couldn’t hurt.

  Tina was standing by an entire cart full of booze and mixers. “What can I get you, Tatum?” she asked when I came in.

  “What are you having?”

  “I’m having a Champagne cocktail, and the men are drinking bourbon.”

  “Champagne cocktail sounds great.”

  Dad started in on me as soon as I sat down on the love seat. “So, Tatum, tell me about your job search. I thought you’d be established already and changing the world.”

  “You and me, both. I’ve been through two rounds of interviews at one firm, and I’m still in contention. There were a lot of good applicants, though; it’s a competitive market. But I’m confident I’ll make it through. Even if it’s not at this firm, there are others poised to hire in the near future, if the rumor mills are correct.”

  Reed got up, dropped another ice cube in his drink, and joined me on the love seat. “Whoever manages to hire you will be lucky.”

  “Thanks, Reed. I’m sure it will work out. It’s just taking longer than I’d hoped.”

  “Do you need any money?” Tina asked, and I flinched at the crass way she’d brought the subject up. “Donald and I would be happy to help you out.”

  “No, I’m fine financially, at least for another six months or so.”

  Dad looked at me, a serious expression on his face. “Tatum, do you need me to make a few phone calls? You know I have connections in the legal profession here.”

  I rolled my eyes. “No. And really? I don’t think calling the defense attorney who managed to get your sentence shortened would really do my career a lot of good.”

  The room went silent, and I cou
ld feel the stares of the three people in the room, all of whom I’d just shocked.

  “There’s no reason to be rude to your father, Tatum. He’s just offering to help,”

  Tina’s tone was actually condescending, and that infuriated me.

  I knew I shouldn’t react, but I couldn’t help it. “Tina, I’m sure you have good intentions and shit, but you really should stay out of my relationship with my father. There’s history there you don’t know, and you’re really better off minding your own business.”

  Tina’s jaw dropped. “Donald, you’re not gonna let her talk to me like that, are you?” Her speech wasn’t quite so polished when she was rattled.

  “Tatum, that was uncalled for.” Dad walked over to Tina and slipped his arm around her waist. “Tina is my wife, and you will be polite to her, at the very least.”

  I stood up. “Dad, you’ve made your position clear, then. Reed, I’ll be out front. If you don’t want to drive me home, I’ll call a cab.”

  I walked out of the room, and I could hear Reed’s deep voice as I fled.

  “I’ll go talk to her. Give us a minute.”

  Just before I reached the front door, Reed grabbed my wrist.

  “Tatum, stop.” His voice was low, quiet enough that we couldn’t be overheard.

  I whispered back to him, furious, heart beating wildly, and on the verge of tears. “Reed, you just don’t understand.”

  He didn’t say a word. He simply slid his hand down from my wrist to my hand. Lacing his fingers through mine, he pulled me over to Tina’s office. He walked me inside, closed and locked the door, and pulled me toward him, never saying a thing.

  I felt flustered, upset, and uncertain about his intentions … until he simply folded me into his arms and pressed my head to his chest. He wrapped me up and held me there. I tried to stiffen and back away, but he was far too strong, so I gave in. I could feel myself relaxing, muscles releasing to sink against his chest. As my breathing slowed a bit, Reed finally spoke.

  “That’s better.” He smoothed my hair, as if I were a little girl. “Tatum, I know you’re upset, and I get that you resent some shit your dad has done, but you’re not gonna solve anything by blowing up on Thanksgiving.” I tried to step back, but he held me tight. “You’re smarter than this. The girl I knew in middle school would have formulated some sort of plan and executed it deliberately and effectively. You can’t just blow up and expect it to solve your problems.”

  I sighed, and when I finally spoke, my voice sounded small and timid. “You’re right.”

  He finally let go of me, and I reluctantly left the warmth of his body.

  “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, Reed. You’re right. I’m not usually so emotional.”

  “You’re worried about finding a job, and wondering if your dad’s going to run for office again isn’t making things any easier. It makes perfect sense.”

  I looked at him like it was the first time I’d ever really seen him. “When the hell did you get so smart?”

  He laughed. “Oh, you learn more psychology than you’d think on the streets.”

  The full force of the show I’d put on in the den hit me. “Oh my God, I was really rude to your mother, wasn’t I?”

  “You certainly weren’t polite.”

  “Reed, she has no idea what she’s in for, though. And she really has no right to interfere with things between my dad and me.”

  “You’re right, but don’t jump in between her and your dad. Tina’s a big girl. She can take care of herself. Given the fact that she’s now married to Donald, I’d say she’s better equipped to take care of herself now than she’s ever been.”

  “But she has no idea how intrusive a campaign can be.”

  Reed put his hands on his hips. “Tatum, listen to yourself. You’re completely projecting your anxiety onto Mom’s situation. You have no idea what will happen. And even if you did, Donald and Tina are grown-ups. They get to make their own decisions. I don’t mean to be rude, but you should mind your own business in this instance.”

  I turned around, facing the window. What he said pissed me off, but I knew he was right. “Your mom had no right to interfere, though.”

  “You’re right. She didn’t. But you can’t control her behavior. You can only control yours. I learned long ago that Tina doesn’t always have the best sense when it comes to relationships.” He laughed. “God, that’s an understatement.”

  I turned back around, surprised to see that he was standing right behind me, close enough to touch. “Goddammit, I hate having to apologize.”

  “You know what I hate?” Reed asked, voice lowered once again.

  “What?”

  “Being this close to you and not being able to touch you.” He leaned toward me and kissed me, the touch feather light, sending thrills to my fingertips.

  “Reed, we can’t,” I said, taking a step backwards.

  He looked at me, gaze dark and smoldering. “Oh, yes we can.”

  He pulled me back toward him and crushed my lips with his. His arm snaked around my back, and his hands ended up spread, fingers squeezing my ass, pulling me into him. For a second, I let go of all my reservations and kissed him back, opening my mouth to his tongue and realizing that my arms had circled his neck, as if of their own volition. I could feel a hand slip up beneath my shirt, tracing a line on my back that sent chills up my spine. Reed’s arousal was apparent, even through his jeans, and I could feel myself starting to lose control.

  I managed to pull away, breathing hard and wide-eyed. “Reed, we can’t. Not here.”

  He reached down and adjusted himself through his jeans. “Not here?” he said, with that sexy smile. “That’s a start.”

  “We should get back. I guess I have an apology to give. And they’re going to wonder where we are.” I was desperately trying to think about anything other than Reed naked.

  “Are you going to behave?” Reed asked, hand on the door.

  “I will. I’ll apologize to Tina, and I’ll be perfectly polite.”

  “Good girl.”

  “And we can leave right after dinner?” I asked hopefully.

  “Oh, I can’t wait to get you out of here,” he said, making me blush. “We have a date, remember?”

  I put my hand on his arm, thrilled by the feel of the muscles beneath his shirt. “How could I forget? And thanks for setting me straight, Reed. I think I needed a little reality check.”

  “Anytime, sis,” he said, unlocking the door.

  Reed was funny, smart, perceptive … goddamn, was he sexy. It occurred to me that I cared less and less what people might think about my spending time with my stepbrother. I wasn’t sure I’d ever met anyone quite like him, and that was exciting.

  We walked into the room, and I decided to clear the air right away. “Tina, I’m sorry I blew up at you. I shouldn’t have, and I apologize.”

  Tina accepted my apology, but I could see in her eyes that she didn’t really mean the platitudes she recited as she prattled on about wanting us to be one big, happy family. I wanted out of that house.

  The chef came to the doorway and knocked on the open door to get our attention. “Dinner is served, folks.”

  There wasn’t a single critical thing you could say about our Thanksgiving dinner. Perfectly browned, smoked turkey, elegantly carved. Cornbread dressing, full of celery and green onions. Rich and savory sweet potatoes, heavenly light yeast rolls, and I ate far more than I planned on. Garrett was gonna kick my ass. I’d have to avoid stepping on a scale while he was anywhere in my vicinity.

  “It was so nice to see the two of you coming over together,” Tina said brightly. “Since you’re both only children, you finally have a chance at being part of a bigger family.”

  “Tina and I are really looking forward to our little Tahoe getaway,” Dad said. “Tatum, since you’re not working yet, I assume it won’t be a problem for you to go with us. And Reed, can you take the week between Christmas and New Year’s off?”


  “That’s actually usually a pretty slow time for us. I was considering closing the shop down for the week and giving my employees some time off to enjoy the holidays.” Reed looked over at me. “That is, if Tatum’s planning to go.”

  “I hadn’t really thought about it much,” I lied. “My only concern is if I get a job offer between now and then. I don’t want to look like I’m not a hard worker by taking time off right away.”

  “Oh, but Tatum, you have to come,” Tina protested. “I’ve planned such a fun trip. We have ski lessons set up for me and Reed, and I’ve scheduled a full spa day for the two of us. I thought we could get to know one another better over massages and facials.”

  “I want to come,” I said, mostly telling the truth. “I just won’t jeopardize a new job to do it. I’m sure you understand, right?”

  Dad looked at Tina. “Don’t worry, babe. If I have to, I can call the head of the law firm and arrange for Tatum to have off. You’ll get your family Tahoe trip one way or another.”

  I looked at my dad, and I was sure my eyes were as big as saucers. “Dad, I don’t even have the job yet, and you absolutely will not interfere with my workplace. I’ll go if I can. You’re going to have to settle for that.”

  “Well, surely you’ll have a couple of days off, anyway. Even if you can only make it for part of the trip, we’d love for you to be there.” Tina looked so hopeful that I gave in.

  “I promise to be there for at least part of the trip. It does sound like fun, and I love Tahoe.”

  “When have you been there?” Dad asked, looking surprised.

  “Mom and I went a couple of years ago. It was during the summer, so I imagine the scenery will look a little different, but it’s just gorgeous.”

  “Well, I know I’m looking forward to it,” Reed said, and I flashed back to our interlude in the office.

  “And Donald and I will pay for your flights. It can be part of your Christmas present.”

  I opened my mouth to protest, to insist that I could pay my own way, but Reed’s hand on my thigh stopped me. “That would be wonderful. Thank you,” I said, realizing that my dad really did have more money than he knew what to do with, at least until Tina could manage to spend it all. Reed was right, though, they were grown-ups. They didn’t need me telling them what to do. For heaven’s sake, I couldn’t even land a job, and I couldn’t stop thinking about sleeping with my stepbrother.