A Step Two Close

by Jaimie Roberts

  I got to the end of my street and looked around for a cab. It was ten-thirty already, so I knew I had some catching up to do. I still had the champagne running through me, but the buzz from it quickly went away after the shock I took tonight.

  Within a couple of minutes, I managed to hail a cab and walk into All’s Well. Mandy was already there, propped up at the bar with Christian. As soon as they spotted me they waved like mad.

  Christian even got up and checked my outfit. “Oh my God! Look at your legs. I would just fucking die for your legs.”

  I smiled brightly and moved in for a hug. “And hello to you, too, Christian.”

  Once we pulled apart, I put a hand on Mandy’s shoulder and sat down next to her. “I ordered you a double vodka tonic.” She winked. “I figured you would be needing it.”

  I shook my head with a sigh. “Thanks. You really don’t know the half of it.”

  “Well, tell us then!” Christian screeched. “Is this new stepbrother of yours a fucking nightmare?” His eyes widened. “Or better still... is he a gay boy’s dream come true?”

  I started laughing, but knew deep down that none of what my situation entailed was funny—by any definition of the word.

  “I will tell all. But first, I need a drink. I need to get drunk.” I swigged some of my drink back.

  “That bad, huh?” Mandy looked at me with a concerned expression. She was always worrying about me. She knew how bitchy my mother could get.

  “Just a little. And do you want to know the worst of it?” They both nodded. “My mother was being nice to me the whole time they were there. I’m not sure what’s worse... her being a bitch or her being nice.”

  Christian shook his head. “She’s something else, your mum. She’s got weird shifty eyes. You know, like in the movies when you know a character is up to something.”

  I started laughing. “Blimey, Christian, your imagination is quite weird sometimes.”

  Christian shrugged his shoulders as I finished my drink. “You want another?” Mandy asked.

  I nodded, but shouted for the barman myself. “I’ll get these, Mandy.”

  *****

  I was on my fourth double vodka of the evening, and it was going straight to my head. On occasion, I would groan and sink my head onto the bar. Not because of the drink, but because of what had just gone down.

  “So, aren’t you going to tell us then?” Mandy looked at me expectantly.

  “Yeah, you’re drunk enough now to reveal all... ” Christian trailed off for a moment looking in another direction.

  Grabbing my shoulder, he nudged me. “Shut the back fucking window. A Greek god has just walked into the bar.”

  I shook my head, determined not to take the bait. “I don’t care, Christian. I’ve had enough of that shit tonight.”

  He gasped. “Oh my God, he’s noticed us. He’s heading straight this way.”

  I glanced up at Christian’s eager eyes and looked across at Mandy. She was smiling from ear to ear.

  “Heads up. The guy you bumped uglies with a couple of weeks back is heading our way.”

  At first, it didn’t register. My drink-infused mind was playing tricks on me. Then, what she said started to sink in.

  Oh, fuck.

  “Hi, sis. Did you not have enough to drink back at home?”

  The way he said home made my whole body tense. I guess it was about to be his home too—despite the fact that I wished it wasn’t.

  Mandy smiled for a moment, but then when it sunk in, she gasped looking at me in sheer horror. “Noooo!”

  I nodded with a sarcastic smile. “Oh, yes.”

  I looked up at Hunter, and he was there with his big shit-eating grin. Mandy, by now, was having a fit. “But you two— But he’s the one you— Oh my God!”

  Hunter laughed, but Christian frowned. “Anyone care to share the obvious hidden joke here?”

  Mandy piped up. “Well, remember that guy I was telling you about last week? The one with the tongue.”

  Hunter’s eyebrow arched up, and it took every part of me not to kick her.

  Christian gasped. “Oh! Mr. Orgasmic?” I groaned. This was just getting worse.

  Hunter smirked. “Mr. Orgasmic, huh?”

  I laughed sarcastically, but glared at Mandy. Then, it was Christian’s turn to start the gasping. “Oh my fucking word! It is him, isn’t it? He’s Mr. Orgasmic.”

  My life couldn’t get much worse. “Will everyone stop saying that!?”

  Christian gasped again. “He called you ‘sis.’ That’s means he’s... Fucking hell, Ayden.”

  I sighed. “Yes, now everyone knows. Isn’t this just fucking swell?”

  “Holy shit!” Mandy shouted.

  “Okay, enough.” I turned my attention to Hunter. “What are you doing here?”

  Hunter smiled. “I came here to get a drink. Last time I checked, it was a free country.”

  Suddenly, a woman appeared behind him and snaked her arms around his waist. “Hunter, darling, are you going to get me that drink?”

  She was perfectly shaped like a fucking Barbie doll. Immediately, I hated her.

  Hunter grabbed her hand and moved it away from him. I couldn’t help the little smile that formed on my lips. The only problem was that Hunter noticed it, too.

  “Go and take a seat, Samantha. I’ll be right with you. I’m just saying a quick hello to my friends.”

  Samantha looked at both Mandy and me with contempt. Total bitch stare alert. She smiled even though it was laced with a sting in its tail. “Don’t be long,” she pouted before walking off.

  “Well, she seems nice.”

  Hunter smiled. “Jealous?”

  I laughed, but turned to move back to my drink. I wanted to completely cut him off now. “Have a nice evening, Hunter.”

  “Oh, I will.”

  I cringed, hating myself for reacting to him and that blonde bimbo with the big, probably-fake tits.

  “Don’t worry about it, girl. She ain’t got nothing on you.”

  I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t care.”

  Mandy laughed. “Oh, but you do. It’s just a pity his dad’s shacking up with your mum. How are you going to resist Mr. Orgasmic if he was that good? I mean, it’s going to be playing around and around in your head twenty-four-seven with him living under your roof. If it were me, it would drive me crazy. Fancy it—”

  “Please stop before I do something drastic, Mandy. You’re not helping.” She looked at me apologetically.

  Christian giggled and tried to hide himself. “What are you laughing at?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “What are the odds?”

  I shook my head knowing they didn’t have the full picture. I certainly wasn’t going to divulge the extra piece of information about Mason. Mandy would find out soon enough anyway. She was with me that night I lost my virginity, so she would definitely know soon enough.

  “Can you order me another drink? I’m going to the toilets.”

  Christian nodded. “I’ll get it for you, babes. Now I see why you need it.” He looked across in Hunter’s direction, and I couldn’t help but take a peek myself. He was huddled in the corner with fake-tits practically humping his leg. The whole time she was pouring all over him, he was staring at me. When he licked his lips suggestively, I decided to turn my head and walk towards the toilet.

  Once I was finished relieving myself, I opened the door and crashed straight into Hunter. I really didn’t need this. He looked just as good now as he did when I saw him mere hours ago.

  “Following me again?”

  Hunter laughed a little, but then pinned me up against the wall by the toilets. “I need the toilet, AJ. It has nothing to do with following you.”

  I tried moving aside from him, but he had me at his will. “Then go to the toilet,” I said breathlessly. I daren’t look at him. I couldn’t risk being held prisoner by those eyes again.

  “AJ, look at me.” I closed my eyes and shook my head. “AJ, look
at me, or I’ll make you.”

  I kept my eyes closed and shook my head again. I mean, aside from pulling my eyelids apart, I couldn’t see how he could make me.

  Grabbing my hand, he yanked it and placed it on his cock. I could feel how big and hard it was.

  I couldn’t help it. My eyes flicked open and meeting mine were those same green gems I got lost in all those days ago. The eyes that held me captive as he was on top of me and underneath me.

  Suddenly, the hallway felt like a coffin. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t move. All I wanted to do was yank his cock out and ride it as hard and as fast as I could.

  “Told you I could make you look.” He licked my lips with his tongue, making me shudder. “Do you want to feel it inside you again, Ayden? Do you want me to fuck you in the toilet?”

  I shook my head no, despite my whole body screaming yes to everything he said. “This is not happening. Not here.”

  Hunter pulled away suddenly, making me wonder what it was all about. “You’re right,” he stated. “I said one day. There’s no way a quick fumble in the toilet with you would be enough for me. I’m going to want more.” He trailed his finger against my lip. “So much more.”

  I tried to ignore the ache between my legs and concentrated more on where we were. “I wonder how Samantha would feel about you groping another girl by the toilets whilst she waits for you.”

  Hunter smiled. “Samantha and I have an understanding.”

  I huffed. “Well, I think you need to explain it to her one more time, Hunter.”

  He frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  I shook my head. “Nevermind. I need to get back. Enjoy your evening.”

  I walked past him, but he grabbed my wrist and held me with his stare. “I will have you, AJ. It’s going to happen.”

  I pulled my wrist away and scowled at him. “Never in a million years,” I growled.

  I started walking away, and I heard Hunter laugh. “Keep pushing me away, AJ. I already told you how hard it gets me.”

  I ignored his jab and kept on walking. I spotted Samantha in the corner, obviously eagerly awaiting Hunter’s return. When she saw me, she scowled, but I chose to ignore her completely.

  “Where have you been?” Mandy’s squealing voice pulled me from the bitch’s icy stare.

  I frowned. “I went to the toilet.”

  Christian gave me a sympathetic smile. “Constipation?”

  I hit his arm and he laughed. “No, although it was a pain in my arse.”

  Just then, Hunter appeared looking as smug as ever. I huffed and Christian noticed. “He can be a pain in my arse any day.”

  “Christian!”

  Christian bellowed out a laugh. “You’re so easy to wind up, Ayden. I love you for it.” He put his arm around me and kissed me on the head.

  “I love you, too, big guy.” And he was a big guy. He was very tall and extremely well built. He was like the bodyguard for me and Mandy whenever we were out together. No one messed with us whenever he was around. It was handy considering some blokes were just a bit too full on at times.

  “Shall we make your man jealous? I’m not into women, but I’m not opposed to sticking my tongue down your throat if you want me to.”

  I smacked Christian on the arm. “Christian, no... just, no.”

  He looked hurt. “Are you saying I’m not attractive?”

  I sighed. “Christian, I don’t have to prove myself to this guy. He means nothing to me. Besides, aren’t you just a little freaked out that he’s moving in with me? Don’t you think he should be hands-off anyway?”

  Christian looked across at Hunter for a moment. “I would hit that no matter what.”

  I screwed my face up. “He’s a male slut, Christian. I wouldn’t touch him with a barge pole.”

  Christian laughed. “It didn’t stop you though, did it? You even named him ‘Mr. Orgasmic.’”

  I shook my head. “That was a mistake. I’ll never go there again. Ever.”

  I tried resisting the urge to look at him, but it was no use. Against my better judgement, I turned my head to find him staring at me intently again. As our eyes locked, Samantha grabbed hold of his face and pulled him in for a kiss. I turned, disgusted with myself for looking.

  I was determined not to look at him the rest of the night.

  Chapter Five

  I was pissed as a fart. Well and truly off my face. Why on earth I ever got myself this drunk was beyond me. I blamed it on Hunter and his stupid, but handsome face spoiling my evening.

  I felt a nudge on my shoulder and moaned. “Ayden, girl, get up. I’m taking you home.”

  I started giggling. “Christian, your arms are so bulky.” I giggled some more and fell off my stool. Christian grabbed a hold of me—keeping me still.

  “I think this is the worst I’ve seen her this time of year.”

  I heard Mandy’s voice and tried to look at her pretty, freckly face. “I’m fineeee.”

  “Is everything okay here?”

  I glanced up to find Hunter staring at me. He actually looked worried, which made me giggle some more. “Go back to your girlfriend, Hunter. I’m fineeee... just peachy.” I tried my best to stand up straight, but my legs were like jelly.

  I fell again, and this time Hunter made a grab for me. “I think I had better take you home.” He smiled at me, but he still looked worried.

  “Hunter, what are you doing?”

  I heard Samantha’s voice, and it made me cringe. Hunter noticed and turned to her. “I’ll call a taxi to take you home. I need to take care of Ayden.”

  Samantha glared in disbelief. “But you’re out with me,” she protested.

  Christian made a grab for me. “It’s okay, mate. We can take her home.”

  Hunter looked up to Christian. “Do you have a car?” He shook his head. “Well, I do. I can take her back. I want to take her back.”

  Samantha threw her hands up. “I don’t believe this. What about me?”

  I giggled. I couldn’t help it. She looked like a whiney eight-year-old girl. “Hunter, it’s okay. I’m fineeee.”

  Mandy shook her head. “You keep saying that.”

  “Samantha, I’m taking Ayden home. Don’t argue with me on this. I’ll order you a cab now.”

  Samantha stomped her foot. “Don’t fucking bother. I’m off. Looks like someone ain’t getting any tonight.”

  I watched her storm off and laughed loudly at her outburst. “I can see why you like her.”

  I moved forward and tripped again as Hunter held me tightly to him. I snapped my eyes up to meet his and caught him smiling. “What are you smiling at?”

  “Mr. Orgasmic.”

  Christian laughed. “He’s never going to let that one lie, Ayden.”

  I scowled. “Only because you told him. You’re not my fwiend. Fwiends don’t do that to other fwiends.” The room spun a little. “Wooo, the walls are moving. That’s so cool.”

  Hunter looked up at Christian. “I really need to get her home.”

  Christian looked to Mandy. “She might not want to go home.”

  Hunter frowned. “Why not?”

  I put my finger to my lips. “Don’t be telling him things, Christian. I love my house. My house is so cool. You wait until you start living there, Hunter. We’ll be the best of fwiends.” I started laughing hard again and clutched at his chest. “Maybe,” I breathed, “you could come into my room and help me with my homework.” I giggled a little, and Hunter smiled for a moment.

  “I’m taking you home, AJ.”

  Mandy came over to me and cupped my chin. “Are you going to be okay?”

  She was worried about me. Mandy always worried about me. “I’ll be fineeee.”

  Christian huffed. “You keep emphasising the word fine so much that I don’t believe you.”

  Hunter looked concerned again, so I shook my head at them both to keep their mouths shut. I couldn’t have Hunter knowing my weaknesses. He might use them against me l
ater to get me into bed. Something I needed to avoid at all costs.

  “I can get a taxi.” I flicked at his bottom lip remembering how good his lips tasted on mine.

  He held me still with a smile. “Oh no, AJ. I’m making sure you get home. Come on.” He picked me up in his arms, and Mandy quickly grabbed my bag, placing it on top of my lap.

  “This is sooooo silly.” I giggled again and waved my legs about. “You’re strong if you can carry me.” I placed my finger on his chest and traced circles with them. “You have a nice hairless chest. I liked licking it.”

  Hunter smiled a little. “Don’t start saying things you’ll regret later, baby. Save it for when you’re sober. Then I’ll know for sure that I can take what’s mine.”

  I looked deeply into his eyes as he carried me outside. “What’s yours, Hunter?”

  He stopped walking for a moment and looked into my eyes. “You will be. For one day, remember?”

  I groaned a little. “I keep telling you, silly. We can’t do that. Your daddy and my mummy would be very cwoss.” I pouted at him and he laughed.

  “You’re adorable, AJ.” I couldn’t stop staring at him.

  “Are you sure you’re going to be okay with her?”

  Hunter turned to Mandy and nodded. “She’ll be fine. I promise. I’ll make sure she gets home in one piece.”

  Mandy came up to me and smiled. “I’ll call you in the morning, okay?”

  I nodded and Christian came up to kiss me on the cheek before turning to Hunter. “Take good care of her.”

  Hunter nodded. “I will.”

  Christian opened the car door for Hunter, and he placed me into the passenger seat. He pulled the seatbelt over me, and the whole time I watched him. “Stop doing that.”

  I continued to stare. “What?”

  He strapped me in tightly, and when he finished he looked at me. “Looking at me like you want me to fuck you.”

  I searched his face thinking that was all I wanted him to do. “Maybe, right now, I do.”

  Hunter trailed a finger down my face, making me shudder. “We’ll talk about this when you’re sober.” He pulled away, and I felt a sudden loss. I didn’t like this feeling. Not one bit.