Free Stepbrother: Forbidden Cravings: Stepbrother Romance Boxed Set by Heated Desires Publishing Page B

finally getting to know the man beneath the strong façade that he showed to the rest of the world.
    “Maybe now is the time that he will appreciate all that you have achieved,” I smiled encouragingly.
    “You have got to be kidding! He loves that I have failed. Look how quick he was to ask you to help me. He doesn’t have any faith in me. Even though the company has been a success for the past two years. Now I have had to come home, I know he will be secretly gloating,” Michael spat.
    I could only stare at him, stunned by his reply. I didn’t know how to answer him as he stood and strode angrily away. All I could do was hope that Michael was wrong about his father, and that the rift between them would soon heal.

Chapter Four
     
     
     
    As I sat under the blazing heat of the sun’s rays, I sheltered my eyes as a shadow fell over me. Michael was stood beside me, a wine bottle nestled in the ice bucket he held.
    He passed me one of the empty glasses he had brought and sat beside me on the grass. Putting aside the book that I was reading, I took the glass and waited for him to pour the drinks.
    “An apology for storming off like I did yesterday,” Michael said as he clinked the side of his glass against mine.
    “Thank you, but there was really no need,” I replied with a blush.
    “You shouldn’t have to listen to me ranting on about Dad. Let’s forget about that for now anyway. I thought I would come to get to know you better. I haven’t spent much time with you other than in the office.”
    For the rest of the afternoon, Michael and I chatted about every possible subject. The books that we enjoyed, the movies we had seen.
    We found that we had the same love of music, and were both avid animal lovers. It was surprising to find that we had so much in common. Often laughing together as we joked, relaxed in each other’s company.
    Holding out my glass to be refilled, Michael’s fingers lightly brushed against my own. I gasped, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. We exchanged a shy smile as I thanked him for the drink. Suddenly feeling my mouth grow dry as I took a quick sip.
    Although we only touched briefly, it felt as if a bolt of electricity had shot through my whole body. I felt flustered, unable to find any words as I watched him replace the bottle into the ice bucket. My heart was pounding hard as our eyes met.
    Feeling myself sinking into the depths of his eyes, I laughed heartily and looked away. Quickly I began quizzing Michael about his days at boarding school. Hoping that he hadn’t noticed the attraction that I felt toward him.
    With the afternoon moving into evening, the air still remained warm. It felt so nice to be just sat outside talking with Michael. We were now on our second bottle of wine, our conversation still flowing freely.
    So I was saddened when I heard the sound of the gong in the hall to announce that dinner was ready. Gathering our things, Michael and I made our way back to the house.
    Mom and Trevor were already seated in the dining room. Glancing between us as we entered the room. I was still laughing from something that Michael had said as he nudged me playfully in the ribs.
    “It looks like you two are getting on better,” Mom said happily.
    “We have spent the afternoon together in the grounds. It seems we actually have a lot in common,” Michael answered as he sat down.
    “Including wine I see,” Trevor said sternly.
    “Oh Trevor, leave them be,” Mom scolded.
    The atmosphere in the room felt strained as we ate our meal. Mom and Trevor spoke in whispers, discussing their upcoming vacation. While Michael and I ate in silence, only answering questions as they were asked. I was grateful when I could finally escape to my room.
    After a quick shower I slipped into my nightie and lay on the bed. It was still early, but the afternoon’s alcohol had finally begun to take effect.
    My mind was filled with images of Michael. The dimple that showed in his left cheek when he