Free Step-Lover by Bella Jewel Page A

person in. Jack . . .” She sighs. “Jack would be a good step-father.”
    “I know that, I do,” I say gently. “It’s just . . . I don’t know if I’m ready to let them go.”
    She squeezes me. “I think about them everyday; that’s never going to change. I miss your sister’s sweet voice and your daddy’s hugs. I miss them so much it still hurts, but I know they would want this for us. I know they wouldn’t want us to spend the rest of our days unhappy. Jack makes me happy, Ari. Happier than I’ve been in eleven years.”
    I wrap my arm around her, squeezing tight. “I know he does. I like Jack.”
    “And he likes you. Let him in, honey. You won’t be disappointed. He wouldn’t mind if you called him dad.”
    He wouldn’t mind, but I would . . . because calling him dad made things too real.
    “What do you think of the boys?” I question.
    “They’re great kids.”
    I nod. “Yeah, they are.”
    She steps and turns, so she’s facing me. She holds my shoulders and stares into my eyes. “I’m so proud of you, for everything you’ve achieved. I’m proud that we can finally smile again. I want this, Aria. I want this family; I want just a percentage of the happiness back that I lost when my angels died. Jack and the boys, they’re giving me that. Hearing all your laughter . . . it’s bringing sunshine back into my life.”
    Guilt pinches my chest, because I know what I did with Blade last night would crush her. It’s not just about him being my step-brother and worrying about what people would think, it’s also the fact that if things blow up, it’s going to destroy this happy place my mom has finally found herself in. Looking up into her eyes, I know one thing for certain.
    I have to stop this.

CHAPTER TEN
    THEN – ONE YEAR EARLIER
     
    “Are we going to stay in this room all weekend?” I groan, stretching on the bed.
    “No, we are not, Ally.”
    I chuckle at his use of my made-up name. “Then what are we going to do, Dante?”
    He smirks at me, and I take a moment to study him. His sandy-blond hair is falling over his forehead, framing that gorgeous, chiseled face. His eyes are more blue than gray today—absolutely stunning. I reach up, moving a strand of hair from his eyes. He smiles down at me, and that dimple makes my heart flutter.
    “We’re going for a run.”
    I blink. “Oh no, we’re not.”
    “Yeah, we are,” he says, jumping up and taking my hands, pulling me with him.
    “You’re not serious,” I cry as he spins me towards a shopping bag in the corner. “What’s in there? You said you went and got pastries!”
    He laughs, wrapping an around my shoulders and pulling me back against his chest. His skin is warm against mine, and his muscles bunch and move against my shoulders as he leans over and whispers in my ear, “I lied.”
    I grin. “You’re not a very nice person, and this is the point where I inform you that I don’t run. Ever. Not ever.”
    “I can make you run.”
    “Nope, not possible.”
    He squeezes. “Is that a bet?”
    “Yep. I don’t run. Besides, why do we need to run? Why, I say?”
    His laugh rumbles through my body. “Because we have eaten so much food I feel fat.”
    “But you’re not.”
    “But I feel it.”
    I spin in his arms so I’m facing him. “But you’re not.”
    “I run everyday.”
    “And?”
    He leans down close. “You’ll be fine, trust me. When we get back, you’ll be rewarded.”
    “Nope. You can’t make me.”
    “Yeah, I can.”
    “Can’t.”
    “Can.”
    I turn and hurry towards the bathroom but he catches me around the waist, hauling me back. “Consider it a date.”
    “I don’t know you. We have no reason to date.”
    “Darlin’, I’ve had my dick inside you.”
    I snort. “And what a wonderful dick it is, that doesn’t mean we’re dating. I’m still not convinced you’re not a serial killer.”
    “Most charming killer out there,” he mumbles against my shoulder.
    “I’m not running,