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Before I can even answer, the broody one with the tats responds as he looks me up and down, “This here is probably Xayden’s new sister.”
“Yeah, hi. I’m Rory,” I rasp out. My throat’s dry, and I feel incredibly awkward.
Everyone’s eyes are on me like I’m going to perform a magic trick for them. Would have been nice to know I was going to be expecting visitors.
“Wow, that’s sad. You’re the ugly stepsister. Do you have pet mice, too?” A blond girl sitting next to the brunette one laughs. And of course, that one is just as beautiful too. All of the girls are.
I am the complete opposite of everyone in this room. My chest is a set of double D’s. My thighs are thick, I have a set of hips, and even my stomach is what some would call fluffy. I wear a size eighteen, not a zero.
Trying not to react to them, I still my facial features. It took me a long time to find my footing again after my father died. I retreated into myself. I didn’t go out with friends; I stayed in and read. I stopped playing sports because he wasn’t there anymore to come watch me. I stopped being who I was with my father in my life, simply because he wasn’t anymore.
Over the last couple years, I found myself again. I had friends that stood by me, who helped me through the pain. I started dating guys and coming back out of my shell. I got my spunk back.
“No, what’s sad is that the only movie your little brain can reference is Cinderella,” I huff. “Also, Cinderella had the mice, not the stepsisters. But I wouldn’t expect you to remember that. I’m sure your head is filled with so much air from all the dicks you’ve sucked that it keeps important facts out.”
Without a look back, I storm out the doors and head toward the main house. I can hear laughter from the guys echoing behind me. So glad I’m already making friends.
My fists are clenched at my sides as I march my way up to the driveway. Remember how I said this was going to be a good couple of weeks? I completely take that back if I have to deal with those people. I am so tempted to go get a fucking hotel for the next two weeks.
By the time I get into the house, I find my mom sitting on the couch reading a book and Aaron in the kitchen finishing up whatever he is cooking.
And then my eyes see him.
Fuck me into next week.
My eyes widen at the sight of who I can only guess is my stepbrother. And holy shit, he is fucking hotter than sin. Now I understand the hot friends and skinny model girlfriends. They are the beautiful people.
The goddamn beautiful people.
He turns toward me, and all I can do is stare. His blue eyes pierce right through me as the corner of his mouth tips up slightly for a moment before he steels his face.
His dirty blond hair is slicked back, and his black button-up shirt hugs all of him in the right places. And let’s not talk about the jeans he’s wearing with his cowboy boots.
Holy fuck. I think I love Texas.
He pushes away from the counter and saunters over to me. “You must be my new sister.” He holds out his hand. Ever so slowly, I reach out and shake it. The minute his hand covers mine, I feel this jolt of electricity from the touch. “Xayden. And you’re Aurora?”
“R-Rory,” I croak out. My mouth feels like the Sahara Desert.
“Rory,” He repeats back. “Were you going to let go of my hand? I kinda need it.”
Like a bolt of lightning struck me, I rip my hand out of his and jump back. “Sorry,” I whisper.
He hooks his thumbs in his pockets and purses his lips as he continues to stare at me. It’s beginning to make me extremely uncomfortable.
And apparently no one else here seems to notice.
Mainly because the newlywed couple are on the couch smooching and being all in love.
Gag.
I clear my throat. “It’s … um … nice to finally meet you. Your dad spoke a lot about you when he came out to Vegas.” Aaronreally didn’t. I just feel like being polite. “And I’m really happy to see our parents together.”
He immediately takes a step back from me. His eyes darken at my words, and I can see the moment his wall goes up.
And I think I just fucked up.
Without another word, he turns and heads back over to the island counter. He picks up his beer, and I watch him toss it back, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he does. As he drinks, I notice that he has tattoos peeking out from his sleeve.