Page 212 of For the Fans

Avi clears his throat, and his eyes shift across the table, reminding me that we’re notjustin public, we’re also in front of mysister. Who also happens to be Avi’s stepsister.

Because he’s my stepbrother.

Honestly, it’s reminiscent of how we used to forget the camera was recording.I guess that’s just what happens when the chemistry takes over…

“Holy fucking shit…” Bridget gasps, startling me when her palms slap down on the table. “I knew it! Iknewyou guys were a thing!”

Moving back in my seat, I squint at her. “You didn’t know shit.”

“I so did!” she squeals. “No offense, but it’s pretty obvious. You’re both smitten.”

“Are not,” I grunt petulantly.

“Yes, you are!” she whispers, her eyes round and sparkly as she beams like she’s overjoyed for us.

I know I’m playing stubborn, because it’s my thing, but I sorta love how excited she is right now.

“Iam.” Avi shrugs, and when I glare at him, he winks at me, leaning in closer. “I told you, baby… I’m obsessed with you.”

My face must be the color of his damn Twizzlers as I purse my lips.

“Look at him trying to hide it!” Bridget shimmies in her seat. “Baby bro… You’re in love!”

“Stop,” I snap quietly. “Or so help me, I’ll move your seats to the nosebleeds tomorrow.”

She laughs, lunging across the table to take both of our hands. “Oh my goodness gracious, this is so exciting! Stepbrothers falling in love… How scandalous.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

Avi laughs. I roll my eyes.

“Does anyone know?” she asks, practically bouncing.

“Only my best friend,” Avi says.

She nods, then grins deviously at me. “Dad’s gonna flip.”

“Please… I don’t even want to think about him,” I groan, dropping my head into my palm.

“We don’t have to tell anyone anything.” Avi rubs my back. “Not until you’re ready.”

“Aww… he’s so freaking sweet.” Bridget pouts. “He’s perfect for you.”

“Alright, alright. We’re not in Green Bay. Enough with the cheese,” I grumble, and Avi chuckles. “Idowant to tell people… It just sucks that it’ll turn into this whole thing.”

Bridget’s forehead lines, and Avi clarifies, “Because of the NFL.”

“Ah. Right.” She nods.

“Social media will have a field day.” Avi chews on his lip.

“But I don’t care about that,” I tell him.

“Icare, Kyran,” Avi says softly, and my head tilts. “I don’t want your reputation to suffer because we’re stepbrothers. Or because of… any of the other stuff now associated with me.”

I’m taken aback. I didn’t know he felt this way. I had no idea he might be guilty about the way our relationship could look to the general public.

“What other stuff isassociatedwith you?” Bridget asks, cocking a brow at him.

Avi stiffens and gapes at her.