Chapter 157 – Oops! I’m in Love with My Stepbrother Book

“Why did you bring me here Theo?” I asked, finally taking the pillow from my head as I saw Theo sitting in a chair a few feet away..of course he was back to his flawless self now..clean shaven and everyhting.

“Like I told you last night Ava..I want to do this the right way. I want to start fresh..”

“Fresh? What does that even mean?”

“It means..I want to start from the beginning..no contract..no sex..no control..just me and you getting to know one another.”

“And how are you going to do that Theo.” I laughed dryly, wondering what game he was playing.

“I want to ask you out on a date..a real date.”

(Ava)

“A..date? Like..what kind of date?” I asked..feeling like an idiot for not understanding what he meant. But I was thoroughly confused.

Theo couldn’t possibly mean going to a movie or something like that, right? There has always been a catch when it comes to Theo..so I can’t even imagine what he could be planning now.

Theo suddenly stood, his eyes boring down into mine as he slowly walked towards me.

I felt my head tilt back, my wide gaze locked onto his as I swallowed hard, trying not to show how much he was affecting me right now.

I won’t lie..just being in this room alone with him seemed too risky. I know for a fact that Theo has a way of getting me to do things I normally wouldn’t..it has happened every damn time we are alone.

“Dinner to start.. Ava, this time..it’s going to be different..let me prove it to you..let me treat you how I should’ve from the beginning.” Theo said, his hand reaching out as he gently brushed my blonde hair to the side. The action caused my breathing to hitch as my heart felt like it could burst right out of my chest.

“First I set up a spa day for you. The masseuse will be here after we are done eating breakfast. And after that, the stylist will come to bring you a few dress options.”

He went on to explain, leaving me just staring up at him in shock.

Then I glanced down, suddenly realizing I wasn’t wearing my dress anymore and was in blue silk pajamas instead, causing my brow to furrow in confusion. When did that happen? And where the hell did he get these from?

“D-Did you get me dressed last night?!” I gasped, causing Theo to fight the smile that was threatening to spread.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t look.” He said cooly before going to stand back up.

“I find that hard to believe..” I grumbled while crossing my arms in front of my chest.

“Don’t even bother getting me a new dress..I will wear the one I had on last night.” I added and went to get up, needing to get as far away from Theo as possible right now. But before I could Theo stepped closer to me once again, blocking my way.

I knew he hated that dress..I could tell by the way he looked at it in horror last night..so maybe I just wanted to annoy him a little.

“You can’t.” He stated firmly, making me scoff as I started to feel my bratty side coming forth.

“What do you mean I can’t? I thought you said you wouldn’t control me anymore Theo..” I snapped, already finding faults in what he said.

“Well, unless you want me to call the dry cleaners and see if they already got that puke stain out..then I guess I can..” He explained, making my eyes widen as embarrassment flooded through me.

I threw up last night too?! Oh god..how did I not remember that part?

“No..that..that’s okay I will just wear a different one.” I muttered, unable to look Theo I’m the eyes as I quickly stood and went to walk around him.

“Wait..” Theo rushed out, gripping my arm firmly as I looked towards the bathroom, afraid of what Theo was going to do or say next.

At least before I could kind of expect how he would react.. but now..I have no clue what he is capable of. This Theo is practically a stranger.

“What is it?” I breathed, making myself sound more affected by him than I wanted.

“I know I hurt you before..but please Ava, give me a chance..all of this..it’s new to me too.”

And with that, he let go of me and started walking out of the room.

“I will be waiting out here for you. There is a new toothbrush on the counter and some items you might need.” He informed me and that’s when I heard the door shut.

I instantly let out the breathe I had been holding, feeling my head pounding not just from all that alcohol I consumed, but from what Theo just sprang at me.

“A date?!” I whispered hissed to myself, pacing pack and forth as I went and grabbed the water bottle on the side of the bed and chugged it.

I…I have never been on a date truthfully..like a real date. So I seem to be just as freaking clueless as he is.

The closest thing I ever had was when we were visiting the Oregon Coast and I was trying to annoy him.

After drinking the water and taking two ibuprofen Theo had left for me, I walked over to the bathroom and froze in my tracks.

On the counter sat a new hairbrush, toothbrush, makeup remover, and even some expensive-looking lotions and face wash.

Did he really get all of this stuff just for me?

I felt my heart skip a beat, my stomach feeling more anxious than ever as I walked to the counter and reached for the toothbrush.

No Ava..you cannot far for this..Theo has to be up to something. Then it hit me.

Oh god..maybe he is just treating me this way to find out if I ended up pregnant.

He probably thinks I might be or something! But the drinking should’ve given that away.

I slammed the toothbrush back down before whirling around and marching straight for Theo.

I felt my anger boiling..feeling as if I had been tricked yet again as I burst through the bedroom door and came into the large hotel living room.. What did he get..the presidential suite or something?!

“Theo!” I called out, trying to find him as I rounded a corner and heard talking.

“Yes, of course, sir. Here you go..have a great meal.” Someone said as I walked up and saw one of the hotel staff just leaving.

“Did you find everything okay? Breakfast just got here.” Theo said warmly, causing my determination to falter for the briefest moment.

I studied Theo carefully, realizing he was actually smiling at me as he pushed the cart close to the sofa across the room.

Theo had on a white dress shirt with dark blue slacks, making him look as sharp as ever.

“Theo..if..if you are just doing this because you think I’m pregnant..I’m not. I started my period a few days later…after we..you know..” I trailed off, making Theo stop what he was doing before turning his head to look at me.

“That’s what I figured..considering I found you heavily intoxicated.” He explained, making my brow furrow as I felt so confused then..and the words slipped from my mouth before I could chicken out.

“Then..why are you doing all of this? I..I don’t understand..what do you have to gain?” I breathed, causing hurt to fill Theo’s eyes as he slowly walked towards me once again.

“I have everything to gain Ava..I know before I treated you like something I wanted to control..to possess and own..but along the way, something changed and I didn’t know what the hell I was feeling. Or how to handle it..” He explained as I watched his hands ball into a fist as he kept them at his side. The look in his eyes grew more intense by the minute as I didn’t know how to respond.

Could he really mean it?

“Just..one date for now..that’s all I’m asking..” He breathed, sounding nervous now as he searched my expression eagerly.

I just nodded my head..knowing that my agreeing to this might just be the stupidest mistake of my life…but, I won’t let him use me again like that.

“One date…”

Just one wouldn’t hurt..right?

(Theo)

I cleared my throat, my eyes settling down on the large bouquet of pink roses I bought as I let out a deep breath.

Why the hell am I so damn nervous right now? Fuck..this is definitely something I’ve never experienced in my life..and I didn’t know how to handle it.

I could feel my heart racing as I looked across the lobby. Watching the elevator open and close several times..only it wasn’t Ava who got off.

“Maybe I should just go up there and get her..” I mumbled to myself, going to stand just as the elevators opened again, causing all the air to rush out of me.

She looked like a damn angel.

Ava was wearing all white, the bodice had been made of lace with a silk skirt beneath that which flowed down her curvy hips beautifully. Her hair was down in waves, making me swallow hard as I tried to absorb this vision in white.

Then the most absurd thought crossed my mind, making my eyes widen as the words echoed through me.

Is this what she would look like in a wedding dress?

Fuck..I have it bad.

I stepped forward, my eyes locked onto Ava’s beautiful face as I made my way over to her hastily.

“You look gorgeous Kitten.” I gushed, feeling like we were the only two people in here.

I don’t know why I started calling her kitten..maybe because she was cute but had those sharp little claws that came out now and then..either way, I had never made up a pet name for any of the girls I “dated” before.

I could see her cheeks turning that shade of pink I fucking craved as she gave me a shy thank you before looking down at the flowers in my hands.

“Are..are those for me?” She asked, making me nod as I handed them over to her.

I know I need to be a perfect gentleman tonight, especially if I want to show Ava I meant everything I said..but I felt my palms itching to touch her.

I gently slid my hand across her lower back, seeing her stiffen for the briefest moment before letting her body give in as she leaned against my touch.

“I can’t get over how stunning you look right now.” I leaned down, whispering into her ear as she let out a rush of air, causing my cock to twitch.

Yeah..I was as hard as a damn rock..I won’t lie..but I’m not giving in to those urges tonight..as much as I want to..really really fucking bad.

“The car is waiting outside, shall we?” I asked, prompting her to nod up and down as I finally dragged my eyes away from her and looked towards the lobby doors.

That’s when I noticed every damn guy in here was looking at Ava..not just looking..fucking staring and gawking like they had never seen a damn woman before.

Okay, to be fair, Ava might just be the most beautiful woman they will ever lay their damn eyes on..so I get it..but I didn’t like it.

I stood up straighter, my hand sliding down more to her side than her back as I held her possessively..but tried not to let Ava notice it.

That’s when I shot every fucking dude in eyesight the coldest glare I could muster.

“So, are you going to tell me where we are going?” Ava asked me softly, her angelic voice making my stomach flip as I glanced down at her again.

I felt my gaze settle on her full pink lips..causing the urge to kiss her rise up as I quickly looked away.

“It’s a surprise. You will just have to try and be patient for once.” I teased. Ava narrowed her eyes at me in response.

“I knew snarky Theo would be making an appearance..” She muttered, prompting me to scoff as I bent down, getting close to her face again.

“Well..there has to be something you like about me right? I’m guessing it has to do with my charming personality.” I quipped, knowing that would get her riled up.

Suddenly Ava stopped, her hand reaching up as she gripped my tie before lifting on her tiptoes, coming mere inches from my lips. I felt my body tingle with excitement, her big green eyes lighting up as I swear I was already getting lost in them.

“Sorry to tell you Mr. Hart..but your personality kind of sucks..” She purred, making me scoff as I felt a smirk pulling at my lips.

“Why did you agree to this date then?” I breathed, letting my eyes dart down to those luscious lips before meeting her gaze once more.

“Well, like you always said…it must be about the money. You do seem to have a lot of that.” She said quickly, making my eyes blink rapidly as she let go of my tie and started walking out to where the car was waiting. Ouch..I pretty much did say that..didn’t I?

I couldn’t help myself..the urge to chase her took over as I quickly sprung forward and wrapped my arms around her waist, picking her up and making her laugh. The sound was like pure fucking heaven as I bent my head down, coming close to her ear.

“You are lying..” I grumbled, making her wriggle in my arms as she tried to compose herself.

“Theo! Put me down!” She gasped, trying to act serious.

“Admit it’s not about the money then..it’s because I’m handsome isn’t it?”

“You’re crazy Theo!” She exclaimed.

“You make me this way.” I grumbled, walking her out of the hotel now as I still held her from around the waist.

“Fine! It’s because you are handsome..there..is that better? Now put me down!” She rushed out, and I felt the biggest smile ever spread across my face.

I knew I could get her to say it.

“There..that wasn’t so hard, now was it?” I asked, letting her slide down my chest as I gently placed her on the ground.

That’s when things changed..the look in her eyes became more intense as she slowly turned around to face me.

“I’ve never seen you act like this before..are you okay? You didn’t hit your head or something last night did you?” She suddenly blurted, making me fight a laugh.

“No, I didn’t hit my head..come on kitten, let’s get you something to eat. I bet you’re starving.” I said, taking her hand as she looked down at it and nodded. I could see her glancing at me every few seconds, probably wondering what was wrong with me..I will admit, this new Theo was just as surprising to me as it was to her.

I saw my driver waiting for us with the back passenger door already opened as I helped Ava into the car first and went to get in on the other side.

“Sir, everything is all set up and ready. They have security waiting at the gate for us.” My guy informed me as I nodded once and felt actual excitement rising up inside of me.

Ava was going to love this..at least I hoped she would.

I got into the car, seeing Ava staring down at her hands nervously as I quickly reached across and grabbed them once again.

Ever since that first time Ava held my hand..I can’t get enough..even last night when I held her in bed, our fingers were intertwined the entire time.

“I promise Ava, this is just the beginning..from now on, I’m going to treat you how I should have from the start.” I said, lifting my free hand as I brushed her beautiful blonde hair to the side.

I never was really into blondes before..truthfully Ava is my first and I swear it’s ruined me from anything and everything else.

“I..I want to believe you Theo.” Ava whispered nervously, making me nod as I scooted a little closer to her.

“Just let me prove it to you okay? Let’s just have fun tonight and not worry about a single thing..it’s you and me..that’s it.” I reassured her, making Ava nod before letting out a relieved breath.

And that’s when we were already nearing our destination.

Ava peeked outside, her eyes widening in disbelief as the car drove up to a gate.

“The Seattle Aquarium? You are taking me to the aquarium?” Ava asked in shock, making me nod before smiling warmly.

“We didn’t get to go to the Oregon one, so I thought I would make it up to you Kitten.” I explained while brushing my thumb across the back of her hand and lifting it to my lips, kissing her soft skin.

I want to do everything I can to prove that it’s Ava I want..not just her body or the possibility of kids one day..I want her for her.

For the way she doesn’t let me get away with any of my shit..or how she laughs at the silliest things.

I watched Ava turn towards the window..her big green eyes brighter than ever as she seemed to be bursting with excitement. I couldn’t help but feel it too as my heart started to swell with happiness.

Then something clicked..the realization of what was happening hit me like a ton of bricks..as I stared at the woman beside me.

I don’t know when the fuck it happened..or how it happened so fast..but I’m starting to realize.

I think I might have fallen in love with the girl..

—The End

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