"What's so funny?" I ask, trying to butt into the conversation.
"Dom, don't be nosy," Mom says, and it makes me laugh that she's so protective of Cassidy. I know she's always wanted a daughter, and if she has this connection with my stepsister, that makes me happy.
I try to forget the fact that it will make it more complicated for me if I follow through on the feelings I have for Cassidy.
"I see you've already started," Tony says as he walks in, a tired smile on his face. He sits down at the table, and we dig into our dinner. It's pot roast night, and I make sure to compliment Mom on her cooking. She smiles, and the evening gets a little bit better.
I'm regretting putting the distance between me and Cassidy after that kiss. I can see her looking at me from time to time, and her gaze is hopeful, which twists my insides. I feel bad for what I'm about to do to her.
After dinner, we all sit back with our bellies full. I keep sneaking glances at Cassidy, hoping she won't notice. Every single time our eyes meet and she blushes, my grin grows wider. It's so fucking juvenile and stupid. And this girl might just be the end of me.
I'm somehow reluctant to leave the table, and thankfully, Mom and Tony decide to prolong the image of family happiness.
"Kids, just so you know," Tony begins, clearing his throat. "Valerie and I are heading west tomorrow. We'll be gone for a coupla days. Will you be able to take care of yourselves while we're not here?"
"Where are you going?" I ask, fighting hard to keep the smile off my face when I feel Cassidy's excited eyes on me.
"We have some work to take care of," Tony waves his hand in the air. "Unfortunately, it can't be pushed back, and I'll need Valerie with me to help."
I sneak another glance at Cassidy, who's flat out staring at me. I smile when I realize what this means.
A few days alone in the beach house with her. No rules. No parents.
The odds are in my favor.
"Oh, I think we'll be fine," I say, winking at my stepsister as she blushes that shade of red which is quickly becoming my favorite color.
Chapter ten
CASSIDY
As soon as Valerie and Daddy tell us they'll be out of town for a while, I know I am doomed. Because there is no way in hell I’ll be able to resist Dom when we are home alone, making me go even crazier for him.
And that look he gives me at the kitchen table… I'm pretty much done for already.
The rest of the day goes by fast, with Valerie and Daddy packing for their trip. I'm not sure where they're going; my mind is too preoccupied with the thought of being all alone with Dom.
It isn't until we're standing on the curb to see our parents off that I realize how fast my heart is beating. Daddy kisses me goodbye and gives me a strange look as he gets into the car.
"You okay, pumpkin?" he wants to know, and I try my hardest to give him my brightest smile and a swift nod. But he still eyes me warily as he starts the car and Valerie waves us goodbye.
"You guys have fun," she says, but her cheerful voice sounds a little tired. I briefly wonder why, but don't spend too much time worrying, my mind already on other things.
"Bye," Dom and I shout as the car drives off.
And then it's just the two of us, my heart beating faster than ever. I'm not sure I can handle this, and it's been about ten seconds since the parents left.
Dom turns to face me so slowly I'm losing my mind before we're even face to face. I don't meet his eye, knowing that when I do, it will be the end of me trying to keep it together.
But Dom isn't having it.
He reaches for my face, tipping my chin up with his fingers until I'm forced to look him in the eyes. The connection between us is tense, like a storm brewing. I'm just waiting for the rain to start pouring down on us.
"Hey, Cassidy," he says, his lips wrapping around my name like a kiss. I almost moan out loud but manage to stop myself just in time. Instead, I just stare at my stepbrother with dark intent.
"You've gotta do what I say now. I'm in charge when they're gone," he tells me, smirking at me. When his lip pulls upward on one side, I have an intense desire to either kiss or smack that expression off his face. Of course, I'm too much of a scaredy-cat to do anything about it.
If Susie knew about this, she would be pushing me into Dom's arms already. The thought brings a smile to my face, and I decide to play along.