In Love with my Stepfather

Chapter 3 — He Didn’t Kiss Her Back

May’s POV

The music pulsed like a heartbeat beneath low velvet lights. Our booth was the center of gravity—curved leather seats, half-finished bottles sparkling under spotlights, laughter loud enough to drown out everything else.

Tyler was halfway through a wild strip dance, shirt flapping, jeans barely holding on, when he spun too hard and nearly sent the hookah stand flying.

“Hey!” Briana shrieked, clutching her stomach from laughter.

“Put your clothes back on before security drags us out,” Jeff teased from behind his glass, grinning.

“You wish you could move like that,” Tyler shot back, collapsing into his seat like a triumphant fool.

The laughter faded, and Lena leaned in towards me with a wicked smile.

“May,” she said, her voice low and dangerous, “your turn.”

I blinked, then shrugged. “Bring it on.”

“You’ve got two choices,” Lena held up two fingers. “Kiss any guy here”—she gestured to Jeff, Tyler, Chris, and Devon—“or kiss the next man who walks into the club.”

“Ouuuuu,” Chris dragged the word out, clearly loving the chaos.

I didn’t hesitate.

I stood up, staggering a little.

The tequila loosened my limbs, gave me a reckless kind of courage—but my mind was sharp enough to hear my own heartbeat.

The door opened.

And then I saw a man walk in.

A black cap was pulled low over his eyes, casting just enough shadow to make him intriguing. His shoulders were broad, posture relaxed but unmistakably self-assured. He wore a plain black tee and dark, perfectly fitted jeans—nothing flashy, yet everything about him screamed quiet luxury. Effortless confidence. The kind you don’t fake.

I couldn’t see all of his face, but what I did see—sharp jawline, full lips, skin smooth like midnight silk—was more than enough to send a thrill down my spine. Perfect catch!

He hadn’t even taken a full step into the club before I was in front of him.

I reached up and grabbed his face, pressing my lips to his.

His body tensed in surprise—but he didn’t pull away. His lips were soft, warm beneath mine. I deepened the kiss—a slow, sensual French kiss that drowned out the noise around me.

When I finally pulled back, I studied his face with a lazy smile. Up close, he was even more stunning.

Goddamn. Where do they make men like this?

Something about him tugged at my memory, but in my haze, I pushed it aside.

I tilted my head, gave him a slow, sultry smile.

“Sorry, handsome. My friends dared me. But you didn’t lose, did you? Not everyone gets to kiss a gorgeous lady like me.”

Then I winked and turned away, hips swaying as I walked back to the booth like I’d just won a trophy.

The table erupted.

“Yo, did she really just do that?!” Tyler slammed the table.

“May is wild,” Lena laughed, reaching for her drink.

But Jeff stayed quiet. I noticed his jaw tighten for a moment before he turned back to his glass, eyes fixed on the rim like it’d said something rude.

The disappointment in his gaze was unmistakable.

⸻

Carlos’s POV

I stepped into the club, the brim of my cap pulled low to dull the sting of the lights. I didn’t come here for fun—I came to breathe.

Playing the role of passionate husband to the woman I hate the most in the world was getting harder by the day. I’d always escaped her presence with business trips as my excuse, but today, Lauren insisted we make love tonight. Hence, I didn’t want to go home just yet.

But before I could even scan the club, a woman staggered toward me—bold and fearless, and while I was still wondering what her intention was, she grabbed my face and kissed me.

My body froze for a second.

Then my eyes narrowed beneath the shadow of my cap.

May Howells.

For a moment, I thought I was mistaken. The cap shaded my face, but nothing could hide my memory. Her lips were soft. Her perfume—sweet and intoxicating.

I didn’t kiss her back—but I didn’t stop her either.

She pulled away slowly, too far gone to realize who she’d kissed. Her eyes lingered on my face, foggy and flirtatious, confirming it—she didn’t recognize me at all. And judging by the smug grin she gave before turning away, she didn’t care.

“Sorry, handsome,” she said with a wink. “My friends dared me. But you didn’t lose, right? Not everyone gets to kiss a gorgeous lady like me.”

I stood still, hands tucked into my pockets, the ghost of her kiss lingering on my lips.

Jaw clenched. Expression unreadable.

Of all places. Of all people.

I watched her collapse back into her seat, laughing as one of the guys gave her a mock bow.

Intrigue bloomed in my chest. This was our second encounter—both times interesting.

I turned slowly toward the bar, hiding the glint in my eyes as I ordered a drink.

Game on, princess.