Still outside, I wrapped my arms tightly across my chest, as if that alone would hold me together.
My lips parted before I could stop myself. “So now we’re officially step-siblings.” I didn’t look at Ethan as I said it. “I hope that gets your head out of the gutter.”
The words were meant to sting, to push him away, but they caught in my throat on the way out. There was this weird ache sitting right under my ribs. It hurt to say that. Why the hell did it hurt?
And then I felt it. Arms—strong and warm—wrapped around me from behind.
I gasped, stiffening like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water on me. “Ethan!” I breathed, practically squeaking.
What the hell was he doing?
His chin dipped into the crook of my neck, his breath tickling my skin, and I swear to God, my heart started do
