What're You Doing Stepbro?

Chapter 4

After telling him I was okay with starting over, Cole smiled slightly, almost relieved. He turned the radio on since he seemed to get out everything he wanted to say. He sang along goofily to the songs as they played, trying to get me to join in with him. I laughed with him, feeling my sides ache and my heart full. This went way better than I had been expecting, and I was so grateful.

We got home after driving around the block a couple of times to finish one of the songs. I gave into him and joined him in singing our hearts out. This side of Cole was something I had longed to be a part of for so long, it felt like I was dreaming. As we pulled into the driveway, I saw Zane’s car parked on the side of the street. This day was just getting better and better. I hopped out of the car and excitedly ran into the house.

I opened the door to find Zane sitting at the kitchen table chatting happily with my dad and Sylvia. I ran up to him and hugged him tightly. Cole followed me into the house shortly after, not able to keep up with my running. Zane hugged me back, smiling brightly.

“What are you doing here?” I asked eagerly. He was supposed to work today and said he wouldn’t be able to stop by. He chuckled at my eagerness.

“I got off of work early. I figured I’d pop in for a little bit. I haven’t had the chance to meet your brother.” He gave me a light squeeze around my waist as he spoke.

“Stepbrother.” Cole corrected coldly from behind us, an irritated look washed over his face. Why did he feel the need to stress that we weren’t real siblings? I thought we had made up. “Who is this?” Cole motioned towards Zane.

I untangled myself from Zane’s arms. “This is my boyfriend.” I swear I could see Cole’s jaw clench before he smiled at Zane.

“Oh, nice to meet you.” the kindness in his voice teetering on being fake. He looked over to Sylvia. “I’m tired, I’m going to go rest in my room for a bit.”

“Okay, sweetie!” Sylvia replied as Cole walked upstairs. My brows furrowed as I watched him, he seemed full of energy when we were in the car. I hoped that he didn’t feel offended over Zane’s spontaneous visit, maybe he just wanted to spend time with his family.

Zane grabbed my hand, pulling me down to the seat beside him. “I’m sorry, maybe I should have called before heading over here.” His mouth was pulled down into a frown. I squeezed his hand slightly to comfort him.

“Nonsense! You’re welcome over any time.” My father bellowed, standing up to walk over and pat Zane on the shoulder.

“Yeah, Cole’s just had a long trip, don’t mind him, he can get a little grumpy sometimes.” Sylvia chimed in, waving her hand like she was shooing something away.

Zane stayed for a couple of hours, we stayed chatting like that with my dad and Sylvia at the kitchen table the whole time. Zane had to work in the morning, so he wasn’t able to stay too late. Cole never came out of his room to join us. I guess he had fallen asleep.

“Alright, I should get going, I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time.” He smiled at my parents. “Thank you so much for having me over.” He stood up from his seat.

“I’ll walk you out.” I got up and grabbed his hand, walking him to the front door. He pulled me out onto the porch, closing the door behind us before wrapping his arms around me again.

“I’ve missed you so much.” He buried his nose in the crook of my neck, breathing me in. Goosebumps rose on my arms.

“I’ve missed you too.” I whispered as his arms tightened around my waist. He leaned back, grabbing the sides of my face, he pressed his lips against mine. My lips met his eagerly, it had been so long since we’d had time for any intimacy. He placed gentle kisses across my cheek, over my jaw, and down my neck. I was swooning before he sighed and dropped his head onto my shoulder.

“I really should get going, I’m sorry El.” I was used to this. His job took up so much of his time, but he was working towards his goals. I could continue to be understanding about it, no matter how much it sucked. We get to see each other maybe two times a month at the most these days. I forced a smile on my face as he pulled back from me.

“It’s okay, go and get some rest, I’m just glad I got to see you today, even if it was just for a little bit.” I know my smile didn’t reach my eyes; I could tell by the concern pooling in his own. I stroked his cheek to reassure him. “Go on, text me when you get home safe.” He leaned down to give me another quick peck on the lips before walking off to his car. I watched him leave until I couldn’t see his car anymore.