Under His Eye: Falling for Stepdaddy

Rehearsal

Even wearing my nicest dress, I felt completely out of place the first time I visited Malcolm's estate.

Aside from the extensive grounds and the soaring architecture, it seemed like everyone was wearing fancier clothes than me. Even the caterers and workers scurrying around, getting everything ready for the wedding, were dressed to the nines, making me feel like a dowdy country relative who just fell off the turnip truck.

"Mom, you told me this place was nice, but wow..." I said, marveling at the two-story foyer in the entrance, which was flanked by two grand, curving staircases.

"Yes, yes, it's all quite lovely," said my mother, apparently unfazed by the grandeur all around us. Had she really gotten so accustomed to this lifestyle in just a few short months?

"I just feel a little... under dressed," I confessed as I pulled her aside to avoid being run over by a group of workers carrying tables.

"I told you to treat yourself to whatever you wanted," said my mother, too focused on the checklist on her phone to note my distress.

"And I told you that money is quite tight at the moment," I said, my mouth watering as I saw a train of waiters bearing platters scurry past us.

"Sweetie, I'm a little busy right now," said my mother, finally turning to look at me. "If you like, go to Brigitte's in town. Malcolm has a standing account there. He'll be happy to pay for some new clothes for you."

"Um, no thanks," I said, using my hand to shield my eyes as we stepped out onto the back lawn.

It was the day of the rehearsal, so all the guests were milling around as liveried waiters circulated between them with flutes of champagne. Over in one corner, a live orchestra was playing, and there was a massive buffet of finger foods and hors d’oeuvres spread out on several tables, enough to feed an army.

I scanned the crowd, hoping to see someone I recognized, but it was clear that almost everyone in attendance was from Malcolm's side. Which made sense, of course, him being a wealthy businessman and all. But the fact that we couldn't get more than a handful of people to represent our family was yet another reason I felt so out of place.

"Ah, you're here," said a handsome young man, stepping forward to greet us. It took me a moment before I realized it was Jack, Malcolm's son. "Emma, you look as lovely as always."

"Thank you, Jack. Jack, this is my daughter, Allison. Allison, Jack," said my mother.

I let my hand remain loose in his grip as Jack shook my hand, but I couldn't help but notice how soft and smooth his skin was. Growing up with a wealthy father like that, he'd probably never worked a day in his life.

Just then, a woman a few feet away began waving her arms, trying to signal my mother.

"Allison, honey, will you be okay on your own for a bit?" said my mother. "I need to go talk to her. Apparently, the florist's truck broke down."

"Sure," I said. "But who is that?"

"Why, that's Belinda, dear," said my mother. "The wedding coordinator. I told you about her."

"Oh, right," I said, despite having no memory whatsoever of ever hearing about her.

"Wow, your mom's quite a stunner," said Jack once it was just the two of us. "And you're not so bad yourself."

"Ugh," I said, wrinkling my nose in disgust.

"What?" said Jack, giving me an impish smile that probably charmed most women, but it did absolutely nothing for me. "It's true."

"Sorry, buddy, not interested," I said.

"Aww, come on," said Jack. "Your mom is marrying my father. That means we're going to be family soon."

"Yeah, duh," I said, looking around, desperately wishing I could see one person I knew just so I could get away from the creep.

"This could be our last chance to hook up before, you know, it gets weird," said Jack with a chuckle.

"Dude, what is your problem?" I said, whirling to face him. "I don't even know you, and what you're suggesting is gross. Get a hold of yourself!"

"All right, all right," said Jack, holding up his hands in surrender. "I had to try, didn't I?"

There was a sour smile on my face as I watched him slowly back away, that mischievous glint in his eye until he was tapped on the shoulder by a man wearing an expensive suit, and then the two of them began talking. First, his father had put his hand on my leg during dinner, and now his son had made a pass at me? Crazy!

Once again, I began questioning why my mother wanted to marry into this family. But then I had to remind myself yet again that this was her choice and her life.

Sure, technically speaking, Malcolm would become my stepfather, and his pervy son Jack would become my stepbrother, but that was just a legal distinction. I had my own life, so none of that really mattered.

I wandered around the grounds for a bit, and I finally did find one of my uncles and his wife, which gave me someone to talk to, even if I'd never really gotten along with them and thought they were pretty much bores. I ate way too many crab puffs, and then just as I was getting a nice champagne buzz on, the rehearsal finally started.

As wedding rehearsals go, it was pretty standard. Belinda turned out to be a veritable general, pointing and telling everyone where to go. As a bridesmaid, all I really had to do was stand there by the altar next to three of Malcolm's cousins, whose names I kept forgetting.

My mother looked absolutely lovely in a simple yet elegant red number, and I had to admit that Malcolm looked very handsome in his neatly pressed cardigan and trousers.

It was kind of surreal seeing them go through the motions of getting married without wearing proper wedding attire, but that's how rehearsals go. Mostly, it was just to make sure we all knew our places and for Malcolm's youngest niece to practice her flower girl routine.

After that, we all sat down to a grand banquet. I'd never had a three-course meal before, much less one outdoors on someone's lawn, so that was an interesting experience. There were seemingly a hundred waiters all running around, and I had no more than to wish for a refill than for one to lean over my shoulder and pour me some more wine.

As we ate, the orchestra continued to play. Between the alcohol and the music, the party started to liven up after a while, and I saw several of Malcolm's business associates red-faced and guffawing with laughter on the far end of the table.

Over in my section, the women were mostly gossiping about clothes and places around the world where they had gone shopping, leaving me feeling pretty left out as my mother and Malcolm were absolutely mobbed by people.

When the sun set, someone threw a switch, and the entire back lawn was lit up with thousands of lights. I had to admit they had an ethereal beauty to them, almost like fireflies dancing around, but that could've been the alcohol talking. Soon, a little breeze picked up, and I saw some folks get to their feet to continue talking or to start dancing.

All in all, everyone was in a merry mood, which is why I was caught off-guard when someone slid into the seat next to me, and I turned to see it was Jack.

"Hey, you're still here," he said, his breath warm and boozy.

"Yep, I'm still here," I said, primly folding my hands on my lap.

"Did I mention how pretty you are?" said Jack, a big grin on his face. "Because there are dozens and dozens of women here, and you, my dear, are the fairest of them all."

"Yeah, you told me that before," I said, not quite sure why I felt so flattered. Maybe it was just nice to get some attention after being largely ignored all day.

"There's something special about you, Abby," he said, looking straight into my eyes. "I just don't have the words to describe it."

"Um, my name is Allison," I said even as I felt a strange heat bloom inside of me.

"Right, sorry, I'm a little drunk," said Jack, giving me that impish grin of his again. "Allison... Allison... Allison in Wonderland!"

"Um, actually, that was Alice," I said, stifling a giggle.

"Are you sure?" said Jack, tilting his head. "Because look around you. I'm pretty sure this is Wonderland."

"Yeah," I said with a little sigh. "It's pretty magical, especially with all the twinkling lights."

"You want to know a secret?" said Jack, leaning in close. "I can see them reflected in your eyes, and you're right. It really is magical."

"Aww," I said. But before I could get another word out, he leaned in and kissed me.

I was so stunned by the boldness of that move that I just sat there for a long moment, unsure what to do. A shiver of pleasure ran down my spine, and my body began aching for more. But then I finally got a grip on myself and pulled back.

Honestly? If he hadn't been my (future) stepbrother, I might've actually gone through with it. His lips were firm and warm, and it was so lovely being touched in such a passionate way like that.

But as tough as it was seeing everyone around me look so beautiful and happy, I just couldn't let myself give in to my basest desires. Not with him, anyway, that was for sure.

"Sorry," I said, my voice quiet. "But making out with my step-brother is crossing the line for me."

"What a pity," said Jack, giving me one last smoldering gaze before getting to his feet and stumbling off to rejoin the party.

Even after he was gone from sight, the warm tingling on my lips lingered on for quite a while. Yet little did I know that the night was only just starting to heat up.