Chapter 1 Fiona

“Yeahhhh!” The guys downstairs shouted, and the loud music followed, capable of deafening one’s ears.

“Sometimes I think you’re not just lucky after all…” Gia said as she scrolled through on her phone.

“I told you, didn't I?” I lay on the bed staring at the ceiling.

“But at least anyone would want to be like you. You get to leave with your crush…” She looked away from her phone winking at me.

I immediately smacked her back as she let out a groan. “Don’t you dare let anyone hear you say that, and who said I’m still crushing on him?”

Gia rolled her eyes at me as she sat upright, giving me that look I knew I could never avoid.

“He’s my stepbrother now—I mean for the past three years. Whatever I had then were just... You know... Infatuation." I said and Gia only stared at me as though she could read through me. "Our parents are married and I don’t want to disappoint my family.”

“But this is about you girl…” She mentioned. “You can’t just sacrifice your happiness because of your family or parents—I mean they didn’t even consider you guys for being friends since childhood before suddenly deciding to get married.”

Okay, that’s my best friend—Gia. Straightforward as fuck.

She never bothers to filter her words, dark curls, with sharp cat-like green eyes

“You're speaking as though he’s interested in me." I rolled my eyes at her. "And seriously Gia… I want this family to work. I’d be fine.”

“Of course you’d be fine." She repeated sarcastically. "Starting college tomorrow, attending the same school with him... Good luck pretending you're over it."

I looked away from her as I heaved a sigh.

To think that I had even chosen that major because I wanted to see him and when asked why I chose it, I had lied about my brother saying I loved his area of study when in fact it was all because of him—Hayes!

What wouldn’t I do because of my damn crush turned stepbrother?

“You'd better be going now… It’s getting late.” I told her.

“You literally sending me away aren’t you? Hating on my presence now?”

I chuckled. “Don’t be dramatic… The guys are downstairs partying since it's their last year in college, I'm only saying for your sake."

“If you don't know, that’s just another lame excuse to make me leave—“ Gia was yet to finish her statement when the door swung open—of course without a single knock, and Kaden poked his head in.

“I told you always to knock!” I half yelled.

“Well just checking on you girls… I hope we aren’t disturbing you much?" He asked, rhetorically. "Also Gia, if you don't mind, can I ask you to spend the nights here? It’s gonna get busy down there and Fiona would be very bored up here.”

“Thank you for your concern but I can—“

“Sure Kaden.” Gia interrupted me as she lay on the bed. “I wanted to.”

Kaden flashed me a smile then closed the door shut and I could hear him scream 'Let’s get the party started.'

“I’m definitely telling mum about this" I sighed exasperatedly. "How could my first night, preparing for college be this hectic. I really wish our house wasn’t close by I would have just stayed in a dorm.”

“Hey girl, take a chill pill. If you aren’t the way you are, you would have gone ahead to join them downstairs and party your frustrations out—this might really be your chance to get laid—oh, wait. Are you still a virgin?"

“Jesus! Gia… May God have mercy on you, too dirty.” I rose to my feet and strode over to the bedroom.

I undressed and entered the shower.

Even with the sound of water, I could still hear the shout of my brother and his friends making the loudest noise.

I'm damn sure that downstairs was going to be a mess. They'd better clear it all out before mum arrives—she went on a business trip with Mr. Montgomery that is my stepfather… Although I’d never get accustomed to calling him 'dad.'

He’s a nice man. I used to see him as my crush dad or perhaps my brother's best friend dad, and dream that maybe someday he'd end up being my father-in-law.

"Oh, shit," I mumbled, running my hand through my hair.

Get your thoughts in order, Fiona!

It was really time I stopped my feelings from running wild for Hayes.

He’s way off my league, I’ve known that ever since I discovered my feelings for him while in high school.

He’s that popular kid every rich pretty lady always wanted to be with and me? I was no match…

I’ve always wished that maybe a miracle would happen and we would be together but the longer we’ve been family, the clearer it’s become that I need to bury those feelings for good.

I heaved a sigh and walked out of the bathroom.

Gia wasn’t here anymore, of course I didn’t expect her to be here… She wasn't a party pooper like me, funny enough I came to know her through Kaden.

I changed into my nightgown this time I didn’t know what the guys were up to as their noise wasn’t as loud as I could remember which was better. Now, I could have a better sleep…

I lay on the bed covering myself up with the blanket.

It was going to be my first day in college tomorrow. I don’t know why I was suddenly beginning to feel nervous but Kaden had promised to be there for me including Gia who is a sophomore so I guess there was really nothing much to worry about.

I tucked my teddy bear under my arm and left the door unlocked; Gia would likely be bursting in soon, still buzzing from her night out with the guys. 

The moment my head hit the pillow, my eyelids grew heavy. I let go, allowing sleep to pull me under and into dreamland.

•

I was still sleeping with the teddy in hand—or so I assumed until I felt the warm breath on my skin tingle on me like it was everything I’ve always wanted.

I blinked once—then twice, trying to clear the haze of sleep when my eyes caught sight of the feature before me.

Long, dark eyelashes brushed his cheeks, and a trace of stubble shadowed his sharp jawline. His lips were parted slightly, breathing in a soft, rhythmic slumber.

My heart stopped... Hayes?

What on earth was he doing in my bed!