Why am I comparing him to that self-absorbed asshole?
It’s the glimpses I see of Brix being a nice person that has me questioning every negative thought I’ve had about him since he walked back into my life. As soon as the belief enters my mind, it’s quickly batted out by him being a complete jackass the next.
The doorbell rings, and I turn off my curling wand while giving myself one last look in the mirror. Grabbing my purse, I hit the light before jogging down the stairs toward the front door.
I swing the door open at the same moment Trevor reaches for the doorbell once more.
“Oh, there you are. For a second, I was wondering if I had the right house.”
“Sorry, just a few last-minute touch-ups.” I smile, swinging my purse over my head to sit at my hip. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I snag my keys to lock the door. Trevor stands out on the front porch stoop, waiting.
“I didn’t know you lived here. Isn’t this Brix Ward’s house?”
“Yep,” I say with a pop, “he’s my stepbrother.”
Even saying the words out loud sound foreign on my lips. It’s the truth, he is, but it seems weird to admit.
“I had no idea.” His eyes widen, surprised.
“It’s okay. It’s all very recent, actually. I was just as shocked as you are.”
He presses his hand on my lower back, escorting me to his car, a sleek, black BMW.
Another check for him. Clearly, he has his shit together. Even standing next to him, I feel out of place.
It’s obvious we live vastly different lives. I push the thought out of my mind, though, telling myself I’m going to ignore any inklings this may not be a good idea and enjoy the night. It’s a date, not marriage. It’s not that serious.
He’s dressed in a charcoal-colored V-neck t-shirt and denim shorts, paired with gray loafers. Casual but comfortable for what our date has planned. It’s been years since I’ve been home for the annual Sweet Summer Festival.
They have rides, games, and raffles. I heard Jayde mention last night that A Rebels Havoc is on deck to play in the beer tent. For all I know, they could be here tonight since I never bothered to pay attention to when it would be.
We walk around the festival first, hitting a few rides before checking out the games. Despite my hesitation at the beginning of the evening, now that I’m here, I’m glad I decided to go. I’ve been working a lot of long nights. Although a part of me wanted to hang out and veg at home, I’m happy I came.
“Want to race?” Trevor grins, pointing to the water gun game.
“Are you sure?” I ask, raising my brow at him. His eyes narrow for a moment, questioning me. “I mean, this is our first date. What if you lose? How will you recover?”
He tosses his head back, laughing. His hair bounces with each chuckle.
Crossing my arms, I hitch my hip and roll my eyes, showing how unamused I am by his reaction.
He goes stone-faced when he sees I’m serious, despite the small smirk fighting the urge to curve his mouth.
“I’m sure,” he boasts, confidently, “the real question is what am I going to get when I win?”
“Typical male. Always thinking about what they get in return. As if the title of the winner isn’t enough?”
“Oh, I’ll gladly take the title. I have something else I want to claim as well.”
“What would that be exactly?”
“I’ll tell you when I beat you. How about that?”
“Well, alright. If you say so.”
We both wait as the round in front of us finishes before claiming the two seats on the end. Trevor tosses two five-dollar bills on the counter, rolling his shoulders back, loosening up before it’s our turn.
I don’t pay him any mind at this point. I’m focused, ready to rumble. Wrapping my hands around the handles, I lean in to adjust my eye level with the pointer, waiting for the signal to start.