StepBrother: New Rules (Stepbrother Romance) by Jayna King Page A

already swaying to the sounds of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” The four of them danced, the children engaged in conversation with their new stepparents, and Evelyn couldn’t help but wonder what everyone in the room—her mother included—would think if they knew what she and William had planned for after the wedding. She smiled to herself and realized she’d not really been paying attention to what Malcolm was saying.
    “I’m sorry, what?” Evelyn blushed as she realized she’d been quite rude.
    “I was just saying I hope the new living arrangements will suit us all.”
    Evelyn struggled to keep her expression from revealing her jumble of emotions. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
    “Well, if you don’t like living with Will, you just let me know. It’s probably past time he grew up and got a real job and a place of his own.”
    Evelyn couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Malcolm seemed so warm and generous, until he talked about his son’s career path.
    “Will does have a real job, you know. There are chefs who’d kill to be working and learning where he is. When he’s ready to move on, he’ll be able to write his own ticket. He’ll have his pick among the top spots.”
    Malcolm leaned back, clearly surprised by the vehemence in Evelyn’s voice. “You sound like you’ve been talking to my son.”
    “Some. I just think he’s talented. All he needs is a little support, and he’ll be able to earn a good living doing what he loves.”
    “Hm,” Malcolm grunted. “Well, you just let me know if he gets in your way, and I’ll take care of it. I don’t want our living there to be an imposition. If this is going to work, we have to be able to talk to one another.”
    “I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Evelyn said, wanting to change the subject.
    As the song wound down, Malcolm squeezed Evelyn’s hand. “I feel fortunate, you know. I haven’t just married the woman of my dreams. I’ve also gotten a new family. I want you to know I’m committed to making all of this work.”
    “And I want you to know I’m glad Mom married you.”
    Malcolm’s warmth was just more than Evelyn could resist, and she was surprised to discover she meant every word she’d said.
    Though the assembly was a small one, just before she and her new husband retreated upstairs to the honeymoon suite, Ella stood on the stairs, her back to the cluster of six unmarried women at the foot of the steps. Evelyn didn’t want to be in the group, but her aunt had insisted she be there when the bride’s bouquet was tossed. Feeling like she was relatively safe—as she knew her mother wouldn’t want Evelyn diverted from her studies by fantasies about a storybook wedding—Evelyn was floored when the bunch of lilies fell directly into her hands.
    Ella turned around to see who had caught the bouquet. “Don’t you go planning anything yet, young lady. At least not until you’ve graduated from college.” Though she wore a wide smile and the audience laughed with Ella, Evelyn knew just how serious her mother’s words were.
    “No worries, Mom. No wedding in my future, at least not anytime soon.” She refused to make eye contact with William.

Chapter Six
    Evelyn dreamed she was outside somewhere warm. She was reclining in the sun, letting the warmth sink deep into her, body relaxed and stretched out, as if she hadn’t a care in the world. In the dream, she could feel the sun on her skin, and she realized she was naked. It was as though the sun physically touched her, running its rays along her stomach, dancing over her thighs, and finally settling on her breasts, teasing her nipples in a way that brought a rush of wetness between her legs. Feeling herself begin to wake from the delicious dream, Evelyn kept her eyes closed tight, not wanting the sensations to stop.
    “Good morning, beautiful.”
    The soft whisper pulled Evelyn from her dream, though she was reluctant to go … until she realized the voice belonged