STEPBROTHER (R-18) novel Chapter 46

Scarletts P.O.V

The ride home is filled with silence, but your hand rets comfortably in his. Unsaid words don't loom as awfully as you thought they would.

That was something... he always surprises me.

Upon pulling onto your street, you glance at him, a small smile forming on your lips.

"You've surprised me again"

His fingers flex against the wheel, and he casts you a side glance as you squeeze the hand that's not on the wheel.

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself"

He stops in front of the house, parking his car, before he releases your hand and turns off the ignition. Sighing, he rubs the back of his neck. You note the tension in his shoulders, but you're not surprised. It was an emotional afternoon.

"Something on your mind?"

He sakes his head, before he pushed open his divers door, and you follow suit, hoping out of the car. You frown, aware he's walking in front of you up to the up to the door, where he stops and grabs the mail, before handing you something with your name on it.

"Hm... whats-"

It dawns of you that its the decision for the early internship opportunity at Skidmore. You stop, aware he's halted with confused eyes on you as you peel open the envelope and pull the letter out. As your eyes begin to scan the contents of it, you swallow.

"What is it?"

"I uh, I got accepted to the early internship program at Skidmore"

"Oh... Wow... Congrats"

You don't feel the overwhelming excitement you assumed you would. Instead, you're alarmed. You frown down at it, before glancing back up at him.

"It would mean I'd have to leave in two weeks"

His face falls, and he places a hand on his hip while he rubs his chin with the other.

"Really?"

You nod, choked up by that truth.

I'd have to leave him even earlier than I wanted too. I really don't think its a good idea.

"I mean, there will be other opportunities..."

"No"

He shakes his head.

"You've wanted this. Don't turn it down on my account. You should be happy that you got in"

"So why don't I feel happy?"

He tilts his head, firming his lips as a knowing expression forms on his face.

He's the reason. But he's the only reason I need.

"Oliver-"

He shakes his head, holding up his hand to cut you off.

"Let's not get into it now"

He reaches for you, pulling you against him where the letter is crushed between the both of you, before you feel him place a gentle kiss against your head.

"I'm proud of you, ya know?"

You chuckle but there's no humour in the sound.

"Thanks"

He releases you, gesturing towards the door with a nod of his head.

"Let's go in"

You reach for the handle, pulling open the door and stepping into the house with Oliver beside you, when a chorus of 'congrats' fill the room and you're surprised. A bunch of your friends, and some family members litter the room with excited expression on their faces. Your mother moves towards you, wrapping he arms around you as Oliver steps away from you.

"Congrats honey. We're all so proud of you"

"Thanks"

I cant believe they surprised me.

You move your attention to Oliver and mouth 'you?' He grins and nods.

"Were you all in on this?"

"Yep. We wanted you to be pleasantly surprised honey"

You wave and greet everyone with a quick 'hi' to the group before your mother reaches for the letter in your hands.

"What's this?"

"Oh, its nothing"

She pulls it from your grasp before you have a chance to tuck it away in your pocket, her eyes scanning quickly over the words before they widen, surprised.

"You got in! Oh my god, Scar! You got accepted into the internship grogram!"

Everyone cheers as your mom announces it to the group, before you plaster a smile on your lips and grab your moms arm.

"Uh, can I speak with you quickly"

She frowns, but ultimately nods, directing everyone to the food in the kitchen quickly before you manage to pull her down the hall.

"What's going on, Scarlett?"

"Why did you announce this?"

You rip the paper from her grasp and wave it angrily.

"I thought you'd be excited"

Her face falls and she places her hands on her hips.