When she showed up several nights later to meet him, she was stunned to see me standing there-with an offer I hoped she wouldn’t refuse. (Ironic, considering the circumstances.)Įventually, she set up a date to meet Gentleman Nine at a hotel. But she considered me off-limits-and she thought I was a manwhore. She opened up to him, confessing, among other things, her physical attraction to her friend-me. Afraid to date and get her heart broken again, she was looking for sex with no strings.Įvery emotion imaginable ran through me: protectiveness, jealousy-curiosity.Īmber had chosen Gentleman Number Nine and sent him a message. She’d hesitantly contacted a male escort company. One night, I opened her computer to find the shock of my life. Still reeling from her breakup, she’d sworn off men. When my job sent me to Boston for a three-month contract position, Amber let me stay in her spare room. Through it all and across the miles, she and I casually stayed in touch. They were together for years-before he broke her heart. I went off to college, and he got the girl. I kept it inside because Rory and I made a pact that our friend, Amber, was off-limits.

Growing up, the three of us were friends.ĭeep down, I only ever wanted her. It is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+ Read onlineįrom New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new, sexy standalone novel. **Contains graphic sexual content and harsh language. Stepbrother Dearest is a standalone novel. I had a feeling my heart was about to get broken again. When tragedy struck our family, I’d have to face him again.Īnd holy hell, the teenager who made me crazy was now a man that drove me insane. Just as quickly as he’d come into my life, he was gone back to California.

Then, things started changing between us, and it all came to a head one night. I hated that he brought girls from our high school back to his room.īut what I hated the most was the unwanted way my body reacted to him.Īt first, I thought all he had going for him were his rock-hard tattooed abs and chiseled face. I hated that he took it out on me because he didn’t want to be here. When my stepbrother, Elec, came to live with us my senior year, I wasn’t prepared for how much of a jerk he’d be.

You’re not supposed to want the one who torments you.

Penelope ward the crush