Home For The Holidays, Falling For Her Stepbrother

Fateful Encounter

Dana POV

"This is a bad idea" I muttered to myself, even as Nova shook her head, dragging me along with her, my heels clicking loudly on the ground, my hair bouncing along my shoulders, my body tightly enveloped in a black cocktail dress that reached just below the knees.

"You look beautiful" Nova insisted, as we began to head inside the club, her eyes dancing with excitement, "and after the night you’ve just had, you need to forget about that bastard" she shouted in my ear, as we made our way to a table in the far corner.

Instead of letting me wallow and cry in her house, Nova had instantly demanded that I get dressed in one of the outfits I left at her place and go clubbing, or go out on the prowl. Apparently, drinking and having fun was far better revenge than crying over that bastard Jackson and his cheating heart.

"I’ll be back" Nova promised, winking at me and disappearing into the crowd.

I sighed and glanced around uncertainly. I could see women dancing seductively on the dance floor, some with partners, other single attractive ones being hit on by men trying their luck for the night. I fiddled with my hair, feeling on the verge of tears. Nova came back and shoved a drink in front of me, raising an eyebrow. "Drink" she ordered ruthlessly.

I drank. A lot. I couldn’t get the image of Jackson and Cherry out of my mind, finding my spirits sinking the longer I drank. I batted my eyelashes at Nova, who was remarkably sober considering the number of drinks she’d taken. "Why do I attract such pathetic men?" I asked in a small voice "Is it me" I asked suddenly. “Is it because of this” I motioned at my curvaceous body, wrinkling my nose and looking at her questioningly.

It was true that I was bigger than the average girl, but men liked curvy girls, didn't they?

"No, you’re beautiful," Nova said fiercely, eyeing me over her glass. "Jackson is an asshole, don’t waste your tears on him" she snapped, "he doesn’t deserve you. You need to find a man who will treat you right."

I snorted and then laughed out loud, seeing the humor in the situation. "I can’t even lose my virginity." I gave a giggle, Nova looking at me mischievously. "He said that was the reason he cheated. I sexually frustrated him."

I howled with laughter, finding the situation suddenly hilarious, and Nova looked on the verge of taking my drink away as she peered at me closely.

I pulled it towards me just in case, eyeing her suspiciously.

"Mine" I hiccupped, glowering at her.

"So, lose it" Nova's tone was nonchalant, "if that’s what you really want."

I tilted my head; not sure if I heard her correctly. "What?"

"Your virginity," she said slowly and very patiently as I blinked at her, "if you want to lose it so badly, then why don’t you? Or do you want to keep it for the next guy who might be Mr right?"

After my disastrous relationship with Jackson, I no longer saw the value in keeping my virginity anymore. What was the point?

"No" I shook my head miserably. "I’m not interested in finding Mr right anymore”, I added bitterly, "or having a relationship. All it does is cause heartache. I just want…" I trailed off, not sure how to put it, hesitating as I stared at Nove, willing the words to come to me.

"You need to get laid" Nova interrupted, staring at me, "have a one-night stand, a fling. Walk away without having your heart broken by some loser. You need to live a little" she declared with passion.

"I can’t exactly just go up to a guy and say, excuse me, will you screw me, so I’m not a virgin anymore," I said bewildered, finishing my drink as she laughed at me and shook her head.

"No, but I’m sure if you look hard enough, one of these guys might take your fancy" she prompted, as I looked at her in disbelief.

"Have you looked at me lately?" I said, motioning at myself and deliberately gazing at my body. "This is stupid. No one’s even going to look at me twice”, I added with a groan.

"Hush" Nova’s voice was sharp, and she was unimpressed with my woe-is-me attitude. "Don’t speak about yourself like that. You’re absolutely stunning, and any guy would be happy to have you in his bed."

I pouted. "Except for Jackson”, I muttered forlornly.

She ignored me and began to scan the crowd, looking meaningfully at some of the single men before raising a brow at me.

"Look, why don’t you go and grab us another drink? It will give you a chance to look around" she said, leaning back in her chair, a glint in her eyes, "but maybe you should go for a soft drink." She frowned at me "I think you might be plenty tipsy already," she advised.

I sighed and then reluctantly got up, walking or maybe slightly stumbling, towards the bar, where there was a steady procession of people. I accidentally tripped over my own two feet, feeling a pair of strong arms catch me as I looked up embarrassed, and blushing. Great. This man probably thought I was some sort of dumb bimbo who couldn't handle her drink, and he wouldn't be wrong.

“I’m so sorry” I began to apologize automatically, and the man shrugged, but his hands didn’t move from my person. I noticed with fascination, almost as though he didn’t want them to.

Not that I was complaining. He could keep them there all day if he wanted to. I wasn't about to protest, not after seeing him up close and for the first time. It almost seemed like fate that we had been brought together.

My eyes widened. I moved in closer, and the man raked his gaze over me. I could see him taking in my curves, my long hair, his nostrils flaring as he sniffed the subtle perfume I had put on. Any minute now, I thought, my heart racing wildly in my chest, he was going to yank his hand away and look disgusted. I braced myself for the inevitable, used to the rejections from men by now. But his hand lingered, and a lazy smile spread across his face, causing me to lose my breath for a moment. He was truly stunning. A god, like in those Greek mythological books. I couldn't fathom how he could possibly be interested in someone like me. But he never stopped looking down at me.

"Why don’t you join me for a drink?" he asked bluntly.

I blinked. I had not anticipated it being this easy. I glanced over my shoulder at Nova, who was watching me, and saw her make a gesture of encouragement. The man was hot. Sexy as f**k. My mouth went dry. His hair was dark brown and neatly groomed and his eyes were like charcoal. He wore a suit, but it was still easy to discern that underneath he was quite fit and toned. I was perplexed. Why would a man as good-looking as this, and who could have any girl he wanted in this club if he chose, want to spend time with a girl like me? I could feel myself beginning to struggle inwardly with myself, even as the man took my arm and directed me to a nearby table.

"Are you a vodka kind of girl or do you have a different spirit you would prefer?"

Even the tone of his voice was masculine and sensual, sending shivers straight down my spine.

"Vodka" I squeaked.

I wanted to wince. Had my voice really sounded that desperate? He didn't seem to notice though, merely nodding at me.

He was gone in moments, giving me the merest time to catch my breath. I caught Nova’s eye, and she was grinning and fist-pumping the air in celebration, a look of triumph on her face. I was shocked that the man was interested in me, but the alcohol was beginning to give me courage. The man came back with two drinks, placing one directly in front of me. I gave him my best smile.

“My name is Hunter” he drawled, as I shook his hand, feeling the pure strength in it and trying to keep my legs from trembling beneath the table "And, you are?" he asked, eyeing me carefully.

I leaned forward, thrusting my chest forward, watching in satisfaction as the man’s eyes dipped to linger on my cleavage, a wide smile forming on my face. “I’m Dana,” I told him, licking my lips and taking hold of my drink "And it’s a pleasure to meet you" I purred, suddenly filled with an inner confidence that seemed to have sprung out of nowhere.

Nova would be proud.