“You make me happy, Vista,” he says softly, pressing his lips into my hair. I try to tilt my head back so I can see his eyes, but his grip on my shoulder hardens and his chin presses down on top of my head, holding me immobile. “No, don’t look at me when I say sappy shit. It makes it weird.”
Grinning, I stay put and just listen. “Anyway, I’m happy. And for a guy who used to think he was happy, that’s saying something. You’re, like, the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“Oh, Levi—”
“No, no. Just shush and listen or I’ll never get this out.” Rubbing his bearded cheek across my hair, he continues. “So you’re probably wondering why I brought you here. Like any good criminal, I wanted to return to the scene of the crime.”
“What crime?”
“The first time we sinned together,” he purrs seductively in my ear. Unbidden, my body shudders and wet heat floods between my legs. Grasping my chin, Levi tilts my head back, finally allowing me to meet his heated gaze. “Now that we have Chase, you don’t get nearly as much quality time with me as I know you’d like.”
His wolfish smile has me laughing. “I like how you twisted that around.”
“What? You don’t!” he defends. His thumb tracing my jawline, his expression softens. “I thought it would be fun to get back to our roots and maybe…revisit old memories. So, what do you say?”
Biting my lip, I take a prolonged moment to think about it, then I reach up and slide my hand behind his head, cupping his neck and bringing his mouth to mine. Running my tongue over his lips, I relish his needy growl and the way his hands slip over my curves.
I break away, flashing him a drugged but devious smile. “I say…last one in is a rotten egg!”
I’m up on my feet in a flash. Kicking my shoes off, I quickly strip out of my pants and race into the water, ripping my shirt over my head and tossing it toward shore, leaving Levi to catch up.
I scream when his warm arms circle my waist and drag us beneath the water’s surface. When we come up, gasping for air, we’re both laughing. I turn toward Levi. Water sheets from his dark hair and down his face. His eyes are filled with the same love and adoration I feel echoing in every pound of my heart. His lips, full and soft and glistening beneath his thick beard curve into a cocky smile and I’m reminded of Murphy’s Law: Anything that can happen, will happen. We may have started off on a rocky path, one filled with countless roadblocks and misunderstandings, but now I know…Levi is my heart, my soul, my everything good, and I’m going to love this man for the rest of my life.
The End.
Read more books by J.C. VALENTINE
Note from the Author
I kept this book a secret for a while. It was a spark of imagination that struck me one day, and I knew I had to write it, but I wasn’t sure where it was headed. I just knew that Levi and Vista, despite their circumstances and Levi’s s.o.b. tendencies, were destined to be together.
As with most of my characters, they start out one way, and end up another. Initially, Levi was supposed to be your typical billionaire playboy. What I didn’t expect was for him to have goals, ambitions, and such a beautiful heart. In typical Levi Black fashion, he completely hijacked this story and took it on a journey I couldn’t have predicted. His story and his need to help others touched me, and I hope the same is true for you.
I hope you enjoyed reading about Vista and Levi, and if you did, please consider leaving a review. Just a line or two, nothing fancy, helps immensely.
Whether you are a long-time reader of my books, or this is your first, thank you for joining me on this journey.
Much love,
JC
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA Today Bestselling author J.C. Valentine is the alter-ego of Brandi Salazar, whose enjoyment of tales of romance spurred her to branch out and create her own.
She lives in the Northwest with her husband, their wild children, and far too many pets. As a university student, she studies literature, which goes well with her dream of becoming an editor. Brandi entertains a number of hobbies including reading and photography, but her first love is writing fiction-in all its forms. Connect with JC on Facebook!
Acknowledgements
I usually don’t make many changes to these things because, well, why mess with perfection?
To my usual suspects:
My sister from another mother, Kim- You are the best! We’ve been doing this for year now. I never could have imagined that I would be friends with such an amazing woman as you. You read everything I throw at you, you’re my sounding board, and you help keep me sane. It is such a pleasure to have you as my assistant and I am truly blessed to call you my friend.
Mitzi- What can I say, except you’re such a wonderful woman who is also an unexpected friend and gift in my life. I’ve said it before, and the same is true now: I love our talks, and I love your passion for books, especially mine *grins*. You rock!
My PA, Mia. You’re the best! There aren’t enough ways to thank you for working so hard to help me put these books into the hands of readers. You embrace my crazy and I love you for it. *hugs*
My Valentines! You ladies rock my socks off. I love our little family and as always, I am confident in saying that you’re the best team a girl could ask for. You all pimp so hard! Thank you!
To all the people that take the time to connect with me: Every message, every comment truly means the world to me. I read every one, so keep ‘em coming!
To my readers: You’re the best. You’ve stuck by me from the beginning, when I wasn’t even sure anyone was paying attention. I am continually blown away by your enthusiasm for my stories and your endless support.
I could never forget my darling hubby. You’re my inspiration behind all of these delectable men. You’re my rock, my one true love. I love you!!
SOB
A Stepbrother Romance
By J.C. Valentine
All rights reserved. This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook is copyrighted material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any form without the prior permission of the publisher, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.
SOB: A Stepbrother Romance by J.C. Valentine
Copyright © 2015 by J.C. Valentine
Cover design by Sara Eirew
Edited by Mitzi Carroll.
SOB is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events portrayed in this book either are from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, establishments, events, or location is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. Please do not take offence to the content, as it is FICTION.
Trademarks: This book identifies product names and services known to be trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective holders. The author acknowledges the trademark status in this work of fiction. The publications and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.