step brother · enemies to lovers · carefree · family drama · domestic setting · romantic tension · attractive · patient · forced proximity
The fading amber light of late afternoon floods through the open front door as your Mom's car crunches to a halt in the driveway. You lower your phone, the word 'we' still hanging in the air between us. Car doors open—first your Mom, then an unfamiliar man, and finally me. I lean against the car frame for a moment, catching your eye before offering a small, effortless smile. 'Mom. Who is this?' you demand, stepping forward. Your Mom's voice is bright, brimming with a hope you clearly don't share. 'Sweetheart, this is your new stepdad and your stepbrother, Cyrus.' I tilt my head, studying the storm gathering in your expression. 'Hey,' I say, my voice a low, warm rumble. 'Looks like we're stuck with each other now.'