Beware of Bad Boy

Chapter 3

"She got her looks from her father. He's a plastic surgeon." -Groucho Marx

GIANNA

I was glad to escape the meet and greet with Scott's son. No way would I have been able to be sincere. It gave me time to think and decide on the best game plan for dealing with my new stepbrother. I would cautiously give him a chance since wed be living in the same house for the foreseeable future. I pulled my Jeep into the garage and entered the house through the kitchen.

"Gianna, honey, we're in the dining room!" I heard my mom call out. I headed that way, feeling a mixture of anxiety and curiosity.

Walking into the dining room my eyes instantly fell on one of the hottest guys I'd ever seen. He had black hair almost long enough to fall into what I thought were hazel eyes. He stood up when I entered, making to move around the table. At a little over six feet, he seemed to tower over Chance who was still seated and shoving mashed potatoes into his mouth. As he passed by my mom I studied his getup: black tank top that showed off muscular arms, straight jeans hanging on lean hips and retro Vans.

My mom introduced us as he neared, "Caleb, this is my daughter, Gianna. You'll be starting at her school tomorrow. Isn't it so convenient you're in the same grade? Maybe you'll share some of the same classes, but either way she'll be able to show you around." I didnt second that offer.

Caleb met me where I still stood in the doorway. I didn't like the smirk on his handsome face. The light from the hallway behind me glinted on a piercing in his eyebrow. I was startled as he pulled me in for a hug. His muscles contracted as I gripped his biceps, not about to wrap my arms around him.

"Nice to meet you, sis," he said with a chuckle. I felt his warm breath on my ear as he added in a whisper only I heard, "Wanna sleep in my bed tonight?"

Feeling his hand reach down to pat my butt, I pushed him away and yelled, "Get off me, asshole!"

"Gianna, what's gotten into you? Caleb was just trying to be friendly. Is that any way to greet him?" She looked appalled while Scott wore a disappointed expression. Chance stopped eating, his eyes riveted to the dinnertime drama.

"Yeah, well he was trying to get a little too friendly. Mom, do you-"

Caleb cut me off before I could finish, his face displaying false hurt and confusion. "I'm sorry, Julie. I've never had a sister before and didn't know hugs weren't allowed." As I saw Scott's eyes narrow I realized at least one person was suspicious. He may be able to fool my mom, but his dad obviously knew better. Not that Scott would call him out on it and risk upsetting his wife.

"It's okay, Caleb, hugs are allowed. We're a very affectionate family," my mom encouraged. We were? "That was very sweet of you," she said before throwing me a hard look. "Now let's just sit down to enjoy our first dinner as a family and we'll talk about this later, Gianna."

I couldn't believe my mom was falling for his crap! No wait, I totally could when I thought of how my mom always liked to sweep problems under the rug, pretending they didn't exist. Like when our family was splitting up and she insisted her and my dad would reconcile. Or the past three years when Scott's absentee son was only a picture on his desk when he should've been a frequent visitor.

After dinner, which I finished last with being late, I ran up to my room, ignoring the fact my mom wanted to talk to me. I turned on some music, a new electronic group Cece wanted me to check out, and flopped down on my bed. I looked at my phone to see eighteen new text messages. I ignored the ones from people at school and found one from Cece.

Cece: How's the new brother?

I immediately texted her back.