Unexpected Connections: My New Neighbor and Stepbrother

Chapter 4: Forbidden Feelings

Mia lay in her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She couldn't believe the thoughts that were running through her mind. Ever since she and Jackson had spent time together at the arcade, she had been feeling strange around him. She couldn't deny the growing attraction she felt for him.

It was wrong, she knew that. They were step-siblings now, and it would be completely inappropriate to act on her feelings. But she couldn't help the way she felt.

As she was lost in thought, there was a knock on her door. "Mia, can I come in?" Jackson's voice called out.

Mia sat up in bed, her heart beating faster at the sound of his voice. "Yeah, come in."

Jackson walked into the room, taking a seat on the edge of her bed. "Hey, I wanted to talk to you about something," he said, looking serious.

Mia felt a knot form in her stomach. Was he going to bring up the awkward tension between them? "What is it?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"It's about us," Jackson said, his eyes meeting hers. "I know things have been weird between us lately, and I just want to make sure we're on the same page."

Mia felt her heart racing at his words. She couldn't believe he was bringing this up. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I mean, I don't want things to be awkward between us," Jackson said. "But I can't help the way I feel about you, Mia. I know it's wrong, but I can't deny it anymore."

Mia's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Jackson had feelings for her too? It was a dream come true, but also a nightmare.

"I...I don't know what to say," Mia said, her voice shaking.

"I just wanted to be honest with you," Jackson said, his eyes never leaving hers. "I understand if you don't feel the same way, but I had to tell you how I feel."

Mia didn't know what to do. She felt so confused and conflicted. Part of her wanted to give into her feelings for Jackson, to explore this forbidden attraction. But another part of her knew it was wrong, and that they could never act on those feelings.

"I don't know what to do, Jackson," Mia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I...I have feelings for you too, but we can't act on them. It's wrong."

"I know," Jackson said, his voice just as quiet. "But it's hard to ignore these feelings, Mia. I don't want to lose you, but I don't know how to handle this."

Mia felt a tear slide down her cheek. She didn't know how to handle it either. But one thing was for sure - their relationship had changed, and things would never be the same again.