Unexpected Connections: My New Neighbor and Stepbrother

Chapter 6: Secrets and Lies

Mia and Jackson's growing attraction for each other was becoming more and more difficult to ignore. They had tried to resist it, but it was getting harder with each passing day.

They knew that their feelings were forbidden, but they couldn't help themselves. They started to sneak around, finding ways to be alone together. They would steal kisses in the hallway, hold hands under the table at dinner, and exchange secret glances when no one was looking.

But they also knew that they had to keep their relationship a secret. Their parents would never approve of them being together, and they would never understand the depth of their feelings for each other.

Mia felt guilty for keeping secrets from her mom, but she couldn't help how she felt about Jackson. He was the only person who truly understood her, and she couldn't imagine life without him.

One evening, Mia was lying in bed, thinking about Jackson. She couldn't stop replaying the memory of their last kiss in her mind. Suddenly, she heard a knock on her door.

"Hey," Jackson whispered, poking his head in. "Can I come in?"

Mia smiled, feeling her heart race. "Sure."

Jackson walked in, closing the door behind him. "I just wanted to see you," he said, sitting down on her bed.

Mia sat up, feeling a surge of excitement. "Me too."

Jackson leaned in, kissing her softly on the lips. Mia closed her eyes, feeling her heart pound in her chest. She couldn't believe how much she loved this boy, even if it was wrong.

But suddenly, they heard footsteps in the hallway. They quickly pulled away from each other, their hearts racing.

"Quick, hide under the covers," Mia whispered, throwing the blankets over both of them.

Seconds later, Mia's mom walked in. "Hey, sweetie. I just wanted to check in on you before bed."

Mia's heart was racing, afraid that her mom would somehow know what they had been doing. But her mom didn't seem to suspect anything, and after a brief conversation, she said goodnight and left the room.

Mia and Jackson waited until they were sure her mom was gone before they emerged from under the covers. They looked at each other, feeling a mix of excitement and fear.

"We have to be careful," Jackson whispered. "We can't let anyone find out about us."

Mia nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. She knew that they were lying to their family, but she also knew that she couldn't stop her feelings for Jackson.

As she drifted off to sleep that night, Mia knew that their secret relationship was only going to get more complicated. But she couldn't help feeling grateful for Jackson and the way he made her feel, even if it meant keeping secrets and telling lies.