Bully stepbrother

18. Paused

MADISON

The sun disappeared below the horizon an hour ago, giving rise to the evening breeze that swept through our rolled-down windows. Caleb and I spent our time driving through Palo Alto in his delightful-smelling truck, just like an absolute couple, enjoying the calm atmosphere around the town. We didn't even bother turning on the radio; lost in different conversations while the wind blew around us. Yes, we made some stops for snacks and even picked out new outfits for ourselves at a boutique, where we both changed for the party we're currently heading to.

Caleb chose my outfit, which I instantly fell in love with after seeing my reflection in the mirror. The dress is a mini bodycon gown that fits perfectly and highlights every interesting curve on my body. It makes me feel anxious yet beautiful. You know, I'm not the type who normally comes off as a Barbie, given the reputation Caden made sure of.

Caleb's outfit was simple and casual. He cleaned up well and looked like the hot guy he is in black slim pants and a navy blue button-down shirt that accentuates his enticing eyes.

"You winced. Why did you wince?" Yes, I was staring at him. Eighty percent of the time we've been together, I've been staring at him while he steers the wheels.

Caleb is his kind of perfect. He's attractive, smart, and fun to be around. With him, I never have to feel left out, self-conscious, or worried about who might judge or struggle with making simple decisions.

"The car is making an unnecessary noise. It was at the garage all day yesterday. I don't think the mechanics repaired the brakes or something; it's still clunking," he huffed, his attention on the road, but our fingers were tangled.

"Really? But why can't I notice it?" I asked foolishly. Yes, foolishly. I should know nothing about car health; I'm completely inexperienced in that area. I failed my driving test several times and finally gave up.

"You could feel it while driving," Caleb patiently explained, glancing at me briefly before flinching suddenly.

My brows knitted, and I whined beside him, "Stop wincing. It makes me think you're hurting."

"I am hurting," he retorted, playfully.

My mouth fell open, and a smile took over when his lips spread into a wide smile. "You really love the car."

"I do. It's my most loyal friend," he answered, lifting my hand in his and bringing it to his soft wet lips to playfully emphasize his words. However, I knew he meant it.

"Men would all be the same when it comes to vehicles," I playfully rolled my eyes at him.

"And the girl," he smirked.

"Uhmm... I'm more certain about the vehicle," I thoughtfully pointed out. "For instance, my brother; the dude would never let anyone ride in his car." The jerk might even kill for that Porsche.

Caleb exhaled a soft laugh, his eyes back on the road.

"Your brother is an interesting person."

"He is, you can also say annoying," I added the accurate description of a shitty stepbrother like Caden.

"I think he's just looking out for you," Caleb suggested.

Bro, that's a damn shame. Really a shame. For a while, I almost believe Caleb could set right the self-feeling almighty Caden, but it looks like we haven't gotten the right one yet.

"By encircling all my happiness. Stop defending him; it makes me feel alone in this war." I pulled my hand away from his and shifted my gaze to the window.

Out of all people, Caleb shouldn't be the one defending Caden. That jerk addresses him with an unstable girl's name, for goodness' sake.

"Aww, come here, babe," Caleb drawled, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and pulling me into his hard and sweet-smelling embrace. "I'm not defending anyone but you. You know I've got your back, right?" He kissed my hair and forehead, and the simple gesture brought out a smile that I tried so hard to hide.

"You better, because I'd break you if you don't," I murmured, and he burst into laughter, causing our bodies to vibrate with the delightful sound of his voice.

Man, he's hot. So hot.

"Maddie, there's something I should tell you," he began. Okay, now I'm paying attention. With the sudden shift in the conversation, he sounded unusually serious.

I leaned back from our cuddle and asked, confused, "Okay?"

"Earlier..."

He was interrupted when the small space of his car was filled with the sound of vibration from the small across-the-shoulder bag he had bought for me at the boutique.

I flashed him an apologetic smile and fished out the phone from the exquisite bag. As soon as I got the object out, it read "Mom," so I answered before the call could end.

"Mom?" I asked as I brought the phone to my ear.

"How are you?" There was a hint of relief in her tone before she switched into full-on crazy mom mode. "You two have been quiet for a while. I thought I should call and check. Caden isn't picking up."

"Caden is fine, Mom. He's probably not in the mood to answer calls or he's up to something foolish, and he'll forever be that way, so you don't have to worry." Given that he's not showing any signs of maturing even now in college, I doubt he ever will. Although I didn't say all that, I'm certain she's well aware of the situation.

"Hey, young lady, he's your brother. You better not be killing each other over there."

"It's not like I'm not aware. We still live together, even in college. That's how closely related we are, Mom," I sarcastically replied, rolling my eyes, and they darted to where Caleb was tapping his fingers on the wheel, trying not to smile.

"Well then, be nice."

"Uhmm," I reluctantly answered.

"You two will always be so dramatic. Now that I know you're fine, I'll hang up. I have some online lessons in a minute. Talk to you tomorrow." She concluded, as always, never understanding how much her child needed rescue from the situation she placed her two children in - a situation where they clearly have trouble living together.

"Sure," I remarked derisively.

"Not sure, I mean you must." Yes, I knew what she meant. It's not like she hasn't made it clear that she's a persistent and overbearing mother.

"Okay, Mom. We'll talk tomorrow."

"I love you." Her voice softened.

"I love you too. Bye." I finished quickly and hung up with a relieved sigh.

Talking to Dad will always be easier than with Mom, maybe because he always has my back, and mainly because we share a common enemy: Caden.

After tucking my phone back into my bag, I turned to the man beside me and let him know, "That was my mom."

"I kind of figured that the moment you answered the call." He tipped up his lip and grasped my hand in his from my lap and brought them to his.

"Cool," I mumbled, making myself busy tucking some wind-tousled locks behind my ear with my free hand. "You were saying something before the call," I asked, realizing we had been in the middle of a conversation before Mom's phone call had interrupted.

Caleb's face scrunched, and he tilted his chin forward. "Another time, we're already here," he informed.

That's when I glanced through the windscreen and noticed that we had arrived at a fraternity weekday party.