My Stepbrother secret-possession

Thunderstorm

"What's your favourite colour? I need to know what we're looking for," I asked, eager to find out Arlen's preference.

"Hmm..." Arlen paused, taking a moment to recall his favourite colour.

It is absurd but while doing it, he looks sort of adorable.

"Don't tell me you don't have one because everyone does," I stated, feeling confused.

A concerned expression appeared on Arlen's face as he rubbed his forehead with his free hand. "Yeah, I know. I used to have one before. I just can't remember the exact color I settled with."

Noticing his weariness, I decided to give him a break. "How about we look for something that suits you?"

"Actually, that's a good idea," Arlen replied, his face brightening with a smile. "When you texted me last night, I didn't believe you would actually make it," he affirmed as he focused his eyes on the road.

"To be honest, I didn't believe it either. It seems like things always get complicated along the way," I muttered under my breath. Leigh and his secret schemes against my friendship with Arlen are beyond imagination.

I was dressed in a fancy red mini dress, with just the right amount of makeup and black heels. It was a deliberate choice to make a statement and show off in front of my soon-to-be stepbrother. It worked perfectly—I could still feel the satisfaction of winning as I walked down the stairs and found Leigh in the parlour, his face dropping like he had witnessed an accident. Mentally, I marched out of the house, silently chanting, "karma is a bitch."

"But it doesn't matter now. We have the whole day to ourselves," Arlen said, turning to me with the warmest smile I had ever seen from him.

Spending my entire Saturday with a guy wasn't on my agenda, but I didn't think it was a bad idea. After all, Arlen was a responsible person. "Yes," I agreed with him.

As we drove along a familiar road, I tilted my eyes towards Arlen. "Are we going to a fashion show?"

"Hmm, nope," he simply answered.

Impatiently waiting for our destination to be revealed, we parked by the side of the road. "Ever heard of Crystals in the City Center Complex?" Arlen asked as we got out of the car.

"Not really," I replied, pursing my lips while admiring the beautiful city of Las Vegas.

"Well, this should be interesting. Consider me your tour guide," he playfully boasted.

"Alright, mister. Right now, I'm totally dependent on your information, so lead the way," I joked, and Arlen chuckled. "So, which of these logos do you wear?" I raised an eyebrow at the handsome man beside me as we stood among exclusive designer boutiques.

"Guess correctly, and you can choose between a Brazilian or Mexican restaurant for our lunch," Arlen offered with a grin.

Smiling at the fun game we were about to play, I practically spun around the classy mall. "Let me see the name on the shirt you're wearing," I said, slightly jumping and trying to peek through his collar.

"No, no, Ava, that's considered cheating," Arlen laughed, stepping backwards.

"I just need a hint, and I'll crack the mystery," I playfully flashed my eyebrows.

"You're smart, aren't you?" He stared at me with a smirk. With that, I lowered my head to my shoes, then turned to observe the designer boutiques.

"You don't look like the Versace or Louis Vuitton type. Gucci... no! Harry Winston?" I closed my eyes, hoping he would say yes.