Forbidden Jocks [the step-brother series]

MEETING MARIA - HENRY

HENRY POV

As I watched Maria from across the veranda, I couldn’t help but be struck by how different she was from what I’d expected. She was beautiful, no doubt about it, but there was something else—a vulnerability mixed with fierce determination. It was... confusing.

"So, Maria," I said, deciding to dive in. "Why did you decide to come to Lexington? You didn't want to attend college?"

She hesitated, glancing at her mother before answering. "My mom needed my support. And I needed a change."

I raised an eyebrow. There was definitely more to that story, but I decided not to push it. She didn't seem like a lazy girl, and water polo could have earned her a scholarship. I got the feeling she was lying. It would be fun to find out the truth... and use it. "Well, welcome to Kentucky. It's different from Florida, but you'll get used to it." I grinned, thinking of another type of welcome.

She gave a hesitant small nod. "Thanks, I suppose."

Dad beamed, clearly pleased with how things were going. "I'm sure you'll all get along great, kids. Vanessa and Maria are going to be a wonderful addition to our family, a breath of fresh air."

I forced a smile, but inside I was still skeptical. This was all happening too fast. I knew Dad was smitten, already in love with Vanessa, but I wasn't ready to let my guard down just yet. I wasn't ready for a new mother figure, and sure as hell Maria couldn't be considered a sister.

The conversation drifted to safer topics, like sport season and Dad's law firm. Then Vanessa started babbling about some conference they were going to attend in a few weeks, going on and on about how happy she was to have found her soulmate, blah blah blah. I found myself zoning out. I kept glancing at Maria, who seemed lost in her own thoughts too. I wondered what she was really thinking about all this. Did she want to be here, or was she just as skeptical as we were?

After what felt like an eternity, Dad finally wrapped things up. "Why don't you boys show Maria around? Help her get settled in?"

"Sure, Dad," Daxton said, always the perfect, good son. I nodded, standing up and motioning for Maria to follow us.

We walked through the house, pointing out the different rooms and giving her the grand tour. She seemed impressed by the size and luxury of it all, but I could tell she wasn't overly comfortable.

"Your room's down this hall," I said, opening the door to a guest room that had been quickly converted into her new space. "If you need anything, just let us know. We spend almost all day at college, but our rooms are just over there," I added, pointing to the end of the hall. "Just knock first before stepping in 'cause you never know what you might find inside," I added, using my most charming smile.

I got an eye roll from my groaning brother.

Maria snorted. "Thanks, I think I can manage on my own," she said, stepping inside and looking around. "I won't bother you guys. No need to babysit me; we're not really family, you know?"

"Oh, baby girl, you're hurting me," I dramatically answered, touching my chest. Truth to be told, her bluntness turned me on, again.

"Jeez, drama queen much?" she teased, shaking her pretty face. The jackass who I shared a womb with was going to die for stifling a laugh. I could see tears in his eyes. Asshole. The whole situation was backfiring on me, and he was taking too much pleasure in Maria's sharp tongue.

She stepped inside, as if giving us a clue to leave her alone. Silly girl. I was not ready to end the conversation, and neither was my brother, I was sure of it!

Daxton leaned against the doorframe, trying to look casual, but I knew better. He was going to look for an opening. He liked her. Unfortunately, so did I. "So, what position did you play?"

"Hole set defender," Maria replied with a hint of... sadness?

"You're a fighter, hmm?" he teased. When did he watch a water polo match and get to know positions? And where did that cool attitude come from? f**k, I'm the cool one! Why is he so straightforward with her?!

"I would not use that term. I'm more competitive than anything else, and I like control, thus hole set defender," she replied, amused, stirring the green monster inside my chest.

Oh, how much I would love to strip off that control from her. One spank on her p***y after another.

Fuck me! Get a grip!

I readjusted the raging boner in my pants when she was still looking at my asshole twin.

"Are you thinking about joining a team here in Kentucky?" I asked, eager to catch her interest. My sole purpose was getting her blue eyes to watch me, smile at me, like me.

Maria shook her head, finally locking her blue orbs with my eyes, and the ability to think straight left my brain.

"No, I had a scholarship and everything lined up back home, USF. I'm not looking to join a team right now. I decided to take a gap year and come to know you guys, so I'll have to wait to get back in the game."

"That's cool and weird at the same time, ladybug," I said, too late to take it back. Two sets of wide eyes were pinning me in place—nothing I couldn't handle, but damn, ladybug?!

I cleared my throat and made a quick exit. "If you ever want to shoot some hoops or check out the campus, let us know."

Awkward. I'm the awkward brother now. He's the cool one. Good job, Henry. Really good job.

"Maybe," she said again, and I could see a hint of a smile. Yes! I got a smile!

Jeez, I'm f****d.

We left Maria to settle in and headed back to our rooms. Daxton and I shared a look, the kind that said we both knew what the other was thinking.

"She's different," Daxton said finally, snorting. "And what was that? Seriously, dude? Ladybug?"

"It slipped. I figured we have to find a nickname for our new sister, don't you? But I'm still not sure about this whole thing. But 'different' is an understatement!"

"Me neither," he admitted. "But we should at least try to make her feel welcome. It can't be easy for her either."

I nodded, and we both fell silent. It was going to be a long adjustment period, but I had a feeling Maria was tougher than she looked, and I was more than ready to make her feel welcome. Definitely.

I’m a big fat liar. I'm sure ladybug will never be my sister, step-sister, but I couldn't disclose this information to Dax yet, because I think he has the same idea about her.

Later that evening, as we all got ready to head out for dinner, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. Dad had booked a table at the most upscale Italian restaurant in town, wanting to make a good impression. It was a bit much, but I suppose it was his way of showing how serious he was about this new chapter in his life.

When we arrived at the restaurant, the atmosphere was elegant and sophisticated. We were shown to our table, and I could tell Vanessa and Maria were uncomfortable. They didn't strike me as gold diggers like the previous women he brought home.

During dinner, I found myself stealing glances at Maria. She was even more stunning in the soft lighting of the restaurant. Her blue eyes sparkled as she listened to the conversation, and I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to have her undivided attention. The thought of her on her knees, looking up at me with those doe eyes while she... jeez, another boner.

I shook the thought away, trying to focus on the meal in front of me. But it was hard. There was something about her that made it difficult to think straight.

As the evening went on, I noticed Maria loosening up a bit. She laughed at one of Dad's jokes and even joined in on a conversation about her favorite Italian dishes. It was nice to see her smile. I found myself thinking that I only wanted to see her smile.

Dad, ever the charmer, kept the conversation flowing smoothly, until his control-freak attitude showed up. "So, Maria, have you thought about what you might want to do while you're here in Lexington? There are plenty of opportunities at the university."