Chapter 1: New Beginnings I stepped through the front door of my father’s new house, duffel bag heavy on my shoulder, and the Midwest humidity hit me like a wall. Six months since Dad married Elizabeth, and this was my first time seeing the place in person. I’d been buried in classes and lacrosse on the East Coast, avoiding the whole blended family circus. Until summer break forced me home.The moment I crossed the threshold, I saw her.Stella.She was halfway down the wide oak staircase, barefoot, dark hair still damp and clinging to her shoulders. Loose cotton shorts rode up her toned thighs, and a thin tank top did nothing to hide the soft, full swell of her breasts. Twenty, home from college, and fucking stunning. Our eyes locked. Hers widened big, expressive, a mix of surprise and something else I couldn’t name yet. Heat coiled low in my gut instantly.“You must be Stella,” I said, dropping the bag and extending my hand, keeping my voice casual even as my pulse kicked up.Her p
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