Based: A Stepbrother Romance (Extreme Sports Alphas) by B. B. Hamel Page B

sighed again, dreading the awkward dinner portion, and glanced at my phone again. No text.
    “Okay, Aubrie, close up those doors and head on in,” Jules chirped into my ear.
    “Got it.”
    Reluctantly, I turned and headed toward the main area, slowly pulling the doors shut behind me. Just as they were about to click shut, a bright light caught my attention. I watched as Lincoln, dressed in a tux, limped into the lobby, followed by Jess and a single cameraman, a high light shining directly into my eyes.
    I squinted and looked away.
    “Hey, Brie,” Lincoln said.
    “You’re late.” I walked back into the lobby and out of the direct beam of light.
    And stared at Lincoln. I had never seen him dressed up, but he looked incredible. The black and white clothes fit him perfectly, letting every lean muscle of his ripped body shine through, and his rain-green eyes stood out under his perfectly styled hair. He was still covered in tattoos, but they only peeked out through his shirtsleeves and the collar of his shirt. His face had his usual stubble, but it only made his clean look seem all the more desirable.
    Suddenly, I regretted inviting him. He looked too fucking good.
    “This is where I leave you,” he said, looking at Jess.
    “Anything to say to your adoring public before you go in?” she asked.
    He looked directly into the camera. “Stay in school and wear a condom, you fucking monsters.”
    The cameraman stifled a laugh and I grinned. Jess rolled her eyes.
    “Okay, Brent, that’s good. Let’s cut it there.”
    “Are you guys staying?” I asked as Brent shut his equipment down.
    “No. They weren’t invited,” Lincoln said, giving Jess a look.
    “Just getting a shot of Lincoln in his most fancy attire.”
    I laughed. “It is a little weird to see him in anything but workout clothes.”
    He grinned. “I even brought my fancy cane.” He held it up, and I laughed. The top was a silver skull with little diamonds in its eyes, and the length was a shiny, polished black sheen. Jess shook her head.
    “He’s been so excited about that cane.”
    “Can you blame me? Look at this thing. It’s fucking fantastic.”
    I shook my head. “Come on. We’re late already. Jules is going to scream if we’re not in our seats within the next twenty seconds.”
    Lincoln grinned at me and gestured toward my ear. “Is that mother dearest?”
    “Sure is.”
    “Okay then. Let’s not keep her waiting. Jess, Brent, farewell and goodnight.”
    “Have fun, kids,” Jess said, and Brent gave us a nod.
    Lincoln limped over toward me and held out his arms. “My lady?”
    “What a gentleman.”
    I slipped my hand through his arm and placed it on his bicep, feeling the strong bulge. I felt tingles run down my spine.
    “Not such a gentleman. I’m using you for support.”
    I laughed. “Well, at least you have the appearance down.”
    “You know me. Always with the appearances.”
    We walked together into the main banquet room just as Jules was beginning to introduce the speaker. She didn’t glance in our direction, but I felt many of the heads in the room snap toward us. Eyes locked onto Lincoln and stared at him, but he didn’t seem to notice or care. He simply moved forward with me, looking smug and confident as he entered the room. I couldn’t imagine many of them recognized him, since they weren’t exactly his target audience, but there had to be a few people conscious enough of pop culture to know him. I just hoped it wasn’t weird.
    Quickly, we found our spots, and the waiters filled our wine glasses. Lincoln gave me a grin as the speaker walked onstage.
    Suddenly, looking at his cocky and alluring smile, I realized something.
    Inviting him was a bad idea. A really bad idea. I thought it would be fun to have someone my age around, but my heart wouldn’t stop hammering just sitting near him, and he kept giving me these looks. These arrogant, sexy looks that made my knees shake.
    It was going to be a long