Stepbrother, Mine #2 by Opal Carew Page A

school, but that was only one week, so she was losing one week of classes.
    “That’s fine. I have some things I need to follow up on, including arrangements to make for tonight.”
    Her face lit up as she smiled, and he smiled back. He wished he could keep her smiling like that forever.
    *   *   *
    Dana entered her suite and walked to the desk in the study area. She pulled out her French Literature textbook and started reading the chapters assigned for this week. But soon her mind wandered.
    Mason was taking her out dancing tonight. What would she wear? He’d said she could put on a glamorous dress and he’d wear a suit, but she didn’t really have anything fancy enough. As a student, she didn’t need dressy outfits. She did have a little black dress. Her mom had always insisted she own a little black dress, and that she pack it whenever she went anywhere. The habit had stayed with her. She also had the pearls her father had given her. They’d been her grandmother’s, so she cherished them. But a black dress and pearls wasn’t really her style.
    She was tempted to skip out on studying and go shopping instead. To buy a stunning gown that would dazzle Mason. She opened her computer and searched several stores online to get some ideas. She found some stunning gowns on the website of an upscale department store that was nearby, but the prices were far beyond her budget.
    Someone knocked on her door.
    “Come in,” she called.
    The door opened and Mason stepped inside.
    “Hi. I know you’re busy, but can I interrupt for a minute?” he asked.
    “Sure.”
    He walked to her desk and settled in the guest chair.
    “I wanted to let you know that all the arrangements have been made for tonight. We leave at six o’clock.”
    “Okay, great.”
    “And right now, I’m going into town. Is there anything you’d like me to pick up? Or are you up for a break? We could grab lunch together.”
    She bit her lip and glanced at the beautiful gowns on the screen, reconsidering whether she should go and buy one. But she knew she couldn’t afford it.
    “No, I really can’t take the time.”
    He nodded, but seemed reluctant to leave just yet.
    “So what are you working on? An essay?”
    She shook her head, and started to close the browser.
    He peered around at her screen and chuckled. “Looking at dresses. I should have known.” Suddenly his face grew serious. “Dana, do you have a nice dress here that you can wear tonight?”
    “Well, I … uh … I’m sure I have something.”
    He furrowed his brow. “You don’t, do you?”
    He took her hand and drew her to her feet. “That settles it. You’re coming into town with me and I’m buying you a new dress. Shoes and jewelry, too.”
    She drew her hand away. “No.”
    His gaze locked with hers. “Why not?”
    “I…” She shook her head. “I just don’t want you spending money on me, that’s all.”
    “Why not? I’ve got lots of money. It doesn’t bother me. Why should it bother you?”
    She crossed her arms.
    “Uh oh. Your stubborn look.” His eyes glittered with amusement.
    He rested his hands on her shoulders, which sent tremors through her, throwing her totally off-balance. His effect on her was palpable, but he remained calm and collected, as though he didn’t feel it at all.
    “Dana, I wish you’d let me do this for you. I want to take you on a magical night.” He smiled. “Romance, remember?”
    “Mason, it doesn’t matter what I wear. Just being with you will make it magical.”
    He laughed. “That’s very charming, and I love that you think that way, but we still have to meet the dress code. The cruise is formal.”
    “Don’t worry. I will meet you downstairs at six sharp, dressed appropriately. Okay?”
    “Good.” He glanced at her laptop, the screen dark. “So are you going to get some good work done while I’m gone, or are you just going to goof off?”
    She laughed. “I didn’t get through three years of college by goofing