Claimed By My Stepbrother novel Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Camila POV

As I moved across the field, I could feel his gaze boring into the back of my head. I told myself not to look back. But curiosity got the better of me, and I risked a glance over my shoulder.

Bad idea.

He was still watching me, his smile now softer, almost… fond. My heart did that stupid pounding thing again, and I turned away quickly, cursing myself.

By the time I reached the school building, my face felt like it was on fire. I pushed through the doors, leaning against

the cool metal for a moment to catch my breath.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I muttered to myself, dragging a hand through my hair.

The hallway was empty, which gave me a moment to pull myself together before heading to class. I replayed the interaction in my head, wincing at every awkward moment.

As I reached my locker, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Tessa standing there, her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion. “So?” she prompted, crossing her arms.

I frowned, pretending not to know what she was talking about. “So what?”

“Don’t play dumb,” she shot back, narrowing her eyes. “You went to talk to Ethan, how did it go?”

My mouth opened, but no words came out.

Tessa smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “You’re blushing,” she pointed out.

“No, I’m not,” I lied, slamming my locker shut.

“You totally are,” she teased, leaning against the lockers. “So, what happened? Did he confess his undying love for you? Did you guys share a romantic moment under the bleachers?”

“Okay, first of all, ew.” I glared at her. “And second, nothing happened. I just… thanked him for something he did. That’s it.”

Tessa’s eyebrows shot up. “You thanked him?”

“Yes,” I replied, my tone defensive.

“With coffee though?”

I hesitated. “Yeah.”

“Camila, that’s practically a love confession!”

“Stop being ridiculous,” I groaned, brushing past her.

But she wasn’t done. “Did he drink it? What did he say? Did he smile?”

1/3

Chapter 62

I stopped in my tracks, turning to glare at her. “Tessa, I swear, if you don’t stop-*

You’re blushing again!” she squealed, practically bouncing with excitement.

I threw my hands up in frustration. “You’re impossible.”

And you’re adorable, she shot back, grinning.

Before I could come up with a snarky retort, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Tessa patted me on the back as we walked toward our next class.

“Don’t worry,” she said, her tone smug. “I won’t tell anyone about your coffee date and your little crush on your stepbrother. For now.”

“It wasn’t a date,” I hissed, glaring at her.

“Whatever you say, Camila,” she replied, her grin widening.

I rolled my eyes, but deep down, I couldn’t stop thinking about Ethan’s smile. Those stupid dimples.

Maybe I was in over my head.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the school courtyard as I walked out with Tessa, the two of us chatting about everything and nothing. The day had been long, and honestly, I was ready to collapse into bed and let my brain take a break from the circus it had been running all day.

Tessa swung her bag over her shoulder, her face lit up with the mischievous grin she always wore when she had

something snarky to say. “So, are we ignoring the fact that Ethan was practically burning holes into the back of your head

all through biology?”

I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. “We’re absolutely ignoring that. Let it die, Tess.”

“Oh, no way. That boy has it bad for you, and I’m here for the drama.” She clapped her hands together like she was watching her favorite reality show.

Before I could retort, a voice called my name, deep and steady, cutting through the chatter of students spilling out of the building.

“Camila.”

My steps faltered, and I turned to see Ethan standing a little off to the side, his hands tucked into his jacket pockets. He wasn’t smiling, but there was something in his expression- uncertainty? Hesitation? Whatever it was, it made my stomach twist.

Tessa raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. “Ooooh, this should be good. Want me to stick around for moral support?”

“No,” I hissed, shoving her lightly toward the parking lot. “Go. Please, Now.”

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