Author's Note: Aww, all of your terribly kind comments make me blush! You all are great! And yes, I am an "updating fiend" hehe. The more incredible reviews you guys spoil me with, the more I feel obligated to update:-) So here's another chapter before I get to bed, and maybe I'll update some more tomorrow ;-) Thanks again everyone!
I'm man enough to admit that I think Casey looks incredibly hot in her bikini. But I'm even more man enough to admit that she looks really hot in her pajamas, too. You see, after dinner, Nora had the idea that we all get dressed in our pajamas and watch a family movie together. The seven of us were now in the living room, watching the TV screen together. Or, at least, they were watching it.
You see, I couldn't even tell you what movie we have been watching for the past hour. Because I'm too preoccupied with the way Casey looks in her damn pajamas.
She had on these little short shorts and a tank-top that exposed most of her flat, toned stomach. She was sitting on the floor next to Edwin, watching the movie intently while she absentmindedly chipped away at her fingernail polish.
I don't know why I was suddenly so into Casey. Or maybe it wasn't so sudden. Maybe I should come clean about the X-rated dreams I've had about her ever since our families merged. How sometimes I think about those dreams when I watch her in school or at the dinner table. How I've always had this suppressed lust for my stepsister.
"Lust," I repeated in my head, watching Casey's shorts ride up a bit as she changed positions, exposing more of her smooth bare thighs.
I closed my eyes, attempting to clean up my thoughts, and tried to focus on the television screen. I started watching it seconds before the credits started rolling.
"That was great!" Marti yelled, jumping off the couch and on to where I sat on the arm chair.
"Marti, it's bed time," Dad said, looking down at his youngest.
"I don't want to go to bed!" she cried, standing up and doing a little jig by my side.
"Marti, if you go to bed now, maybe you can get Derek to tuck you in," Nora said, and she winked at me, hoping Marti would take the bait.
Marti immediately swung her head and looked at me. "Shmerek, will you tuck me in?" She batted her eyelashes at me and I sighed heavily. I always had such a weak spot for her and I don't know why.
"Sure," I told her, and she grinned.
I carried Marti up to Nora and my Dad's bedroom-for-the-week, and put her in the middle of their Queen-sized bed. She giggled as I tuckered her in.
"Goodnight, Shmerek," she smiled up at me.
I smiled back at her. She always got me to soften. "'Night, Shmarti. See you in the morning." I turned off the light, leaving the door slightly ajar so that some light could come into her room and she wasn't completely left in the dark.
I walked by Casey and Lizzie's room. Casey was lying on her bed reading. She was such a bookworm. Me, I hated reading, and only did it if I absolutely had to. But Casey constantly had her nose in some book.
Across the hall was the bedroom I was sharing with Edwin. I put up a big fight about this, but there were no other bedrooms. So I was stuck with my brother for a week. He usually is pretty quiet, and doesn't snore, so I guess I could deal…for the time being. Maybe I could get him to go stay with Casey and Lizzie. Or go sleep in the living room. He might do it if I ask him…or bribe him.
Edwin was already in bed, exhausted from a long day. I could tell he was in that half-asleep trance, so I didn't bother starting up a conversation with him. I took out my iPod and listened to some of my old favorite songs. Before I knew it, I was asleep.
I don't know how long I was asleep for, but I woke up with my iPod still on. I took off my headphones and found the house to be very quiet. Peering over, I glanced at the alarm clock Dad had set up so we could all "get up early for a full day of family." 2:34 AM.
I got up and stretched a bit before walking downstairs to get a drink. My eyes were out of focus as I groped for the banister so I wouldn't pull a Klutzilla and fall down the staircase. When I made it to the kitchen, I poured myself a glass of cool lemonade that Casey had made earlier and sat down at the empty table. As I sipped the cold drink, I looked out of the large window showcasing the moonlit beach.
Looking closer, I saw a figure standing on the sand, looking out at the waves. I put my half-empty glass down on the table and stood up to get a closer look out of the window.
It was Casey.
I walked outside into the cool, salty night air and stood on the porch. Casey stood with her arms wrapped around herself, still clad in her skimpy pajamas. Her dark hair was loose and flowing gently in the breeze as she stared out at the ocean, seemingly fascinated by it.
And I walked over to her.