Page 29 of Steps

I roll my eyes. “Just get the damn beer, VarenKirby.”

He smirks. “Fine. Be right back.”

Chugging that little is already working throughme. I feel the music a lot more than I did before.

Varen returns with another can. He drinks beforeoffering it to me. I sip it slowly and hand it back.

“Tell me something about yourself,” I say,sounding way more assertive. “Anything. No more avoiding.”

He scoffs before drinking, then asks, “You thinkafter six days you’ve earned the right to know anything about me?”

“Hey.” I jab his muscular arm with my indexfinger. “I stripped down to my underwear in front of a boy for the first time,went swimming with you, chased after you bare feet, brought you to my spot thatI shared with my gran, sliced my foot for you, and now I’m drinking beer out ofthe same can. Yes, I deserve to know something deep.” For whatever reason, Igiggle after saying all that.

Varen stares at me hard in the shadows. “Youfirst. Why are you so… good? I can tell you’ve never been in trouble. Ever.”

“Not true.” I wobble my finger in front of hisface. “I’ve been in trouble when I’m not supposed to be. But over the years,I’ve learned to stay focused on my goals, stay out of her way, and just…” Itrail and reach for the can, drinking more than I should.

Varen pulls it away. “Just what?”

My head is starting to spin a little. I splay myhands. “I just want my mom toseeme. She’s never happy with onlyme.No matter how hard I try.”

He falls quiet, watching me. I sigh roughly, grab thecan from his hand, and gulp the rest.

“Toya—geez.”

I drop the can before me with the other two. “So,I’m not perfect, Varen. I have issues, too.” Taylor Swift’sReady for It?starts to boom from the speakers. “I love this song.” I spring from the log. Archingover, I grasp his hand and struggle to pull him to his feet. “Come dance withme.”

Varen stands but tries to refuse. “I don’t dance.”

“Oh, come on,” I implore. “Please.” I towhim into the crowd of gyrating bodies.

Everyone’s laughing and enjoying the up-tempo popsong while we sway slowly. I peer up into his penetrating eyes as he gazes downat me.

“You’re really handsome,” I tell him boldly. “It’sscary how handsome you are.” Laughter bursts out of me. “That’s so surface.”

Varen grips my waist and pulls me closer, makingme shiver. My emotions are mixing with the alcohol, and that’s not good becauseit’s propelling me to act on them. Quite the opposite of what I’d expected.

“I think you’re attracted to me.” He smirks. “Butyou’re fighting it.”

I wobble my head and roll my eyes in denial.

“Hey, keep rolling your eyes at me, and I’ll…”

“You’ll what?” I press, and bite my bottom lip.

He growls while staring at me hard.

I try to switch the topic back to him. “Why don’tyou let anyone in? Why do you push your dad away?”

“Shh,” he says instead. “Don’t ruin this moment.”

My heart thrashes with anticipation as Varen liftsa hand to my face and caresses my jawline. He starts to lower his head. Hehitches, waiting for approval. I begin to feel warm as he tightens his hold onmy body. God, being with him feels so good.Too good.

Just as our lips are about to touch, I snap to mysenses and break out of his arms.

“Please take me home,” I tell him, rubbing mytemples.

“Fine.”

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