Page 77 of Steps

“You did?” Alison confirms, wiping her mouth witha napkin. “What changed your mind about those?”

“Figured I’d give it a shot.” He sneaks a look atme.Those are my words. “The meeting was great. I’m going to try andopen up about my feelings more.”

He flashes me another look, and I offer anencouraging smile in return.

I’m about to say something, but Daniel speaks up.

“That’s great, son,” he praises. “I’m proud of youfor taking such a positive step.”

Varen seems so happy to hear his dad say that.

Later, we watch a movie on Netflix. Alison headsback to school when it finishes, saying she needs to study and it’s hard doingthat at the house.

I amble downstairs to my room and undress, lyingin the dark waiting for Varen to sneak in. Heat flows across my skin when hefinally comes to me.

Locking the door, he scurries out of his clothesthen slides into bed. “Hey, baby,” he whispers before kissing me. “I missed youall day.”

“Missed you, too.” I mute his next words with ahungry kiss, anticipating the fire of him inside my body.

Varen climbs over and trails his tongue across my nipples,then down my stomach. He spreads my thighs and begins tasting me.

Gawd! He’s so incredible with his tongue and theway he touches me.

Unable to hold off any longer, Varendriveshis cock inside, and we make love for what feels like hours.

We’re hot and sweaty afterward and end upunraveling from one another to cool down. Then we start talking.

“What’s the meeting like?” I ask.

He waits a few seconds before answering. “Good. Atfirst, it was awkward, hearing all these people talk about their pain of losingsomeone they loved. It reminds me that I’m not alone. Alison and Dad had todeal with it as well. Maybe they’re just better at it than I am.”

I kiss his forehead. “Everyone grievesdifferently. I’m glad you’re trying.”

“Thank you. You know, everything I’ve had up untilnow has been bad for me. But not you.”

“Hmm.” I carry my fingers through his hairaffectionately.

“I want to be more deserving,” he whispers, beforekissing my forehead.

“Varen, you are. Hope you’re not doing all thisonly for me. It has to be for yourself.”

“I know that.”

We go quiet for a minute.

“You still want to tell them, right?” he asks,voice raspy. “Cause I’m sick of hiding.”

I release a long exhale. “Yeah, it is gettingexhausting. I hate how we have to pretend.”

He reaches for my hand and holds it tightly.“Toya...”

“Hmm?” I wait for him to say what’s on his mind,but he doesn’t.

“I should get out of here,” he says instead, thenkisses me fervently one more time. “See you in the morning.”

“K,” I whisper, disappointed that he can’t stayfor the rest of the night.

What was he going to tell me?

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