Page 101 of Steps

He’s about to close the distance and kiss me, butwe hear footsteps approaching. I step inside my room quickly and lean againstthe door after shutting it.

Yes. Alison spared us one week. But once we getback to Baltimore, we’ll have to fight to stay together. Is our love strongenough to survive?

A kiss on my lips causes me to open my eyes.Blinding sunlight floats into the bedroom, making me squint up at Varen. I moanand flatten on the pillow.

“Hey, morning. Where’s my mom and Daniel?”

He half-smiles. “They left for Paris an hour ago.Your mom didn’t want to wake you since it’s so early.”

I get a sinking feeling as Alison runs on my mind.“Your sister?”

Varen flicks away and stares into space. “She’sdownstairs having breakfast.”

“Hm.” I sit up and brush over my hair. I’m sureit’s messy from not wrapping it the night before.

Looking at me again, he grazes my cheek and sayssweetly, “Let’s go explore.”

Butterflies horde my tummy. Those piercing eyesand his contagious smile always get me.

“Sure. I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

“K.”

Varen kisses me once and leaves the room, closingthe door behind him. I throw the sheet aside and hop out of bed, going to thebathroom to shower. Then I dress in jeans and a flowy blouse.

Alison is heading from the dining room as I’mentering. She cuts her gray eyes from me and doesn’t utter a word.

I reach for her arm to stop her. “Hey, um, want togo sightseeing with us?”

She keeps a harsh look as she responds, dryly, “Nothanks. I’ve seen it all already. I’m going riding with my grandparents.” Shepulls away and continues down the hallway toward the back exit.

Shit. It hurts to see this side ofAlison. I actually liked having an older sister.

Sighing, I turn and wander into the dining room.Varen’s sitting at the table. He offers an encouraging smile when our eyesmeet.

I sit across from him and set a piece of bread ona plate, spreading cinnamon butter on it.

“Don’t let Ali get to you, okay? I want us to havefun for the next few days. Even though it’s hard, will you still try?”

“I will,” I tell him, my lips curling the longer Ilook at him. “Gosh, stop staring.”

He chuckles. “Look at you getting all shy.”

I roll my eyes.

“Hey, spanking is still on the table.”

“Hm. Is it?” I ask flirtily.

Varen bites his lip. He waits until I finishbreakfast before calling a Lyft ride. We take it to the heart of the city:historic Princes Street.

Hand in hand, we tour around the thoroughfare,browsing a vast amount of shops. Varen snaps pictures of me with his phone,pulling giggles each time.

Continuing our tour, we check out a few galleriesbefore basking in the spectacular view of Edinburgh Castle. I’m impressed bythe prominent structure, overlooking the city like its protector.

Varen and I take more pictures of each other. Someof his catch me off-guard while I’m staring at attractions.

He kisses my cheek in every photo I take with theboth of us, drawing more giggles out of me.

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