Page 127 of Steps

She smiles broadly, happy for the business. “Thankyou. That one suits you, dear.”

“Thanks.”

Varen picks up the bracelet, and I lift my handfor him to loop it around my wrist. Fire ignites from his warm touch on myskin.

“I really do like it,” I admit, gracious. This braceletis the first physical gift I’ve received from him. It’s a token of his love.

He lightly touches my fingers. When our eyes lock,heat tickles my skin and butterflies dance in my belly.

“Thank you,” I tell him.

“You’re welcome.” He drapes his arm around myshoulder. I wave to the jewelry lady as we walk away.

We don’t buy anything else, mostly because I stopVaren from spending on me.

When we reach Baltimore, it’s almost six o’clock.

Approaching the exit that leads to Guilford, Varencomes to a stop at the traffic lights. He releases a deep sigh before asking,“Want to go swimming at the river on Sunday?”

“Yeah. I’ll meet you down the street at midday.”

“Cool.”

He glances at me briefly then sets his eyes backon the road, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel as we wait for thelights.

“Let’s go to your apartment,” I suggest, reachingfor his right hand.

“Are you sure?” he asks, eyeing me. “Won’t yourmom wonder?”

I shrug. “I’ll call her and say tutoring ranlate.”

The lights turn green. He speeds past the exit,heading in the direction of his apartment.

It starts to rain shortly before Varen slows downoutside his place. We run from his car, my curls and blouse getting wet in thedownpour as we hurry inside.

We slowly peel off our clothes while kissing withso much passion and care. Then sink down onto the bed, making love to thethrashing sounds of rain. Cuddling in the sheets afterward until it darkens inhis apartment.

Varen reaches over and flicks on the lamp by hisbed. I trail my fingers down his back. When he turns to me, he kisses me softlyand breathes me in.

“I want one,” I tell him, regarding his trail ofravens.

He squints at me. “A tattoo?”

“Yeah.”

Glancing over me, he gnaws at the corner of hisbottom lip while toying with his piercing. “What do you want, and where do youwant it?”

I chuckle. “That sounds… you’re talking abouttattoos, right?”

He laughs. “Of course. Naughty girl.”

“Anyway, maybe at the back of my neck or on myshoulder. I’m not sure what I want, though.”

“Hm. Let me know when you’re ready. I’ll hook youup with the chick that did mine.”

My brows go up. “Oh, a woman did your tattoos?”

He scoffs. “Yeah. She’s old enough to be my aunt.Relax.”

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