Page 128 of Steps

I giggle. “What? I didn’t say anything. But youare very experienced.”

Varen strokes my cheek with his thumb. “Not inwhat we have, Toya. This is a once in a lifetime thing.” He slides over me.

Feeling the sweet thrill, I caress his back whilestaring into his intense gaze. “You really think so?”

“I’m sure of it,” he whispers before kissing me.Then he slithers down my naked body until reaching my thighs. “Now, are youready to scream my name again?”

I grip the sheets as his tongue makes its wayinside me. “Uhh… Varen!”

The rain has eased by the time we step out of hisapartment into the warm night.

Varen drives to Guilford and parksa fewhouses away from ours.

“Did your dad say you could come by on Monday?” Iask him before getting out of the car.

He shrugs. “Yeah, but, maybe not. It’s hard to benear you yet unable to touch you. It’s actually fucked up.”

I squeeze his hand. “I still want you to be withyour family.”

“Me too, but right now, it’s...”

“Okay.” I lean over for a kiss. “I’ll see you onSunday. Love you.”

“Love you too. Maybe I’ll sneak over before then.”

He squeezes my thigh, making me squirm a tad andbite my lip. “Hmm. Okay. Text me when you’re in bed. And make sure you eatdinner. No junk. Real food.”

Varen smiles in adoration. “Deal. I’ll grabsomething on my way back. I have a class at nine, so I’ll text you after itwraps.”

“All right.”

He kisses me again. “See you, babe.”

I slip out of the car and amble down the sidewalk.Varen waits until I reach the driveway before leaving.

The instant I step into the house, Mom stomps outof the living room. She places her hands on her hips. “Where have you been?It’s almost eight.”

Shit. I forgot to call, and my phone is off.

“Sorry. Tutoring went late,” I lie. “My phonedied.”

She scrunches up her face. “Your phone died?That’s unusual for you. You’ve always been super cautious about that.”

I shrug and tell her, “I’m sorry. There’s a lot Ihave to do at school.”

Relaxing her shoulders, she touches her bump whiletaking deep breaths. It’s as if she’s trying to calm down.

I scowl, finding it odd. “Are you okay?”

Mom shakes her head. “Yeah, it’s nothing.” Shemotions to the kitchen. “There’s shrimp salad if you’re hungry.”

“I’m not, but thanks. Daniel’s not here?”

The house sounds quiet except for us and the TV inthe living room.

“He had a commercial showing this evening, then hehad to stop by the office to complete paperwork. He’s on his way.”

“K.” Motioning to the stairs, I tell her, “I’mgoing to bed. Goodnight.”

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