Page 153 of Steps

He gnaws at his lip, deliberating. “For the time being.Hopefully, I find something in architecture later.”

She passes a smile from him to me. “I have toadmit, this is crazy, and it takes some getting used to. But I honestly loveseeing you both so happy.”

Varen rubs circles in my back. “Well, Toya has brokenthe ice around my heart. I’m lucky.”

Turning shy, I dip my head. “I’m the lucky one.”

“Ugh. Get a room already,” she jokes, then peersaround the cozy apartment. “Oh, right. Thisisyour room.”

We chuckle together.

37

I wake up with a headache and slight discomfort inmy throat the next day. When I reach for my phone to check the time, I realizeit’s almost six-thirty. Rolling over, I’m surprised to find Varen sitting up inbed, reading my diary. He looks so serious.

“Hey, you,” I rasp out. “Have you been waking upearlier to read it?”

“Yeah.” He closes the aged book and places it onthe nightstand. The way he stares at me seems different, more intense.

Love seeps from his touch as he strokes my face.But suddenly, a scowl contorts his handsome features. He places the back of hishand at my forehead. “You have a fever. Do you feel sick?”

“Hm.” I touch my face. “A little.”

Worry fills his eyes. “I’ll bring you to thedoctor.”

“No, it’s okay. I’ll just get some medicine atCVS.”

He sighs. “Then I’ll stay home and take care ofyou.”

I chortle softly. “I’m okay, Varen. Don’t misswork for me. Besides, I don’t want you to end up sick.”

He still looks apprehensive, though.

“Varen, go. Promise, I’m all right.”

Sighing, he lightly kisses my forehead. “All Iwant is to take care of you and make you happy. You deserve that.”

My lips coil into a grateful smile. “Thank you.” Itouch his bare chest and tattoo. “So do you, Varen.”

Drawing a deep breath, he leans his head to oneside as he regards me. “I’m staying.”

I wobble my head and nudge him to get up. “I’ll befine. Don’t miss work.”

“Damn it. All right.” He kisses me before hoppingoff the bed, heading to the shower. I haul on my long t-shirt, then stroll intothe kitchen to make breakfast for him.

“You didn’t have to,” he says when he comes outshortly. “Especially since you’re not feeling well.”

“It’s fine.”

Varen devours the eggs and toast in no time,pouring the coffee into a travel mug after. “I’ll check on you during mybreak.”

“K. Have a good day.”

He leaves cash on the coffee table even though Itell him not to. He’s so considerate and loving. I feel like the luckiest girlin the world.

I make oatmeal after Varen leaves and spend therest of the morning reading his mom’s favorite book. I hope Daniel won’t mindthat I brought it with me.

This reminds me of her letter to Varen. He hasn’tmentioned it since that night. Seeing how he broke down has undeniably struck achord with me. But now it seems he’s avoiding her words, much less talkingabout the letter.

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