Page 15 of Steps

Inching closer, he growls under his breath.

“Hey, man!” Finn hollers, drawing Varen’sattention before he says something to me.

Finn makes his way over and hands him a beer. I’mnot surprised he’s here.

They fist-bump. Finn bites the corner of hisbottom lip when he spots me. “Damn, Latoya. Twice in a day; must be fate.”

“Off limits,” Varen reminds, lightly pushing himback at the chest. “Where’s Pete?”

Finn points through the dancing bodies to a hot,chocolate-toned guy by the sofa. None of the guys here are tree monsters. ButI’m not into bad boys, and it seems I’m in an ocean of them now.

“Hey,” Varen pulls my focus. “Be right back.You’ll be okay?”

I purse my lips. “I’m a big girl.”

He smirks and ambles off with Finn. I get a sick feelingin my stomach as he reaches the guys standing with Pete. Are they his dealers?Why am I worrying about Varen, anyway? Like he said, it’s none of my business.

Feeling restless, I make my way down the passage,going by couples making out, slow-grinding, and others arguing over whichstrain of marijuana is the best.

I cringe from the booming trap mix as I pass theDJ. When I finally spot a lonely place that isn’t as crowded, I plant myselfand play on my phone to kill time until Varen’s ready to leave.

“Hey, you,” a familiar voice says.

Scowling, I look up from my phone as Finn waves acan of beer before my face. “I don’t drink.”

He chuckles. “It’s a party, Toya.”

“Latoya.” I stare at the can in his hand.At least it’s not open. “Okay. Just one.” I take it from him, pop it open, anddrink a little. “Oh. Terrible.”

A broad grin stretches his face. “You get used toit. Drink more.” Finn eases closer to my side. He smells like weed. “You know,you’re cute.” He sips his beer and trails his eyes down my body in a lustfulmanner.

Gawd. Boys are like dogs.

“Um, I’m going to find Varen,” I tell him andstart to walk away.

He reaches for my hand. “Hold on, don’t run off.Let’s talk a bit.”

“I doubt we have anything in common.”

This makes him pout. “Come on, Latoya, you don’tknow that for sure. Let’s hang out this weekend. We’ll get to know each other.”

I wobble my head. “Can’t. I’m seeing someone.”

My statement results in a chortle. “Don’t lie. Youwouldn’t be here without him.”

“He’s, um, not well.” I shift from one leg to theother, never good at lying.

Finn grips my arm. “Sucks for him then. Let’s goout back so we can talk in quiet.”

Varen walks up to us suddenly. Finn loosens hisgrasp from my arm. Varen’s no longer playful with his friend, giving Finn adeath glare. “Man, what part ofoff limitsdon’t you understand?”

Finn raises his hand in peace. “Cool, man. I gotit.” He saunters back into the crowded living room. I huff, roll my eyes, thendrink more beer. Finn’s persistence reminded me of my mom’s sleazy ex-boyfriends.

Varen taps my shoulder. “Finn’s my friend, but hecan be an ass when he’s drunk and high. Stay away from him.”

I shrug. “I can take care of myself, Varen.Besides, I’m not into guys like that.”

“Is that so?” He snatches the beer from me just asI’m about to drink more and set it on a shelve, then leans his head whilenarrowing his gaze. “I’m curious, Toya. Just what sort of guys are you into?”

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