Page 164 of Steps

“So what’s this third gift?” Varen asks withinseconds of walking in the door. He helps me out of my jacket and kisses thenape of my neck.

I quiver and moisten my lips. “Well, remember whenI mentioned getting a tattoo?”

“Yeah,” he whispers at my ear and starts kissingthe side of my neck.

“I’ve made up my mind.”

He stops. I turn to face him. “I’m going to get araven tattoo. Put it right here.” I touch the area above my left breast. “It’llonly be for your eyes.”

“Sure?” He squints at me.

“Yes.” I push into him and lock my fingers at hisneck. “It’s in honor of my first love.”

A look of appreciation crosses his face. His smilemakes me fuzzy all over. Lowering to my mouth, he whispers, “I’m quite honoredas is.” Then he plants a hot kiss on my lips.

Varen hauls my dress over my head, takes off hisshirt, and picks me up from the floor. I wrap my legs around him as he carriesme to the bed.

We continue making out until I remember something.“Mm, wait. What aboutmyother gift?”

He chortles and shakes his head. “We’re in themiddle of something.” Then he presses his mouth on mine again.

Pushing down the comforter, we slide underneathand make sweet love.

While cuddling in bed later, I realize it hasstarted snowing. Icy sprinkles gathering on the windows.

I rest my head on Varen’s chest, listening to themusic of his heart. He lightly caresses my arm with adoration.

“What do you want for your birthday?” he asks.

“No idea. I already have so much.”

He jerks me a little. “But isn’t there anythingelse you want? Tell me. I’ll get it for you.”

“Um.” I sigh and flatten onto my back. “I don’tknow. Maybe just dinner.”

“I’ll get you more than just dinner.” He kissesme.

The light sprinkle turns into full-on snowshowers. It’s starting to feel cold in the apartment, so Varen gets up toadjust the heat.

He goes into the bathroom then. I flick on the TVand remain in bed watching it.

When Varen returns, he sits at the side with atiny box in his hand. I straighten to accept it.

“Your other gift,” he says softly.

Grinning, I brush my curls from my forehead beforeopening the box. A silver ring with a purple stone rests inside.

For some reason, I’m emotional and can barely getmy words out. “Oh… wow… thank you.” My voice is a shaky whisper.

Varen takes the gorgeous jewel from the box andslides it onto the ring finger on my left hand.

“Don’t freak out, okay. I’m not proposing,” hejokes. “It’s just another way to carry me with you wherever you go.” He shrugs.“Well, there’s no pressure to wear it if you don’t want to. But it’d mean a lotto me if you do.”

“Are you kidding me? I’m never taking it off.” Ipull him down on me and kiss him hard. “I love you, Varen Kirby.”

He grazes my cheek and whispers back, jokingly, “Ilove you too, Latoya Kirby.”

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