Page 169 of Steps

“Hm. I bet you liked that.” I roll my eyes at him.“Well, as long as I kept on my clothes.” I pick up the fork to eat the omelet.“Thank you for breakfast in bed.”

He rubs my arm. “I enjoy taking care of you.” Thenhe straightens from the bed. “Oh, and Kelly isn’t my ex. She was…” He waves ahand, unsure of how to explain.

I nod and glance down at the plate. “Got it.”

Silence fills the air for a moment before hespeaks again. “Also, when I brought you home, you were mumbling something aboutan acceptance?”

My stomach tightens.Shit. “What about it?”

He shrugs. “Not sure. Just that you’re sorry.”

I chuckle awkwardly. “I was drunk, babe. Who knowswhat I was going on about.”

“Yeah.” Varen bobs while observing me. “Anyway, Ishould get to work. Are you going to be all right? I could take the day.”

Managing a smile, I tell him, “It’s okay. I’mfine.”

He frowns playfully. “Tell me to stay. Please.”

I chuckle. “Go to work. Besides, I’m meeting mymom and Alison today.”

Varen crinkles his forehead. “Sure about that?Lisa will know you had a wild night.” He fights to stifle his laugh.

“Hm.” I squint at him. “Laugh at me again, andI’ll go on strike for a month. No sex, including other forms.”

“Seriously?” He frowns. “A whole month?” He pausesand considers it. “Damn. I can’t even go a week without touching you.”

A cocky smile curls my lips. I continue eating mybreakfast.

“Fine. I’m out of here.” He bends over and kissesmy cheek. “Call you on my break.”

“Love you. Have a good day.”

“Love you, too. Happy New Year. Get some rest.” Hebrushes my curls aside, flashes his signature wink, then heads out.

I breathe an air of relief. Damn, I almost gave itaway last night. Glancing at my backpack, I make a mental note to stay awayfrom alcohol indefinitely.

After shopping and lunch with Alison and my mom,we return to the house and chat over card games in the living room until Danielreaches home from work.

He kisses Alison and me on our cheeks then plantsa long kiss on my mom.

Alison and I pretend to gag.

Daniel laughs. “Did you ladies enjoy your day?”

“We sure did,” Mom answers.

I stand to put on my jacket. “Varen’s on his wayto get me.”

Mom clears her throat. She still turnsuncomfortable whenever she gets a reminder of the relationship between herstepson and her daughter. “You should stay for dinner. I’m making beef stew.You used to love when Momma made that on New Year’s.”

All three stare at me, waiting. “Uh, I guess so.”

“Varen can join us when he gets here,” Danieladds. He goes upstairs to wash up before dinner.

Alison and I help Mom prepare the vegetables forthe stew while she marinates the beef.

Varen arrives while the food is still beingcooked. “Smells good in here,” he says, entering the kitchen.

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