Page 173 of Steps

Their expressions waver as Varen gifts me abouquet of roses and a jewelry box with my name etched into the wood. He kissesme sweetly on the cheek after. Yet again, our parents shift and glance away,uncomfortable.

“How cute,” Kenya gushes, ignoring them. “You’rethe sweetest boyfriend ever.”

I gulp and flick to my mom. She looks away, eyespeering off into space.

When the night starts to wind down, I walk withKenya to her car, giving her a hug and thanking her again for the lovelynecklace.

“See you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you too, girl.” She waves before gettinginto her car. “Happy birthday.”

Once she leaves, I go back inside to retrieve therest of my gifts and say my goodbyes. Mom and Alison are in the kitchencleaning up. I can hear Daniel in his office on the phone.

“Hope you enjoyed your birthday,” Alison says,smiling at me as I mosey over.

“I did. Thanks again for my new clutch, and forcoming tonight in the middle of the week.”

She snorts. “Of course.” Then she hugs me tightly.

Mom hugs me after. It feels different. “Headingout?”

“Yeah,” I tell them both, maintaining my smile.“Just going to get my presents.”

“Okay. I’ll box up your cake and leftovers.”

“Thank you. I appreciate this, Mom. Putting dinnertogether and ordering a cake for me.”

She half-smiles and shrugs. “No need to thank me. I’myour mom.” She swivels to the cupboard, taking out containers.

I walk from the kitchen and peer into the livingroom. I don’t see Varen. He comes up from the lower level just as I’m about togo look for him.

“Hey, everything okay?” I ask.

Varen offers a comforting smile. “Yeah. Justpacing around.”

I inch closer. “Ready to go home?”

“You bet I am.” He winks at me. “Wait a sec.” He graspsmy hand just as I twist to step into the living room, towing me back. A cascadeof lust washes over my body as he kisses me hungrily.

“Been wanting to do that all night,” he whisperswhen we ease apart.

Catching my breath, I tell him in a flirty way,“You can do a lot more to me when we get home.”

Someone gasps behind me. Varen glances over myshoulder and frowns. Turning, I see Mom in the archway of the kitchen.

She throws up her hands and huffs. “You know, I’vebeen trying, but I just can’t accept this.”

“Mom…” I’m about to go near her, but she holds upa hand for me to stop.

“Please don’t, Toya. Just… don’t.” Scurrying pastus, she quickens upstairs, goes into her room, and slams the door.

Varen sighs heavily. “Sorry.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for.”

He draws circles in my back then kisses my cheek.“Let’s just get your stuff and leave.”

I nod, watch him step into the living room, thenglance up at the stairs again.Damn.

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