Page 175 of Steps

“Damn, girl,” he compliments, biting his lip.

“Ahem,” Mr. Jackson clears his throat and flasheshim a warning.

“I mean, you look beautiful, Kenya,” Stephenclarifies, smiling. He places the corsage on her wrist, and Mr. Jackson takespictures of them together.

Varen walks into the apartment shortly. He lightsup as he glances over my appearance. “Wow. As gorgeous as ever.”

I can’t help but smile, feeling a euphoric rushthroughout my body. He looks just as good in his gray tux. The most handsome guyI’ve ever laid eyes on. I love that he’s wearing his lip piercing.

Varen wrinkles his forehead as he takes in hisdad. “Hey, what are you doing here?”

Daniel holds up the camera. “Capturing themoment.” He gestures for Varen to go to my side.

My skin warms as he puts on my corsage. Enfoldinghis arm around my waist, Varen stares at me intensely, smiles, then we faceDaniel so he can take our picture. He snaps two on his camera and uses Varen’sphone to take another.

We walk downstairs after Mr. Jackson issues hisrules to Stephen about drinking and going too wild.

When we exit the apartment building, Daniel talksto Varen and me while Kenya and Stephen climb inside the rental car.

“You two have fun,” he says, patting Varen’sshoulder.

“Thanks, Daniel,” I mutter, appreciative, and leanin for a hug.

Varen agrees, “Yeah, thanks for coming.”

“It’s a special night.” He shrugs and offers akind smile. “Well, I’ll let you go. See you.”

We wave to him before he walks off to his car.

Varen nudges my arm after. “Ready, gorgeous?”

I nod and press into him. “Oh, you have no ideajust how ready I am.”

He chuckles and motions for me to get into the carwith my friends.

Prom is as thrilling as I imagined. We let looseand dance our hearts out to every song. Somehow, I manage to make it throughthe first time in heels without any issues.

We break for drinks and snacks, talk a little,then make our way back to the dancefloor.

In the middle of a slow song, Kenya interruptsVaren and me. “We’re getting out of here,” she says.

I scowl. “Why? Where are you going?”

She rolls her eyes and peers back at Stephen.Varen clears his throat, taps my shoulder, and wiggles his brows for me to takea hint.

It hits me after a second. “Oh.Oh.”

“Anyway, we’ll send the car back for you guys.”

Varen tells her, “It’s cool. Don’t worry aboutit.”

I touch Kenya’s arm before she walks away torejoin her boyfriend waiting near the exit of the ballroom.

“Are you… sure?” I mutter out of the earshot ofVaren and the couples dancing near us.

She nods. “Yeah.” A smile tugs at her red-stainedlips. “I’ll text you later to let you know when I’m home.”

“Cool. Have fun.” I quickly retract, “I mean… besafe, oh, I don’t know.”

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