Page 183 of Steps

“Ha. So cocky.”

“Anyway,” He taps my nose before getting off thebed, “eat up and get ready. I’m going to confirm something for later.”

I narrow my eyes and ask, “What’s happeninglater?”

Varen flashes his panty-dropping grin. “You’llsee.”

“Hmm.” I shake my head in wonder and finisheating.

He sneaks out of the apartment to make a phonecall as I’m heading into the bathroom. When I emerge shortly, he wears asneaky, happy expression while I’m getting dressed in stretch jeans and afloral blouse.

We leave soon after, reaching Gwynns Falls Trailin fifteen minutes. I notice quite a few people are out enjoying the scenicurban greenway. Varen rents two bikes from a shop nearby, and we walk them tothe beginning of the park.

He motions for us to start riding. I’m a littleawkward at first on my bike.

Varen laughs. “The hell. Have you never ridden onebefore?”

I suck my teeth. “Yes. It’s just been a while,damn. Give me a sec.”

“Sure.” He sits on his bike and waits for me toget myself together, all while stifling a laugh. “Don’t overthink it.”

“I know, I know.” Finally getting comfortable, Iwave for him to go ahead.

“Are you sure?” he confirms teasingly.

“Just go,” I reply on a chuckle.

He sets off on his bike, keeping at a slow pace.When I’m relaxed, he lets me ride in front and stays close behind, leaving roomon the path for passersby.

We follow the signs and veer off to the stream,continuing our morning ride. On the way back, we stop for a break to snappictures and admire the peaceful setting, basking in the feel of nature on thisbright spring day.

While I’m staring at the dazzling water, I noticeVaren watching me out of the corner of my eye.

“What?” I ask, turning to him with a smile.

He lingers for a moment with desire in hisintriguing shades of blue, then shakes his head and says, “Nothing. Let’s getlunch.”

We return the bikes and head to the harbor, wherelunch also includes going for a boat ride. This guy is romancing the hell outof me.

After ice-cream at the pier, he drives to anarcade, and I have a blast beating him at pinball. We stop by the pizza placefor dinner, and Varen asks the owner if we can make our own, which turns out tobe quite enjoyable. We finish the evening by watching a suspense movie at thecinema.

I’m pretty much beat by the time we reach theapartment, thinking this is it. But when we enter, I’m greeted by a string ofromantic wire lights running around the apartment. A bouquet of white roseswaiting on the small island.

“How did you…” In complete awe, I swivel with awide grin on my face.

He smiles in return, pleased. “Alison helped meout.”

“Varen…” I place my hands on his shoulders. “Youseriously went all out today.”

He smirks. “Yeah, you should step your game up.”

“Ugh.” I poke his strong arm. “My gift thismorning seems so small now.” I frown, feeling as if I should have done more.

“Hey, none of that. I love my new fitness watch.”He rotates his wrist before me while smiling. “Don’t feel bad. You have no ideahow much you’ve given me.”

“Hmm.”

Varen turns me around and leads me to the roses. Iarch over them, closing my eyes as I inhale their natural scent.

---