Page 184 of Steps

“These are lovely.” I spin and throw my armsaround him, kissing him all over his face. “You’re the sweetest boyfriend inthe entire universe.”

“That’s because I’m your first,” he teases.

“Ugh.” I slap his arm.

He chuckles. “I get it. You’re in love with memore now.”

Leaning my head, I regard him with so much joy. “Ifall more every single day.”

Varen responds with a gentle kiss on my lips. Thenhe gazes at me with absolute longing as he plays with the hem of my blouse.“So… want to end the day right and shower together?”

I squint at him. “Only shower?”

Moistening his lips, a sly expression forms as hestarts to peel off my clothes. I haul his shirt over his head and unzip hisjeans. When we’re completely naked, Varen sweeps me off the floor. I lock mylegs around his waist as he carries me into the bathroom. We make outseductively in the shower.

47

I release a long exhale as I glance over my purpledress and black heels, then move on to applying lipstick. I can’t believe I’mfinally here. I’m about to graduate high school.

Mom implored me to get ready at the house and evensaid she’d try to remain composed with Varen here as well. I know it’s becauseI’ll leave for Cali in no time. Varen and I won’t be together until I come homefor the holidays. That’s why she’s doing her best to keep it together now.

Light knocking on my room door makes me straightenfrom the dresser mirror.

Varen enters. “Ready to go?”

“Almost.” I smile as he carries his gaze over mydress and curls under the graduation cap.

“You look amazing, as always,” he compliments,moistening his lips after.

“Oh, thank you.” I touch my neck out of shyness.One year later and he still gets the butterflies going.

Stepping forward, Varen lightly strokes my armbefore giving me a sweet kiss on the cheek. “Have I ever told you how beautifulyou are, inside and out?”

This sends tingles all over my body. “Everyday.” Islant my head and squint at him. “Have I ever told you how hotyouare?”

“Pfft.” He eyeballs me and sticks his hands in hispockets. He does look dapper in his blue shirt, black pants, and matchingshoes.

Being flirty, I bat my lashes at him and whisper,“Smell intoxicating too.”

Varen responds with a sexy grin and a bite of hislip. “Careful now, you might end up being late.”

I giggle and slap his arm playfully. Easing away,I grab the garment covering from the bed and take out my robe. “Just going toput this on.”

He nods and watches as I step in front of themirror to fix my graduation robe. When I’m all set, we walk upstairs.

Mom and Daniel beam at me like proud parents.Alison is the first to reach in for a hug.

“Congratulations, Toya. Graduating with honorsjust shows what a badass you are.”

Appreciative, I squeeze my arms around her. “Thankyou, Ali. So are you.” Easing back, I add, “Can’t wait to hear yourvaledictorian speech at your graduation next week.”

She shrugs. Modest. “I’m already nervous. Buttoday’s your day so enough about that.”

Mom embraces me next. “Oh, don’t want to mess upyour makeup but I just have to give my baby a good hug.”

“It’s okay, Mom. I could use one.”

She rubs my back and whispers at the side of myhead, “Wish Momma was here for this.”

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