Page 31 of Steps

Surething.

I put it aside and roll over to go back to sleep.My phone vibrates with another message.

Hungry?

Of course, my stomach chooses that time to growl. Iam hungry and remarkably thirsty. Ugh. I didn’t even drink that much. I chucklewhile sending my next text.

Breakfastin bed?

My heart races with anticipation of his reply. Ifeel like a silly schoolgirl.Not good. Varen’s going to be mystepbrother sooner or later. I shouldn’t entertain these tingly feelings muchless enjoy them.

Ali’sforcing me to go to this café.

Comewith us.

Looks like I’ll be spending time with Alison afterall. I’m not too sick anymore, especially since Varen’s joining us. Gawd! I’min big trouble.

My eyes sting so badly I almost want to wear myshades inside the café while we’re eating.

Alison looks lovely in her floral midi dress andsandals, blonde hair up in a loose bun. I didn’t have the energy to tackle mycurls, deciding to wear a headwrap with a tank and maxi skirt to breakfast withthem.

Even Varen looks good in his gray tee and bluejeans, dark hair tousled in an edgy way as usual. He could be wearing a robeand would still look good to me.

“So, I see my devil of a brother is corrupting you,”Alison jokes, sending me a kind smile across the table.

Varen smirks. “Not nearly enough.” He takes a bigbite of his breakfast sandwich.

His comment makes me gulp. I’m struggling to meethis gaze. Every time I do, I stare at his mouth and remember our near kiss.

I focus my attention on Alison instead. “Ahem, um,how come you’re heading back to school right after this?”

She frowns. “Have to prep for this mock case withmy group. It’s a tough one.”

“Oh.”

“But you and V should hang out.” She brightens asa thought occurs. “Maybe stop by the book fair. It starts today, and it’s rightdown the street.”

“Sounds good.” I swallow and pick up my vanillachai, sipping the hot beverage. Time alone with Varen probably isn’t a goodidea right now. No, it isn’t at all. But why am I excited?

We hang out some more until Alison heads out. Ifinally lock eyes with Varen. He smiles halfway, making my heart skip a beat.

“Ready to go?” he asks.

I nod and get up from the chair. With Varenwalking close beside me along the sidewalk, I can smell his enticing woodsycologne, and it’s messing with my emotions. I massage the nape of my neck aslust reverberates throughout my body.

“Are you okay?” Varen mutters, watching me withthat cocky expression.

“Yeah. Just a little tired.”

“Hm.” He chortles under his breath. “You know, youshould probably start locking your door.”

I wrinkle my forehead. “Why?”

“You moan in your sleep. Wouldn’t want your mom tofind out that you’re dreaming about me.”

My stomach clenches. Heart rate spikes. I slow toa stop, stuttering while denying it, “I-I don’t dream about you.”

Varen smirks. “Liar. You called out my name lastnight. It’s quite entertaining, watching you sleep.” He bites his lip whiletrailing his eyes down below my waist. “You even touched yourself there.”

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