Page 4 of Steps

“That’s right, Ali is going to be the first lawyerin our family.”

“Cool.” I turn to her. “What kind of lawyer?”

“Criminal. I’m interning at a law firm thissummer. I’m pretty excited about it.”

She seems so proud, but not in a conceited way.

“Congrats,” I tell her. My eyes cut to Varenagain, expecting him to chip in with what he plans to do with his life aftergraduating high school. But he shows no interest in the conversation, eyesstill staring at his phone.

We talk a bit more before having dinner, courtesyof Alison. She’s a good cook.

Daniel questions me about school and other hobbiesaside from writing, and Mom tells him stories about me growing up. Most areexaggerated to make her seem like the greatest mother in the world.

Afterward, I volunteer to help Alison clean up.Then we return to the living room to talk some more.

Peering around, I say, “You have a pretty coolhome, Daniel.”

His eyes glisten as something occurs to him. “Oh,that’s right. You’ve never been here before. I almost forgot.” He twists to hisson. “Varen, show Toya around. Lisa and I are going for a quick stroll in thegarden.”

Varen scoffs. “Why can’t Ali do it?”

“I’m heading out, actually,” Alison informs us.She gives her father a peck on the cheek, then waves to my mom.“Congratulations again.” To me, she says, “It’s nice meeting you, Latoya. I’mlooking forward to getting closer.”

“Me too.”It’s all I can say.

She lightly touches my arm and steps past me,heading to the front door.

“Come on,” Varen says when his sister leaves.

Geez. Am I an inconvenience?

I follow him from the living room, unable to stopmyself from taking in more of his appearance. He has edgy, tousled black hair,and a tall and toned frame in his fitted shirt. That cologne, damn.I wantto snuggle up and smell more of him.

When he glances back at me, I shudder. Somethingabout his eyes, and the fact that he is so dangerously good-looking.

Jesus! Why am I having these thoughts? Our parentsare engaged. If the wedding goes through, we’ll be stepsiblings.

After showing me the lower level, which has anenormous family room, an expansive library, a gym, and two bedrooms, we headupstairs to the top floor.

“This is the movie room,” Varen says as we reachthe doors at the end of the hallway.

Going back the way we came, he stalls and pointsto a door on the left. “My room. Want to hang out a bit and smoke?”

I scrunch up my face. “No. Why did you ask methat? Do you think because I’m black I automatically smoke pot?”

He scowls. “No. I was just asking. It’ll probablyhelp you relax. You seem so uptight.”

“I’m fine.” I move past him.

“Wait.” Varen grabs my arm. “I’m sorry thatoffended you. I wasn’t implying anything.”

I relax my shoulders and peer back at him. “It’sall right. Forget it.”

He still has his hand on my arm. The feel of histouch on my skin warms me all over. I try to pull away, but he tightens hisgrip and arches a brow.

“How old are you again?” he asks, squinting at me.

“Seventeen. Why?”

---