Page 52 of Steps

“No.” Varen takes a deep breath, steps closer, andstrokes my cheek. “You’re not a distraction, Toya. You’re now my balance.”

I can’t help but giggle. “That’s deep shit.”

“Well, I’m serious.” He smiles at me. “I want tobe good for you.”

Bending over, I grab my panties and shorts fromthe carpet. “Well, then, time for a better way to cope.”

He scoffs and looks down at my vagina as I haul onmy panties. “I’m sure there’s nothing better than that. But I’ll amuse you.”

Turning, Varen walks to his dresser and searchesinside his drawers. His toned body is so delectable to stare at. I feel a tadupset when he gets a change of clothes and goes into the bathroom. Afterbuttoning my shorts, I grab the bowl and start for the door.

“I’ll meet you downstairs,” I call out to himbefore stepping out of his room.

“Cool.”

I finish the cereal even though it has softenedthen wash up the few dishes in the sink.

Varen’s coming down as I step into the entryway.He has his cellphone and keys. “Ready?”

“Sure.”

His tongue inside me keeps playing on my mind.Damn. I’d love more of that soon.Verysoon.

He smirks and bites his lip. “Mm. That good, huh?”

I roll my eyes and walk away.

Varen chuckles, pleased with himself, then trailsme to the garage. We drive nearly fifteen minutes to the harbor.

“What time is the next ferry?” he asks afterpaying for parking.

“Probably soon,” I reply.

We amble from the lot and cross the street,checking out the schedule on the side of the ticket window.

“Looks like another one will be here in half anhour.”

“K.” He gestures to the short line at the window.“I’ll get the tickets.”

I spot an ice-cream shop a few feet away.“Chocolate flavor in a cup?” I ask him as he steps up behind an old couple.

Varen squints at me. “How’d you guess myfavorite?”

“Hm.” I shrug. “Just a guess. Be right back.”

“Oh, hey, let me give you cash for that.” Herifles in his pocket for his wallet.

“It’s all right.” I wave him off. “I got it.” Ipivot and wander over to the shop. Not a lot of people are buying ice-creambefore noon. I get vanilla for myself and chocolate for Varen.

He’s already purchased the tickets by the time Itread back. We sit on a bench and stare out at the harbor while eatingice-cream.

“Tell me about yourself,” he says, looking at me.“How old were you when your gran passed? Tell me about your mom.”

I deliberate whether I should tell him the truth.Since I want him to trust me enough to open up about his issues, I decide to dothe same.

“Truthfully, living with her was hard most of thetime. My mom...” I hesitate as all the memories rush me at once. “Promise youwon’t say anything to your dad. She really loves him and wants this to work. Ican tell he loves her, too.”

“I promise,” Varen replies, scrunching hisforehead. “Tell me.”

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