Page 92 of Steps

“Hmm.” Instantly, I turn hot between my legs.

Alison leads me upstairs to a guestroom acrossfrom hers, while Varen and my parents continue to their own.

My room is beautiful. I’m speechless from all thehistorical elements.

In need of a shower, I strip out of my clothes andwalk into the bathroom. Even the tub and sink, along with the brass faucets areantique. I shower and stand before the mirror with distressed hardwood edges tocomb out my hair. Thankfully, I don’t look like a zombie. My caramel-tonedoesn’t look tired. I still have that summer glow.

Hauling on a long t-shirt, I return to the roomand drop down on the king-size vintage-looking canopy bed almost lifelessly,and rest my head on the pillow. Before I know it, I’m dozing off to sleep.

I awake that afternoon to find a tray of fruits onthe distressed table. There’s a note next to it from Mom, saying she hopes Ifeel better.

A smile parts my lips. I sweep over my disheveledcurls, sit out at the side of the bed, and eat the fruits.

Sunlight flows into the airy room from the sheerdrapes at the tall windows. I glance around, taking in the floral walls, stone floor,and the expensive-looking rug. Varen’s right, this place has the allure to makeyou feel like royalty.

Changing into a flowy dress and flats, I meanderdownstairs to find the others.

Varen is chatting with his grandfather in thesitting room. The Kirby men look so much alike, except Varen has dark hair andblue eyes like his mother. They smile at me as I approach. His gaze alwayslingers.

“Where’s everyone?” I ask.

“After their nap, Dad took Lisa and Nan into townto catch up with old friends. Alison went to the stables.”

I gasp. “You have horses? That’s so cool.”

“Have you ever ridden?” Grandpa Kirby asks in histhroaty Scottish accent, a warm smile on his aged face.

“No, sir.”

He waves me off. “Call me Pa Kirby. You’re familynow.” This leaves me with mixed emotions. I look at Varen. He shrugs.

Grandpa Kirby pats my arm. “We’ll get you lessonsbefore you leave.”

“Thank you.”

Varen motions to the outdoors. “Want to go for awalk?”

“Sure.”

We excuse ourselves from his grandfather, andVaren leads me outside to the enormous backyard and down a stone path.

“This place is amazing,” I gush, admiring theflowers.

He flashes a cocky grin. “You’ll love where I’mtaking you then.”

We stroll until the castle is a bit behind us andwe’ve reached a bunch of Scottish pine and rowan trees, as well as a vastflower garden with an assortment of roses and shrubs.

Entering a quiet area by a pond, I stop walkingand take in the scenery. “Oh my gosh. So beautiful.”

Varen wraps his arms around my waist from behindand kisses my neck. “You’re beautiful.”

Savoring the feel of him, I cover his hands at mystomach and shut my eyes. We stand there in silence for a moment.

“I miss you,” he whispers.

I giggle and open my eyes. “You see me every day.”

He clarifies, “I see you and can’t touch you. Imiss you.” He carries a hand down my thigh. “Miss being inside you too. It’sbeen a week.” Then he turns me to face him and presses his lips to mine,squeezing my body as he devours my mouth.

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