Page 106 of Steel Beauty

Callie’s brow lifts with interest, her eyes sparkling. “You’ve got a drawl that could charm a crocodile—whereabouts are you from?”

I relax into their easy warmth, the tension I had been carrying starting to ease. “I live in Charleston, South Carolina, now, but the accent? That’s all Mississippi.”

Megan and Callie seem genuinely kind. They’re nothing like the image I had in my head of professional athletes’ wives—no air of superiority, no distant politeness.

“Ah, Mississippi—that explains it,” Callie says, snapping her fingers like she’s solved a mystery. “That’s why it has that sweet cadence to it.”

When people find out I’m from Mississippi, their reactions usually fall into one of two extremes. Some get stars in their eyes, conjuring images of magnolia trees, sweet tea, and front porch swings creaking in the humid breeze. Others arch an eyebrow, as if picturing me strolling out of a trailer park barefoot in dirty overalls, a six-pack tucked under one arm and a possum on a leash. And to be fair, they’re not entirely wrong about the trailer park part. Middle ground doesn’t seem to exist, but I’ve learned to lean into it with a little charm—it keeps things easier for everyone.

“You all have such lovely accents. And the slang? Don’t even get me started. Half the time, I’m convinced y’all are making up words to see if the American will nod along.”

Megan laughs, nodding in agreement. “Fair, but yours takes the cake, Magnolia. You could read the ingredients on a box of cereal, and we’d all be charmed.”

Callie’s eyes sparkle with curiosity. “So, what brings you all the way from Charleston to Sydney?”

“Work. I couldn’t resist when the chance for a short-term assignment in Australia came up. It felt like the perfect excuse for an adventure.”

Megan’s grin spreads wide as she shoots Alex a teasing look. “Adventurousandgorgeous. Alex, you’ve hit the jackpot.”

Alex rests his hand lightly on the back of my chair, looking at me with adoring eyes. “Trust me, you have no idea.”

Callie winks at me. “I think you’ve gotThe Iron Wallwrapped around your finger, Magnolia. It’s written all over his face.”

Megan nods in agreement. “She’s right. I’ve never seen him like this.”

Bradley shakes his head with a good-natured groan. “All right, ladies, cut the man some slack.”

Their laughter surrounds me, warm and genuine, melting my nerves with ease. The teasing feels like a welcome embrace, drawing me into their circle.

I share bits of myself, answering their questions, while Alex’s steady gaze reminds me I belong here. I’d worried about fitting into his world, but their kindness puts me at ease. By the time cake is served, I’m smiling at how unnecessary my nerves were. Tonight feels unexpectedly right.

The band begins playing Etta James’s “At Last,” the smooth, soulful melody spilling into the room and drawing couples to the dance floor. The familiar tune catches my ear, and a smile tugs at my lips. “I love this song.”

Alex’s gaze meets mine, a teasing smile curving his lips. Rising to his feet, he extends a hand toward me with a slight, playful bow.

“May I have the honor of this dance, Miss Steel?”

My smile widens as I slip my hand into his. “Yes, you may, Mr. Sebring.”

Alex leads me to the center of the floor, the golden lights casting a soft glow that feels warm and intimate. His hand settles at the small of my back, his other holding mine firmly as he pulls me close. The rest of the room fades into a blur, leaving the two of us in a world of our own.

The music is gentle and steady, and for a moment, it feels like time has paused. My heart skips as I glance up at him, captivated by the way he looks at me—like I’m the only thing that matters.

“You’ve been incredible tonight.” The admiration in his eyes matches the warmth in his words.

I blink, surprised by his appraisal. “Incredible? Nah, I was just trying not to trip over my own feet.”

He spins me with an effortless grace that makes my pulse race. “It’s so much more than that. You carry yourself like you’ve done this a hundred times. Like you belong here.”

His words settle deep within me, warm and unexpected. I search his face for any hint of teasing, but there’s none—just pure sincerity. “I only followed your lead.”

“You didn’t follow anyone’s lead,” he says, pulling me close once more. “You made it look easy. Like this world—this life—is meant for you.”

The thought sinks deeper, clawing at me. Maybe I didn’t realize it before, but what if I’m just like Robin and Charlene? What if I’m a chameleon too, slipping into this role, pretending to fit? Able to play the part, smile in all the right places, but it’s not real.

I swallow hard, my breath hitching as I meet his gaze. There’s something in his eyes—unspoken, powerful, and far too tender. It wraps around me, slipping past every wall I’ve built, and I don’t know how to handle it. Warmth spreads in my chest, but it doesn’t last. Unease follows, twisting it into something heavier, something I can’t quite name.

And it terrifies me.

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