Page 31 of Steel Beauty

“Will you be staying at the hotel for the duration of your work assignment?”

“Yeah, Soul Sync worked out an extended stay rate with the manager.” A playful grin creeps on to my face. “Was that your doing?”

He chuckles. “No. I don’t handle guests.”

I laugh, the sound light against the quiet night. “No, I suppose you wouldn’t. Not when your family owns the hotel.”

As we near the hotel entrance, Caesar glances at me, his expression thoughtful. “You really don’t care who I am or how much money I have, do you?”

I shake my head. “I don’t. Growing up with so little taught me to appreciate the small things. It really doesn’t take much to make me happy. I guess that’s why money doesn’t impress me.”

“Or fame?”

“Oh God, no.” I laugh softly. “I’m perfectly fine never being in the spotlight. Honestly, I prefer it that way.”

He tilts his head slightly, his gaze curious. “So, what does make you happy?”

I take a moment to consider his question. “Music, dancing, losing myself in a great book. Nature. Fresh, wholesome food—not the processed kind, which probably sounds bizarre, I know. I don’t have a place for a garden right now, but I’d like to have one in the future. I want to grow my own food one day. And I’m ridiculously competitive, so I love beating someone at cards and board games.” I grin, my smile widening at the thought. “Oh, and Dak Prescott. He definitely makes me happy.”

Caesar halts mid-step, one brow arching in amused disbelief. “Dak Prescott?”

I laugh, but it’s already too late to backtrack. “But I need to be clear about one thing: I’m a Dak fan, not a Cowboys fan. I’ve had a crush on him since my sophomore year in college. We had a class together.”

Caesar chuckles, amusement sparkling in his eyes. “Do you like watching American football?”

I nod, smiling. “I love it. Football is the best.”

“Thebest, huh?” He tilts his head, a painful smirk tugging at his lips. “Ever watched rugby?”

I shake my head. “Never.”

“You should catch a game while you’re here.” His eyes sparkle with a challenge. “Think of it like American football but rougher. Tougher.”

I arch a brow, mirroring his playful energy. “Intriguing. I’ll have to add that to my list.”

As we near the hotel, our steps slow, neither of us ready to reach the end of the walk. The cool breeze brushes against my skin, and I pull his jacket tighter around me, wanting to hold on to this moment a little longer. I’m not ready to let it go—not yet.

Without a word, Caesar takes my hand. “Come with me.”

He leads me toward a gated courtyard beside the hotel. The quiet beep of the keypad fills the air as he enters a code, and the gate swings open, revealing a hidden garden beyond.

The scent reaches me first—sweet blossoms mixed with the earthy freshness of greenery. I inhale deeply, the air feeling lighter here, as though we’ve stepped into another world.

“Wow,” I whisper, my eyes wide as I take in the scene before me. Soft lanterns cast a golden glow along the winding pathways, and vibrant flowers spill over the stone walls, lush and alive. “This is breathtaking.”

Caesar glances around, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. “Popular venue for wedding ceremonies.”

I nod, still in awe. “I can see why. It’s absolutely stunning.”

He tugs gently on my hand, leading me deeper into the garden, where the lanterns fade into soft shadows. In the far corner, the air grows still, almost reverent—a quiet sanctuary untouched by the world beyond. He leans in, his words a low murmur. “No cameras here.”

Caesar takes both of my hands in his, his gaze locking on to mine with an intensity that roots me in place. His thumbs move in slow, deliberate circles over my skin, a touch both calming and electrifying.

“Please don’t think I’m not hearing you. I understand what it would mean for your job if anyone saw us together. But unless I’m wrong…” His gaze searches mine, warm and unwavering. “I think you’re as drawn to me as I am to you.”

My breath catches.

There it is—confirmation that this pull between us isn’t just in my head. It’s real, undeniable, and shared. I came here tonight with every intention of ending whateverthisis, of walking away before it went any further. But now, standing here before him, I feel something shifting, something I’m not sure I can fight.

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