Page 41 of Steel Beauty

A wave of relief settles in me, a quiet hope that we might actually make this work. “Things will come up along the way, but we’ll handle them. We’ll make smart decisions to keep this quiet and protect our relationship from being discovered. I know I’m asking for a lot, and I don’t take the risk to your career or reputation lightly. I understand what’s at stake for you, and I will protect you.”

I hold her gaze, ensuring she feels the sincerity in my words. “You’d be the one in control every step of the way. If something doesn’t feel right, you say the word, and it stops.”

For a moment, she studies me, her anxieties and what-ifs visibly easing. The tension in her shoulders melts away, her face softening as the lines of worry fade. Watching her begin to relax stirs something deeper within me. This isn’t only about staying hidden—it’s about trust. And in this moment, I can see that a seed of trust has been planted, fragile but real, and I’m watching it start to take root.

For a moment, the quiet stretches between us, but it’s not awkward. She seems to be turning over what I’ve said, her gaze thoughtful as if weighing the possibilities against her reservations.

“You’ve obviously put a lot of thought into how to make this work around my situation. And while I appreciate the lengths you’re willing to go to keep this hidden from my coworkers, I’m still struggling with the fact that you’re looking for a wife, and I’m not looking for a husband.”

Her honesty stirs a surge of worry in me, but I push past it. I knew this was coming. “I understand that. I’m fully aware you’re not looking for marriage, and that’s okay. I’m not asking for any kind of commitment. I’m only asking for whatever time you’re willing to spend with me while you’re here.”

Her expression shifts to something almost apologetic. “But I’d be keeping you from finding what you’re truly looking for.”

“You wouldn’t be holding me back. This is my choice—to push my timeline back a few months. What’s three months in the grand scheme of things?”

Her lips twitch as if she’s fighting a smile. “You’re going to have a counter for every reason I come up with, aren’t you?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely.” I flash her a grin, enjoying the way her guard starts to slip.

There’s a spark of curiosity in her eyes now, a gleam that wasn’t there before. “You’ve really thought this through every step of the way, haven’t you?”

I lean forward, resting my forearms on the table. “I have. And I’ve got you, Charleston. If you’ll take a chance and trust me, I’ll keep you safe.”

I can feel it—she’s close to saying yes. Her hesitation is fading, her posture a little more relaxed.

It’s time to seal the deal.

Recalling Jack’s advice, I lean in slightly, a playful grin tugging at my lips. “And I’ll give you the time of your life. The best three months you’ve ever had.”

Charleston arches a brow, a smirk curving her lips as her eyes narrow slightly. “Cocky much?”

“I don’t make promises I can’t keep.” My grin widens, meeting hers head-on. “You weren’t disappointed last night, were you?”

“Oh… you… orgasm… giving… devil… you.” Her cheeks flush a soft pink as she bites her lower lip, amusement dancing in her eyes. “I definitely wasn’t disappointed. Which, honestly, was a first for me. Men don’t usually get that so… right.”

I chuckle, her words lighting a fire of satisfaction inside me. “You deserve every orgasm I give you. And trust me, there will be plenty more.”

Her blush deepens as she laughs softly, shaking her head. “With promises like that, you’re making it damn near impossible to say no.”

“That’s the plan.”

There’s a playful spark in her eyes, edged with thoughtfulness. “I see that.”

I won’t back down—I never do. Giving up simply isn’t in my DNA. And it’s time to lay all my cards on the table. “I’m going to tell you the whole truth.”

Her confident gaze falters for a moment, a quake of nerves crossing her face. “I would have it no other way.”

I take a steadying breath, the truth pressing against my chest, demanding to be spoken. “I want you, Charleston. I’ve wanted you since the first time we spoke in the dating suite, straight away, before I even knew what you looked like. And then when I saw you… you took my breath away. But it’s more than the physical. It’s the way we connect, the way you make me feel when I’m with you… and even when I’m not with you. This is easy––like I’ve finally found someone I can be myself with.”

Her smile wavers slightly. For a moment, I question myself, wondering if I’ve taken it too far, if I’ve said more than she’s ready to hear. But even if I have, I don’t regret it. Not one word.

Charleston leans forward a little, her expression softening, a quiet smile playing on her lips. “You know what I like best about you?”

“My charm and dashing good looks?”

Her laughter bubbles up, light and easy. “While that’s all quite appealing… no.” She pauses, her gaze holding mine. “You make me feel seen and heard. And that makes me feel safe with you.”

Everything Laurelyn said about Charleston was spot-on, and I owe her a heartfelt big thank-you.

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