Page 64 of Steel Beauty

She pulls out her phone, laughing. “Iknewyou liked my music.”

I shake my head. “No, I don’t. I want the songs available so I can play them for you when we’re together.”

She smirks, chuckling. “Liar. You’re totally going to listen to my music when I’m not around.”

I grin, shaking my head again. “No, you’ve got it all wrong. Music says a lot about a person. I want to know you better through your song choices.”

“If you say so.” She smirks as she types on her phone. A moment later, my phone buzzes in the cupholder.

“I sent you my log-in information. That’s easier than sharing links to multiple songs.” She glances at me with a playful glint in her eye. “Do you mind if I connect to this car’s Bluetooth?”

I gesture toward the console. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

“I want you to know me better…through my song choices.”

She taps a few buttons on her phone, and the Jeep’s Bluetooth chimes in response. A second later, one of her weird songs spills through the speakers, filling the car with a mix of beats and melodies that are so distinctly her.

Charleston leans back in her seat, a spark of mischief lighting up her expression. “I’m certain you’ve never heard this one.”

I glance at her sideways, smirking. “News flash. I’ve never heardanyof them.”

She laughs. “This one’s ‘Naughty Naughty’ by John Parr––a classic ’80s vibe.”

“Clearly.”

The song kicks in, and before I know it, she’s completely animated, singing along at full volume, her voice unapologetically loud and brimming with life. Her hands drum against her knees, her body bounces with the rhythm, and for a moment, she’s not just singing—she’s performing. There’s no doubt in my mind she’s danced to this song more times than she’ll ever admit.

I occasionally glance over at her, and a thought slips through my mind:God, I could get used to this.

Her performance continues and another thought enters my mind. “You know, you remind me of my mate’s wife… except she can sing well.”

Charleston gasps in feigned outrage, punching me lightly on the arm. “Well, excuse me, but we can’t all be musical superstars, can we?”

I grin, the corners of my mouth tugging upward. “Laurelyn was.”

The moment her name slips out, I silently reprimand myself. It’s probably a step too far—another breadcrumb leading her closer to figuring out who I really am. But honestly, I’m not too worried. She hasn’t shown much interest in discovering my identity.

She furrows her brow. “Who’s Laurelyn?”

I keep my eyes on the road. “My mate’s American wife. She was a famous country-music star before they got married. Gave it all up to move to Australia and be with him.”

“She really gave up her career?” The surprise in her words is unmistakable.

“Sure did. She still works in the music industry but not on stage anymore. Her priorities changed—building a family with Jack became the focus.

Charleston shifts in her seat, clearly intrigued. “When you saycountry-music star,are we talking about a struggling artist playing in dive bars in Nashville?”

“No. She was the original lead singer of a very well-known band. Hugely successful. You would absolutely know who they are if I said the name.”

“Wow. That’s pretty selfless, giving up something she must’ve worked so hard for.”

“I doubt she sees it that way. Laurelyn’s madly in love with Jack. Marriage and kids mattered more to her than fame ever did. And they’re so damn happy. If I’m being honest, I envy what they have.”

Charleston’s smile turns a little wistful. “Sounds like they’ve built something amazing together.”

I nod slowly, the thought of Jack and Laurelyn settling heavily but warmly in my chest. “It hasn’t been without struggles—a lot of them actually. No marriage is perfect. But yeah, they’ve created something incredible.”

The Jeep slows as I pull into the harbor, the scent of saltwater mingling with the faint hum of boat engines and the steady whisper of the wind through the open windows. Charleston sits up a little straighter, her gaze sweeping over the rows of sleek boats swaying gently on the water.

---