Page 102 of Steel Beauty

Every. Last. Drop.

When I’m completely spent, she slowly pulls away, placing a tender kiss on my hip. She crawls back up my body, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. I pull her close, our mouths meeting in a deep, unhurried kiss that lingers, soft and full of connection. When we finally break apart, the room feels warm and still, the perfect quiet wrapping around us.

We lie beside each other, her head resting on my chest, her fingers lightly tracing patterns across my skin. Her touch is calming, and I find myself exhaling deeply, content in a way I haven’t been in a long time.

My hand brushes her hair away from her face. “You never told me your name.”

She lifts her head slightly, her gaze meeting mine. “My name is Magnolia… Magnolia Steel. Magnolia Elizabeth Steel, actually.”

Hesitation crosses her face before she adds, “Why aren’t you laughing?”

I frown, not in on the joke. “Why would I laugh?”

“Because of the movieSteel Magnolias.My grandmother thought it would be clever to name me Magnolia Steel. She thought it was charming, but I’ve always found it embarrassing. My name has been one long-running joke my entire life.”

I tilt my head, studying her. “First of all, I’ve never heard of that movie. Secondly, your name is beautiful. Just like you.”

Her lips part slightly, as if she wasn’t expecting that, and the faintest smile tugs at the corner of her mouth. “You mean it?”

“Absolutely.”

Magnolia Steel.Her name settles in my mind. “It’s very nice to meet you, Magnolia Steel. And what you just did was incredible.”

My lips brush hers in a kiss I can’t resist.

She laughs softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief as her fingers trail lightly down my chest. “I’m very glad you enjoyed it, Alex Sebring.”

Her gaze holds something deep that makes my chest tighten in the best way.

After a beat, I clear my throat, my heart pounding a little harder than I’d like to admit. “Magnolia, I have a wedding to attend tomorrow evening. A former teammate’s. I’m supposed to bring a plus-one, and… I’d like you to come with me.”

Her eyes widen slightly, surprise rippling through her expression. “Your date? You mean… go public?”

I nod, holding her gaze steady, hoping she can see how much I want this. “Yes. I want you there with me, if you’re willing. It’s a private ceremony, and I’ll make sure we avoid any paparazzi. You’ll be completely protected.”

She bites her lip, fighting a smile. “I’d love to go, Alex, but I don’t have anything to wear to a wedding—especially not to a wedding of a professional rugby player.”

“That’s an easy fix. Tomorrow, we’ll go shopping and find something stunning for you to wear. What do you say?”

Please say yes.

Her hesitation melts into a smile, her excitement bubbling beneath the surface. “Okay, then. I’d love to be your plus-one.”

Hearing her say yes sends a surge of warmth through me. I lean forward, capturing her lips in a soft kiss, savoring the sweetness of this moment and the possibilities it holds.

This is a turning point for us. Taking her to the wedding, going public, letting the people in my life see us together—it’s more than a date. It’s a quiet but undeniable statement: she’s the one I’ve chosen, the one I want. As I look into her trusting eyes, there’s no doubt in my mind that this is the right move.

The thought of walking into that wedding with her on my arm stirs a mix of excitement and nerves. It’s a step toward something bigger, something deeper. This is about letting her into my world completely.

I reach for her hand, lacing my fingers with hers. “Thank you for saying yes.”

“Thank you for inviting me.”

My hand cups her cheek. “Having you there means more to me than I can put into words.”

Her lips curve into a smile, and before I can say more, she shifts, closing the small space between us. Her kiss is slow and deliberate, her hands sliding to rest on my shoulders as she presses against me.

I deepen the kiss, pulling her closer, my hands tracing the curves of her back. Every kiss, every touch feels like a promise, one we’re both more than ready to keep.

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