Page 118 of Steel Beauty

“No, I suppose not,” I say quietly, reaching for her hand, intertwining our fingers. “But I would like to make every second count.”

Her eyes search mine, her expression softening into something tender. “Every second,” she whispers.

And as the firelight dances around us, casting warm shadows on her face, the night stretches endlessly above. In this moment, I’m certain of one thing: I’ll make every moment with her matter, no matter how fleeting our time may be.

Chapter29

Alex Sebring

The trail windsdeeper into the lush forest, sunlight filtering through the canopy in dappled, shifting patterns. The hum of the outside world fades, replaced by the tranquil melody of birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. The air here is cooler, rich with the earthy scent of rain-kissed soil and tropical blooms.

I brush aside a low-hanging branch and glance back. Magnolia steps over a rocky patch, her eyes wide, her expression caught somewhere between awe and curiosity. She’s seeing Samoa through fresh eyes, and I can’t get enough of the way it lights her up.

“You doing all right back there?”

Her gaze snaps to mine, a playful challenge sparking in her eyes. “I can handle a hike, Alex. Don’t worry about me.”

I reach up and pluck a ripe guava from a nearby branch. “Good, because you’re about to experience the freshest snack on the island.”

She takes the fruit, sinking her teeth into it, and her lips glisten with juice as her eyes close in bliss. “Oh, wow. I didn’t know anything could taste this good.”

Her reaction holds me captive, the way she savors something so simple. “That’s Samoa. Untouched. Pure. Unlike anything else.”

Her gaze sweeps over the vibrant green all around us. “It feels like we’ve stepped into another world.”

Reaching for her hand, I lace our fingers together, the connection as natural as the path beneath our feet. “Just wait. You haven’t seen the best part yet.”

The sound of rushing water grows louder as we follow the path, the foliage thickening around us. Hand in hand, we climb a small ridge, the trail narrowing as anticipation builds with each step.

Magnolia glances at me, her cheeks flushed from the hike, her eyes bright. There’s an energy about her that makes me smile without meaning to.

“Almost there.” I push aside a curtain of vines, revealing the clearing.

The waterfall cascades over dark rocks into a crystal-clear pool framed by bursts of vibrant tropical flowers. The sunlight catches the water, scattering beams of light across the lush greenery.

Magnolia freezes, wide-eyed. Her gaze sweeps the scene, focusing on the falls, the shimmer of sunlight on the surface, the untouched beauty surrounding us. “This is like a dream. A beautiful dream.”

“I knew you’d love it. Not many people know about this place—locals only.”

When she turns to me, her expression is soft, her gratitude unmistakable. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

I pull my shirt over my head. “Come on. The water’s waiting.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Her smirk deepens as she shrugs off her cover-up, revealing a bikini that sends my pulse into overdrive.

“Careful,” I say, reaching for her hand. Her fingers slide into mine, warm and steady, trusting me to lead her into the shimmering pool.

The first step makes her gasp, her sharp inhale breaking into a laugh. “Colder than I expected.”

I send a splash her way, the water catching sunlight in glittering arcs as it lands.

Her gasp turns into laughter. “Oh, you’re in for it now, big guy,” she says, sending a wave of cool spray back at me.

The cool water hits my chest, and I throw my hands up. “Truce! You win!”

Her eyes narrow, playful and challenging. “Giving up already? That’s disappointing, Alex.”

I wade closer, grinning. “I know when I’m outmatched.”

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