Page 65 of Steel Beauty

Her head tilts slightly. “We’re going out on a boat?”

I glance her way, a sudden thought striking me: what if she gets seasick?

“Yeah, unless you don’t do well on the water.”

She shakes her head, her ponytail swinging. “No idea. I’ve never been out in the ocean on a boat before.”

“I keep medication on the yacht for guests, just in case.”

Her eyebrows lift, surprise crossing her face. “Ayacht?”

I chuckle, pulling into a parking spot. “Yes, a yacht.”

She narrows her eyes at me playfully. “Your family’s yacht?”

I grin as I cut the engine. “Nope. It’s mine.”

Her eyes widen, disbelief mingling with curiosity as she studies me like I’m a puzzle she’s still trying to piece together. “Who are you?”

The corner of my mouth lifts into a teasing smirk. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

She leans back in her seat, crossing her arms, her playful skepticism on full display. “Am I out here running around with someone famous and don’t even realize it?”

I laugh, shaking my head as I climb out of the Jeep, but I don’t give her an answer.

I grab our bags from the back of the Jeep. “Keep your cap low and don’t take off your sunglasses.”

Her brow furrows as she studies me—really studies me—like she’s trying to piece together a mystery she’s only beginning to unravel. “You are, aren’t you? You’re famous.”

The question is a curveball I’m not ready to swing at—not here, not now. “Used to be. I’ve spent some time in the spotlight. But not anymore.”

She leans her hip against the Jeep, arms crossed. “I wouldn’t like that at all––being in the spotlight. I’m content with not being seen or heard.”

Her words sink in, bringing a strange, unexpected sense of peace.

I step closer, gently pushing back the brims of our caps, just enough to tilt her face toward mine. My lips brush hers in a soft, unhurried kiss—a silent thank-you for something I can’t quite put into words.

When I pull back, her eyes meet mine. “What was that for?”

“For being you.”

I take her hand, leading her toward the dock where the yacht awaits. The gentle hum of the engine vibrates beneath our feet as we step aboard. The yacht’s caretaker runs through a quick checklist with me, confirming that all safety checks are complete before officially handing her over to me.

We’re completely on our own now.

I glance at Charleston, her expression teetering between excitement and curiosity.

“Let me give you the tour before we head out.”

She trails after me as I guide her through the layout, her wide eyes absorbing every detail. At the helm, she leans casually on the railing, a playful glint in her eye as she looks back at me. “Are you an experienced sailor?”

I smirk, amused by the question. “No, but I am an experiencedyachtsman. The Royal Yachting Association declares that I’m more than qualified to skipper this beauty.”

She laughs, light and teasing. “Just making sure you’re not about to turn us into the stars of some based-on-a-true-story movie likeAdrift.”

I chuckle, the corners of my mouth lifting. “Considering how that movie ends, I think I’ll pass.”

“It would be wise.”

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