Page 78 of Steel Beauty

I laugh, but a thought crosses my mind, and I study him more intently. “We’re avoiding Newcastle in daylight because there’s a good chance someone might see you and recognize you, aren’t we?”

He shrugs, his expression flat, giving nothing away—but his silence says it all.

I let out an exaggerated sigh, leaning back. “I’m going to feel so ridiculous if the truth ever comes out and I realize I’ve been hanging out with a superstar this whole time.”

He chuckles, clearly amused, but still offers no confirmation.

And yet he doesn’t deny it.

Great. Now I have to mentally prepare for the possibility that his ex is a supermodel.

The sun sinks lower in the sky, and he docks the yacht at the harbor, stepping over to help me disembark. His hand is warm and steady as I step onto the dock, my lightweight white dress fluttering in the evening breeze. I kept it simple per his request—sandals and a loose braid to pull it all together—but polished enough for wherever the night might take us.

He’s dressed casually in Bermuda shorts, a light sweater, and his usual confident ease.

Such swagger.

We stroll along the harbor, the lively hum of Newcastle filling the air, until we reach our destination: a small, boutique cinema tucked into the heart of town. Its vintage marquee glows softly, the old-world charm drawing me in with the promise of something special.

I pause, taking it all in. “A vintage cinema? I didn’t see this coming.”

He watches my reaction with a satisfied smile. “I had a feeling you’d like it. I’m starting to figure you out.”

“Oh really? And what exactly have you figured out?”

“You’re not into the flashy stuff. You appreciate the kind of charm most people overlook. Thoughtful, unique, a little nostalgic—this seemed like your kind of place.”

I’m surprised by how spot-on he is. “Okay, I’ll admit, you’re getting to know me better than I expected. What are we seeing?”

“A rom-com.”

“A rom-com? That’s what you picked?”

“Hey,” he says, feigning offense. “I enjoy a good laugh, and I thought you’d appreciate something lighthearted.”

Wow. I’m touched by the thoughtfulness behind his choice. “You keep surprising me, you know that?”

“I hope so.”

I’m instantly enchanted. The cozy, nostalgic atmosphere wraps around us, and I spin slowly, taking it all in––the plush armchairs, the velvet drapes, the soft glow of the sconces lining the walls. “This place is incredible. It’s like stepping back in time.”

He smiles, clearly pleased by my appreciation. “I had a feeling you’d like it. It’s one of my favorite spots when I want to keep things low-key.”

It’s the perfect place to stay under the radar.

As the movie starts, he reaches over, lacing his fingers through mine. His touch is warm, steady. I try to focus on the screen, but my thoughts keep drifting back to him beside me, his hand in mine, and the quiet, unspoken connection that seems to grow between us with every passing moment.

Onscreen, the two leads bumble their way through a budding romance, tripping over misunderstandings, quirks, and an undeniable pull toward each other. As I watch, my thoughts drift to us—how, in such a short time, he’s done more thoughtful, meaningful things for me than any man ever has. He’s so openly shared pieces of himself, and it stirs something deep inside me.

I glance over at him, taking in the quiet confidence in his posture, the ease in his expression. A wave of appreciation washes over me—for who he is and for the space he’s carved into my life. He deserves everything good this world has to offer. And he deserves all the things he yearns for but might be too proud to say aloud.

As the movie ends and we step back into the cool night air, a thought settles over me, soft but unshakable. I want him to have it all—peace, fulfillment, love. Every last bit of happiness he’s chasing.

Sliding my hand back into his, I let myself savor this moment, realizing something I hadn’t before. Even if this—whatever this is—is only temporary, I’m grateful to be part of his story right now. For as long as it lasts, I’m content to be here, walking beside him, sharing these fleeting moments.

Chapter18

Magnolia Steel

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