Page 1 of Steel Beauty

Chapter1

Magnolia Steel

“First of all,I’m not looking for a man. So let’s start there.”

Joy––my coworker and hopeless romantic who fancies herself a matchmaker––leans back in her chair. She eyes me like I’ve said the most absurd thing she’s ever heard. “Not looking for a man? Magnolia, that’s like saying you don’t want sunshine in your life.”

I fold my arms across my chest. “Sunshine? Puh-lease. Men are not sunshine. They’re more like passing clouds—here one minute, gone the next. Some of them are full-on thunderstorms, leaving nothing but chaos and destruction in their wake. Thanks, but I can live without that kind ofsunshinein my life.”

Joy takes out her phone and turns the screen toward me, displaying a picture. “My brother is perfect for you. He’s tall, handsome, successful, and he has hair. Not just hair—magnificenthair. Do you realize how many men in this world are bald? Ethan is as rare as rocking-horse manure.”

Not every woman’s out here building a dream man from a checklist. Looks aren’t everything—God knows some of the best-looking men have taught me the hardest lessons. Great hair won’t hold you when you’re falling apart. A sharp jawline doesn’t make you feel safe. And charming smiles? Those fade fast when the truth comes out. Some of us have learned to want more. A man who listens. Who shows up. Who stays when it’s hard, not just when it’s easy.

“You compared your brother to manure.”

“Fitting since he can be a little shit sometimes. But otherwise, he’s great. You’d love him.”

I glance at the photo. Ethan isn’t fugly—in fact, he’s good-looking—but he’s a little too pretty. He looks like he spends more time on his hair than I spend on mine.

“Yeah, well, I’m sure Ethan is fantastic, as is his hair, but I’m not in the market for a man.”

Violet jumps into the conversation with a smirk. “Unless he’s Dak Prescott. In that case, she’d drop everything and start planning their football-themed wedding.”

I let out a dreamy sigh. “I mean, why wouldn’t I? The man is perfection wrapped in a football jersey. And let’s be honest, I’d make the perfect Mrs. Prescott.”

Joy laughs, undeterred. “Unless Dak shows up at the front desk asking for you, I’d say my brother still has a shot.”

I shake my head though a smile tugs at my lips. “I’m happy biding my time until Dak realizes I’m his soulmate.”

Joy raises a brow. “You know my brother’s a private chef, right? He could cook gourmet dinners for you every night.”

I stop in my tracks; the idea of perfectly prepared meals every day is tempting. A plate of something fresh—straight from the farmer’s market—has a certain appeal.

“Just think of the roasted vegetables fresh from his private garden.” Joy winks, aware of my weakness for anything fresh and unprocessed, clearly trying to use it to her advantage.

I click my tongue, smirking. “You sneaky little vegetable pusher.”

Joy’s lips curl into a devious smile. “Well, you are a vegetable harlot. All it takes is a good-looking carrot, and you’re ready to commit.”

I laugh. “Hey, I have standards. It’s only the finest carrots for me.”

Before Joy can come back with another reason I should drop everything and date her brother, Gabby’s voice cuts through the office buzz, pulling everyone’s attention toward her. “All right, everyone, conference room in five.”

“Saved by the boss,” I say to Violet, keeping my words between us as I stand up and grab my notebook.

Violet smirks and leans in closer. “Makes you wonder why Joy’s so eager to play matchmaker for her brother if he’s truly as rare as rocking-horse manure.”

I grin, whispering back, “Probably because she only got the manure part right.”

We file into the conference room where Gabby stands. “All right, let’s settle in, everyone.”

Elijah catches my eye from across the room, his grin wide. He leans back in his chair, tossing a wink my way. I give him a polite nod though my fingers tighten around the edge of my notebook. I focus elsewhere, pretending not to notice when his gaze lingers a little too long.

Gabby clears her throat, and the room gradually quiets. Her gaze sweeps over us, and she gives a small, proud smile. “As all of you know, Soul Sync started as a crazy idea in my living room and has grown into something bigger than I ever imagined. We didn’t want to be just another matchmaking service. Our goal has always been to help people find meaningful connections, not swipe-right hookups.”

I’m reminded of my passion for this job as Gabby speaks. Soul Sync isn’t just my job; it’s my home. I can’t see myself doing this kind of work anywhere else.

“I know I’ve asked a lot from each of you along the way, but look at us now. Soul Sync is thriving, and that’s thanks to your hard work and dedication.”

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