Page 15 of Steel's Secret
“So are you.” We’re both too stubborn to move first.
Lightning flashes, followed by a low roll of thunder that doesn’t belong to winter. The lights flicker once. Twice. Then settle into a weak buzz.
I glance at the power box. “Great. If the grid drops, we’re sealed in till morning.”
She glances toward the door, snow already stacking halfway up the glass. “You’re serious?”
“Yeah.”
Her jaw tightens. “Then I guess I’m staying.” The words hang there, heavier than they should be.
“Guess so,” I mutter.
I move to the heater, feeding it another piece of kindling. The flame flares, warm light washing over us both.
She steps closer to the Harley, tracing her fingers along the gas tank like it’s something sacred. “You fixed the scratches.”
“Couldn’t stand seeing it scarred.”
“That’s what you said about your father.”
I look up at her then, really look. The years, the distance, none of it changes what she does to me. “Don’t psychoanalyze me, counselor.”
“Then stop acting like you don’t need anyone.” The words hit harder than the cold. I want to tell her she’s wrong, but she’s not.
Instead, I walk past her, close enough that her perfume cuts through the oil and smoke. It’s disarming as hell.
“I’ll grab you a towel,” I say, reaching for the storage cabinet just to keep from touching her.
“Steel,” she says softly.
I turn.
Her eyes are glassy, but her voice doesn’t break. “I didn’t mean to leave like I did. That night… I just couldn’t watch you fall apart.”
I stare at her for a long second, pulse roaring in my ears. The image flashes behind my eyes. July heat, her hair shining under streetlights, my father’s casket, her walking away. I’d sworn I wouldn’t chase her. Presidents don’t run after angels.
“Too late for apologies,” I say, voice low.
“Maybe,” she says, stepping closer. “But not too late for honesty.”
The power flickers again, plunging us into momentary darkness. When the light steadies, she’s right in front of me. Close enough that I can see every fleck of green in her eyes. I tell myself to step back, but my body’s already chosen.
Outside, the storm howls harder, sealing the world away. Inside, it’s just us. Heat, hurt, and history.
