Page 92 of Steel

“I don’t have a use for them.” The best thing I could do was act as if it was no big deal.

“But you might have a family one day.”

“Nah. I won’t. Plus, look how happy he is.” We both took a few seconds to pay attention to what he was doing. “I used to do that for hours on end. Just play with them, pretending I was a racecar driver.”

While she kept her hand in place, the touch was more as a friend would do. For now, that was enough. “Other than me and a couple people at work, no one has ever given him anything before.”

“You don’t have a family?”

“A long time ago. I grew up mostly in foster care. I barely remember my mother. The last memory was here. The images are fleeting, but I always knew one day I’d come here. Just to be close to her.”

“Is it working?”

Thoughtful as usual, she took a few seconds before answering. “Yes, it is. Not growing up with my parents is another reason it’s so important I create a good life for him.”

“You are.”

She looked away, as embarrassed as I’d seen her. “I have my doubts. Especially after tonight. Just so you know, the fact that he offered you that car means you’re special to him.”

“I know, Violet. I might be an asshole in your book and I don’t blame you for thinking so, but I’m not an idiot. Plus, I won’t keep it. When you head back to California, I’ll make sure you have the car with you.”

Confusion marking her beautiful face, she nodded, keeping her gaze locked on what her son was doing. As I headed to the door, at this point all I could do was chastise myself for jumping all over her. What was so bad about posing for a calendar?

“Be careful of the wolves and bears,” she cautioned.

“Don’t worry. I carry a mean punch especially to vicious predators.”

My attempt at lightening the mood was successful for at least a few seconds. Long enough for her to fight the smile sliding across her face.

Maybe now was the right time to tell her I was sorry for how I’d reacted. Some people would say I’d overreacted.

I walked into the kitchen, grabbing a flashlight and before I left, I went ahead and pulled out the few bottles of liquor I had. Since I rarely if ever entertained, I didn’t usually need to worry about what drinks I had in the house. My life revolved around me and what I preferred.

Having the two of them in the house challenged everything I’d found comforting. Maybe that’s what I needed in my life.

What would be so hard about modeling? A laugh pushed to the surface as I walked out. The answer was easy. Everything. Being a model took more than just posing for a camera. That’s about all I knew except that I would look like some freak. Somehow, Icould see a few of the guys, like Rock who would be thrilled to wear next to nothing for pictures.

I debated taking the truck, but the cabin was just a short walk down the gravel road. The trip back would give Zorro the opportunity to take a leak. There was a slender moon, but the light from the beam was just enough to light the way. As I cruised the road, all I could think about was how damn hot she looked in the dress and how impressed I’d been when she’d stood in the middle of the parking lot, daring me to run her over.

The girl had a reckless streak a mile wide. I had a feeling that’s why she had attracted almost every example of the male species in the bar. She had that kind of black widow draw to her, dangerous with seduction in mind. I’d been both jealous and riddled with desire. The combination created way too much uncertainty. Although being around her was also exciting.

I’d walked these woods about a hundred times at night, maybe more so. I knew almost every inch of the area. Was there wildlife lurking in the darkness? Absolutely and I was used to hearing howls of coyotes. I’d even seen a bear in the distance, although it had been a few years before.

What I heard to my right coming from close proximity within the forest was not a sound coming from wildlife. It was the loud crunch of something heavy on fallen leaves and other natural debris.

I stopped short, keeping the flashlight beam low while listening. Five seconds passed.

Another ten.

Hearing nothing, I continued walking.

This time the sound was obvious. Whoever was hovering inside the woods was following the same path, walking parallel to me.

I chose not to react at first, making it almost all the way to the house. Without stopping, I swung the beam toward the woods.

And noticed a flash.

Just before someone bolted deeper into the woods. I took off racing toward them, determined to find out who the hell was stalking one or both of us. Although if I had to guess, I’d say the intruder had his sights set on Violet.