Page 22 of Hard as Steel

Like everyone who worked for Steel, he liked Bridger quite a bit. He was one of those genuine guys who made everyone feel at peace.

Steel stood. “Sounds good. Where are we headed?”

Bridger laughed. “I don’t know. Before two minutes ago, I didn’t plan to go anywhere.”

Steel shook his head and laughed along.

Bridger was just one of those people. He was young, handsome, and built like a truck. They were well-matched in size, and not many people could claim that. Not only was Steel tall, but he was also wide. Life wasn’t built for him. He ducked going under certain doorways. First class was the only way he could fly comfortably without his shoulders encroaching on everyone else. Every hotel shower was too short. He could look Bridger in the eye without stooping. Steel also trusted him more than two-thirds of his guards. Not that he distrusted any of them. They wouldn’t work for him if he did. But Bridger was one of the few he knew he could always depend on to be ready to jump in at a moment’s notice.

Steel motioned toward his truck. “You pay. I drive.”

Bridger headed that way. “If you were anyone else, I wouldn’t accept that offer. But your vehicle is actually made for giants, so it’s cool.”

Steel realized he smiled. He felt lighter. A bit of the weight he carried slipped away. He could spend an hour away from the office. Everything would still be standing when he got back.

They chose a pizza place located on the beach and ate outside. The wind on his face felt amazing. Maybe he just needed vitamin D. He had been indoors too much.

Steel waited until their food arrived before getting back to business. “So, what brought you by the office today?”

A hint of discomfort flashed in Bridger’s hazel eyes.

A groan rang inside Steel’s head. “Please don’t tell me you’re quitting.” If he had to hire another fucking guard right now, Krystof would definitely be out. The hunt for solid people was a full-time job in itself.

“Naw, man. It’s nothing like that, but you might be firing me.”

This time, Steel groaned aloud. “What did you do?”

Bridger’s expression cleared; he laughed. “Probably not whatever you’re thinking. It’s more like I’ve been working a lot of out-of-town jobs and it’s wreaking havoc on my relationship. I’m pretty sure Jason just thinks I’m cheating at this point. We’re probably not gonna make it much longer if I don’t do something.”

Steel nodded along. “I understand your plight. So I’m guessing you’re hoping for a long-term local position.”

Relief poured through Bridger’s features. “Yeah. Man, I just don’t know what else to do. I love working for you, but I love Jason more. If I don’t at least show I’m trying, he’s out the door. The resentment has gotten thick. When I’m out of town, he’ll ignore my calls and texts for days. That’s how angry he is; he can’t even talk to me because he knows it’ll be a fight. I want my peaceful life back.”

Every word Bridger said, Steel understood and felt to his bones. He had wanted this fresh start with Krystof with every fiber of his being, and he was fucking it up. If he didn’t find a way to be home more, knowing Krystof, he might not leave. Instead, he would stick around until Steel killed everything good inside him. He wouldn’t watch Krystof walk out. Steel would watch him wither. Truth be told, it was already happening.

An idea struck. “How do you feel about extensive paperwork, phone calls, and interviews?”

A line appeared between Bridger’s eyebrows. “I have no idea. I’ve never done anything like that. Why, though?” His confusion was obvious.

“What would you say about being my California location manager?”

Bridger blinked several times. “I’d say I’m grossly unqualified but listening.”

The more Steel thought about it, the more he warmed up to the idea. “You know this business inside and out. That’s over half the battle. The rest I can train you to do.”

Bridger brightened a hair. “I mean, I’m a pretty quick learner. If you need me to handle interviews, I’m a good judge of character and can research better than the FBI.”

Steel laughed. “That’s perfect. No one knows this yet, since really no one knows my personal business, but I’m getting married pretty soon.”

“That’s great, man. I didn’t even know you’re dating anyone. That’s awesome. Am I invited?” Bridger laughed as if he didn’t truly expect to get invited.

“Yeah. I’m inviting the entire company. The invitations just haven’t been sent out yet. But I’ve been thinking I need to reel in my workaholic ass or this wedding might not happen. If we work overtime for a few weeks, I can have you trained in no time. This would be the perfect wedding gift for Krystof, and Jason will have his man back.”

“Hell, yeah. I’m in. Just show me where to get started.”

Steel practically cheered with happiness. He couldn’t wait to get back to a normal life with Krystof.

In the six months since Krystof had moved in with Steel, he barely saw him. He didn’t recall Steel working like this before. Of course, his business had grown exponentially since then. Things just didn’t feel the way he’d hoped. He had known they had changed. Krystof wasn’t ridiculous enough to think they would be the same people they once were. But Krystof hadn’t expected that Steel’s second chance obviously wasn’t a real one. The way Steel blatantly punished him was crushing. He didn’t blame Steel. Krystof had ruined his life all those years ago. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could do this, though. The saddest part was Krystof didn’t think there was a single thing Steel could do to make him leave. He had waited too long to have Steel back. Krystof already knew how much life hurt without him. In this, he was as pathetic as a person could be. He would likely sit back through neglect, cheating, and all the disrespect Steel could muster because having some of him was better than nothing at all.