Page 80 of Steel

“Wow,” she said. “The outside of the building is deceptive.”

“Tell me about it. They’ve built on twice since it opened. That was a long time ago. Let’s see if we can find Shannon before we grab a table. I think she has something for you.”

“What does that mean?”

“I can’t tell you or she’ll kick my ass.” I winked as I pushed our way through the crowd.

“Hey. Hey. There’s the local hero and his main squeeze.”

“Shut up, Marcus,” I snarled, using Rock’s real name.

“I’m Rock. If you get tired of this dude, I’m available.” He had one of his shit-eating grins on his face, already having consumed a few beers.

“Don’t mind him, brat. He’s a pain in everyone’s ass,” I told her.

She glanced from me back to him. “Rock? Now, what does that stand for?”

He leaned in so his head was almost on her shoulder. I could punch his face. “You’re going to need to find out.” He seemed to notice we weren’t alone. “And who is this monster of a man?”

“Damon Livingston.” Damon held out his hand.

“Well, Damon. I’m so glad to meet you.”

“Are you a smokejumper dude?”

“Damon, it’s not nice to call him a dude,” she chastised.

Rock laughed. He had the most gregarious laugh of all of us. “Young man, I’ve been called so much worse. You bet I’m a smokejumper like your mama’s boyfriend here.”

“Oh, we’re not…” both Violet and I said at the same time. She blushed. I didn’t.

I simply hungered deep inside, craving what I shouldn’t want.

Rock’s expression never changed. “Would you like to meet a couple other smokejumpers? We all tend to stay together.”

“Mom? Can I go? Please?”

She looked to me as if worried. “Contrary to his ugly mug, he’s a good guy.”

“Don’t bug them to death, son of mine,” she told him.

“Ah, Mom.” He rolled his eyes just before Rock took him away.

“Do all the smokejumpers have such large personalities?” She laughed while asking the question.

“Pretty much all of them. I think it’s a requirement to be a little weird to do the job. How about a drink?”

Violet nodded. “I think I could use one.”

“We both could. Let me introduce you to Shannon. You should watch out for her though. She’s feisty as hell.”

“You know I like the rough stuff.”

I’d be damned. She still had some sexy teasing abilities in her. “Don’t you dare say that to a man like me.”

The congratulations and ‘atta boys’ continued, which clearly amused my lovely companion. “You’re very popular.”

“Only cause I grew up here.”