Page 83 of Steel

Shannon chuckled, winking as she looked me in the eye. “Another strong woman, which is needed for these arrogant smokejumpers.”

“Don’t go fixing us up, Shannon,” I told her.

“I heard how you two met. Classic. I’d beat the hell out of him too if I came across him.” Shannon was desperate to fix me up.

With a single eyebrow lifted, Violet slowly tipped her head toward me. “Are there no secrets in this town?”

“Not a one,” Kenzie mused. “Don’t even bother attempting to keep one. It has a way of making it out in the open.”

“We might be a town of over a hundred thousand people, but the longer you stay here, the more you’ll noticed that we’re reallysmalltown folks at heart. We care for each other. Everyone is family.”

I couldn’t help but notice Violet tensing more than before.

“Which is why,” Shannon continued and pulled out an envelope, “a few folks wanted to contribute to helping you with getting new transportation. Or whatever else you might need while you’re here.”

“Oh, no,” Violet bristled. “I can’t accept.”

“Yes, you can. It’s not much but given you’re stuck living in that shithole of a house owned by one horrible landlord, you’re going to need a few things to make the place feel like home.” Shannon wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“I’m only here for the summer. Damon has school and I have a job and…” Violet frantically tugged a small strand of hair behind her ear, her face flushing at the same time.

“And an upcoming birthday. You only turn eight once,” Shannon continued.

“When is it?” Kenzie asked, as excited as Shannon.

“Eleven days.” Violet was hesitant.

“Then a party it is!” When Kenzie squeezed Violet’s arm, I was certain the girl was going to jump out of her skin.

Violet looked to me for guidance, her eyes pleading with me. “It’s okay. There are good people in this town. Just go with it.”

She appeared exasperated.

“Thank you. I don’t know what to say. I’m not used to anyone helping me.” Even her arm was shaking.

“I heard you saved a puppy from this man too,” Kenzie continued. “I see Grace. She’s a local veterinarian and owns an animal sanctuary. You might need her services.”

Violet slipped the envelope in her purse without opening it, not resisting as Kenzie pulled her away.

“Be good to her. She’s good for you. I can already tell,” Shannon said, her attention drawn away.

A heavy sigh left my chest and I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off Violet. She was like a fish out of water. Of course Axe hung around, taking several pulls on his beer. Hovering. The man was hovering. “What? Just say it.”

“What are you talking about?” His voice was already riddled with laughter.

I took my time swinging my head in his direction. “You want to say something about Violet.”

He shrugged and dared inch closer. Maybe he didn’t think I had it in me to pop him in the mouth if necessary. “Like Shannon said. I think she’s good for you. I saw how you two reacted just before we left for the fire.”

After taking another swallow, I made certain I could still see her. There were a group of guys surrounding her, Damon in the mix as well. And I didn’t like it one bit. “Like we both said. We’re not together. She’s not going to be here but for so long.”

“A photographer, huh?”

“Yep.”

“Well, what I said stands. It’s about time you forget Tanya ever existed.” He grinned like some loon, which drove me nuts.Shannon was right. There was no chance in hell of keeping any secrets in this town.

Except for one.