Page 88 of Steel

As I tugged and jerked, trying to free myself, I realized how ridiculous the both of us looked. Maybe the crowd should grab a bowl or two of popcorn because neither one of us was going to budge an inch. “Don’t. Just… Just let me go.”

He managed to pull me even closer, even forcing me onto my tiptoes in my sandals. When he gripped my waist, I was reminded I’d worn a dress. A dress. In jeans I felt almost invincible. Not in this dress. With the breeze, I was worried my thong would be shown off to the crowd, a damning show to go with the nasty discussion.

Why did I have some crazy feeling there were reporters lurking in the shadows?

“I’m not going to hurt you. Or least I don’t mean to.”

He was so close the electric vibrations spooling in every one of his sculpted muscles skipped to my heart, keeping it thrumming to the point I couldn’t catch my breath.

“Just don’t bother, Steel. You’re right in that I don’t know you. I don’t even know your real name and I didn’t let you in enough to learn why I was really here. So what do we have to talk about? Nothing. Not a thing. I am very sorry I duped you. It was not my intention at all, but you certainly don’t have the capacity to believe me. I’ll figure something out on my own like I always do. But I won’t quit. Not completely. I can’t and if you don’t have the understanding to realize why, then I don’t know what to say to you. Maybe a few of the other jumpers will be inclined to participate. A girl can ask. Unless you plan on blackballing me.”

“Blackballing? Are you nuts?”

“Evidently so since I thought there was a spark between us.”

He was insulted or incensed. Maybe both. I could tell by the obnoxious snort.

“You’re not going anywhere, lady. Not until we talk this out.”

Damn it if his face wasn’t even closer. To stop him from closing the distance altogether, I placed my palm on his chest. A pointless mistake because every inch of me was suddenly on fire. “Steel.”

“Jameson.”

“What?”

“That’s my name. Jameson Ericson Beckett.”

Talk about a way of disarming the situation.

I’d tried so hard to keep from looking in his eyes. Why? Because I’d be lost in them as I’d been one too many times. Yet I did, ignoring whatever stupid rules I’d given myself. In trying to keep myself grounded, I toyed with his shirt, clawing the material with my fingers until I’d all but tugged the smooth cotton from his jeans. “That suits you. Very masculine.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Definitely.” His lips were close. So close. Too close.

“Kiss her already,” a gruff voice called out.

“Yeah, do it, buddy. You need to apologize to the lady. If you don’t, some other guy will claim her. I’ll volunteer.”

We both looked at the unknown man. Claim me. Like a primitive predator.

“Over my dead body,” Steel exclaimed, the sound more like a soulful growl.

But the man backed off. Obviously, Steel’s forceful reputation was well known in town.

Why was it that anything serious we shared was so unnerving? Because we’d both been hurt, incapable of completely trusting anyone. Including ourselves.

“I wish I’d told you. When I heard about what you endured at the rodeo, I think I just shut down. What a horrible person your girlfriend was to you.”

“You live and you learn. Sometimes,” he admitted. His heated breath wafted across my face, a sweet reminder of the passion we’d shared. The seconds ticked by, the feeling of anguish only growing.

“I’m sorry, Steel.”

“So, this calendar. We’re not talking modeling naked. Right?” He glanced away briefly, not thrilled about having an audience.

I couldn’t tell if he was kidding or not. “Not unless you want to pose for me in the buff. I wouldn’t mind.” I was able to laugh seeing his expression. “No, although the photographs are meant to entice women. Granted, I’m not sure how I feel about that now.” While I was teasing him to lighten the still terse mood, the tight clench in my stomach indicated I wasn’t completely kidding.

“Jealous?”