Page 108 of Steel

“Thank you, Captain and please call me Violet.”

“Violet. The name of Will’s helicopter.”

I’d almost forgotten Steel had mentioned it, but the realization hadn’t been comforting. Hmm… What if I could change that?“Captain. Do you have one more minute? I have an idea I want to run past you.”

He narrowed his eyes. “I think I can handle another minute in the company of a beautiful woman. Don’t tell my wife I said that.”

I zipped my lips and thought about how lucky it was that Steel had so many people who obviously cared about him.

Ten minutes later I finally walked from the captain’s office with him as an escort, feeling a little giddy inside even if my nerves remained on edge. Now there were thirty guys hanging out in the recreational area. Light was streaming in from the windows, the view spectacular.

A perfect, cloudless day.

I’d had the sunglasses on, the windows down. And I was gloriously alone. Josie Beckett was a hoot, exactly like Steel except in female form. She and I could easily become friends. Even better, she adored dogs and Damon had taken to her instantly.

Her kindness allowed me time to myself for the shoot and upcoming events.

We’d barely taken a step into the room when someone from the back shushed the entire group of men.

The captain seemed amused. “Alright, gentlemen, gather around. I’d like you to meet Violet Livingston. I can tell by the looks on your faces you already know why she’s here. You’re going to give her your full attention and if you agree to be a part of this… calendar, then you need to be reminded you’ll be representing the Zullies and our town. Before you automaticallythink about saying no, remember the good public relations we’ll get out of this. Might go a long distance when the forestry service approves next year’s budget.”

There were murmurs in the crew before I had a chance to say anything. Just as I took a step forward, Steel moved from and center. “Listen up, boys. You all know what’s going on. This lovely woman is part of the reason we’ve been selected for the next sizzling Man Candy calendar.”

Oh, wow. He’d been doing a little research. Wait. What did he have in his hand? A calendar? Where had he gotten that?

“Now, she needs volunteers for the project. And every one of you is going to pose for a few test shots. Except for all you ugly mugs. Like Rock. You’d make a terrible model.” He grinned while the others burst into laughter.

Well, this was more than I’d expected. I stood where I was with my arms folded, watching the man I was finding it difficult not to care about selling my project for me. When he was finished, he glared at everyone in the room, taking his time making eye contact.

The sudden quiet was finally interrupted by the captain clearing his throat. “Alright. You know the drill. Violet has a sign-up sheet for anyone interested. But once your test shots are taken, time to get back to training. I guess you’ll need to be buff for this project. Now, won’t you?”

While I held up a clipboard for the men to see, Steel studied me from where he was standing. How was it that in a short timeframe, his personality could change so significantly? Or maybe it was mine in that I was finally both ready and eager to live my life on my terms.

Whatever the case, jumpers were making their way to where I’d placed the clipboard.

I backed away, remaining close enough to answer any questions while Steel slowly made his way toward me. Along the way, he was chided by a few of his teammates, but his eyes never left me. Maybe the jumpstart of coming to Missoula was exactly what I’d needed.

* * *

“The interview went national.”

Every time Brenda called, I cringed because what she thought was good news actually added more pressure on the project. “National?”

“Yep. I noticed it inPeople Magazine. It’s buried in theWhat’s Hotsection, but both your picture and Steel’s are right there together.”

“Shit. Shit. Shit. Anywhere else?”

Brenda snorted. “That’s good news. We’re already getting calls about when the calendar will be released. To answer your question, no, I haven’t seen anything else, but I honestly haven’t been looking.”

Lately, it seemed all I could do was sigh. One step ahead and two steps back. That’s what it felt like. “Well, we’ll use the notoriety later. I’m about to send you a group of photographs.”

“You had smokejumpers volunteer?”

“Are you kidding me? Too many, which means I need the team to help narrow it down.”

“Oh, what a chore,” she said, laughing. “Send away. How sexy are they?”

“Sexy enough.” I even fanned my face although she couldn’t see me. That was fine, the movement a personal reminder that one hottie was all mine. Well, for now anyway.