Page 8 of Hard as Steel

“Wow. What was he like back then? Has he always been this stoic?”

The question hurt his chest because no. Steel hadn’t been this way. “Steel was actually quite the character. He jumped in to save me from a would-be bandit. Then he immediately tried to sell his services to me.” A chuckle coated the story. He couldn’t stop smiling. “Obviously, his sales pitch worked.”

“Bandit?” Timber laughed. “Where are you from?”

“I was born in Czech Republic but was raised mostly in Greece.”

Timber nodded along while holding his stare, as if he was locked into their conversation. “You have a nice accent. What brought you to the U.S.?”

“My family’s company.” He hesitated. “I suppose it’s just my company now. Along with shareholders, of course.”

“Oh. Is this a company I would recognize?”

“I’m not sure. It’s Svoboda Green Energy Sources.”

A huge grin split Timber’s face. “So you help take care of the environment? Cool.”

Krystof didn’t want to get into a big explanation about green energy.

“Are you ready to order?”

Saved by the server. Krystof opened his mouth to say he hadn’t looked at the menu yet.

Timber talked over him. “Yeah. We’ll get the lunch for two fajitas. Two beers. One check, please.”

While Krystof tried to think of a way to argue without being rude, the server walked away.

Krystof’s shoulders fell. “What if I don’t like fajitas?”

“Everyone loves fajitas.” Timber shrugged. “I commandeered your table. The least I can do is buy you lunch. Anyhow, we’ve established where you’re from and how you ended up here. What do you do for fun, and how can I convince you to do that with me?”

Krystof was reeling, overwhelmed, and just plain baffled. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

Timber set his elbow on the table and propped his head on his fist. “Yeah. Is that cool?”

Thankfully, Krystof had a good excuse. “This is my last day in California. I’m headed back to Seattle.”

“And? I live there too. You’ll have to give me a better excuse than that.”

Krystof honestly didn’t know how to respond. Timber was visibly appealing but way too young for him. “I used to be involved with your boss.”

A smile exploded across Timber’s face. “Say no more. I won’t be stepping on those toes. That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends and have lunch, right?”

“I don’t know if I feel better or worse.” Krystof couldn’t believe he said that.

A loud laugh burst from Timber, turning heads their way. “There you go. Baring your soul already. Sounds like we’re destined to be besties.”

Timber’s statement surprised a laugh from him. “Your personality is irresistible.”

The huge grin Timber wore had Krystof’s muscles relaxing. He had avoided making friends his entire adult life, fearing for his reputation. Those days were gone. His father had passed. Everyone had, he supposed. He could have friends now. Maybe that was exactly what he needed.

Chapter Four

The scent of Krystof’s expensive cologne lingered on Steel’s skin. He couldn’t look away from the soft expression Krystof wore as he cleaned Steel after making love. Krystof’s hair was a mess. He was the most beautiful man Steel had ever set eyes on. Everything about him was under Steel’s skin after only one night together.

“You’re right.” His gaze lifted from his task and met Steel’s stare. “I am a man in need of protection.” Krystof tossed the washcloth aside and settled down in Steel’s arms. “When I came here, I didn’t think about security. No one knows me here. With all the news outlets covering the political meetings and tax breaks to open a new branch here, it’s only a matter of time before people will know who I am. I’d like to hire you.”

Everything Krystof said sounded reasonable, except for the part where they were now in bed together. “This isn’t like I’m a paid whore or something like that, is it?”