Page 63 of Make Me Yours

Istand at the kitchen counter, surrounded by open jars, produce scraps, and a half-written list of smoothie combos I’ve been tinkering with. The blender whirls as I pulse together a new mix. This one has mango, spinach, protein powder, almond butter, and a touch of cinnamon.

The second I pour it into a glass, I slide it across the island to Steele. “Okay, taste test time.”

He grabs it without hesitation and takes a long sip before staring at the half empty glass. “That’s actually good. What’s in it?”

I arch a brow. “If I told you, then I’d have to kill you. Top secret recipe and all.”

He grins, but before he can say anything else, his phone buzzes on the counter. He glances at the screen and then answers with an easy, “Sanderson.”

There’s a pause. “Yup. Bring it up.”

His gaze remains locked on me as he ends the call.

“What was that about?” I ask, wiping my hands on a dish towel.

The smirk he shoots my way is full of secrets. “You’ll see.”

Before I can question him any further, the elevator dingsdown the hall. A second later, the doors glide open before closing again.

Steele tips his head toward the entryway. “Maybe you should go check it out.”

Cold dread trickles down my spine. The last time something arrived at Steele’s door under my name, it was a stack of cardboard boxes. My entire life packed up and dumped at his feet.

I hesitate for just a beat, then exhale and pad toward the front entrance, wiping my hands once more for good measure. Steele trails behind me, close enough that I can feel his presence but quiet enough not to be in my personal space.

Even though I’ve been trying to forget the feel of his body in the shower or the sight of him asleep beside me in bed, the truth is, it’s always there, simmering beneath the surface. Now that I’ve seen him that way, I can’t unsee it. There’s no way to shove it down and forget it happened.

A black shopping bag rests just outside the elevator. I glance at him with a raised brow.

Instead of giving me an explanation, he nods. “Go on, open it.”

Curiosity pricks at me as I reach inside and pull out a box. As soon as I lift the lid away, I gasp.

Inside is the silver dress I wore for the photo shoot. The one that hugged every curve and made me feel like a sexy goddess.

“Cam said you could keep it. I thought you’d like to wear it tonight for the charity dinner.”

There’s a smaller box tucked beneath it. Shoes. Delicate, strappy silver heels with a soft shimmer.

I blink at him and shake my head. “I can’t believe you did this.”

Devon certainly never would have.

That thought sneaks in uninvited, and once it takes root, it’s unshakable.

My ex never thought about things like this. Never tried to make me feel special. Not that I expected to be lavished with gifts, but the gesture alone, knowing Steele was thinking about me enough to plan this, settles deep within.

“Lucky charm? You okay?” Steele asks quietly.

I blink again, and realize my vision’s blurred with tears.

“I—” My voice cracks, and I try to laugh, brushing them away before they can fall. “It’s nothing. I’m fine. Just… thank you. I love it.”

His brows draw together as he steps closer. “Hey,” he says, cupping my cheek. His thumb swipes gently under my eye, chasing away the moisture. “Talk to me. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” I whisper, even though that’s not exactly true.

The way he looks at me with this kind of quiet, focused intensity makes me feel like I’m seconds away from coming undone.