Chapter 16

I was pissed at him. Still. I can't believe he went behind my back and was explaining the birds and bees to my sister without my permission. I can't believe he did that. I honestly was so surprised to hear their conversation when I had walked back into the dining room. It was a good thing that I wasn't holding anything because I'm pretty sure I would have thrown it at him if I could have. Thankfully when I went to check on Grace after scolding Steel she didn't have any sort of questions and left the topic alone. She also hasn't brought it up once today either. I'm hoping her curiosity was appeased and that she isn't going to bring it up again. Knowing her it's going to be a toss-up if that will be the case or not.

"Any chance we can go outside again? Maybe for a hike or something? It was nice getting to play outside yesterday and I don't think I can handle watching another Christmas movie right now," Grace comments, plopping herself down dramatically onto the couch beside me. Her movement jostled the laptop sitting on my lap where I had been doing some schoolwork. I wasn't allowed to have the internet up on it but I could get one of my final papers written while here. It was on Gothic literature and I happened to find the subject extremely intriguing.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," I respond, trying to get back into the zone I was in while writing.

"Pleaseeeeee," she begs, battering her eyelashes at me and clasping her hands together in a begging manner. "Steel likes you so I'm sure he'll say yes. He did yesterday."

"Ha, probably not considering I handed him his ass last night after dinner," I whisper to myself like an idiot.

"He isn't still mad at you," Grace answers, bumping her shoulder into mine. "I asked him earlier when I apologized for getting him into trouble."

"You did what?" I almost shout, pushing my laptop off my lap and onto the coffee table in front of me so I don't accidentally knock it onto the floor, because that is something I would definitely do.

"I told him sorry for getting him yelled at," she shrugs like it's no big deal. "It was my fault, after all, and I didn't want him to kick us out or something. It hasn't been terrible here, at least not like I thought it would be."

"Grace," I sigh, shaking my head. "You didn't need to do that. The issues between us aren't your problem. Us adults can handle it."

"I wanted to help," she frowns.

"I know and I appreciate it." I bump my shoulder against hers trying to cheer her up some. "I'll go talk to Steel and see what we can do." Leaving her on the couch, I stand and head down the hallway in the direction of our rooms. I hadn't seen Steel in the dining room or kitchen, and since I took up residence in the living room this morning to study he hadn't even tried to step foot in there near me, which leaves the office or his bedroom. I'm really hoping that he's going to be in his office and not his bedroom. The office is neutral territory, the bedroom... eh not so much.

"Steel," I call out when I get close to the office.

"In here," he answers me. His voice comes from the office causing me to let out a sigh of relief. I'm so happy that he was in there and not the bedroom. Thank god for small mercys. Stopping at the edge of the doorway I see him turned, looking at me, waiting. "What do you need, Illeana?"

"I know that Grace apologized for getting you in trouble last night. Thank you for letting her." That wasn't what I meant to say at all. I had every intention of ignoring what happened last night and not bringing it up again. There went that plan, right out the window. Same with my brain it seems. What the hell is wrong with me?

"It wasn't her fault. There was no reason for her to apologize which I told her. It was my mistake," he answers, his words sounding slightly detached. I don't blame him for the cold shoulder. Hell, if I was him I would probably kick me out of the room right now. "Is there something else you needed?"

Well, here goes nothing.

"I know you don't want us going outside at all, and I understand. However, I was really hoping that maybe we could go for a short hike today. Grace really enjoyed getting to be outside yesterday. I saw a difference in her from how she was behaving during our first couple of days here. I understand if you say no, but I told her I would ask when she asked me." I pause and wait for his answer, knowing full well what it's going to be.

"Sure, we can all go for a short hike today. It looks like it's going to be a nice day. The same rules apply, you both stay within sight and reach of me at all times, and no yelling," he responds, shocking me.

I'm frozen to the spot looking at him, my jaw open not knowing how to respond at all. This was not what I was expecting him to say at all. I was expecting a hell no, or a what the fuck is your problem, not him saying yes to us. "I... uh...okay," is all I can think of to answer.

"When do you want to go?" he smirks but hides it quickly. Not quick enough for me not to see but quick enough. I'm almost positive he's enjoying toying with me like this.

"Uh, I guess whenever you're ready," I answer, trying to wrap my head around what the hell is going on right now.

"We'll leave in ten minutes then. I'll meet you both at the front door," He turns away and goes back to working on the computer, leaving me entirely confused, staring at the back of his head.

I pinch myself trying to figure out if I really am awake or not. This is seriously the weirdest day ever. Knowing me just standing here staring isn't helping, I turn and make my way back to the living room where I find Grace sitting exactly where I left her.

"Sooooo," she prompts, barely containing herself.

"He said yes and to go get ready now. He will meet us at the door in ten minutes," I respond, still questioning if that really happened. My sister doesn't hesitate, immediately jumping off the couch to go run upstairs to grab her snow gear. We probably should have left it down here but I didn't want our stuff cluttering the entryway, so once it was dry yesterday, I made her put it back up in her room.

After a moment, I turn around and head back down the hallway to the room I was given. Passing the office space I had last seen Steel in, I notice he isn't there, and his bedroom door at the end of the hall was shut. Shit! I didn't think I stood there staring after my sister for that long. I should probably hurry before they end up leaving me behind. At this point, I wouldn't put it past Steel to do exactly that. After all, he did give us strict orders to stay inside when we first arrived.

It didn't take me long to change into all my winter gear but I was definitely the last to finish. When I walked out of my room Grace and Steel were standing by the front door waiting.

"Hurry up, Slowpoke!" Grace demands as she bounces up and down with excitement.I've honestly never seen a kid so excited to go out in the snow, I know I wasn't at her age. Snow and cold weather isn’t really my thing but I hate being cooped up in the house even more than the snow.

I wish I had this girl's energy, though. Mentally rolling my eyes, I plaster on a fake smile and head toward them. I know how excited Grace is to get outside, so holding back my remarks is the right thing to do. One person is already pissed off at me in this house, I don't need another.

"Alright, let’s head out. If you start to get tired, let me know and we will turn around to come back," Steel instructs as he opens the door for us to begin our hike.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Steel!" Grace shouts excitedly as we make our way back to the cabin. We'd been out hiking for a half hour now and I was cold, tired, and ready to head back to defrost.

"What did you promise her that has her so excited?" I question Steel from behind him. The two of them have been thick as thieves on this hike so far. I don't think I like it. I don’t want Grace to become too attached, it will only hurr her more when we finally leave this place and him behind.

"Oh, nothing much," he answers at the same time he pauses to turn around and face me. "Just that we would build a snowman when we get back to the cabin." He shrugs and turns back around to watch Grace. "Don't get too far ahead!" he shouts after her.

"You, know how to build a snowman?" I raise my eyebrow at his back skeptical of him.

"Yes, yes I do," he laughs and picks up his pace.

It doesn't take us long to get back to the cabin with the grueling pace Grace sets for us with Steel's guidance. What should have taken us thirty minutes again took about twenty. She made us run part of it before Steel led us through a shortcut. The very shortcut that now had me standing on the edge of a rock ledge looking down on the cabin. "No! No way am I jumping. I'll go around," I spin to do exactly that. I don't care how much longer it takes me. I refuse to jump off that ledge like those two crazies did.

"It's not that big of a drop, Illeana," Steel shouts back from below me. "Grace did it. You'll be fine."

"She's twelve!" I huff, peering over the ledge once more. I'm not terrified of heights, at least I never thought I was but this... It's different. A million things could happen and go wrong. There's too many risks.

"I'm right here. I'll catch you so you won't get hurt," Steel calls out calmly, his eyes not leaving mine. I can't quite make out what his expression is. It's like a mix between amused and annoyed. I don't like it.

"Promise you'll catch me?" I ask, debating if I'm going insane for being willing to do this. I honestly don't see why I can't just go around.

"Promise. Now, jump down," he instructs from below the edge. His hands are stretched out to catch me, willing me to just trust him and take the jump.

Doing what he says, I sit on the edge of the rock face and slowly begin to slide myself forward. My stomach drops as I make it over the edge, and I'm pretty sure a small scream leaves my lips, but that's something I refuse to admit to. My eyes had closed the second I was over the ledge, and I only reopened them when I felt Steel's hands catch me and lower me to the ground.

"Told you I'd watch you," he whispers in my ear before taking a step back and letting his hands drop from my waist. His touch left me feeling on fire, and thank god my cheeks were already red from the cold and wind because I knew I was blushing.

"Do you wanna build a snowman?" he sings, holding his hand out for me to take.

Shaking my head I have to think for a second about what he asked. 'Did you just make a Frozen reference?" I gasp. I mean he didn't know who Stitch was the other night so how the hell does he know anything about Frozen?

"Depends. Are you going to strike me with your powers and put ice in my heart? If so, then I’ll need true love's kiss to heal me," he jokes, giving me a wink before turning away and walking to Grace's side, where she's kneeling trying to gather snow into a ball.

All I can do is stand here staring at them while my brain tries to catch up. What the hell happened to the guy who was pissed at me? To the guy who was so controlling, and overbearing that I couldn't stand him. In his place is a guy who is being too nice for my liking and happens to know Disney references.What the fuck. A guy who is being nice to my sister and helping her build a snowman. I really wish I could talk to Morgan and get her advice because I have no clue what to do now. I guess the only thing there is to do, go help them build a snowman.

"I still think we should have put a scarf on the snowman," Grace pouts as she takes a seat at the kitchen island beside me. We've been back inside for less than five minutes and she still couldn't let it go. THe only way I was able to get her inside was with the promise of hot chocolate. I had left her and Steel outside to admire their handiwork, while I came to pull out all the ingredients. I even went so far as to get the milk out because everyone knows hot cocoa is just better with milk than water.

"Oh wow, pulling out all the stops for cocoa," Steel states as he joins us in the kitchen. "What're the pink sprinkles for?"

"Duh, it's the only way to have cocoa. And don't forget the peppermint either!" Grace retorts, leaving no room for argument.

"Okay," he hesitates, looking between us before shrugging. "How about I make the cocoa while you both relax?"

"You sure you can handle that?" I know how picky Grace is about her cocoa, there is only one proper way to make it.This is going to be fun to watch, I chuckle.

"Hundred percent. Relax and let me work." He goes to turn the milk on in a pot on the stove and we watch on. While the milk heats up, he opens a packet of cocoa mix and pours it into a mug. So far he's on the right track. Let's see what he does after. It doesn't take long before the milk is heated up and he pours it into the first mug. He stirs it quickly and then pours the sprinkles in before adding the marshmallows. And there's the first mistake .

"First cup, here you go," he pushes the mug toward Grace who is looking at it in disgust.

"Uh, nope you did it wrong," Grace shakes her head, pushing the cup back toward him.

”What do you mean, wrong?” Steel looks at Grace quizzically. Grace offers nothing, just smiles at him and says "Try again, Big Guy."

Steel stands there staring at her completely confused but gets back to work on a second cup. He opens another packet of cocoa mix and pours it into a mug. This time he adds the sprinkles on top of the marshmallows. He hands the mug to Grace, who just shakes her head again and says “Nope, no dice”.

“Seriously kid? What's wrong this time?” Steel asks. I sit across from them, watching and chuckling as Steel looks completely lost. Grace slides another bag of marshmallows at him. “If I add any more marshmallows there won’t be room for the hot cocoa.” Grace grins at him.

“Try adding some marshmallows before you add the hot milk,” I offer with a wink. Steel grumbles something under his breath that I think sounds a lot like ‘fuck a nut’. He does as I suggest and the marshmallows melt just like she likes it. He adds extra marshmallows after stirring the milk in and tops them with the sprinkles. So close.

“Getting there,” Grace chimes as she smirks at Steel.

“Okay, kiddo, you’re gonna have to help me out some. What am I missing?” Steel cries out. Grace slides him a candy cane but says nothing. “What am I supposed to do with this?”

I take the second cup of cocoa and break some small pieces of candy cane to put in. Grace may like extra marshmallows but I prefer mine with a few on top and lots of peppermint. Steel looks over at me and a giant grin spreads across his face. He gets another mug, grabs the candy cane, and turns his back on us.

After a few minutes and some loud banging, Steel turns around and slides the fourth cup over to her. Grace looks at the cup, and says “Oh my! Crushed candy cane on top AND sprinkles, this is the best!” Steel looks like he just won a gold medal at the Olympics.

I didn't think that Steel would ever get the cocoa made the correct way, but he did eventually. It was entertaining to watch him fail over and over again. Plus, seeing how excited he got when he got it right eventually was entertaining. The man literally began dancing in the kitchen. It was definitely a sight to see, and I wish I had gotten it recorded. Once he finally got the cocoa right, it didn't take him long to get started on dinner. We agreed to do something easy and warm, which meant we made chili and called it a night. Grace was exhausted and almost falling asleep at the table, so I sent her to shower and bed early with the intention of cleaning up the dishes, but Steel told me to go shower myself, and he would take care of all of it. I slightly felt bad because I'm sure he had better things to do than to be taking care of us all afternoon, but I also wasn't going to say no. I really didn't feel like doing dishes, and a hot shower sounded amazing. This is how I found myself standing under the hot water and hoping I would find the answers my mind was seeking about how weird Steel had been behaving, but of course, that wasn't working. I was already starting to soften my feelings toward him and I really wasn't sure what to do about it. The way he treated Grace today and the patience that he had to continue to remake her hot chocolate until it was perfect just the way she wanted showed another side to him that I honestly have been trying to ignore.

Damn it.

Turning off the water, I step out of the shower and wrap myself up in a towel. I'm not going to find any answers in the shower. The second I'm out, I can feel the chill in the air despite the fact the bathroom is still full of steam from my shower. It must be freezing outside if I can feel it in here. I towel myself off quickly, drying my skin as fast as I can so I'm not standing here getting cold too much longer. Finally, I wrap myself up in a dry towel once more, wrapping my wet hair with the already damp one, so it stops dripping down my back. Before I can get any further into my nightly routine, the bathroom door is pushed open, making me spin around quickly. In the doorway stands Steel, his eyes heated as he looks me over, his eyes stopping on mine as he hesitates in the doorway.

"Steel," I squeak, surprised and not entirely sure what to do now.