“No.” Axel’s voice slices through the air before he can stop it.
Everyone turns.
Even I stiffen.
Axel swallows hard—throat tight, jaw flexing—then forces an awkward correction.
“I mean… I’m fine with it. Sir.” He drags a hand down his face like he wishes he could disappear into the engine bay floor.
Whispers ripple:
“This is gonna be good.” “Think they dated?” “Look at Ramirez’s face, dude—obviously.”
My cheeks heat.
I don’t blush easily.
Apparently I do now.
Cole continues talking, but the words melt into background noise because Axel shifts slightly, just enough that his gaze flickers back to me.
Only for a moment.
Only long enough to feel like someone brushed a live wire down my spine.
Then he looks away again.
Roll call ends. Crews disperse. The storm outside grows louder, wind howling against the metal doors.
And Axel walks straight toward me.
His steps are heavy. Purposeful. Controlled. But I can see the tension in every line of him, tightening his shoulders, his jaw, his fists.
I brace myself without meaning to.
He stops inches away—closer than any coworker should stand to another. Close enough that I feel the heat of him through my winter jacket. Close enough that the clean scent of cedar and smoke rolls over me and I have to dig my nails into my palms to stay steady.
He opens his mouth.
Closes it.
Opens it again.
Nothing comes out.
I swallow, forcing my voice to work. “Hi, Axel.”
He flinches at the sound of his name in my voice.
His eyes snap to mine. Dark. Intense. Studying every inch of my face like he’s memorizing it.
“Savannah.” My name comes out low. Rough. Like gravel dragged through fire. “You’re… here.”
“I am.” My voice wavers despite every effort to control it. “Didn’t expect to see you either.”
His jaw ticks. “No. I—” He drags in a breath. “I didn’t.”
The wind rattles the garage door. Snow whirls past the high windows.
