Page 49 of Heart of Stone

Duck’s eyes crinkle. “Since I decided to put her in charge of the restoration division.”

That gets my attention. “You what?”

“She doesn’t know yet.” He holds up a hand before I can protest. “Was waiting for the right time. Figure now’s as good as any, what with Summit breathing down our necks.”

“She won’t take charity,” I warn.

“Ain’t charity when she’s the best person for the job.” Duck’s tone brooks no argument. “Look, you want to protect her? Give her a reason to stay. Something that’s hers. Something worth fighting for.”

“Besides three kids?” Axel ducks the pen I throw at his head.

“For fuck’s sake.” Duck shoves up from his chair and stomps across to the ancient coffee maker in the corner of his office. He pours some into a chipped mug and shoves it at me. “Here. Start with caffeine, then work your way up to the job offer.”

“And declarations of undying love,” Axel adds helpfully.

I shoot them both a look, but the bastards just grin.

“Go get your girl,” Duck says softly. “Before someone decides to make her another kind of offer.”

That sobers me. I take the coffee and clipboard, already planning my next move. I stand in the doorway of Duck’s office for a moment, watching her work. She hasn’t noticed me yet, too focused on the engine in front of her. Her hair’s pulled back in a messy ponytail, grease streaks across one cheek, and her coveralls have seen better days.

She looks fucking beautiful.

I push off the doorframe and make my way over to her.

“Coffee delivery.”

Her head snaps up, a smile starting before she catches herself. “You’re not my usual coffee guy.”

“He was busy.” I hold out the mug. “Turns out the fucker’s plotting world domination.”

She takes the coffee, her fingers brushing mine. “Duck? Plotting?” She snorts. “More like grumbling about paperwork.”

If she only knew.

“Speaking of paperwork...” I hold up the clipboard.

“No.” She turns back to the engine. “Whatever it is, no. I’ve got three builds to finish this week, not to mention dealing with the Vincent, helping Joe before his final apprenticeship test, and?—”

“Duck’s orders.”

She pauses, wrench hovering over the cylinder head. “Since when are you Duck’s errand boy?”

“Since he decided to make you head of restoration.”

“Well, you can tell him to go get—wait. What did you say?”

I hold out the clipboard. “Plans for the expansion. He wants your input on the layout since you’ll be in charge of restorations.”

She doesn’t take it. “This is a joke.”

“No joke, little lamb.” I step closer, into her space. “You’ve earned this.”

“I haven’t—” She swallows hard. “I can’t?—”

“Can’t what? Run the best restoration department in three states? Because that’s what Duck’s planning.” I tap the clipboard against her chest. “He thinks you can do it. I think you can do it.”

“You don’t even know me,” she whispers.