Page 18 of Heart of Stone (Stoneheart MC #1)

I watch as Andi works, her movements precise and confident. “Can’t blame her.”

“No,” Duck agrees. “But you can do something about it.” He taps the clipboard. “These are the designs for the expansion. I want her opinion on the layout.”

“Since when do you need opinions on garage layouts?”

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.

“Don’t I?” I catch her chin, lifting it until she meets my eyes. “I know you work harder than anyone here. I know you’ve got talent Duck says he hasn’t seen in thirty years. I know you’d do anything for those kids.”

“The kids...” Her eyes widen. “Oh god, the kids. I can’t take on more responsibility when?—”

“When what? When you’re already proving you can handle anything life throws at you?” My thumb brushes a grease mark on her cheek. “Take the job, Andi. Build something for yourself. For them.”

She stares at me for a long moment, something vulnerable flickering in her eyes. Then she steps back, breaking contact.

“Why do you care?” she asks softly.

The question hangs between us, heavy and raw, like the tension in the room might snap if either of us moves too fast. Andi’s voice is soft, but there’s an edge to it, like she isn’t sure if she wants the answer or if it’ll cut deeper than the silence already has.

Her gaze pins me in place, searching for something—truth, maybe, or just a reason to trust what I’ve said.

I exhale slowly, running a hand through my hair, the weight of her vulnerability making it hard to speak. "Because someone has to," I finally say, my voice low. "Because… I know what it’s like to feel like the whole world’s ready to let you fall."

Her lips press together, but she doesn’t look away. For a second, I think she might, but then she just stands there, like she’s bracing herself against the storm my words stir inside her.

"Andi, I've seen what you can do," I say. "With engines. With the kids. With..." Me. "Take the plans. Look them over. Think about Duck’s offer."

She takes the clipboard slowly, like it might bite. "I’ll think about it."

"Good." I back away before I do something stupid like kiss her in the middle of the garage. "Oh, and babe?"

"Not your babe."

I grin. "Sweetheart, you’ve got grease on your face."

Her hand flies to her cheek, smearing it worse. "Damn it, why didn’t you?—"

I chuckle, walking away before she can respond, her spluttering following me out. But not before I catch her small smile as she glances down at the plans.

First wall down. Now for the rest.