Page 25 of Stone

“No, we weren’t. He and my grandma cut Mom off when she ran away and married my dad. The thing is, Mom was their only child, so there wasn’t anyone except me to leave their inheritance to.”

My eyes bugged out. “They’ve left youeverything?”

John nodded. “I’ll have enough to buy the industrial area attached to this land. Dad doesn’t wanna move the Speed Demons compound yet, but he won’t be prez forever. When I get the MC, I’ll convert the biggest building down there into a new clubhouse. There’s plenty of space, enough for the boys to have their own rooms. I’ll build you and the other ol’ ladies the kitchen of your dreams, Leesy. I was even thinking that later, we could build houses down here and create a little community. Somewhere safe for our kids.”

My chest tingled with warmth at his words. John was good at selling the dream, but I had to remind myself it was still a long way off. He had his military career to complete, and there were plenty of years left in Bandit yet. Except I couldn’t help my heart jolting at the mere thought of John and me having something of our own that we’d built together.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” I told him, beaming. “Maybe you should make an appointment to see the land before you leave. If you like it, buy it.”

“Weshould,” he corrected. “We’re in this together.”

“So call the realtor.” I waggled my eyebrows. “The sooner we see it, the sooner you can make a decision.”

John grinned before calling out, “Steve. Come here, bud.”

I turned to see John’s best friend saunter toward us with Kelly under his arm. He was a good-looking guy, not as muscledas John, but tall and handsome in a more clean-cut way. His hair was a reddish-brown color, and girls literally swooned over his unusual grey eyes. But more than that, he was a good guy and a great friend to John.

“What’s goin’ on?” he inquired, his stare darting between us.

“You still the agent for the industrial area I was lookin’ at?” John asked.

A slow smile spread across Steve’s face. I could almost see the dollar signs flash in his eyes at the thought of all the commission he’d make. “I certainly am. You wanna see it?”

“Yeah, but it’s gotta be ASAP,” John replied. “I’m leaving in a few days. If we’re gonna do a deal, it needs to be quick.”

“You got your home loan in place?” Steve asked.

It was John’s turn to grin. “Don’t need one. I’ll buy it cash, but only if the price is right.” He leaned forward and patted Steve on the shoulder. “Set it up.”

“I need to make some calls,” Steve babbled excitedly. “Get someone to let me in the office to get the keys. Need to call the owner, too, and make sure the place is cleared.”

“You need me to take you home?” John offered.

“Yeah,” Stevie responded. “Got calls to make.” He looked down at Kelly, who was still tucked under his arm. “Do you mind?”

“Hell no,” she drawled. “Go get that commission. Elise and I will be okay here until John gets back.” She nudged me with her elbow. “Won’t we?”

I almost laughed because I was sure Kelly was mentally spending Steve’s cash already. “Of course.”

John pulled me to one side and tipped my chin up with his forefinger. “I don’t wanna leave you around Henderson. Come with us.”

Honestly, I would’ve preferred to go with John and Steve—especially with Rob being here—but Kelly was enjoying herself,and there were other people here, so it wasn’t like I’d be alone with him.

“Kelly wants to stay, and I don’t want to abandon her,” I murmured. “You’ll only be gone thirty minutes, and I’ll make sure I stay with the girls.”

John frowned. “I don’t like it.”

“I’ll be fine,” I assured him. “You’ll be back before we know it, and I promise I’ll stay by Kelly’s side.”

Turning, I saw Steve approach us. “It’s okay, Stone. I’ve had the same chat with Kell. Told her to stick to your girl like glue.”

I leaned up and kissed John’s cheek. “I’ll be fine. You’re leaving town in a few days. I need to stand on my own two feet without you, eventually. May as well start now.”

John sighed frustratedly but nodded. “Okay. I won’t be long.” He fished the keys of his truck from his pocket and shot me a slight wink before following Steve toward the area where everybody had parked their cars.

My eyes stayed glued to my guy, appreciating his sexy, bad-boy swagger along with his sexy, bad-boy, fine ass before glancing at the gaggle of girls who Monica Stafford and Claire Barrington had arrived with. I noticed a few of them whispering amongst themselves as they watched John leave, too.

Monica said something to Claire’s sister, Sarah, and they giggled. I couldn’t contain the sharp clench of my stomach.

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