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“You’re such a pain in the ass,” she grumbles.
I reach over and squeeze her thigh. “Yep. But I’m your pain in the ass.”
She rolls her eyes, her hand sliding on top of mine. I flip my palm, threading our fingers together. And even though she lets out a murmured string of rambles about how annoying I am, she’s smiling.
28
SHANE
The construction crew works until almost sunset, staying late so the guys can take tomorrow off. Because they’re making so much progress, I don’t mind them taking a break if that’s what they need to keep going. This week, they finished framing, and on Monday, the electrician and plumber will be here to assess.
We’ve found our groove.
Finally.
East is busy negotiating the purchase of Vicious Ink, while Aiden and Lawson help Kincaid around the ranch as needed. I oversee everything else, keeping an eye on construction, meeting with the city about permits, dropping into Ransack when I can squeeze a few minutes out of my day.
Thankfully, Harloe has her brothers to help her with the bar because I’ve barely seen her this week. That’s about to change tonight with family dinner.
I stretch my fingers, popping my knuckles as I stare out at the horizon. I’ve never met a girl’s family. Never dated one long enough for it to come up. And while I’ve become friends with her brothers and have met her dad in passing, this somehow feels like more.
My phone rings, cutting off that train of thought when Steel’s name flashes on the screen.
“Long time,” I say in greeting.
Steel huffs out a laugh. “Feels like a fucking century with all the shit that’s happened since you left.”
“Everything all right? I can take a trip to Vegas if you need me.”
“Nah, it’s nothing like that. Just rebuilding. Expanding. Cleaning up the mess Zane left us. We’ve got it under control. How’s it going in Texas?”
“Construction is finally moving forward.”
He hums. “And the guys?”
“They’re good; we can trust them. I don’t know how Jackson was running the crew that caused so much trouble, but the guys aren’t the problem. They’re loyal, determined. I can see why their presidents sent them. How is Jackson, anyway?”
“On the mend. He got out of the hospital, and he’s taking some time off to recover. He’ll rejoin the Boston chapter when he’s ready.”
“So he’s not coming back here?”
“No, that’s one of the reasons I’m calling. I need you to start thinking about who should replace him. Tempe and I are taking a trip to Texas in a few weeks, and we can talk about it more then, but start thinking about who on the crew might be good leading it when you’re done with what you’re doing.”
“Got it.” My chest burns, and I wonder if he senses my hesitation.
The thought of leaving anyone else to look after this place—to look after Harloe—has my grip on my phone tightening.
A truck flies down the road, pulling to a stop in a cloud of dust as Will and Kincaid hop out and storm my way.
“Hey, I gotta go. Something’s come up.”
“All right. See you in a few weeks and keep me updated.” Steel ends the call as Will stops in front of me.
The sun sits on the horizon, so I don’t notice the deep scowl until he turns.
“You had the right idea when you suggested checking the security cameras on Main Street,” Will says, pulling off his hat to drag his hair off his forehead, then setting it back in place. “We’ve got something.”
“You know who might have started the fire?” That has me buzzing.
