Page 23 of Stone

“Duchess,” John drawled. “Be over in about thirty minutes. I’m leavin’ now, but Stevie needs a ride, so I’ll get him first.” His voice lowered. “Happy birthday, beautiful.”

My gaze fell on my dad, who crossed his arms across his chest, cocking an eyebrow. Turning to face the wall, I whispered, “Thanks.”

Dad wouldn’t allow me to have a phone in my room, so whenever John called me, I had to conduct a conversation in front of my parents. It was downright embarrassing to talk to my boyfriend with my daddy listening to every word.

“Is your pop there?” John asked.

My eyes slid across the room to meet Dad’s. “Yes.”

“Go bring a change of clothes, somethin’ nice, and put him on, baby. Gonna ask him if you can stay out past curfew tonight. Wanna do somethin’ special for your birthday.”

My heart jerked excitedly. “Okay. See you soon.” I held the phone out. “John asked to talk to you, Daddy.”

Dad’s lips thinned as he stood and walked toward me, taking the receiver. “Give us some privacy, please, Elise.”

I nodded, making my way out of the kitchen, and ran up the stairs while trying to ignore the low murmurs coming from the kitchen as my dad and my boyfriend conversed.

Their relationship was fraught at best.

I loved my dad, but I hated his prejudice. Whenever he criticized my boyfriend, it put me in an awkward position. My pop said he didn’t want me to be with John because of his links to the club, but I couldn’t help wondering if he didn’t like the fact that my boyfriend was replacing him as the most important man in my life.

When I was growing up, Dad and I were close, but since I’d met John, my priorities had changed. Maybe it left my daddy reeling. I’d always been the perfect daughter, quiet and polite. Somebody once told me I was the town’s sweetheart, an all-American girl. It made my dad proud, and he loved the fact there was nothing controversial about me, at least until I got with John.

I slipped on my swimsuit, putting my jeans, tank, and sneakers over the top. Then, I packed my deodorant, shower gel, and a summer dress in my overnight bag. After grabbing my makeup, I made my bed and straightened up my room.

The sound of a truck approaching permeated the air. I ran to the window and watched, heart racing excitedly as John’s truck came to a stop outside my house. Smiling, I grabbed my bag and hurried into the hallway, hitting the top stair as the doorbell rang through the house.

Mom appeared in the hallway, wiping her hands on her apron. “Slow down, Elise,” she murmured, shaking her head good-naturedly while reaching for the door and swinging it open to reveal John standing there in jeans, a white tee, and sunglasses.

“Mornin’, Mrs. Bell,” he said, whipping his shades off. My guy looked up the stairs and smiled the second his eyes fell on me. “You look pretty, Leesy.”

I beamed. “Thank you.”

“John asked your dad if you could stay out later tonight for your birthday,” Mom informed me. “We’ve agreed, but John’s got to have you home by midnight.”

“She won’t be late,” John vowed in a low voice, his golden eyes still glued to me. “Appreciate you allowing me some leeway.” His stare slid to Mom. “Wanna do somethin’ nice for Elise’s special day.”

My chest warmed at his words. “Really?” I asked breathily.

He nodded. “You ready?”

“Yeah.” I bounced down the stairs and kissed Mom’s cheek. “See you later.”

John took my hand and led me outside, kissing the side of my head as we headed to the truck. “You had a good birthday mornin’, baby?”

“Yes, thank you.” I held my wrist out to show him the white gold bracelet I wore. “My folks got me this, and they’re paying for my college tuition, so I don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

He gently took my wrist and kissed the inside of it. “Beautiful.”

My heart fluttered because I knew he wasn’t talking about the bracelet.

The truck door flew open, and Stevie Harding emerged. “Morning, birthday girl,” he called over. “It’s a good day for it.” He swept his hand outward with a flourish, ushering me into the truck.

With a laugh, I thanked him and climbed inside, shifting across the bench seat until I situated myself next to John, who was getting into the driver’s side. I turned my head to see Steve get in beside me.

“Seat belt, Leesy,” John muttered, reaching across me, pulling the strap across my chest, and fastening it. He dropped a kiss on my cheek and started the engine. “Everybody’s meeting us down the creek in about an hour. Thought we’d get there first and grab the good spots.”

“I’ve bought my boom box,” Steve told me with a nudge.

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