Page 37 of Ghost

But that’s not the only thing that has me on edge today.

I’ve been keeping my distance from Rider because if the club finds out I’m communicating with him, they could kick me out. But I broke down and contacted him this morning because I miss him.

If I were smart, I’d cut ties, but I can’t.

Rider is my only friend outside the club, and he might be all I have left if things turn sour here.

“You’re here early.” I smile at Tempe.

She’s sitting at a picnic table on the clubhouse’s back patio when I step outside. Her honey-brown hair is tied in a messy bun, and she’s wearing one of Steel’s sweatshirts, shrinking her already tiny frame.

She smiles when she sees me walking up. “Just enjoying the show.”

I follow her gaze across the yard to see Steel, Ghost, and Legacy carrying large planks of wood to the edge of one rock area. Tempe’s four-year-old brother, Austin, and Legacy’s daughter, Bea, run in circles around them, playing tag.

“What are they building?” I drop into the seat beside her and kick my feet up on the table to watch.

“A mini clubhouse for the kids.”

“Making bikers out of them already, huh?”

“Apparently.” Tempe takes a sip of her coffee. “I told Jameson it’s fine so long as Austin knows he’s not getting a cut until he’s at least eighteen.”

“Does he want Austin to follow in his footsteps?”

“Yes and no.” Tempe shrugs. “Jameson’s family started this club, so I think deep down it would mean something if Austin carried on that tradition. But he also understands the pressure that creates, so he wouldn’t want Austin to take on anything he doesn’t want himself.”

“How do you feel about it?” I know her father also comes from this world, but that soured her to the lifestyle until she met Steel.

Tempe watches Steel stack wooden planks, wetting her lips. “I’m fine with whatever Austin chooses. I trust Jameson, and I know he’s building something different here than what I remember growing up. So if Austin wants to follow in Jameson’s footsteps, I’ll support him.”

“That man better know how lucky he is to have you.”

She grins. “He does.”

“Austin too.” I look over at where Steel is giving Austin a high five. “You guys bring out a whole other side of Steel. A whole other side to this club. You’re good for them, and I’m glad you stayed.”

“You’re partly to thank for that.” Tempe nudges my arm with her elbow. “I never really thanked you for how welcoming you were when I first came here. You made this place feel like home.”

Home.

That’s what this place has been for me, and now I feel it slipping through my fingers.

“You okay?” Tempe’s eyebrows pinch.

She must have noticed me flinch at her comment.

“I’m fine.” I force a smile. “I’m thankful for you too, Tempe. And I hope you know that even if I’m not here, I’m always here for you if you need it.”

“Are you leaving the club?” Her eyes widen.

“Undecided. But it might be time.”

“Don’t tell me this has to do with whatever has Jameson on edge lately. I knew something was off ever since I overheard him and Ghost talking about you being in church. What’s going on?”

“It’s a long story.”

“I’ve got time.” She smirks. “This mini clubhouse is going to take them all day.”

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