Cole walked into the house. It was mid-morning. The place was quiet. Mandy had cleared her stuff out the day she’d signed the papers, but Cole had stayed away, choosing instead to stay at the clubhouse.

He sat down at the dining room table, tossing the bank paperwork down on the table. They landed next to the divorce decree that he’d gotten from his attorney last week. He’d finally agreed to take the money Shannon had offered him. It took some doing, but she’d finally won out. She had met with him several times over the last week, arranging for him to meet with a financial advisor that she knew, to help him with the money. He’d been amazed at how easily he’d been transformed into a millionaire. Of course, Uncle Sam was going to take a big chunk, but he still had enough left to make a real change in his life.

He hadn’t told a soul about it yet. He had some decisions to make first. He knew he wanted Angel back—that was a given—but he didn’t want her to make that decision based on his net worth. He needed to know she loved him and was willing to accept him for who and what he was.

He had delayed his trip out there when all this stuff had happened. And he hadn’t called Angel again, either. He wasn’t sure what to say, how to convince her that he loved her, that he deserved her.

His cell phone rang.

Pulling it out of his pocket, he looked at the caller ID. Natalie. He frowned and took the call. “Hello.”

“Cole?”

“Yeah. Natalie?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

He could hear a lot of background noise and someone making an announcement on an intercom. He thought he heard Flight 420 now boarding at gate 15. “Natalie, where are you?”

“At the airport.”

“Airport? Where are you going? Is everything okay? Are the kids and Angel with you?” A million questions raced through his brain.

“I’m by myself. And I’m not going anywhere. I’ve already arrived.”

“Arrived where?”

“San Jose.”

“What?” Cole asked, stunned.

“I came to see you. Can you pick me up?”

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You’re here?”

“Yes, Cole. I’m here.”

“What airline?” he asked. When she told him, he said he’d pick her up in front of arrivals in fifteen minutes. He disconnected and stared at the wall. Was this good or bad? Was she here to help him get Angel back? Or was she here to tell him to give up?

Grabbing the keys to his old pickup truck, he headed out the door to find out.

 

***

Fifteen minutes later, he was moving through the line of cars all waiting to meet someone in the arrivals area. He finally spotted Natalie standing near the curb with her suitcase and pulled his truck over. Jumping out, he came around the front of his truck. He stopped in front of her, wanting to give her a hug, but not sure how she felt about him.

Cole didn’t have to wonder for long.

Natalie grabbed him up in a tight hug.

They broke apart, and he picked up her suitcase, and opened the passenger door for her. She climbed inside, and he tossed her bag in the truck bed, walked around, and climbed in.

A cop was blowing his whistle at him, telling him to move along.

Cole put the truck in gear and pulled away from the curb. He looked over at Natalie. “You shocked the hell out of me.”

She grinned. “I’m sorry. I should have called, but it was a spur of the moment decision.”

“Everything okay? Does Angel know you’re here?”

Natalie shook her head. “She thinks I’m visiting a sick friend in Seattle.

Cole looked at her questioningly. “How long are you here for?”

“I told her I’d be back the day after tomorrow.”

“I’m glad to see you, but what’s this about?”

“You want her back, don’t you?” she asked bluntly.

He stared at her dumbfounded, trying to keep at least half his attention on the road. “Of course. You know I do.”

“Well, I’m here to see what kind of life you have to offer her. I need to make sure this is the right thing before I do what I’m thinking about doing.”

“And what are you thinking about doing?” Cole was almost afraid to ask.

“Selling the house out from under her. Force her to make a decision.”

“What are you saying? You mean throw her and the kids out on the street?” Cole couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

Natalie looked over at him. “You said so yourself, the neighborhood is no place to raise those kids. Maybe I just need to force the issue.”

Cole shook his head. “You think I want her that way? Coming to me only because she feels she has no other choice?”

Natalie shook her head. “No, Cole. She has choices. She knows I’d never abandon her. But something’s got to shake her up. Get her over this hurt. Make her start seeing things for what they are.”

“And what are they?”

She looked over at him. “That’s what I’m here to find out.”

“So this is what, some type of inspection? To see if I pass muster?” Cole was a little irritated by that. Even though a part of him understood her concern. Hell, he wouldn’t respect her if she weren’t concerned enough about Angel to check out the guy that wanted to make her a part of his life. Could he blame her? Wasn’t he the one always insisting he wasn’t good enough?

Natalie watched him. She saw the tightening of the muscles around his mouth, the way he gripped the steering wheel. She knew she’d upset him. Well, too bad. If he wanted Angel, he was going to have to prove himself, and that was all there was to it.

Cole looked over at her. “Okay. I’ll show you where I live. Let you look over my life and judge for yourself. Then you tell me if I need to give up on her. On us.”

They drove in silence for a while. Finally, Cole couldn’t stand it any longer. He had to ask. “How is she?”

Natalie looked over at him. “Heartsick. She tries not to let me see it, but I hear her crying in her room at night.”

Cole looked out the window, ashamed. “I never meant to hurt her.”

“I know.”

“I wish she’d talk to me. Let me explain.”

“She’s still hurting too much.”

“And how long will that last?”

“Like I said, something’s got to shake her out of it.”

Cole looked at her and nodded. He hoped she had a plan, because he didn’t know what to try anymore.

A few minutes later, he pulled up to the house. He watched Natalie take in the quiet, tree-lined street, the white picket fence, the yard, and the house nestled in the shade of the trees.

Cole turned in the driveway and turned the truck off. He sat quietly watching Natalie.

She looked around, and then over at him.

“Not what you expected?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Not at all. It’s lovely, Cole.”

“Well, it’s just a rental. I don’t own it.” He reached for the door handle. “Come on. I’ll give you the nickel tour.”

He came around, opened her door, and retrieved her bag. She followed him to the side door that faced the driveway. They walked up the porch steps. Natalie noticed the wrought iron table and two chairs nestled under the porch roof.

Cole unlocked the door and held it open for her.

Natalie stepped inside, looking around. It was a little messy and cluttered, but she knew immediately it had potential.

“I wasn’t expecting company.” Cole felt the need to explain.

“I know. I won’t hold that against you.” She smiled at him.

They were standing in a small entryway. There were helmets and boots, and what looked to Natalie like some type of motorcycle exhaust leaning in the corner. She looked around. The floors were hardwood. There was a bar to the right that separated the entry from the kitchen area. Two wrought iron backed barstools were scooted up to it. A faded denim shirt was hanging over the back of one.

“Follow me,” Cole said, setting her suitcase down on the floor by the door. He led her into the kitchen. It was small, but cozy. The countertops were dark granite that blended well with the dark hardwood floors. The appliances were newer stainless.

She followed him toward the front of the house into the next room, which was a dining room. There was a long rustic dining room table made of a thick, solid, dark wood and six matching chairs. There were two tall, wrought iron candlesticks on the table and an antique looking stained glass lamp hanging from the ceiling, centered over the table.

Natalie ran her hands over the dark glossy tabletop, admiringly. “It’s beautiful.”

“Thanks. I built it.”

She looked at him, amazed.

“Surprised?” he asked.

“Yes. I didn’t know you were so talented.”

Cole moved on to the next room, which was a living room that stretched across the front of the house.

Natalie looked down noticing that the hardwood floors appeared to run through the entire house. A huge stone fireplace took up the left wall. There were a couple of overstuffed chairs and a matching sofa, a flat screen TV, and antique coffee table and matching end tables that held tiffany style lamps. A door led out to the covered front porch.

Cole turned and led her back into the dining room to a hallway on his right. There were two doors. One he opened, and she peeked inside seeing a bedroom with an old, white, iron bed and a computer sitting on an old fashioned desk.

Natalie noticed that there appeared to be a lot of antique furniture. “You like antiques?” she asked.

He nodded. “Strange, huh? I’ve picked a lot of them up over the years, going to garage sales and flea markets. They seem to fit the house better than any of the new stuff they make today.”

She nodded and gave him a sly look. “Garage sales and flea markets, huh?”

He grinned. “Guilty. I’m addicted.”

“Well, you’ve picked out some great pieces.”

“This is the bathroom.” He opened the next door.

She glanced inside. It was nicely remodeled for an older home. There was an antique dresser converted into a sink with a glass bowl attached to the top and beautiful antique fixtures. “And this?” She ran her hand over the top. “Did you make this, too?”

He nodded.

“Amazing.”

“You can stay in that bedroom,” he nodded toward the bedroom she’d just seen. “And use this bath. The master is in the back of the house, if you want to see it.”

“Yes. I’d love to.” She followed him back through the kitchen to a room off the back. It wasn’t large by any means, but she liked it. A big antique sleigh bed took up most of the room. It was unmade and clothes littered the floor. The top of the matching dresser was covered with a coating of dust and enough clutter and papers to fill a garbage can.

“Sorry. I told you the place was a mess,” Cole explained, embarrassed.

“You need a woman, Cole.”

He nodded. “Yeah. I do.”

She smiled at him.

He nodded to the door on the right. “There’s a bath through there. I’d rather you don’t see it until I can clean it up.”

“Fair enough.” She laughed. “So, how about you buy me lunch? I’m starved.”

***

They ate at a small Mexican café with a quaint Spanish style outdoor patio. They each ordered Coronas and tacos.

When they were done, Cole lit a cigarette and leaned back in his chair. “How are my kids?”

Natalie sipped on her second beer. “They miss their father.”

Cole looked away. “I miss them, too.”

Natalie nodded. “I’d like to see this club of yours.”

Cole’s head snapped back to her, a little stunned. He hadn’t expected that. “What do you mean?”

She nodded toward his cut. “This club you’re a part of. I’d like to see it, if that’s allowed.”

“It’s just a dirty clubhouse that reeks of cigarette smoke and beer. I don’t think it’s anyplace you’d care to be.”

“I think I know what to expect. Still, I’d like to see it.”

He took a hit off his cigarette, considering. He blew out the smoke. “Yeah. Okay. I’ll need to make a call first.”

“Okay.” Natalie got up. “If you’ll excuse me. I have to use the ladies’ room.”

Cole watched her walk away.

Shit.

What would she think after she saw the place? He flipped his phone open and called Mack.

When she came back, he downed the last of his beer and stood up. “Ready to go?”

She nodded.

He dropped some bills on the table and followed her out.

They got in the truck and drove to the clubhouse. As he pulled in the lot, Cole glanced over at Natalie, watching her reaction closely, trying to read what she was thinking. He parked, and they both got out.

Natalie looked around at the bikes parked in the lot.

It was a quiet Wednesday afternoon, and there weren’t a lot of members actually at the clubhouse right now. Thank fuck, Cole thought. She’d probably freak out enough as it was.

He led her inside, holding the door for her.

Mack was waiting at the bar, expecting them. He turned when they walked in, looking over at the woman accompanying Cole.

Good Lord. She wasn’t at all what he’d expected. He’d expected some old gray-haired grandmother. What he was seeing was a woman that looked more like a young Ann Margaret.

His eyes slid over her slim shapely figure, liking what he saw. She was wearing slim-cut, black pants and a silver tank top with matching high-heeled sandals. He took in her glossy red hair that fell to just below her shoulders and her fiery green eyes. He remembered Angel had eyes that same color. This woman couldn’t be more than in her mid-forties. Hell, Cole never mentioned that or what a knock-out she was.

Mack stood up.

Cole made the introductions. “Natalie, this is Mack, our club president. Mack, this is Natalie, Angel’s aunt.”

Natalie extended her hand, smiling. “Pleased to meet you.”

Mack took her hand in his, but instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips and kissed it, his eyes never leaving hers. “The pleasure is all mine.”

Cole watched the exchange between them.

Mack turned to Cole. “You never told me how young and beautiful Angel’s aunt was.”

“You never asked.” Cole winked at Natalie.

Mack turned back to her. “Surely you’re not old enough to be Angel’s aunt. Her sister, maybe.”

Natalie smiled. “I assure you, I am. Thank you for allowing me to come by.”

“We’re happy to have you visit us. Come, sit down.” He led her over to a table.

Cole noticed Mack hadn’t let go of her hand yet. He watched as Mack pulled out a chair for her and sat down next to her, scooting close. Cole couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

Mack signaled to the girl behind the bar, and she brought over an expensive bottle of bourbon and three glasses. “You’ll do me the honor of having a drink with me, yes?”

Natalie looked from Mack to Cole. “Well, I’m not a big drinker.”

“Just one?” Mack coaxed.

“All right.” She nodded.

He poured about an inch of the amber liquor in the glass in front of her, and then filled one for Cole and himself. He raised his glass. “A toast to new friends.”

Mack and Cole downed theirs.

Natalie sipped at hers, studying the man that Angel had told her was responsible for sending her away. He was an attractive man, even though he had gone gray. He reminded her of a young Sam Elliott.

“Cole has told me all about TJ and Melissa. How is she doing?” he asked.

“She’s doing great. Thanks to her father.” Natalie looked at Cole, and then back at Mack. “The transplant went well. She had some trouble after, but she’s home now and doing well. Almost completely back to normal.”

“That’s wonderful news.” Mack nodded.

“Yes. Yes, it is.” Natalie looked to Cole, knowing he hadn’t seen Melissa since she was in the hospital and so sick.

He dropped his gaze, and she knew he missed his kids. She watched as he started to reach for a cigarette, and then glanced at her and stopped as if thinking better of it.

“Please. Smoke if you’d like,” she said.

He grinned. “You sure it won’t bother you?”

She smiled and shook her head.

Cole pulled a pack out of his cut and shook one out, lighting it. He took a deep drag and blew the smoke toward the ceiling.

Natalie imagined he was nervous about having her here.

“How long are you staying for?” Mack asked her.

“My plane leaves Friday night.”

“Do you have any plans for tomorrow?”

She shook her head.

“Ever been to California?” he asked.

“No. I never have. It’s certainly cooler than Arizona,” she admitted with a smile.

Mack nodded. “Yeah. I’ll bet it is.”

“Have you ever been to Arizona?” she asked him.

“Actually, I was stationed at Luke Air Force Base for a short time when I was in the service.”

“Really?” She smiled. “That’s not too far from where I live.

“It was years ago, but I remember it being hot as hell there.”

“So, you were in the service?”

“I only lasted four years. Authority and me? We don’t get along too well.” He grinned.

She nodded. “I see.”

“How about I show you around tomorrow? That is, unless Cole had plans.” Mack glanced over at Cole, an expression on his face that said he’d better not have any plans.

Cole shook his head and raised his hands. “Nope. No plans.” He looked at Natalie. She was on her own with this one. He actually was interested to see how she’d handle Mack’s advances.

Natalie studied Mack. She had some things she’d like to talk to him about, like why he’d sent Angel packing. And what he had against the idea of Cole and Angel being together. Maybe this would give her the opportunity to find out. “Well, if you’re sure it’s not putting you out.”

Cole tried to keep the grin off his face, knowing exactly who Mack was hoping would be putting out.

“Not at all,” Mack replied. “Do you ride?”

Natalie shook her head.

“Ever been on a bike?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“Would you like to? The coast is really something better seen from the back of a bike.”

“I guess that would be okay, but I don’t have a helmet.”

“Not a problem, darlin’. I’ll find you one.”

“All right.”

Cole looked between them. He didn’t know what to make of this. It could be good or bad.

Natalie looked over at Cole, and then back to Mack. “Well, I’ve taken up enough of your time. I just wanted Cole to stop by for a moment so I could see the place and meet you.”

Cole was relieved. He was more than ready to get her out of here. No telling what Mack would do, given more time, and the way he was already hitting on her.

“No rush. You don’t have to run off.”

“I appreciate that, but it was a long flight and I’m tired.”

“Oh, of course. Well, I’ll pick you up tomorrow, say about ten?”

She nodded and stood. “That’ll be fine.”

Mack and Cole both stood as well.

“Well, thank you again. It was nice to meet you.” Natalie extended her hand to Mack.

This time he just shook it. “I look forward to tomorrow.”

Cole gave Mack a look over Natalie’s head as if to ask, what the hell are you doing? Then he turned and led her outside.

They climbed in the truck. Cole looked over at Natalie and smiled as he started the engine. “Well, you made an impression.”

She looked back at him. “Oh, Lord. I think I’m in over my head here.”

Cole laughed as he pulled out of the lot. “You’re on your own here, darlin’.”

“Maybe I should cancel.”

Cole looked at her, still smiling and shook his head. “I wouldn’t do that. Not unless you want to piss him off.”

“This was a bad idea, wasn’t it?”

“It wasn’t really your idea, now was it?” Cole glanced between her and the road. He noticed the worry etched on her face. “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine. If he makes any moves on you and you don’t want him to, just tell him no. He’s a big boy. He can handle it.”

“Will that stop him?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

When she didn’t say anything, Cole reassured her. “Don’t worry. He’s not going to rape you, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“He’s not married is he? Or have one of those, what do you call them, old ladies?” she asked nervously.

Cole smiled. “Nope. Not at the moment.”

When they got back to his house, they sat out on the back porch and talked.

“So, you’ve seen where I live. You’ve seen the club. What do you think?” Cole asked. He had considered telling Natalie about the money, but he didn’t want that to sway her decision. Either she liked him or she didn’t. Either he was good enough or he wasn’t. He didn’t want it to be about the money. He would tell them about that later. That would just be icing on the cake.

Natalie looked over at him. “You’re quite a contradiction, Cole.”

He wasn’t sure he liked the sound of that. “How so?”

“A biker that likes flea markets, antiques, and builds furniture. A man who’s a member of an outlaw motorcycle club, but calls this quiet, tree-lined neighborhood home.”

Cole took a hit off his cigarette, taking that in.

She continued, “I think you have a lovely home. I’m sure Angel and the kids would like it, too.”

He looked over at her, waiting. “But?”

She smiled. “But, it’s only a two bedroom. I don’t think that will work out, at least not once the children get a little older. Maybe you could make do for now, but—”

“That’s your worry? The number of bedrooms?” Cole cut her off, astonished at the words coming out of her mouth.

“Well, it has to be considered if you’re going to bring your family here.”

Cole just stared at her. “I’m laying my whole life out for you to judge, and all you can come up with is bedrooms?”

She smiled. “You’ll make her happy. And I know you’d do anything to protect her, to take care of her. Of that, I’m sure. You love her. That’s all I need to know.”

Cole looked away. Her words meant more to him than she could know. He couldn’t believe how relieved he was. He closed his eyes. He hadn’t realized until just this moment how badly he’d wanted Natalie’s approval.

“Now, we just have to get her out here.”

He looked back at her and nodded.

 

***

 

Cole was standing on the back porch with a cup of coffee. The roar of a bike coming down the block broke the early morning quiet. He turned and watched as Mack made the turn off the street and rolled up the driveway.

“Mornin’,” Cole said when Mack got off his bike and walked up the stairs.

“Mornin’.”

“Want some coffee?” Cole offered.

“Sure.”

They walked inside. Mack sat at the bar. Cole walked around to the kitchen and poured him a cup. He set it down in front of Mack.

“She ready?” Mack asked.

Cole set his own mug down, walked the few steps to the hall, and tapped on the bedroom door. “Your ride’s here.”

Her muffled reply came from the other side of the door. “Thanks. I’ll be right there.”

Cole walked back into the kitchen and picked up his mug. Leaning back against the opposite counter, he took a sip of coffee, studying Mack.

“You okay with this?” Mack asked him.

“Oh, now you ask.”

Mack spread his hands and bobbed his head. “You’re right. Shoulda run it past you first, but hell, one look at her and—”

“Yeah. Yeah. I was there. Don’t need the replay.”

“So? You good?”

“I’m fine. Not so sure she is.”

“What do you mean?”

Cole shrugged. “She was having second thoughts about this last night. Thinking maybe she was in over her head.”

Mack looked toward the bedroom door. “Yeah. Maybe this was a bad idea.”

“I think you make her nervous.”

Mack grunted. “I seem to have that effect on women. The good ones anyway.” He took a sip of his coffee, and then looked up at Cole. “Maybe you should come with us. It’d probably make her feel more at ease.”

Cole almost laughed. “You’re kiddin’ me, right? I don’t think so. Not interested in bein’ the third wheel here.”

Mack took a sip of his coffee. “I don’t care. You’re comin’.”

Cole smiled, noticing the tremor in Mack’s hand. “Now who’s the nervous one?”

They both turned their heads as Natalie walked out of the bedroom. She was dressed in jeans and a black tank top. A pair of sunglasses hung from between her teeth as she finished braiding her hair over one shoulder

“Good morning.” Mack smiled at her, his eyes sliding over her. “You ready to go?”

She pulled the sunglasses out of her mouth and nodded. “Good morning.” She smiled back at Mack.

“Cole is coming along.”

Natalie looked over at Cole. He tossed the rest of his coffee in the sink and set his cup down. She didn’t think he looked too happy to be tagging along on their date. But she was glad he was. “That’s wonderful.”

“Yeah. Wonderful,” he agreed sarcastically, leaning back against the counter and folding his arms. “So, where’re we goin’, anyway?”

“Thought we’d ride down the coast,” Mack said. “Maybe stop and have lunch somewhere.”

“Well, she’s a new rider, so you probably don’t want to ride all day,” Cole felt the need to point out.

Mack gave him an exasperated look. “I realize that.”

Natalie looked between the two men and grinned. Cole was going to watch out for her, and she knew she could relax and enjoy the day. Papa Bear was on chaperone duty, and apparently he was taking his responsibility seriously.

They headed out the door.

Mack pulled an extra helmet out of his saddlebag and handed it to Natalie. “Here, darlin’. See if that fits.”

She put it on and he helped her with the strap. “It’s fine. Thanks.”

Cole got on his bike, and sat watching them.

Mack swung his leg over his bike, and Natalie climbed on the back. They both fired up and pulled out.

***

 

They rode along the coast to Monterey and Carmel. It reminded Cole of the time he’d taken Angel on this same ride, so long ago. They stopped for lunch at a place that looked out over the ocean. They ate seafood and had a great time talking and laughing.

Cole watched Mack and Natalie together. They clicked. Whatever that magic was that some couples found, they had it. Cole smiled, seeing the effect Natalie was having on Mack. He lit up whenever she smiled at him. Cole supposed that was probably the same effect Angel had on him.

They had finished eating lunch and were now relaxing at an outdoor table.

Mack stood up as Natalie excused herself.

Cole lit a cigarette and watched as Mack sat back down. He blew a stream of smoke in the air and grinned.

Mack looked over at him. “What?”

Cole shook his head. “I seem to remember someone once telling me not to let a ‘damn broad’ turn my head.”

Mack tried to look menacing, but in the end he couldn’t help but smile. “She’s something. Like nothing I’ve ever had before.”

“Yeah. Well, you ain’t had her yet, Brother.” Cole grinned.

“You know what I mean. She’s different. She’s got class. And she’s smart, and she’s got a great sense of humor.”

“Make a list, why don’t ya?” Cole laughed.

Mack shook his head and laughed. “Fuck. I guess I sound like a lovesick puppy.”

“That talk about a Leukemia Run, you serious about that or were you just trying to impress her?” Cole asked him, referring to a suggestion Mack had made earlier to Natalie.

Mack looked over at him. “I meant it. I think it’d be good for the club. Do something good for the community and for your family. Maybe we could call it Melissa’s Ride.”

Cole just looked at him. He wasn’t sure what to say. He nodded. “That’d be real nice, Mack. Thanks.”

“And I want to involve all the chapters. Make it big.”

“I’m sure the money would help. But what they really need is people willing to be tested to see if they’re a match for donation.”

“What kind of test?” Mack asked.

“Simple stuff. Swab your cheek. Take a blood sample.”

Mack nodded. “We could get everyone on board with that.”

Cole stared at him, dumbfounded. “You mean…everybody?”

“If I say so. Yeah.”

Natalie walked back to the table. She looked from Cole to Mack. “What did I miss?”

“Mack has offered to get the entire club and all its chapters to test for bone marrow donation,” Cole said, locking him in.

“Really?” Natalie asked, her mouth dropping open.

Mack looked at Cole, knowing he had to come through now. “Yeah. Sure. Why not?”

Natalie squealed, “Oh! Thank you, Mack!” She leaned over and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You don’t know how much this means.”

“I’m gonna need your help to set it up, darlin’.” Mack said as she squeezed his neck.

Cole smiled. Mack had met his match with Natalie. She’d have him wrapped around her little finger in no time.

***

It was after dark by the time they got back to town. Mack pulled in a little dive bar, and Cole pulled in behind him. They walked in and sat at the bar. Natalie walked over to the jukebox to play some music.

Cole noticed the way Mack watched her. When she came back, there was a slow song playing, and Mack slid off his barstool and pulled her into his arms for a dance.

Cole leaned back against the bar and watched. He still couldn’t believe this was happening. He shook his head and smiled. Angel would shit. She didn’t even like Mack.

After the first song ended, another one came on. It was Melissa by The Allman Brothers. Cole turned back to the bar; this song brought back memories of Angel and another bar.

Mack and Natalie kept dancing.

Cole’s thoughts filled with Angel. How was he going to get her to come to him? He still hadn’t figured that out. He could go out there. Try to see her again. Maybe with Natalie on his side, he could get her to at least hear him out.

Cole felt a hand slide up his back and turned to look over his shoulder. It was a pretty brunette. No one he knew. Or cared to know. She wasn’t Angel.

The girl smiled. “Buy me a drink?”

Cole straightened up, looking down at her. He smiled back. “Not tonight, darlin’. Sorry.”

“You sure? Maybe I could buy you one. You look kind of lonely.”

“I appreciate it. But, I’m gonna have to pass.”

***

Natalie looked over Mack’s shoulder at the exchange at the bar. “I bet that happens a lot.”

Mack turned to look back. He nodded. “Yep. It does.” He looked back down into Natalie’s face. “You okay?”

Natalie watched to see what Cole would do. She saw him say something to the girl and shake his head. The girl turned and walked away.

“Yeah. I’m good.” She smiled back at him.

“He loves Angel. He has since the moment he first laid eyes on her. I saw it right off.”

“Is that why you sent her away?” Natalie asked him pointedly.

Mack looked away. “You know about that?”

“Angel told me.”

“I see.”

“You’re not her favorite person.”

Mack closed his eyes. It was hard for him to ever admit he was wrong, but he felt he had to make Natalie understand. “I thought I was protecting Cole. Protecting the club. I was wrong.” He shook his head. “And now Cole’s kids are seven hundred miles away from him, and it’s my fault.” He looked down at her. “All I can say is, I’m sorry.”

“And now? What if they get back together? How would you feel about that?” Natalie asked him, narrowing her stern eyes.

“I’d be fine with it. I hope it works out. They belong together. He needs his kids, too.”

Natalie smiled. “I’m glad to hear you say that, because I intend to do everything in my power to make that happen.”

Mack smiled back at her. “I bet you do.” And then he pulled her close, bent his head, and kissed her.

Cole glanced back at them to see if Natalie had seen the girl come on to him. He didn’t want her thinking he was interested in anyone but Angel, because he wasn’t. Oh, he still could appreciate a beautiful woman, and he definitely wasn’t above looking. But looking was all he allowed himself these days. He hadn’t been with another women since he’d returned from Arizona. And that wasn’t easy. He struggled with it. He was a very sexual guy, and going without for this long was taking its toll on him, both physically and emotionally. He wasn’t always in the best of moods. Sexual frustration. Fuck. Who would have ever thought that would be his problem? And now, here he was playing chaperone of all things. He shook his head at the irony of life.

Cole looked back at Mack and Natalie. He saw them kiss and knew this was their first. He felt a little funny knowing he was witnessing it. He smiled and turned back to his beer. Who would have ever thought in a million years? Mack and Natalie. Things sure did have a funny way of turning out.

 

***

Later that night, they headed back to Cole’s house. Cole went to bed, leaving the two lovebirds alone. He lay there, staring up at the ceiling, thinking about Angel.

He never did hear Mack’s bike pull out.

The next morning, Cole got up and wandered into the kitchen. He looked out the kitchen window, which overlooked the driveway. Mack’s bike was still parked in the drive. Smiling, he turned and looked at the closed bedroom door. You old dog, he thought, and he started a pot of coffee.

Cole was sitting at the dining room table, drinking his third cup of coffee and smoking a cigarette when he heard Natalie’s door open. A moment later, he could hear the sound of someone pouring coffee, and then Mack walked through the archway from the kitchen into the dining room.

“Mornin’,” Mack said, pulling out a chair.

Cole smiled. “Mornin’. You sleep okay?”

Mack looked across the table at him and smiled.

Cole looked from Mack past him to the doorway. “She still asleep?”

Mack shook his head. “She’s awake. I told her to stay in bed, though. She didn’t get much sleep last night.”

Cole smiled. “I see.”

Mack grinned back.

“Maybe you should bring the lady coffee in bed,” Cole suggested.

Mack lit a cigarette and smiled as he blew smoke at the ceiling. “If I do, I’ll never get out of here.”

Cole nodded. “Oh, really?”

Mack looked back over his shoulder, and then leaned toward Cole. “That is one fine piece of ass.”

Cole shook his head. “Don’t need the details, bro.”

Mack smiled and drank his coffee.

 

***

Cole was out in the garage working on a bike, when Natalie wandered out. The overhead doors were open, letting in the sun and the breeze. He had heard Mack’s bike pull out a few minutes ago.

Cole looked up from the engine. “Hey.”

Natalie was standing with her arms folded. She took a few steps closer. “I’ll need to leave for the airport in a couple of hours.”

“Okay.” He tightened a bolt.

“I wondered if we could talk.”

Cole stopped what he was doing and looked at her. “Yeah. Sure.” He put the socket wrench down and stood up, wiping his hands on a rag. He followed her to the porch, and they sat down.

Natalie folded her hands on the table and looked at him. “Are you going to come to Arizona to see her?”

He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “Will she talk to me?”

“I can’t say for sure, but I’m going to try to talk some sense into her.”

“Do you believe she wants a life here…with me?” He looked over at her.

She held his gaze. “Yes, Cole.”

“You think she’ll be happy here with me?”

“Yes. I do.”

He nodded. “Okay.”

Natalie smiled. “Okay.”

“I have some things I have to take care of next week, but I’ll try to get out there the following week. All right?”

“Yes. That’ll be fine.”

He studied her. “You’re part of this, too. Will you be happy here?”

She looked off in the distance. “Yes. I think I could be.”

“And if things don’t work out with Mack? Will you still be happy here?”

Her gaze came back to him. “As long as I’m near the ones I love, yes.”

He nodded. “Good. You’re part of this family.”

“We’re a package deal.”

Cole returned her smile. “I’m good with that.”