My sister and I stopped by the store on the way home after picking her up from school to grab something for dinner. When we make it the checkout line I notice Mila is working the register.

“Hey, Bella! Where have you been? I sent you a few texts. I haven’t seen or heard from you since last week. I’ve been worried about you.”

I’m such a bad friend. I know I should have texted her back, but I didn’t feel like explaining anything to her over the phone.

“I’m sorry, Mila. I should have at least told you I was okay.”

Mila is a good friend. She listens without judgment and knows what it’s like to bear so much responsibility. My situation isn’t exactly like hers. She’s a single mom of a beautiful three-year-old girl. She lost the father of her child in a tragic accident before her daughter was born and takes care of her grandma who has Alzheimer’s. She’s a strong woman. We confide and lean on each other for moral support all the time.

“I’m glad you’re okay. Everyone found out what happened the other day. Travis deserved that black eye he got.”

Black eye? I’m just about to ask her what the hell she’s talking about when I’m interrupted by my sister.

Elbowing me, she lightly whispers, “Bella, there’s a fine guy behind us, checking you out.”

I turn to look behind me, and he has his eyes glued to my ass. The first thing I notice is the cut he’s wearing. The patch reads VICE PRESIDENT. The guy is tall, at least six-foot-two, closely cropped brown hair with just the right amount of stubble on his face. Checking the rest of him out briefly, I see he’s built and toned in all the right places. I study the colorful array of tattoos that cover most of his arms.

My breath falters for a moment when our eyes meet. One blue eye and one green. I let my eyes travel down to his mouth which happens to be turned up into a cocky grin. Slightly embarrassed, I give him a small smile then turn around to pay for my things.

“You have my number. Let’s meet for coffee next week,” I say, smiling warmly at Mila.

She smiles back. “Great, I’d like that!”

As my sister and I walk out of the store, I can still feel the biker’s eyes on me.

On the drive home, I can’t stop thinking about the man from the store. I’ve never seen eyes with such intensity.

“Bella, that guy was hot.”

“Practical Magic.”

“What?” Alba says as she reaches for the bag of Doritos in the back seat.

“You know? My favorite movie...Practical Magic? Where the little girl casts the spell for her perfect man?” I glance towards my sister, waiting for it to click. “In the movie, she wished for him to have one blue eye, one green eye.”

“Okay,” she says slowly. “I still don’t see what that has to do with anything?”

“The guy at the grocery store. He had one blue eye and one green eye.”

My sister gives me a look when it finally dawns on her. Smiling she comments, “It’s fate.”

The rest of the ride home I can’t stop thinking about the biker. I can’t say I’m a believer in fate, but I can say I’m a dreamer. Maybe both beliefs aren’t so different.

When we get home, my sister and I spend the rest of the night hanging out and stuffing our faces with junk food while binge watching Golden Girls. I also insisted on watching Practical Magic before finally making myself go to sleep because tomorrow is my first day at my new job.

* * *

I pull into Kings Custom Bikes the following morning that’s run by the local MC. Jake said to be here by 9:00 am if I wanted the job, so I made sure I would be here a little early.

Most people would call me crazy for taking a job offer from the local MC. Everyone in town is aware of some of the activities that the MC partakes in, me included, but people just turn a blind eye for the most part. Even our local police seem to brush most of the activities they hear about under the rug.

Sitting in my car, I notice that one of the bay doors is open. I see a guy working on a bike, so I step out of my car and throw my purse over my shoulder. I walk across the parking lot and head in his direction. The guy looks up when he hears my boots crunching in the gravel. I instantly recognize him from last Friday morning and smile.

He stops what he’s doing and smiles too. “Well, hey there, darlin’. You come by to let me replace that spare tire?” He stands up and starts cleaning off his hands with a rag then shoves it back into his pocket.

“I’m here to start my first day of work.”

He cocks his head to the side “Well, damn. You’re the newbie Jake told us about last week. About time we get something pretty to look at around here. Well, no one will be showing up for another forty-five minutes or so. Most days we open at 9:00 am, but this morning we won’t be opening until 10:00 am. Got some club shit that needed taking care of. In the meantime, why don’t you let me look at that beautiful car you have over there? I’d like to see what you have going on under the hood.”

“I’d like that. Thanks,” I tell him as we make our way back over to my car.

He lifts the hood. “Doesn’t look too bad. I can see there are some hoses that need replacing and your radiator cap looks half-ass broke.” He walks around trying to get a closer look. “I’d like to start her up, maybe take her for a spin to hear what she sounds like.”

Quinn is showing me how the motor’s chassis is a bit rusted and starts laughing at the fact that I’m having to climb to look inside to see where he is pointing to.

“I want to help. That is if you would be willing to teach me?” I ask him while climbing back down off the bumper of the car.

“Seriously? Never known a woman to get herself dirty under the hood of a car.” He looks at me skeptically.

“I like being able to do things for myself. I can handle it.” I sass him, putting my hands on my hips and cocking my head.

Wearing a big ass smile, Quinn chuckles. “You won’t be getting any complaints out of me. Shit yeah. You want to get your hands dirty? That’s fine by me.” He shakes his head, laughing, “Can’t believe I just agreed to get dirty with a pretty ass thing like you and it doesn’t even involve getting my dick wet.”

I laugh along with him. I’m going to like Quinn. He’s easy to be around and makes me laugh.

About that time, Quinn looks over my shoulder and I turn around to see what has caught his attention.

I watch as a bike pulls into the parking lot. The man parks, gets off and walks in our direction. As he gets closer he pulls off his shades. My eyes connect with the guy from the grocery store. The one that I couldn’t stop thinking about last night.

My pulse is racing, and it feels as if my heart is about to come out of my chest. My sister’s mention of fate comes to mind. Quinn walks up, greeting him.

“Hey, brother. Come on over here and meet this pretty thing who happens to be the new hire Jake told us about.”

“Logan, this is Bella.”

“Bella, this is Logan. He manages the garage.”

“Nice to meet you, Logan.”

Logan, who still hasn’t taken his eyes off me, reaches out his hand, and I offer mine. A jolt of energy surges through every fiber of my skin like static electricity as soon as we touch.

Quinn clears his throat. Only then does Logan release my hand. The loss of his touch has my body instantly craving more.

What is wrong with me? I don’t even know this guy.

“Bella, how about I give you the grand tour while Logan here figures out how to use his words.”

I look from him then back to Logan.

He goes to place his hand on my lower back to lead me in through the bay door when Logan barks out. “I’ve got this, brother. Why don’t you go open the rest of the bays? The other guys will be here in fifteen.”

“You got it.” Quinn offers, then walks off.

I’m left standing alone with Logan.

“Alright, Angel. Why don’t we look around and get you situated before the guys show up?” I feel a small flutter in my stomach at his endearment.

He places his hand on the small of my back and leads me through the garage into the main part of the building. Stepping inside, I take in my surroundings. Nothing unusual about the place. It looks like your typical mechanic shop. Posters of custom bikes of assorted styles are hanging on the deep red walls, and the shelves are all silver diamond-cut metal.

“Over there,” he points to the counter by the window, “is where you’ll work most of the day. Whenever a customer comes in, you’ll greet them, finding out what they need. Unless they’re here to settle a final bill, you’ll have to ask them to wait, then send for one of us out in the garage. Okay?”

I nod as he leads me down a short hallway and opens the first door to the right.

“This is where we keep all our customer files and invoices along with the printer and fax machine.” Guiding me back out into the hallway again, he shows me another door.

“This is Jake’s office. If he’s here, just remember to always knock first before going in. Okay?”

“Always knock, got it,” I smile. I’m trying hard to concentrate on everything he is telling me but with his hand still making contact, I’m finding it hard to concentrate on anything else.

We walk back through the garage, to a door that’s found on the far end.

“Through here is the break room if you’d like to use it.”

I walk in and notice that it’s a completely furnished room with a small kitchenette along with a small, round dining table. Off to the right is a large couch with a coffee table and a big ass TV hanging on the wall.

“This looks more like a small apartment,” I tell him as I walk around. I look over my shoulder at Logan, who’s leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed watching me.

“By chance is there a soda machine or coffee anywhere? I could use some more caffeine this morning.” He points to the counter next to the refrigerator.

“There’s a coffee maker there, and we always keep water, soda, and beer in the fridge. The guys unwind after work sometimes back here, so you’ll find that it’s usually stocked.”

I smile. It seems like a laid-back place.

“Well, I think I got a good feel of the place, but I would love to see Jake and speak with him for a moment when he gets here, thank him again for the job.”

Logan reaches in the refrigerator, grabbing himself a water and hands me a soda.

“He’ll be here soon. Let him know what you like to drink and eat, and he’ll make sure to stock it.”

He leads me back out through the garage and back into the main building. I walk over to the front counter, setting my purse down behind it on a shelf, and then turning the computer screen on that’s sitting on top.

Leaning in over my shoulder, Logan points to the screen. “The system we use is pretty simple, but if you have any questions, Jake can answer them. I don’t mess with this shit.”

Logan is still standing close. He smells so good. His smell isn’t overpowering. He smells simply of fresh clean soap and leather.

“Where’s the restroom?”

“You can use the one in the break room. At the door to the left side of the TV.” He informs me.

I move past him, lightly brushing my back against his front and make my way to the bathroom. Once inside, I lean against the door and close my eyes while taking a deep breath.

Looking in the mirror, I give myself a mental pep talk. Get yourself together, Bella.

I walk back out front and notice Jake talking with Logan and a younger guy I haven’t met yet.

Turning their attention towards me as I make my way to the counter, Jake speaks up first. “Hey, sweetheart. Glad to see ya. Heard Logan here showed you the ropes. Anything else you need to know, you come ask me. There are donuts in the break room, help yourself.”

“This here’s Blake. Write down anything you might need for the break room, he’ll go get it,” Logan says introducing Blake.

“I don’t need anything special. Whatever is in there is fine.”

“He’s going either way, best to tell him or he’ll pick up random chick food.”

Most guys think all women want salads. This chick likes real food. I’ll take pizza and burgers over veggies any day.

“Okay. Give me a second to write a few things down.”

Once I’m through, I hand my small list to Blake.

The rest of the day goes by smoothly. I only had to bug someone once on a specific order. Quinn was the one to show me how to enter in all the specs.

Before closing, I make my way back to Jake’s office. Knocking three times, I wait for him to answer.

“It’s open,” he barks, sounding irritated, so I slowly open the door peeking inside. He peers up from what he’s looking at and his features relax a bit when he notices it’s me.

“You got a minute?” I question.

He leans back in his chair, rubbing his beard. “Sure, sweetheart. Come on in.”

“Jake, I just wanted to tell you thank you for giving me a chance with this job. You have no idea how much I needed it.”

“You did good today. Keep on doing like you have been and we’re square.”

I feel a little lighter after thanking him. I walk around and hug his neck. He tenses for just a moment but seems to relax. I make my way to the door but he stops me.

“Bella, you need anything just let me or one of the guys know. It’s dark outside, so no walking to your car alone. Got it?”

“Yeah, Jake. I’ll let someone know I’m leaving.”

He nods his approval and I shut the door when I leave.

Logan is standing out by the front counter when I come back out.

“Walking you to your car tonight,” he states, unknowingly making my skin hum with his gravelly voice.

I grab my things from behind the counter before walking towards the door he’s now holding open.

We make our way across the parking lot and I unlock my car.

“Hand me your phone,” Logan demands.

I look at him and raise an eyebrow, silently asking why. He has his hand held out waiting for me to comply.

“Putting my number in your phone, beautiful. You text when you get home. Let me know you made it safe.”

I should feel strange with his demand, but I don’t, so I hand him my phone without hesitation.

There is no ignoring the spark that is felt when the tips of our fingers brush slightly as he hands my phone back. With a husky tone in his voice, Logan says, “Get in the car, Bella.”

I get in and start the engine. He takes a few steps back as I pull out the lot and head home.

The whole time my pulse racing from being near him.

I make it home and pull into the driveway. Before I get out of the car I reach over into my purse and grab my phone. Pulling up Logan’s number, I type out a text.

Me: I’m home

Logan quickly answers back.

Logan: Goodnight, Angel