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.”