Outlaw (Evil Dead MC 1)

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.