Coyote (Hawks MC Next Generation #1) - Lila Rose Page 0,43

she picked a big, thick cardigan in this heat. Then again, her house was near Antarctic temperatures from the air conditioner.

I asked, “You work every morning, angel?”

She waved to the couch, and we both sat down with some space between us. The dogs groaned as they lay on the floor in front of us. Harley rested his head on the top of my boot, which had me smiling.

“I do since I’m open every day. However, good news, I got home today and organised myself enough to place an ad in the newspaper for a baker.”

“That is good news. You work too damn hard.”

She rolled her eyes, pulling up her legs to sit cross-legged. Once more, thank God for that cardigan since it covered almost all her skin.

“What about you back in the days when you started your business? I’m sure you worked crazy hours as well.”

Chuckling, I said, “Back in the day? Babe, you make me sound old.”

She shrugged with a teasing grin. “Well, if the shoe fits.”

Snorting, I shook my head. “Only six years older than you. I ain’t so old.” I winked, and a blush hit her cheeks. Damn, what was she thinking about? Might be best I didn’t know. “To answer your question, yeah, I did work my arse off when I first opened. I can understand it.”

“When did you open your store?” Her hand shot out. “Wait, have you had dinner? Would you like a drink?”

Of fucking course my gut took that moment to growl like a damn beast.

Channa laughed and it sounded sweet. “I’ve already eaten, but let me make you something.”

Christ, could she get better? Probably.

“Don’t go to any trouble,” I told her.

“Relax, it’s not.” She grinned. “I do like cooking as much as I do baking.” She stood. “Um, do you want to come into the kitchen while I do it?”

“Sounds good, angel.” I followed her in, with the dogs not far behind us, and I dragged out a stool at her counter. As she pulled out some ingredients, I explained, “After high school, I knew university wasn’t for me, and ever since I was young, I’ve loved bikes.”

She smiled as she diced up some veggies and chicken breast. “I guess that had something to do with your dad being who he is.”

I winked. “Got it in one. Growin’ up around the Hawks MC, I lived and breathed the club, bikes, and a family life that was bigger than just our own.” The indent in her brows told me she was confused. “The club, babe, it’s one big family. Uncles, aunts, pain-in-the-arse cousins. Even though we’re not blood related, we’re still connected as a family would be.”

She’d paused cutting and stared down at the board. “That sounds amazing.”

“It is. Yet, there are times when it isn’t. But it’s like that in all families.” She nodded and turned to the frying pan she’d set out on the cook top behind her. She seemed a little upset, but if I was to guess, it’d be because the only family she’d really had died. There were Stanley and Denise, but it wouldn’t have been the same as her mum. Christ, I’d be a fucking mess if I lost either of my parents. I wanted to damn hug her. I wanted to take her in my arms like I had after the car crash and protect her from the world.

Fucking hell, that was some strong shit to feel for a woman. No other had brought these instincts out.

“So how did you come about having a Harley store?” she asked.

Blinking, I cleared my throat and said, “Bikes were life for me. I loved riding, fixing, and designing up new decals for them. I took the ideas to my parents and they helped me get where I am today. At first when I got out of school, I did an apprenticeship with Dad in mechanics, and he taught me about running a business. Now I’m lookin’ at openin’ a store in Melbourne.”

Over her shoulder and with a sweet smile, she said, “That’s amazing, Cody. I’m glad it all worked out. You even do the decals. I saw some sticker sets at the shop and admired them.”

“Yeah, got a printin’ set-up in the warehouse. Another brother puts together those custom old signs hanging on the walls in the shop. They sell really well.”

“Even better.”

“How about you, babe? What’s your story?”

She tensed. Her whole body froze while the food sizzled away in the pan. I’d hoped she’d want to open up,