I wanted. I was afraid I wanted more, but friends would work. At least I thought it would. I’d also pray I wouldn’t see what happened in high school every time we saw each other.

  I swallowed and nodded. “That sounds good. Friends.”

  His grin was big. “Great, angel.” He took my hand in his and moved us in the direction of the front door. “Lookin’ forward to tryin’ your treats, Channa, but I’ll walk you out and hope there’ll be some left by the time I get back in.”

  “You’ll have to tell me if you like them.”

  He winked. “Will do.”

  Near the desk, I waved to Clary, Texas, and Cowboy. I received a chin lift from Texas with a sweet smile, a grin from Cowboy, and Clary waved back wildly, but her eyes were on our joined hands. I hoped she didn’t think too much of it. Friends held hands, right?

  I mean, I would hold Denise or Stanley’s hand. Probably.

  “Which one?” Cody asked.

  I pointed over to Stanley’s car and explained, “Stanley lent me his car for the delivery.”

  “Good of him.”

  “Yeah, he’s a good guy. Grumpy, but good.”

  Cody chuckled, and I missed a step. His hand tightened around mine more. “I’m good,” I told him. “Must have been a loose stone or something.”

  “Must have been.” His lips twitched. At the car, he took my keys from my hand when I pulled them out of my pocket and unlocked the door before he opened it for me. “I’ll see you soon, yeah?”

  Would he?

  “Sure?” The word came out as a question.

  He chuckled again. “You will. Drive safe, angel,” he said, handing me my keys, and then, then he leaned forward and pressed his lips to my cheek. “Later.”

  “B-Bye,” I called once I got myself under control. I watched him until he disappeared inside and then I slipped into the stifling car. Pressing a hand to my fluttering stomach, I breathed out a ragged breath. Friends kissed each other’s cheeks.

  God, I had a feeling being Cody’s friend was going to kill me.

  Chapter Eleven

  Coyote

  Christ, just being around Channa had me wanting to keep her, to know everything there was about her. I couldn’t get over how cute she was with me, scared, yet interested, and yeah, I was sure she was interested by the way she looked at me sometimes—and with how nervous she could be.

  It was hard to resist sliding my mouth from her cheek to her lips, but she wasn’t ready for that. Hell, I wasn’t sure I was either. I needed to make sure Channa and I got along on a friendship level before moving on to more.

  Walking through the doors, I eyed a smirking Texas. “We gotta talk,” I told him.

  He snorted. “Thought so.”

  “Bossman, those party pies are the bomb,” Cowboy said around a mouthful of food.

  Shit. I had to have some before they were all gone. “We’ll get some food first.” I started towards the back rooms where the stockroom was, along with the breakroom.

  I stopped when Clary commented, “She seems sweet, Cody.”

  Fuck me.

  Sighing, I faced my mum’s friend, who was here helping fill in as an employee called in sick, and said, “Clary, can I ask a favour?”

  She smiled. “Of course.”

  “Can you not tell Mum about this?”

  Her smile disappeared. “Cody—”

  “Please. Channa doesn’t need to be visited by Mum and her crew yet. All I’m askin’ is for you to hold off.”

  She thinned her lips, and I knew it was to hold back her grin. “All right, I’ll hold off… until you two are dating.”

  “Clary, I ain’t sayin’ that’s where Channa and I are headin’.”

  Texas scoffed.

  Clary clapped her hands in front of her. “All good, my lips are sealed. Go get your food from your gal before it goes.”

  “Clary, she’s not—”

  Texas’s hand dropped down on my shoulder and shook me a little before it dropped away and he said, “Brother, I wouldn’t even bother.”

  Goddamn it, he was right. Clary would take whatever she wanted from what she thought she saw between Channa and me.

  Blowing out a slow breath through my nose, I nodded. On the way to the breakroom, Texas said, “Know what you’re gonna say, Coyote. See your interest and can’t say I blame you.”

  I rubbed at the back of my neck. “Shit, brother, I don’t even wanna admit I’m interested in case I jinx things.”

  He nodded, grinning. “Can understand that. She’s somethin’ special, brother.”

  Smiling to myself, I couldn’t help but agree. “Yeah, she is. Gonna take time and see where it leads.”

  “Will you have a hissy fit if I ask that if it don’t work out, let me know?”

  “Texas,” I bit out.

  He chuckled. “Take that as a yes.”

  A few others were around when we entered the breakroom. I went straight for the boxes and grabbed a plate from the pile that Cowboy must have set out. I piled it with the three items, as did Texas.

  Oh fuck, I thought after the first bite. I wasn’t just pulling anyone’s leg and bragging about how good Channa was, but that first mouthful of the party pie, then the sausage roll was like damn heaven. I’d never had one as good.

  Glancing up, I caught Texas glaring at me as he bit out, “You lucky fucker.”

  Laughing, I grinned like a fool because I did feel lucky.

  I sat in my ute after work with the air conditioner blasting, since it was one of those rare hot days even when we were getting close to winter. The heat was a reason I wouldn’t leave my ride sitting out in it all day long. And while I waited for the cool to kick in, I thought about my plans for the night. It was just past seven. I could get back out of my car, go upstairs, and make something for dinner. Only that didn’t appeal to me. All I could think about was seeing Channa again. However, I knew she had early nights; I wasn’t sure what time she went to bed, but a quick visit would be okay. Hell, I was already in my car with the plan to see her; I might as well follow through.

  By the time I pulled up out the front of her place, I knew this was where I’d wanted to be. Even my gut, which swirled like crazy, was thrilled at the thought of seeing her.

  When I knocked on her door, I heard the dogs before anything. Then they quieted just before the door came open an inch.

  “Cody,” she whispered, and the door came open more. “Are you okay?”

  Jesus, she was pure sweetness. “Yeah, angel. Just popped by to tell you your treats were a hit at the shop.”

  Her smile was radiant. She pulled the door all the way open and said, “That’s great.” She paused, unsure what to do or say next, and I suddenly felt awkward for coming, but then Channa added, “Um, did you want to come in?”

  I nodded. “Sure.” When I stepped through the doorway, the cool air hit me. But what drew my attention more were the two dogs sitting on the floor waiting for attention. “Hey, Coco and Harley.” At their names, their tails wagged, and they slowly crept forward while Channa closed the door.

  “I’ll just go get changed,” Channa said.

  Looking up from patting the dogs, I took in her clothes. Fuck me. She wore tiny sleep shorts and a fitted tee. I could tell she didn’t have a bra on by the peaks of her nipples sticking out. Her curves were on full display and my hands ached to touch them.

  Bloody hell, I’d been attracted to women through my life, but nothing like this.

  “You’re good,” I said, even though my dick had started throbbing. I ignored it, wanting Channa to feel comfortable with me.

  “I’m in my pyjamas,” she confessed softly, as if I hadn’t guessed.

  “Babe, be yourself. Be comfortable.” And I’ll try not to be the lowest of all douches and check you out every chance I get, I added silently.

  She rocked back and forth on her feet. “Thank you. I might just grab a cardigan.” She smiled and darted off down the hallway. Jesus, I hoped the cardigan was old, ratty, and large on her to cover her legs also because they were something to look at.

  I heard her approach and straightened from the dogs once more. Thank fuck my prayers had been answered, and she was in a long, green, woolly cardigan. It had me hiding my smile that 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, but I realised it was too soon, and we weren’t at that stage yet.

  “Fuck, that smells good,” I said, giving her an out. It was up to her if she took it or not.

  She turned with the pan in hand and slid the chicken stir-fry in the ready-prepared bowl. “Hope it tastes as good as it smells,” she offered with a thin-lipped smile.

  I pulled the bowl towards me and took a forkful. Flavour burst into my mouth, and I groaned. “Damn good,” I said, still chewing.

  She seemed lighter after my comment, but it quickly faded. “You know what happened in high school,” she uttered. I nodded, not daring to say a word. She sucked in a breath. “Well, after it, Mum and I moved just out of town. I went to a different school and we started over our lives. One full of love and cooking.” She glanced away, down to her dogs as they got close to her—sensing their owner was in a mood I expected. “Before what happened at the school….” She closed her mouth and gripped the bench, staring down at it. A tiny, mild laugh escaped her. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this.” She shook her head. “Maybe we should save it for in a year or two.” She waved her hands in front of her with wide eyes. “Not that I’m saying we’ll be friends for that long. I just—”

  “Channa,” I called.

  Her lips snapped shut. “Hmm?”

  “Relax, angel. Nothing you say or do will… let’s say, put me off gettin’ to know you, okay?” She’d been so close to opening up to me, but then it was as if she felt it’d be too much for me to understand or maybe handle. Or perhaps she didn’t want to burden me with her past. One day I’d get her to understand I’d listen no matter what it was.

  “Um, sure?”

  She didn’t sound sure.

  I pushed the bowl back and patted my gut. “Best meal I’ve had in ages.” I gave her a sharp look. “Don’t tell my mum that. She’d kill me.”

  Laughter bubbled up and out of her. “My lips are sealed.” She placed the bowl in the sink and leaned back against it again. “When will you look at opening another store?”

  “Since we’re already in April, maybe towards the end of the year. Get through winter first. Though, I ain’t in any rush because this one keeps me busy enough. I’m going to look at hiring a manager soon. Train them up so I can take time away from this store to dedicate it to the new one. When the time comes.”

  “You’re smart, Cody Marcus.”

  Goddamn, my name sounded good on her lips.

  “Sorry, you don’t mind me calling you Cody, right?”

  “Not at all, angel.” In fact, if you could do it every damn second of the day, I’d be in bliss.

  “Are you sure? Maybe I should stick to Coyote.”

  “Channa.” When I had her gaze, I made sure she understood. “Like you sayin’ Cody over Coyote, yeah?”

  “Sure,” she drew out, and once more, it sounded like she wasn’t sure.

  I smirked. Damn, she was cute. She’d find out soon enough what I meant by her, and only her, calling me by my real name. “So, what’s your favourite thing to make at the bakery?”

  “That’s a hard one.” She bit her bottom lip while she thought, and I wanted to be the one to take that lip between my teeth to suck on it. Yeah, it was impossible to ignore the attraction I had for her. She cocked her head to the side, then shrugged. “I like many things and trying different recipes. Mum and I used to experiment all the time in the kitchen.” She clicked her fingers. “I’ve got it. My all-time favourite thing to bake is shortbread. It’s fun and creative. I have all types of cookie cutters, and it’s easy to decorate them. More than cakes and anything else, which is why I have Stanley.” Her eyes widened. “Oh my God, I just rambled on about things you didn’t need to know or care about.”

  “Babe, I want to know all things about you. We’re gettin’ to know each other. It’s what friends do.”

  She dragged her top teeth over her bottom lip and nodded. “Okay.”

  I smiled. “Okay.”

  “Do you like shortbread?” she asked.

  “I do. Would love to taste yours one day.”

  Goddamn, a blush hit her cheeks, and I wanted to know her thoughts. “I’ll make you some one day.”

  “Sounds good, angel.” I glanced at the microwave. I’d been here for an hour already. The time had gone fast. Too fucking fast. But I had to get out of there so Channa could get some shut-eye. “What time do you usually go to bed?”

  “About nine, but I can do later when necessary.”

  Good to hear she wanted me to stay. “Another night I’ll take you up on that, angel. But you gotta get as much rest as you can after the shit you’ve been through.”

  Her shoulders dropped. Why did I get a sweet feeling in the gut knowing she was disappointed I’d be going soon? At least I fucking hoped it was that and not me bringing up the shit she’d been through. Standing, I walked around the counter, and the dogs shifted aside when I got close to Channa. It was good they’d accepted me, let me get close to their master.

  Channa sucked in a shuddering breath. Her eyes widened a little when I reached out and pulled her into my arms. With one hand around her waist, I used the other to cup the back of her neck and glanced down to capture her gaze. I didn’t miss the way her chest rose and fell.

  I’d give my left nut to kiss her, to taste her, but it was too soon.

  “We’ll catch up soon, yeah?”

  “Yes,” she breathed out.

  “Good.” Leaning in slowly, I pressed my lips to her cheek and felt her shiver.

  Goddamn, my restraint was lessening. I had to get out of here.

  Pulling back, I turned just as her mouth touched mine. She gasped and pushed me back, her face burning. “That was meant for your cheek,” she told me and lifted her hand to wipe across my mouth and then just held it there. “We’ll just wipe that away and forget about it.” She faked a yawn. “Will you look at the time? I really have to get to bed.” Using her other hand, she tried to shove me to the side. When I didn’t move, she walked around me and into the living room, mumbling about how tired she was.

 

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