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It was hard to believe I’d been in Bristol for a month. The time had flown by. My remaining belongings had arrived when expected and were stored. They’d be out of storage as soon as I had a home.

I filled that month with helping Annie at the diner whenever she needed it, which wasn’t too often. Most of her staff picked up the extra shifts willingly. A woman answered her ad last week. Annie liked her and hired her on the spot, so there was no more need for me. Even before hiring the woman, I had plenty of time to search for places to house my business and to live.

An apartment would probably be cheaper, but I wouldn’t say no to a small house. The big thing was I thought I’d prefer it to be close to work. The business location was a priority before a place to live. On the business front, I ran into obstacles. There wasn’t a whole lot of inventory meeting my criteria. I didn’t want to rent a space or a building. The days of being at the mercy of someone else were over. I wanted to buy a building. People would argue that if you rent, the cost of upkeep and repairs falls to someone else. True, if they did them. I’d run into several who wouldn’t. I preferred to take care of it myself.

The other impediment was that the buildings for sale were mainly in areas that weren’t in the best sections of town. They had higher crime rates or lesser foot traffic. I was lucky to know that, in some cases, thanks to Annie. While many were visibly undesirable based on the surrounding area, others looked okay but weren’t. This was where she was a tremendous help. I was becoming discouraged. Even if it had only been a month, I hoped it would be easier. I was anxious to get going.

I was about to go the rental route when I toured a building I loved. It was in a desirable part of town, which usually drives the price up, but it was in disrepair and needed plenty of TLC. The owner wanted to leave the repairs to the new owner, so the asking price was lower. After seeing it, I took Annie and Gareth to see it.

They agreed it was in a great location, and I’d still make out even after I paid to fix it. The next hurdle would be finding someone to fix it up at a reasonable price. Annie had a suggestion, and she pushed me repeatedly to do it. I hesitated because I knew what it would mean. I’d have to spend time near Tinker. She swore Iron’s Rehab was the best place. I believed her. The problem was, I didn’t want to be around Tinker more than I had to.

I’ve seen the club members and their families several times in the past weeks. They’d come into the diner, or we’d meet on the street or in a store. Whenever it happened, they were warm and friendly. Or I should say, all of them were except Tinker. Anytime I bumped into him, he seemed curt and anxious to escape me.

I tried everything I could to earn his friendship. I struck up conversations, joked with him, and even flirted. Nothing. I had no clue what he disliked about me, but it was evident he did. I’d concluded I should steer clear of him. I didn’t want to impose myself on someone who couldn’t stand me. Feeling unwanted wasn’t something I enjoyed or wanted to endure anymore. I got enough of that from my family back in Blacksburg. Too bad my interest in him wouldn’t go away.

I was careful not to tell Annie this. I knew she was friends with him. I ran out of excuses when she kept asking why I didn’t ask Tinker to do the renovations for me. Last night, she cornered me at home.

“Haven, I don’t understand why you’re so stubborn about asking Tinker and his guys to renovate. The final paperwork is in process. Once it’s done, you’ll want to get the repairs underway. I know they’ll do a fantastic job, and they won’t steal you blind to do it. And as my niece, I know they’ll do it quickly and give you a deal. Give me one good, valid reason why you won’t ask him?” she demanded.

Gareth was watching us. He had a puzzled look on his face. The last thing I needed was for the two of them to figure out I had the hots for Tinker, but he couldn’t stand me. The mortification would kill me. When I didn’t present her with a reason, she smiled and nodded.

“Then I guess you’ll be going over to Iron’s Rehab. I’m giving you until Friday to meet with them. If you don’t, I’ll do it for you,” she said. Her tone made it clear she wouldn’t accept no as an answer.

“I’ll call, but they might not be able to see me this week.”

“As long as you call and get a meeting on the schedule and stick to it, then I’ll stay out of it. It’s not wrong to take advantage of connections. For God's sake, you’re not asking them to do it for free,” she huffed.

When I called the office of Iron’s this morning, I’d hoped they’d tell me they were too busy to meet with me anytime soon—no such luck. The woman I spoke to, Llora, happily told me they had an opening in the afternoon. I’d swallowed the lump in my throat and took it. I’d been a nervous wreck all day in anticipation. All I could wish for now was that Tinker would be out, and I’d get to talk to Lash. I knew he covered for him when Tinker was busy or gone.

Walking up to their office, I wiped my sweaty palms on my pants. I’d brought the photos of the building to show them. I knew it wouldn’t be all they’d need, but it would give them an idea of the magnitude of the job. Maybe it would be too much for their current workload, and they’d pass.

Opening the door, I strolled in, praying I was projecting a confidence I wasn’t feeling. I walked into an open lobby area. There was seating scattered around it, and on a back wall, there was a counter. A woman was seated behind it. She gave me a friendly smile as I approached.

“You must be Ms. Whitt. I’m Llora. We spoke on the phone this morning. Welcome to Iron’s Rehab. Mr. Halliwell will be with you shortly. May I offer you something to drink while you wait? I have coffee, water, and tea.”

Her friendliness eased my tension slightly. “Thank you, Llora. Yes, I’m Ms. Whitt, but please call me Haven. I’m early, so no rush. I’m fine but thank you for the offer of a drink.”

“You can make yourself comfortable anywhere. He’ll call me when he’s ready, and I’ll show you where to go.”

I took a seat, which allowed me to stare out a window. I fought to calm my wayward nerves. My stomach was full of butterflies on steroids. Stop it! You’re being ridiculous. You can do this. He’s just a man. So what if he doesn’t like you? You’re not asking him on a date. It’s business, I lectured myself.

Unfortunately, I hadn’t finished my self-lecturing before a phone buzzed at the desk. Llora answered it. The conversation was short and consisted of only a few words from her end. When she hung up, she stood and came toward me, smiling.

“Haven, he’s ready for you. If you follow me, I’ll show you to his office.”

I rose to my feet and nervously trailed after her. We passed through a door. I found us skirting a large open area. Based on the stuff in it, it appeared to be a combination warehouse and workshop. I heard the buzz of power equipment coming from somewhere. I was so into trying to see what was in there that we made it to what I assumed was Tinker’s office in a blink. His door was shut. She paused, knocked, and opened it for me when a man called for us to enter. I recognized that voice. No luck, it seemed, with the meeting being with Lash.

Tinker was standing when I walked in. Llora had waved for me to go ahead of her. I swear, I thought I saw him falter for a second, but I must’ve imagined it.

“Is there anything I can get either of you before I go?” she asked sweetly. I swear, did she ever not smile?

“I’m good. You?” he asked, his voice a deep rumble.

I shook my head. I couldn’t seem to find my voice. Nodding at us, Llora backed out and shut the door. Tinker didn’t smile, but at least he didn’t scowl at me. He pointed to one of the chairs in front of his desk.

“Please, have a seat,” he said. I took a seat, and then he retook his and continued speaking. “I’m sorry for the delay. I was on a call with a contractor. I didn’t realize you were Ms. Whitt. What can I do for you? Llora said you called about a renovation. Did she get it wrong?”

“No, she didn’t get it wrong. If this isn’t a good time, I can come back another day. Or if you’re too busy for more jobs, that’s okay. I promised Annie I’d call.” I shifted to stand back up. He halted me by making a pressing motion with his hand and his following words.

“No, please. Tell me what it is you need. If Annie said to contact me, it must be something she knows Rehab can help with.”

I twisted my fingers together in my lap, where he couldn’t see them. I fought hard to project a calm, professional air. “I’m in the process of buying a building here in Bristol. It’ll be home to my business. I got a good price for the size and location. However, the price comes at the expense of needing repairs and some remodeling before I can open my doors. I talked to Lash and Gentry at your party, and they told me all about what you guys do here. Annie assured me you’re the best. I promised to check and see if you might want the project. That’s why I’m here.” I hoped I made sense and wasn’t rambling too much.

He was quiet for a solid minute before he answered me. “I’d have to look at the job to know how much time and cost it would be. Do you have a timetable you want it done by? That may be a factor.”

“I’d like it as soon as feasible, but I understand whoever I get will have other projects. If I had my way, I’d be opening tomorrow, but that’s me.” I gave him a faint smile.

“I get it. If you give me the address, we can set up a time to meet there and do a walk-through.”

He was professional, but there wasn’t a bit of warmth or friendliness. He was obviously willing to do it since Annie was a friend. I tried to give him an out. “Listen, I don’t expect you to say yes just because of Annie. I was uncomfortable asking, but she insisted. It feels too much like nepotism, in a way. I can find someone else, and we can tell her you were too busy to do it on my schedule.”

“Haven, I won’t lie to Annie. She’s a close friend of mine and the club. If I think I can’t do it, then we can talk. Do you have access to the building, or should I contact the realtor? I know all of them in town, so I won’t have a problem. Is there a day and time that works best for you?”

Seeing I wasn’t getting out of it, we went back and forth for a few minutes. He checked his schedule. Mine was wide open. In no time, we had it set. To my surprise, he had an opening in two days, on Friday, at three in the afternoon. Wanting to get out of there, I readily took it. When we were done setting it up, he insisted on walking me out. There was a stiffness between us. I hated it. When we reached the front door, he opened it for me.

“See you Friday,” he said.

“See you Friday. If something comes up, let me know.”

“I will. Have a good day.”

“You, too.”

I was in a daze as I walked to my car. How would I be able to do this? My only prayer now, if he didn’t say no, was that we’d rarely, if ever, have to see each other. I doubted he did any of the work himself. That thought was what kept me from throwing up on the drive home. I had two days to prepare.

Friday three o’clock came too soon. It was like I blinked, and it was here. I’d gone home Wednesday night and told Gareth and Annie that I spoke to Tinker, and he was coming to see the building on Friday to see if they could do it. They both offered to be there with me, but I turned them down. I was an adult. I refused to cower behind them. Besides, hiding how we felt about each other would be more challenging if they were there.

The realtor had no problem loaning me a key to let us in. In fact, she said to keep it. The loan papers were about to be finalized any day. Between my inheritance and the loan I’d gotten pre-approved by the bank, I was set. It was a mere formality.

I arrived early and walked around, imagining how it would look when remodeled, and everything was here. I’d dreamed of this day for years. My interest in design began as a kid. If I hadn’t cared for Grandma, I would’ve graduated college and started my career long ago, but I didn’t regret it. I got so much time with her that I would’ve missed out on.

The place had once had beautiful molding and wainscoting. It was such a shame it had fallen into such disrepair. I wasn’t holding my breath that Tinker’s men could save it. I was so caught up in visualizing the layout that the hard knock at the main door caused me to jump and yelp. Seeing the time, I hurried to let him in. The sooner we got started, the sooner he’d leave.

Swinging the door open, I tried not to stare. The man was as delicious as the last time I saw him. Why couldn’t he look like crap? I held the door open. “Come in. Watch your step. It’s kind of a mess in here.”

He walked in confidently. As he passed me, a whiff of his cologne or whatever it was hit me. I inhaled deeply. God, the scent was intoxicating. Giving myself a mental shake, I let the door close and put distance between us. The last thing I needed was to start humping his leg. Wouldn’t that make him run? A faint snicker escaped.

“What’s funny?” he asked in his booming voice.

“Nothing. I had something caught in my throat. I’m not sure where you want to start.”

“Why don’t you let me walk around, take some photos and notes? Then we can talk. I won’t be able to give you a definite time or price quote until I source the materials and our suppliers.”

“It’s all yours,” I told him.

Instead of staring at him like a creepy stalker, I sat on a crate near the front windows and took out my phone. I had some things to research myself. I was mainly starting from scratch, so I’d have to buy fabric swatches and other design elements. I’d been doing some of them over time, but I waited for others. I jotted down notes on my phone on the items I found. I had my favorite websites, where I shopped. I was so caught up in my work that I jumped when Tinker said my name from behind me. My face burned as I turned to face him.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Are you okay to talk? I think I have all the pictures I need.”

I stood up and brushed off my butt. His eyes glanced down to my hand and back up. “Sure. Hit me.”

“Well, the previous owner should be shot for letting it go like this. I don’t see this kind of molding or wainscoting very often anymore. Luckily, we can restore it. It’ll take time and money. When do you take possession of the premises? What is it to be used for? I forgot to ask what kind of business you’re opening.”

I scrambled to think and give him coherent answers. “I agree about the wainscoting and molding. I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear it can be saved. I’ll be signing the final paperwork any day. However, I have the key now. As for what kind of business, it’ll be an interior design studio.”

“Interior design? Uhm, I didn’t expect that. Are you focusing on private homes or businesses?” This sent me into a brief spiel about what I wanted to do.

When I was done, he was nodding his head. “Sounds good. We need something like this around here. People have to go to the bigger cities to get that at the moment.”

“I heard. So, does this mean you think you can do it?”

“I do, but first, let me get you a quote for the cost and time involved. We have other projects, so we might be unable to do it as quickly as you’d like. I’ll work on it and let you know by Wednesday at the latest. Does that work for you?”

“It does. Thank you so much for coming. I know your time is precious. If you need anything, just let me know. Llora has my number.”

From there, it was back and forth with a few pleasantries and saying goodbye, and then he walked out. I sagged in relief for the moment. The worst part was yet possibly to come. If he took the job, we’d have more reasons to speak and see each other, which I’d have to maneuver out of for my sanity. Disappointment flooded me at the thought, but it was for the best.

Today was the due date for my quote, but I didn’t get it. The reason was a good one, so I wasn’t mad. It seemed that Mother Nature decided to throw a wrench in the mix. I found this out when Annie came rushing home in the middle of the day. I’d been waiting for Tinker’s call. She was vibrating with joy—or I hoped it was joy.

“Why are you home so early?”

“Get your purse. Let’s go,” she said as she ran for her bedroom. I went after her.

“Where are we going?”

“The hospital.” She was taking off her work clothes and putting on jeans and a shirt. I turned my back to give her privacy, not that she appeared to care if I saw her in her underwear.

“Are you alright?” I asked in concern.

“I’m fine. I just got the call. Reaper said to get over to the hospital pronto. Cheyenne is in labor. The baby is coming. I can’t miss this.”

Relief hit me. Then I backtracked. “Annie, there’s no need for me to go unless you need me to drive you. Where’s Gareth?” I was surprised he didn’t come with her.

“He’s coming later. He’s managing the diner. And yes, you have to come. I need you there.”

There was no way I could say no, so I left her to finish while I ran to get changed into something nicer. Luckily, I’d showered this morning and had my hair braided. Slicking on some blusher and lipstick was all I had time for. They’d have to take me as I was. Ten minutes later, I was driving us toward the hospital. During these first several weeks, I’d driven around to get familiar with my new town. The hospital was one of the things I made sure I knew where it was.

When we got there, I hunted for a spot to park. Seeing a bunch of bikes in one section of the lot, I found one close to them. This had to be them. Annie almost ran when she got out of the car. Seeing her so happy again, I thought she and Gareth should adopt. Any kid or kids they adopted would be lucky. They had so much love to give.

She unerringly led me to the labor and delivery floor and a waiting room. It was packed with so much leather that it was no wonder no one else was in there. I would’ve been intimidated to be in a room with them if I didn’t know them. Scanning, I noted the ladies were there but not the kids. I wondered if Becca was watching them. Maybe I should offer to help her. I’d give Annie a few minutes to settle in and then suggest it.

My gaze landed on Tinker across the room. It was like my body knew where he was. He was leaning against the wall. When he saw me looking, he strolled through the bodies to me. “Sorry, I’ll have the quote to you tonight,” he said.

“Please, don’t worry about it. This takes priority. Has Cheyenne been here long?”

“An hour, I think. Reaper waited to call until after he got here. His sister and her man should be here soon.”

“Annie mentioned he has a younger sister. How far away does she live?” As long as he was talking, I’d go along with it.

“Harper is with Viper. He’s part of the Archangel’s Warriors MC in Dublin Falls, Tennessee. It’s roughly a two-hour drive. She’ll want to be here for this. I’m not sure if they’ll bring the kids,” Tinker said.

“I hope so. It’s been too long since I saw them,” Annie interjected. She’d made her way back to me after greeting the others.

“How many kids and how old?” I asked. More children would strengthen my argument that I should help Becca.

“Two. Their son Cayden is six, and their daughter Delaney will be three years old in three months. God, it doesn’t seem possible they’re that old. It seems like yesterday Harper was a kid. Damn it, you assholes are making me feel old,” Annie grumbled.

This remark made the rest of them laugh and tease her about the gray in her hair. Her threats were entertaining. After they calmed down, I made my suggestion.

“Is Becca watching the kids at the compound?” I asked Lark, who came over to stand with us. She nodded.

“Then I think I’d be more useful if I go there and help her watch them. It’s a lot for one person. And if Harper comes with her two, I assume they’ll end up there at some point. I can go and do that while you all wait.”

“You don’t need to do that,” Lark protested.

There were more protests, but I waved them away. “Unless you don’t trust me with them, I want to. I’m not useful here, but I can be there.”

I got resounding assurances that they did trust me, so I said goodbye, hugged Annie, and got out of there minutes later. I felt weird being there. It was a family affair. The drive to the club wasn’t overly long. When I pulled up to the gate, I recognized Dravin. I rolled down my window as he opened it and came to the driver’s side to speak to me.

“Hi there. I’m here to help with the kiddos,” I explained.

“I know. Maniac called and told me. Becca has them in their room at the clubhouse. Just park wherever and walk in. Devlin is there if you need him. We’ll be switching out in an hour, so I’m available if there’s anything you need or want later.”

There was a suggestive tone in his voice, and the way he was smiling at me told me he meant it to be sexual. I smiled. “You’re such a flirt, but I’m here to help, not play. Behave.”

His laughter and remark, “I’ll behave for now,” made me smile the whole way to the clubhouse. When I exited the car, his whistle had me laughing and waving at him. He was around my age and a fine-looking guy. Both brothers were. It didn’t hurt to flirt a little.

When I came inside, Devlin was in the common room. He flirted a bit and then let me find Becca. They were making me feel good. When I entered the kids’ room, I found Becca holding a screaming Rico, the older ones were running around, and Esme was crying in her bassinet. I rushed over to snatch her up.

“Thank you. Whew, they’re in rare form today. Rico wants a bottle, and Esme probably needs her diaper changed and her bottle. Those three can’t decide what they want to do,” Becca exclaimed.

“You warm up his bottle while I change Esme. Then I’ll feed her. Once they’re quiet, we can tackle those three. Did they have lunch?”

“They did, thank goodness. Sounds like a plan. You’re my savior,” she gushed.

For the next hour, we worked efficiently side-by-side. We fed and changed the babies and got the older ones to agree on a movie to watch. Finally, they quietly sat in front of the television while the others were in baby swings.

We spent the time in between talking and getting to know each other. A couple of hours later, a man with long blond hair, wearing a cut from a different club, was shown into the room. Dravin introduced him as Viper, Harper’s man. He had their two kids with him. He introduced the kids. Before he left, he verified that we were also okay to care for them. We assured him we were. After thanking us profusely, he left to go back to the hospital. Whew, if he was anything to go by, those Warriors were a bunch of hotties, too.

As the hours passed, Devlin or Dravin would stop in to see if we needed anything and to give us updates. It was almost bedtime for the older ones when we got the word. Cheyenne had delivered a healthy baby boy they named Hadrian. That was a different name. I liked it. By the time the first Punishers came trickling home, the kids were all asleep, and Becca and I were having a much-deserved break. It wasn’t how I thought I’d spend the day, but I was happy I could help them.