Page 41 of My Single Dad Biker

By Tuesday night when I text her that I am picking her up for church tomorrow, it feels like we have been doing this longer than five days.

Wednesday evening I pick her up at seven. She's wearing jeans and a burgundy sweater that hugs every curve and boots and her hair is down. When she opens the door I have to remind myself we're going to the clubhouse and not staying here.

"Hi," she says. Her voice is nervous.

"Hi. You look beautiful."

Her cheeks flush. "Thank you. Are you sure about this?"

"Completely."

The drive takes fifteen minutes. She's quiet and I reach over and take her hand halfway there. Her fingers are cold. I run my thumb across her knuckles.

"They're going to like you," I say.

"You don't know that."

"I do. You're with me. That's all that matters."

We pull up to the clubhouse at seven-twenty. Eight bikes are already there. Several trucks. I park and look at Katherine. Her face is pale but set.

"Ready?" I ask.

"No. But let's do it anyway."

We get out and I keep my hand on her lower back as we walk to the door. The main room is full when we enter. Conversations don't stop but people notice. Clint is at the head of the table. Tate is near the bar. Cain is in the corner with his laptop.

I guide Katherine into the room and everyone is watching now. Clint stands and walks over and his face is unreadable.

"Clint, this is Katherine Hayes," I say. "Katherine, Clint. Our president."

Clint looks at her for a long moment. Then he extends his hand. "Katherine."

She takes it. "Hi. Thank you for letting me come."

"Holt's call, not mine. But you're welcome." He glances at me. "She teach Louis?"

"Yeah. Music. Third grade."

Clint nods. Looks back at Katherine. "My son's daughter is in kindergarten. Ava. Talks about music class."

"Ava is wonderful. She has perfect pitch."

Something shifts in Clint's expression. "That good?"

"Very good."

He nods once. "Good to meet you."

Tate appears next, grinning. "So this is why you've been useless for a week."

"Tate, Katherine. Katherine, Tate."

Tate shakes her hand. "Finally. Thought he'd sworn off women entirely."

"Watch it," I say.

Katherine smiles. "Nice to meet you."