Page 5 of Single Mom's Bikers

“Please, come in.” I gesture toward my office. “Don’t mind my brothers. They’ll behave. Or else.”

“Party pooper,” Zane mutters, but he moves aside to let her pass.

My office feels different with her in it. Smaller, maybe. There’s something there, something I can’t pin down. She sits across from me, her focus sharp as she straightens her portfolio with care.

“Your resume is impressive.” I open her file. “Though there’s a gap in your employment history.”

“My husband cleaned out our accounts and disappeared with the woman he was cheating on me with.” She delivers this information without hesitation. “I spent that time getting back on my feet.”

The story is sad, no doubt about it. And the way she tells it, I can’t help but believe her—and feel sorry for her.

“And now you’re ready to return to work?”

“More than ready.” She meets my gaze steadily. “My daughters need stability. I need purpose. Your gallery needs someone who can handle both books and people.”

Behind her, through my office window, I see both my brothers lingering. Chase pretends to sort mail, while Zane doesn’t even bother hiding his interest.

“The job can be demanding,” I warn her. “Long hours. Complex situations. Three bosses who don’t always agree.”

“I’ve handled worse. And I’m very good at navigating complex personalities.”

“One last question.” I lean back, studying her. “Why a tattoo gallery? Your qualifications could land you something more…conventional.”

Her eyes brighten with a subtle amusement. “Maybe I’m done with the predictable, Mr. Cross.”

“Rick,” I correct her. “If you’re going to work here, it’s just Rick.”

A smile plays on her lips. “If I’m going to work here?”

I glance at my brothers again. Chase gives me a subtle nod. Even Zane, for all his flirting, looks impressed.

“Can you start Monday?”

Relief softens her features for just a moment before she quickly reins it in. “Monday would be perfect.”

I stand to shake her hand again. This time, I notice the edge of a tattoo peeking from her collar. Interesting choice of placement for someone who claims to be conventional.

“Welcome to Cross Brothers’ Ink Gallery, Ms. Ashbourne.”

“Evie,” she corrects me, echoing my earlier tone. “If I’m going to work here.”

She leaves with the same confidence she entered with. All three of us watch her go.

“Well,” Chase breaks the silence. “That was interesting.”

Zane’s still staring at the door. “Told you mornings got more entertaining.”

“Both of you, focus.” I snap my fingers. “She’s staff now. Off-limits.”

But even as I say it, there’s a sense of inevitability settling over me, like the gallery itself is holding its breath, waiting for what comes next.

My brothers return to work, but I catch them stealing glances at Evie through the front windows as she walks to her car. I understand the impulse. There’s something about her that draws attention.

Something that makes me wonder if hiring her will turn out to be brilliant or disastrous.

Only time will tell.

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