“What can I do to help?” I asked, wondering where the hell Austin was.
Tiffany grinned at something or someone over my head and made a girlie saunter toward the door. I watched as she pulled Mack into an intimate embrace, her back to me, whispering something in his ear that had him rolling his eyes. He adjusted his expression before he smiled at her and then set her away and headed straight for me.
“Hey, Dani,” he said sweetly, and kissed my cheek before looping a brotherly arm around my neck.
“Hi, Mack.” I didn’t miss the scowl and little stomp of Tiffany’s foot as she twirled and walked away.
“Did you meet everyone?” he asked.
“Yes. Thank you.”
“Mind if I steal her?” Mack asked the other ladies.
“You kids have fun,” Susie said. “Thanks for the stuff, Dani. Nice to meet you.”
“You too.” I let Mack lead me out of the kitchen and back into the great room. “Where’s Austin?”
“He got caught up with something.”
“How long will he be?” I asked.
“No idea, babe. Sorry.”
I swallowed, my stomach churning with nerves. “Maybe I should go.”
“I got ya, Dani. Come and meet a few of the brothers.”
Mack grinned and I knew I didn’t really have much of a choice, so I followed him around the room meeting the brothers and their women. I wasn’t entirely sure I’d remember any of their names, but I tried to smile and not hide behind Mack as the men eyed me both curiously and suggestively. I recognized Hatch’s name when Mack introduced me, and he put me at ease instantly. Long dark hair and a beard gave him a Rollo from Vikings look, and he had blue eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled.
I also knew I wouldn’t forget Knight. He didn’t stay long, but he made a lasting impression. I should figure out a way to introduce him to Kim. He was really tall, but so was she, so they’d be a gorgeous couple.
I was half an hour in, and still no sign of Austin, so I asked where the ladies’ room was and got a chuckle from a few of the men.
“I’ll show you,” Mack said, and led me down another hallway and to the second door on the left. He banged on the door, got no response, so pushed it open, and indicated for me to enter.
“Thanks,” I grumbled, and closed the door behind me. Finding the light switch, I flipped it on and wrinkled my nose.Gross. A toilet, sink, and a white pressboard cabinet were all that sat in the relatively large space. It looked like a heavily used bar bathroom, complete with toilet seat up and empty toilet roll.
I opened the cabinet to see if I could locate more toilet paper and found a container of disinfectant wipes along with the warehouse rolls of paper, so I wiped the toilet down best I could before replacing the roll and doing my thing. After washing my hands and drying them with toilet paper... no paper towels anywhere to be found... I pulled out my phone and sent Austin a text.
I’m thinking I need to give you the definition of glued. You’re obviously busy, so I’m going to call a cab.
I dropped the phone into my purse and pulled open the door, but it wasn’t Mack on the other side of the door.
Austin grinned, sliding his hand to my neck and pulling me in for a kiss. “A cab, huh?”
“Where have youbeen?” I demanded.
“Sorry, baby, got caught up with the Prez. I’m all yours now. No more business.”
I poked his side. “Jerk.”
He laughed and lifted my hand to his lips. “Did you meet everyone?”
“I have no idea,” I said. “Mack introduced me to a few people, but be warned, I won’t remember who they are... except maybe Knight and Hatch. And I met Susie and a few of the other ladies when Mags took me back to the kitchen.”
Austin nodded. “Those are the key women. They belong to someone.”
“Belong to someone?”
