Page 26 of Switch

“Bella, you made a cheesecake that looks like it could win awards. It’s perfect,” I say, giving her a sideways look. “And I’ve got the baked beans covered. We’re good.”

She nods, but I can see the faint worry in her eyes. Meeting the club family isn’t a small thing, and I know she’s feeling the weight of it.

When we pull into Mason and Carlie’s driveway, the smell of grilled meat and the sound of laughter greets us. There arealready a few bikes parked out front, along with a couple of cars, and the backyard looks lively with kids running around.

I grab the beans while Bella carefully takes the cheesecake. As we approach the door, I glance down at her. “You ready?”

She exhales, her grip tightening on the dessert carrier. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

I knock on the door, and it swings open a moment later to reveal Tank, his massive frame filling the doorway. His beard’s as wild as ever, and he looks down at us with a grin that could intimidate most people.

Bella’s eyes widen slightly as she tilts her head back to look up at him. “You must be Bella,” Tank says, his deep voice rumbling.

She smiles, standing a little straighter. “You have to be Tank.”

Tank lets out a booming laugh, stepping aside to let us in. “I like her already,” he says, clapping me on the shoulder hard enough to make me stagger slightly.

“Easy,” I mutter, shaking my head as we step inside.

The house is warm and full of life. Carlie’s in the kitchen, chatting with Sophie and Chloe while Jenny tries to wrangle a couple of kids. Mason’s at the grill outside, talking to Dagger and Piston.

“Carlie!” Tank calls out. “Jax brought someone!”

I groan. “Subtle, Tank. Real subtle.”

Bella laughs softly, giving me a look. “You weren’t kidding about them being loud, huh?”

“Just wait,” I say, smirking.

Carlie appears a second later, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Her eyes light up when she sees Bella. “You must be Bella!”

“That’s me,” Bella says, smiling warmly.

“And you brought cheesecake,” Carlie says, already reaching for it. “You’re officially my favorite person here.”

Bella laughs, and just like that, the tension in her shoulders seems to ease a little.

“Come on, let me introduce you to everyone,” Carlie says, taking the dessert and motioning for Bella to follow.

I glance at Bella, and she gives me a quick, nervous smile before stepping into the lion’s den. Watching her handle herself with calm confidence, I can’t help but feel proud.

She’s got this. And more importantly, she’s got me.

TEN

BELLA

My nerves are buzzing,but Carlie’s enthusiasm is infectious. By the time we step into the kitchen, I’m smiling in spite of myself.

A blonde woman is standing at the counter, tossing salad in a big wooden bowl. She glances up as we enter, her face breaking into a warm smile.

“This is Sophie,” Carlie says, motioning toward her. “She’s Tank’s wife. Sophie, this is Bella.”

Sophie wipes her hands on a dish towel before extending one toward me. “Nice to meet you, Bella. Did I overhear something about a cheesecake? Did you make it?”

I smile, shaking her hand. “I did. It’s not that big a deal, though.”

Carlie snorts. “She’s lying. It’s stunning.”

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