Shifter Mate Series Three Book Box Set - BBW Paranormal Romance: Includes Bear Boss's Mate, Werebear's Mate, Purrfect Mate (Shifter Series)
Page 14
Amara shrugged and watched as Bern looked her up and down. A small grin appeared on his lips. His large warm hand in hers instantly made her wet with desire.
What the hell? She was speechless. Her mouth tried to form words but they got caught in her throat. Reluctantly, she released Bern's hand, nervously clasping hers together in front of her.
He was even better looking than she had remembered. He wore blue jeans and a crisp white dress shirt, open at the collar. He smelled of wood and musk and man.
Suddenly, she was parched. Why is he affecting me this way? she asked herself, one hand on her throat.
Because you slept with him, you slut, accused the self-critical little voice inside. Bern and Marcy stared at her as if she had just grown another head.
"Are you all right?" Marcy whispered, clutching her friend's arm.
Amara nodded.
"Just a little thirsty," she managed after an awkward pause. Marcy turned to Bern and smiled before looking back to Amara.
"I'll go and make you a cup of coffee. Why don't you stay here and talk to Bern about the position?"
She pushed Amara toward Bern and headed out the door, closing it behind her.
Amara was rarely one to become visibly nervous anymore. In fact, her tendency to speak without thinking got her in trouble much of the time. Yet, for some strange reason this gorgeous, sexy man standing in front of her made her feel all wobbly.
She gazed past him to the painting on the wall behind his desk and an image of a lake surrounded by trees. In that moment, she would have given anything to have been in that serene scene instead of this office, alone with him. Putting a hand to her chest, she took a couple of deep breaths to try to calm herself before his voice compelled her to look into those beautiful brown eyes of his once again.
"It's nice to see you again," he smiled.
He does remember me!
"Yeah. You too." Looking around the office, she rubbed her palms together awkwardly.
There, I spoke. It's all good. His office was large like Austin's, but the furnishings were more sparse. Glancing around the room, she had the feeling that he didn't care all that much about expressing himself in the design of his office. It didn't even begin to reflect the amazing man she saw before her. She had imagined him to have an office with filled bookcases and a lamp and chair for reading.
Curious, she wondered if his home would be equally vanilla. He certainly wasn't.
"You left before I was awake. Without a goodbye. Was I that bad?" his mouth curled at one corner and she knew he was teasing. It didn't help the fact that she was mortified at facing him again. This never happened in the city.
"No. No way...I had a great...you were great...thanks. Uh, I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye. I had to get to work," she lied.
What are you doing Amara?
She imagined the owner of that little voice in her mind lowering her head and shaking it in disappointment.
"Perhaps you forgot that you told me that night that you'd quit your job?" He grinned and winked at her.
He didn't seemed at all troubled by her being there. It was as though he had been expecting her. She was baffled by her body's response to him. All she wanted was to run from the room as fast as her legs would carry her and forget about this job altogether.
"Right. Sorry about that...I'm just...I didn't expect-"
He interrupted, "To see me again?" he asked. Clearly, he was enjoying her discomfort.
She couldn't help but think it served her right for taking off on him as she had done. Shaking her head, she looked at the floor for a moment.
"About that. Yes, I quit my job...but please don't tell Marcy. I don't want to upset her or worry her. She has enough to think about with the wedding and all...please promise you won't say anything?"
He returned to his seat before responding. "I won't say anything. That's entirely your business. However, if you are applying to work with us here, you'll need to be more forthcoming about things."
He rubbed his chin back and forth. She thought she detected a slight curl in one corner of his mouth. His eyes were filled with curiosity as he held her gaze. Amara didn't know what to say. Obviously, he was upset with her for running out on him. At least that's how it seemed.
Regaining some of her composure, she took a seat in a chair in front of his desk. She pressed her legs together and placed her hands on her thighs. Despite the awkwardness of this unexpected situation, from the moment he shook her hand she had been so aroused that her panties were wet. She needed to get out of there soon if she was going to avoid becoming a puddle on the office floor.
With eyes downcast, she focused on only the purest of thoughts. Just breathe. When she brought her eyes back to him, he was studying her.
"Are you interested in hearing about the job or do you want me to pretend I told you all about it?" he asked, with an impish grin.
Maybe he isn't interested in having me work for him any more?
She had hoped that the job would be something she would like, something that could give her a fresh start. So much for that idea.
She cleared her throat, "I am interested in the job. That is, if you can get past what happened between us."
Her words came across more arrogant than she'd intended. She noticed a perceptible change in his face. A flash really. He seemed disappointed. She sat up a little taller, reminding herself that she had his number. She had all men's numbers. She didn't owe him a damned thing.
"I'll fill you in on the position," he said matter-of-factly, as Marcy knocked and entered the office with a cup of coffee in her hand and a slightly worried expression on her face.
Chapter Six
Sitting in his office, Bern was filled with anticipation and concern. Marcy had mentioned that she was picking up her friend, Amara, from the train station today. Along with the other circumstances he had heard about this friend, with such an unusual name he had reason to hope she would be “his” Amara.
His bear had jumped to attention at the very mention of her name. Both he and Bern were sure that she was their mate. It was completely unlike him to feel the way he did but he couldn't deny it. He was certain it was just a matter of time before he saw her again. He had been unable to stop thinking about the woman who had vanished one morning just as quickly as she had wandered into his life, and Bern hoped – believed – that soon she would be standing in his office.
His bear was fairly screaming at him to be released, determined that he could do a better job of claiming Amara. Bern told himself that if she was open to accepting him as her mate, he would take things much slower. His heart hurt at the thought of being alone for the rest of his life. And more so at the thought of being without her.
Bear shifters mated for life and Bern was no different. The night that he had met Amara, he had wanted to claim her so badly. The ritual between mates was sacred and he didn't want to ruin it by just taking her without her being aware of what he was. He hoped that when they made love again, she would know exactly where she stood with him, and he with her.
There was a knock on his office door, suddenly bringing him out of his thoughts. He placed his hands on his desk and waited.
"Come in," he said. Overjoyed at the prospect that she might be on the other side of that door, it took everything he had to remain seated and calm. Perhaps the Fates had allowed another chance.
"Bern, meet Amara,” said Marcy cheerfully. “Remember when I told you about my friend in the city who might be perfect for the marketing job?”
He was about to smile, but Amara was quite obviously shocked and not very happy about seeing him. Had she not said anything to Marcy about him? From the look on Amara's face, it was clear that she hadn't mentioned him, and she was not at all keen on seeing him. With just one look, she had delivered a crushing blow. Utterly devastated, he kept a straight face to hide his deep disappointment.
"Nice to meet you Amara," he said as he rose to shake her hand. He sensed that Amara didn't expect him to ack
nowledge knowing her. Or perhaps she hoped he wouldn't.
Shaking her hand, he felt the electric current that connected them. Yup. She was his mate. While on the outside, he made a point of being professional and courteous with her in front of Marcy, on the inside he was confused that once again she seemed to be rejecting him.
Amara stared back at him wearing an odd expression that quite simply, he could not define. As he let go of her hand, he was aware of the change in her scent. She must have been thinking of their night together. Or was it that she felt something? He could smell her desire for him.
The moment Marcy left the room, he ached to go to Amara and take her in his arms. Instead, he sat down at his desk and studied her for a moment.
"It's nice to see you again," he smiled.
"Yeah. You too."
Without thinking he blurted, "You left before I was awake. Without a goodbye. Was I that bad?" He teased.
Wanting her to relax with him, he couldn't resist the remark. He knew he was not bad in bed. He'd had plenty of practice pleasing women and prided himself in being a good and thoughtful lover. He had noticed that the sex was even more intense with his mate. He wondered if she had noticed as well.
"No. No way...I had a great...you were great...thanks. Uh, I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye. I had to get to work," she lied.
He didn't understand why she was lying to him. She was drunk when he met her that night, maybe she'd forgotten.
"Perhaps you forgot that you told me that night that you'd quit your job?" He grinned and winked at her.
"Right. Sorry about that...I'm just...I didn't expect-"
He interrupted, "To see me again?" he asked. If only she knew how badly he had hoped she would.
"About that. Yes, I quit my job...but please don't tell Marcy. I don't want to upset her or worry her. She has enough to think about with the wedding and all...please promise you won't say anything?" she pleaded.
He didn't understand why she didn't want Marcy to know about her having quit her job. Maybe these two women were not as close as Marcy had thought. He had no intention of bringing up their little tryst, but he hoped that he'd have the opportunity to have many more nights with her in the future.
"I won't say anything. That's entirely your business," he replied, rubbing his chin. "Are you interested in hearing about the job or do you want me to pretend I told you all about it?" he asked. Maybe she wouldn't want to stick around, now that she knew he was part of the package. Although he sure hoped she would.
She cleared her throat, "I am interested in the job. That is, if you can get past what happened between us."
Fine. His bear growled.
"I'll fill you in on the position," he replied somewhat tersely.
As he told her about the job, he could see that she was interested, even though she pretended to be indifferent. He asked for a copy of her resumé, which she retrieved from the depths of her handbag.
Now he had her phone number and email address. She wasn't going to get away so easily this time.
As they sat together chatting about her work experience and the needs of the business, his bear began to relax. He could tell that she was also beginning to let down her guard a little bit. Maybe there was hope for them yet.
Chapter Seven
The meeting with Bern had gone better than Amara expected, all things considered. She had been shocked to see his face again and was quite surprised by his attitude toward her. He had teased her, but he was polite. The energy between them was palpable but she did her best to remain professional.
Both of them had been wary with one another at first but as soon as they began discussing business, the energy between them changed. She wondered if he would offer her the job. She was clearly qualified for it, based on what he told her. The pay was great and considering that the cost of rent and other expenses here would be less, she could be quite comfortable.
She left his office hoping he would at least consider her for the position. She had felt good being around him, this time without the effects of alcohol. A part of her was very excited at the prospect of seeing him at the wedding, knowing that he was the best man.
"So, how'd it go?" Marcy asked when they got in her car to head home.
"I think it went fine, ...considering," Amara said with a slight tone of sarcasm. Marcy glanced toward her and back to the road. She narrowed her eyes as she connected the dots. Amara waited for what she knew was coming and folded her hands in her lap.
Marcy turned back to her, giving quick glances from the road to Amara and back again.
"Did you two meet before?" Marcy asked.
"Yup, over a week ago. He was in the city on business."
"I knew it..I could tell by the look on your face...did you know he was the one you were going to be seeing here?"
Amara pushed a few strands of hair off her face and played with her seatbelt, adjusting it over her chest. She thought about the best way to tell her friend what had happened, without revealing that she had quit her job.
"No. I'd actually forgotten his name until you said it. He'd told me his name was Bernard... I was out having a few drinks when I met him...," she paused and turned towards Marcy. "I was out on my own and got a little drunk. He offered to walk me back to my place and I came on to him...I'm sorry." She hoped her friend wouldn't be disappointed in her.
Marcy's face looked surprised but not unhappy.
"Really?"
"I needed some comfort...that's all," Amara said plainly.
Marcy laughed and covered her mouth.
Amara raised her brow. "It's not really funny."
Marcy waved a hand in front of her face, dismissing Amara's thought.
"I'm not laughing at that,” she explained. “I'm laughing about the fact that you two had already met. For months, I've been planning to set you up when you got here!" she giggled.
"Wait, what? Seriously? Why?" Amara's voice went up an octave.
"Relax. Obviously, I don't have to do it now. I just thought with the two of you being in the wedding party, it was the perfect opportunity for a date.”
"No way...Date? Me? How come you never mentioned his name before?" Amara asked. She never suspected Marcy of being a matchmaker. She appreciated it but really, there was no need. She couldn't possibly end up with a man like Bern.
"Didn't I? Sorry. I didn't realize I hadn't. He's Austin's best friend; maybe I just assumed I'd said it," Marcy paused and grinned, "So? How was it?" She said with a hint of curiosity.
"How was what?" Amara asked mischievously, knowing exactly what Marcy was asking her about.
"Your night with Bern? What else would I mean?"
"God knows...I am completely baffled by all of this...there isn't much to tell. We went back to his hotel, we had sex. He was pretty hot...probably the best sex I've ever had. He seemed really into me...," she licked her lips remembering that night.
"Oh?"
Marcy stiffened slightly and Amara assumed that she'd said too much.
"Sorry. T.M.I?"
"No. It's fine. So were you only with him the one night?" she questioned.
"Yep. Took off at first light. How did you know?"
"I know you...you aren't the commitment type. Also, when you saw him, your face kinda gave it away. To be honest, I'm a little hurt that you didn't tell me earlier."
"What's to tell? It was a one night stand. I have 'em when I need em."
"Amara!" Marcy exclaimed.
"Sorry. You're right. I should have told you."
Amara drooled at the thought of him being the best man at Marcy's wedding. Maybe they'd dance? She quickly dismissed the thought. Getting involved with him was a bad idea. She wouldn't mind working for his company and that could get quite messy if she slept with him again. She wasn't sure that it would be so easy to run away from the next time.
Both women were silent for a few minutes. Finally, Marcy spoke.
"Would you take the job if he offered it to you?" she asked, quietly.
"Amara?"
"Hmm?"
"I asked if you would take the job if he offered it?"
"Yes...I don't know...maybe."
"That's my Amara," Marcy said as she put out a hand to clasp her friend's. "I've missed you so much," she said, warmly. Amara placed her other hand over Marcy's.
"Missed you too," she said, distracted by the tiny seed of fear that was planted inside her.
***
Austin and Marcy's home was huge and much more modern than Amara had anticipated. Although, to be honest, she wasn't quite sure just what she had expected. A small cabin in the woods, perhaps?
"It must be scary living out here," she said to Marcy, as the garage door opened. The home was enormous and beautifully decorated. Amara immediately had a sense of safety and warmth.
She wondered if Austin had decorated it himself. The walls were painted in light colors throughout the downstairs. One wall in the living room had a fireplace, while another room housed a large screen TV and a large comfortable-looking seating area. There was a slight “romance mixed with bachelor-pad” vibe going on.
"Not at all. It's peaceful and quiet. I feel very safe here. Much more so than in town."
Taking Amara's suitcase, she placed it at the bottom of a huge winding staircase.
"I'll show you the upstairs later. I want to start supper and we need to have a drink and catch up before Austin comes home." Marcy turned to walk toward what Amara quickly realized was the kitchen.
After pouring each of them a glass of wine, Marcy began taking food out of the fridge. Amara stood at the counter watching her friend move expertly around the huge chef-style kitchen.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.
"No, it's fine, thanks. Just hang out while I do this," Marcy said.
"I hope I haven't upset you with what happened between Bern and me?"