Page 17 of Bear Boss’s Mate (Pleasantville Shifter #1)

IT WAS A FRIDAY NIGHT , and Marcy was still at work. For the last three days, she had worked late just to avoid being home by herself. The loneliness of living on her own was getting to her more than usual.

Mostly because she couldn’t stop thinking about Austin and how she’d turned down any chance for a relationship with him. Had she done the right thing?

Her stomach growled.

She looked up from her computer and realized it was eight o’clock. This was the latest she’d worked all week. Another growl from her stomach reminded her she hadn’t eaten all day. It was time to head home and grab something to eat.

The lights had been lowered for the night, and she felt uneasy at being the only person left in her department.

She headed downstairs to the echo of only her footsteps. Everyone else was out enjoying their Friday night. She rolled her eyes at her lack of social life. Despite offers from friends at work from time to time, she stayed home most nights.

There was too much risk of running into Mick.

As winter approached, the shorter days meant it would be very dark outside, and she hoped to get to her car with no problems. The night before last, she’d seen Mick sitting in a car outside the building.

He’d also been leaving notes on her car, asking her to call him.

She didn’t tell anyone. More specifically, she didn’t tell Austin. She knew he’d worry, and she didn’t want to give him any reason to be over-protective of her.

She was not his responsibility, and she wasn’t going to play the damsel in distress card to get his attention.

It was one thing to call him when he was already headed over to see her for their one and only date. She wasn’t about to call on him to get rid of a guy that the police couldn’t even scare off. Every night she hurried to her car, hoping she’d be safe.

She adjusted her purse over her shoulder, did up her coat, and headed toward the back of the building where the managerial staff parked.

She heard a familiar, smooth voice behind her. “You’re here awfully late.”

Marcy turned to see Austin standing a few feet away. The tall, gorgeous hunk had his car keys in one hand and the other hand in his pocket. Suddenly, she felt too warm.

He grinned at her, making her insides turn to jelly. He always had the same effect on her, and seeing him now only reminded her how attracted she was to him.

A silly grin crossed her face, and she felt like a schoolgirl in front of her first crush. Remind me again why I don’t want to go out with you? Her cheeks flushed.

“I didn’t realize how late it was. I was just leaving. Why are you here so late?” Marcy asked.

He strode over, closing the gap between them. When he spoke, his voice was filled with a hint of huskiness that made her core clench. “Same as you. Working late.” A sly grin graced his lips.

She wasn’t convinced, but didn’t want to argue. She needed food and wanted to get home. Shrugging, she adjusted her purse again.

Austin was standing so close she could smell his cologne. Or perhaps it was just his natural scent. Whatever it was, it made her squeeze her thighs and lick her lips. She admonished herself.

“It’s dark out there. Would you like me to drop you off?” asked Austin. The corners of his mouth turned up.

“I drove. My car is just outside,” she replied. Her pulse raced, causing her to breathe faster.

Austin was looking at her with the same intensity he did on the night of their date. The night they kissed. She was parched at the memory. Her eyes fell to his full mouth, causing her own lips to part.

He studied her, giving her a heated gaze that made her body tingle. He inched closer to her. “Are you sure?” His lips curled as his head tilted. “I don’t mind driving you home. It’s Friday night. Do you want to go out for something to eat?”

She was tired and not dressed to eat out. Besides, being this close to him was hard enough. She couldn’t allow herself to spend any more time with him. It was too tempting.

He was too tempting.

“Sorry. Rain check? If you don’t mind walking me to my car, though? It’s pretty dark out there.” She giggled, then shrugged.

“Okay.”

Marcy found herself staring at his parted, sexy lips. She licked her own at the thought of kissing him again. Austin smirked and motioned for her to go ahead of him. Marcy blushed as she walked outside toward her car.

Austin watched her get in and waited as she started her car and pulled out. She noticed in her rear-view mirror that he also watched her drive away.