Page 21 of Bear Boss’s Mate (Pleasantville Shifter #1)

THE DOCTOR STOOD AT Marcy’s bedside while Austin sat nearby. She hoped today would be the day she could finally leave the hospital.

“You’re healing up nicely. I’d like to release you today, but I want you to rest for another couple of weeks. Your ribs will take some time to heal completely. Do you have someone at home to help you out?” the doctor asked.

She scratched her head. “No. I live alone.” She hadn’t thought about how she’d manage at home, but she would.

Austin stood up next to the bed. “She can stay with me.”

What? Her mouth fell open, and it took her a moment to fully realize what he was offering. She shook her head. “It’s okay. I can manage,” she said.

Her heart was full of love for Austin, after all he had done for her since the attack. Austin had come in every afternoon, staying until late evening to visit her.

Sometimes, they would just sit in silence, or she would sleep, and he would read.

Over the last three weeks, he told her stories about his life, discussed shared interests, and kept her spirits up. During that time, there was no discussion of a romance between them. It felt as though she’d known him all her life.

Austin would kiss the top of her head when he arrived and when he left, but nothing else had happened between them. It surprised her he would have her stay with him. She hoped this meant he still wanted to be with her in a romantic sense.

Each day, as she improved and pain medication was reduced to where she was more clear-headed, it hit her. There was no question. The incredible man made her feel whole and cared about. She’d fallen in love with him. Their connection was unique.

When he spoke to her about shifters and how they had special fated mates, she understood with certainty that she’d found her prince charming. However, she’d not said as much to him.

Marcy had been overwhelmed with happiness at the sight of Austin by her side when she woke in the hospital. No man had ever shown her such kindness or compassion.

He’d held her hand and whispered comforting words to her. It sounded strange to hear his deep voice speaking in a low register filled with so much pent-up emotion.

One thing he’d alluded to several times, however, was that he felt responsible for her being attacked.

She knew he wasn’t to blame and didn’t want him to feel obligated to care for her.

She sat up straight, looking at Austin. “You are not responsible for me. I don’t want you to do this out of obligation. ”

Austin frowned and looked over at the doctor. “She’s coming to stay with me,” he repeated.

The doctor looked back and forth between Marcy and Austin. “It’s settled then. You’ll go home today. I’ll get the paperwork ready and send the nurse in to assist you.”

She gave the doctor a brief nod. When he left the room, she tilted her head to face Austin. “I don’t need you to take care of me.”

“You’re still recovering. You will need help at home. Being independent is great, but sometimes we need to accept help from the people who love us. I am not doing this out of obligation. Nothing would make me happier than to have you stay with me.” His lips pressed into a warm smile.

Love? Marcy felt herself blush and looked away. So he still had romantic feelings for her? She was overjoyed at the prospect.

Austin put a finger under her chin, tilting her head to look at him. “I love the way you blush so easily.” He chuckled. “I want to take care of you, please let me?”

After three weeks in the hospital, she was ready to leave. The last thing she wanted to do was argue.

Marcy couldn’t deny that her feelings for Austin had grown into something she’d never expected.

She hoped it wasn’t too late to show him how she felt.

Marcy never imagined herself falling in love with someone so completely and so quickly.

He was there for her in her darkest moment, and she would never forget that.

When she was free to go, the nurse helped her get dressed in the outfit that Austin had brought for her. She’d had him pack an outfit from her apartment to prepare for the day she would be released from the hospital.

In fact, he’d taken care of many things so she could focus solely on resting and healing.

Helping her into the wheelchair, he wheeled her to his car and lifted her into the passenger seat. “I can walk, you know?” She flushed, looking up at him.

He waggled his eyebrows with a mischievous grin and reached for her seatbelt. He pulled it around her and locked it. Closing the door, he went and slid into the driver’s seat. “Is there anything you want me to get for you before we head home?” he asked.

Home? Hearing that word brought her immense happiness. She was over the moon to be going home with him. “I don’t know. Did you get everything on my list from my apartment?” she asked.

Austin gave his signature steamy grin, bowing his head. “I did.”

“Well then.” She waved her hand towards the street in front of them. “Let’s go home.” She paused, then added, “Thanks again for everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She beamed at him.

Austin reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. “I would do anything for you, Marcy. I hope you know how much you mean to me.” His amber eyes flickered with tender emotion.

She felt a swarm of butterflies’ flutter in her stomach. “You mean a lot to me as well. More than I wanted to admit.” She nibbled her bottom lip.

Austin raised one eyebrow, giving her a lopsided grin. “Really?”

“Really.” She bowed her head once.

Austin started the car and headed home.

WHEN THEY REACHED AUSTIN’S , he showed her to the living room, telling her to have a seat on the couch. “Can I get you anything to eat? A drink?” he asked, standing with his hands out to the side.

She gave him a warm smile. “Maybe some water?” Marcy folded her hands in her lap and cleared her throat while Austin got her a glass of water.

When he returned, she patted the seat next to her.

“I’d like to talk to you about something,” she said.

She took a sip of water and placed the glass on the table.

Austin took a seat, twisting to face her, placing his hands on his thighs.

She squirmed as desire filled her, and knew her face was flushed. “I’m not sure how to broach this, but I want you to know how I feel.”

Austin cocked his head, maintaining an unreadable expression.

“Things between us haven’t. Well, they’ve been... I mean, I know I pushed you away before,” she stammered.

Austin lifted a brow, giving her an amused grin, reaching to cup her cheek. “It’s okay. You can tell me anything. I will not judge you.”

Marcy let out a flustered sigh, her mouth twisted.

“I’m not worried about that. What I’m trying to say is.

.. I’ve been re-evaluating my life these past weeks.

And it’s clear to me I wouldn’t have pulled through as well as I did without you.

The thought of living my life without you in it is too awful to imagine.

I hoped we could you know, be a couple. I care about you very much.

” Marcy forced her eyes to stay on his, but her body tensed.

His hand was still on her cheek, and he smoothed his thumb across it. “I want that, too. I’ve wanted to be with you from the moment I first laid eyes on you.”

Marcy chewed her bottom lip. His hand sizzled against her cheek as her body relaxed, having confessed her feelings for him. Other parts of her clenched with desire. Her mouth went dry. They were finally alone, with no one to interrupt them.

Austin cupped her face now with both hands, his eyes searching hers. She gave a slight nod and tilted her head. Her lips parted as her breath caught. Closing her eyes, their lips met in a steamy, hot kiss she’d craved since the first time they’d kissed.

There was no need to wait any longer. No more excuses. No more telling herself she couldn’t be with him. The only way she could see herself living a happy life was with Austin.

Their mouths locked into an even deeper kiss. His tongue touched hers hungrily. She reached to wrap her arms around him, but a sharp pain in her ribs stopped her, making her break from their kiss. She gritted her teeth at the sharp pain in her ribs.

Austin gave her a worried look. “Your ribs are not fully healed. We must be more careful.” He moved closer to her, picking her up and placing her on his lap sideways.

His lips brushed hers, and he playfully nibbled her bottom lip.

She released a moan at the sensation. Again reaching for him she found the pain in her ribs too distracting. She huffed in frustration.

Austin ran his hand down the side of her head. “What’s wrong?”

She pouted. “I want to hold you, but I can’t move without pain. Do you mind if we stand?” She stood in front of him, itching to pull him against her.

Austin pushed up off the sofa, grinning, and picked her up carefully, taking her into his arms. “I can do one better. Why don’t I take you to my bed?

Maybe it will be more comfortable?” A cheeky grin filled his lips.

She watched as his pupils flared and he swallowed hard, trying to contain his own desires.

“Okay,” she said, putting her arms around his neck. She felt a twinge of bearable pain in her rib cage.

The anticipation of what was to come left her aching and wet. Parts of her throbbed at the promise of his touch.

Entering Austin’s bedroom, she was intoxicated by his scent, which seemed to fill the room. It only made her more turned on. She widened her eyes at the king-sized bed as he placed her gently onto it and stood back.

She sat back, propping herself up with her palms, her eyes locked on his. Her body vibrated with arousal from his tantalizing gaze.

“Do you think it will be too painful if you are lying down?” he asked, looking hopeful.