Page 24 of Bear Boss’s Mate (Pleasantville Shifter #1)

AUSTIN AND BERN LEFT the office early to catch up and have a drink at Paul’s Restaurant. It also allowed them to finish preparing for that night’s company Christmas party.

Austin had already told Bern the news about his relationship with Marcy.

Bern had been happy to hear that they were now living together and things were better than ever. He’d been entirely supportive, just as Austin expected him to be. His friend was also beginning to rethink his own relationship situation.

“I envy you.” Bern’s lips became a thin line. “I wish I could find my mate. I’m ready to start a family, too. Perhaps now I’ll have a chance with you officially off the market,” he joked.

Austin laughed. “It isn’t like I’ve done all that much dating. Though, now that the police have arrested the men responsible for the attacks on women, you’ll be able to date again yourself.”

Bern smoothed his hair off his forehead. His mouth twisted. “I want what you two have. I’m not convinced I’ll find that here.”

Austin shrugged and his lips curled. “I thought the same thing until you hired Marcy,” he said, taking a sip of his drink. He found his thoughts drifting to his mate, who stayed back at the office. She was planning to get ready there and show up later with Darla and the other staff members.

He appreciated the time with Bern, but he couldn’t wait to have Marcy all to himself later that night.

AUSTIN BEAMED WHEN he saw Marcy enter the restaurant a couple of hours later.

Her face lit up when she noticed him. He gave his head a small shake and ran his teeth over his bottom lip.

She was wearing a low-cut, dark blue dress that accentuated her sexy curves.

Her brown hair hung in soft curls around her face and cascaded down her back.

She was a sight to behold.

He inhaled a deep breath. God, he loved this woman. His world was complete now that they could be together the way he’d wanted since they first met.

Over the last month, she’d seemed happier than he’d ever seen her.

Marcy was more self-assured and passionate than he could have ever hoped for.

There was no more worry and sadness in her eyes.

He hoped he was partly responsible for the change in her.

Though he’d shown her, he still had yet to tell her he loved her.

He hoped tonight he would do that, and much more.

When their eyes met, a wave of love filled Austin. He couldn’t wipe the grin from his face as she nodded and walked toward him. He held her gaze until she reached him. She leaned down to share a tender kiss.

“You look stunning.” Austin could not help but give her a broad smile.

She beamed back at him, licking her lips. “You look great yourself,” she flirted, putting a hand on his chest before taking a seat next to him at the table. Austin looked around the long set of tables.

Some of the staff were staring at the two of them. The rest hadn’t seemed to notice what was going on. They were busy drinking and chatting to one another. Austin sipped his drink, then stood before the group of staff and friends.

“Welcome, everyone. Before our meal begins, I’d like to propose a toast. To each of you for a job well done and another very successful year. I hope all of you enjoy yourselves this evening. Thanks for coming out.” Austin raised his glass in the air and then brought it to his lips.

His eyes moved to Marcy as she took a sip of her drink and looked back at him. The table began to buzz with individual conversations. The serving staff began bringing the first course of food to the table.

Bern turned to Austin and, in a low voice, said, “I forgot to mention that new project—”

Austin frowned. “Let’s discuss it later. Tonight is for having fun.”

Bern furrowed his brow, then grinned. He looked between Marcy and Austin. “I don’t know what you’ve done to him, but I like this new Austin.” He laughed.

Austin grinned from ear to ear and reached for Marcy’s hand, squeezing it. Marcy smiled back at him. His new, more relaxed attitude was because he had everything he had always wanted. A successful business and the perfect mate.

AFTER DINNER, MUSIC blasted throughout the party room. Most of the staff had husbands, wives, or partners who were dancing, laughing, and enjoying themselves. Austin, Marcy, and Bern sat together, watching everyone smiling and laughing.

“It’s nice to see everyone let their hair down and enjoy themselves,” Bern said.

Austin felt for his friend. Bern seemed less chipper than usual. Austin knew his long-time friend wished he wasn’t alone any longer, especially after seeing how happy Marcy and he were.

Austin chatted with Bern as Marcy sat bouncing to the music. He hadn’t noticed that Sheila was sitting in the room’s corner, glaring at them.

“I’ll be right back,” Marcy said as she stood and pointed toward the ladies’ room. Austin nodded once and resumed his chat with Bern. Seconds later, he felt someone standing close to him. He turned to see Sheila.

“Can I speak with you outside?” she said in a low voice.

Austin stood. “Why?” he asked.

Sheila backed up. “I have something I want to tell you. I’d rather not do it in front of everyone.” She motioned toward Bern, who was frowning at her and shaking his head.

Austin shrugged and motioned for her to lead the way out of the room. Sheila sashayed casually ahead of Austin and out of the restaurant. He assumed she was up to something, but hoped she would apologize for her early treatment of Marcy.

Sheila knew that he and Marcy were together as a couple, so there was no reason for her to pursue him any longer.

“What is it?” he asked when they got outside.

Sheila put her hands on his chest. He grabbed them and pushed her away. “You said you wanted to talk. So talk, or I go back inside.” He narrowed his eyes at her.

Sheila pouted and huffed for a moment. “You know, I’m hurt that you never asked me out. You know I would’ve done anything to be with you.”

Austin rolled his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. “I noticed. I don’t want you. Why can’t you see that?” He was done with being polite. She needed to stop harassing him.

Sheila pretended to wipe away non-existent tears and reached toward him again. “Please, Austin. Just give me a chance.”

Austin growled at her. “I’m with Marcy. You never had a chance before. What makes you think you would get one now?” He said impatiently.

Brushing past her, he started to head back inside when he saw Marcy standing just inside the restaurant, watching them. In a couple of quick strides, he was at the door.

He opened the door and put a hand toward her. “Can you please come outside?”

“Are you sure?” Her eyes flitted to Sheila, then back to him.

He didn’t want Sheila to do anything to disrupt this night.

“Yes,” he said firmly. He took Marcy’s hand and led her back outside with him.

Austin felt a sense of pity for Sheila when he saw her face as they approached her.

He didn’t see any other way but to show her that her advances were falling on deaf ears.

“I want to talk to Austin alone,” she said, narrowing her eyes at Marcy.

Austin put his arm around his mate and pulled her close. Marcy was stone-faced, revealing no emotion. He watched her studying Sheila, not taking her eyes off her. “Anything you want to say to me, you can say in front of Marcy.”

Sheila looked up at Austin with her hands on her hips. “Fine. I guess it’s clear who you want to be with. I quit. I’ll have my desk cleared out on Monday.” She put her nose in the air and waltzed off.

Austin sighed with relief, running his hand through his hair.

“What was that about?” Marcy asked, turning to him. He looked down at her as they wrapped their arms around one another. “It seemed to be one last attempt to get me to go out with her.”

Marcy put her head on his chest, holding him tight against her. She pulled back and looked up at him. “I’m glad she quit. She’s the only staff member I can’t stand,” Marcy said, rolling her eyes.

“Me, too. Besides, you’re the only woman I want, ever.” He leaned down, giving her a tender kiss then stepped back, taking her hand in his so they could go back inside.

“Austin?” Marcy stopped and looked at him, puzzled.

“Yes?”

“Why did you want me outside while you spoke with her?” she asked.

“I didn’t want her to lie about what we were doing out here. I knew that if we confronted her together, she couldn’t cause any more trouble. I didn’t expect her to quit. Not that I mind,” Austin laughed.

Marcy pulled his hand to her lips and kissed it. “I’m sorry about letting her come between us before.”

Austin squeezed her hand. “I understand why you did. I’m glad you’re with me now.”

Marcy grinned. “Would you like to dance?”

He raised his eyebrows. “I’d like that,” he said as they made their way inside.

When they reached the party room where the other staff members were dancing, they stopped and turned to one another.

A slow song was playing. He put his hand out, and Marcy placed her tiny hand in his as they pulled each other close.

His arms slipped around her waist while she draped her arms around his neck.

She was a good foot shorter than he was, but he loved how she fit so perfectly in his arms.

Bern grinned at them as they approached the table after their dance. “What happened with Sheila? She stormed in and grabbed her purse, and left,” he asked.

Austin laughed. “She quit. I guess we need a new marketing person. We’ll discuss it later.”

“Oh.” Bern had a quizzical look on his face.

Marcy put one finger in the air. “I know someone who might be perfect for the job. I’ll make a call next week.” Both men nodded.

Marcy winked at Austin when Bern looked away. Austin wondered what she was planning.