Page 18 of Bear Boss's Mate
It felt good to relax and have only a sense of anticipation. But would he expect her to sleep with him? What if he did? Would she do it? She couldn’t allow herself to go there right now. Itwastoo soon to be intimate with Austin.
Getting involved with her boss could blow up in her face.
Her thoughts were brought back to the car when they reached his property. Marcy’s face betrayed her surprise with the size and style of his home.
“Your house is beautiful,” she said, looking over at Austin.
“Thank you. It’s big. And quiet. I had it built to my own specifications. I want a big family one day, so I had to build a large house.” He shrugged.
Marcy turned to look back at the house.
Austin was quiet a moment and then asked, “do you see yourself with kids one day?”
Marcy was surprised at the question. “Yes. I do. Several, actually. I come from a large family. It’s nice when you’re growing up, to have a full house.” She walked alongside Austin as he led the way inside.
The house had a wraparound porch and was painted a light color. There was a small stone walkway that led from the garage to the front door. Stepping inside the home, she admired the hardwood floors and modern decor. Her apartment was insignificant in comparison.
Once they were inside, he took her coat and hung it up in a hall closet. He then removed his suit jacket and draped it over a dining chair they passed on the way to the kitchen.
“Do you want something to drink?” he asked as he stood in the massive kitchen.
“Sure. That sounds fine.” Marcy tucked her hair behind her ears and stepped up to the counter.
She couldn’t help imagining living there with him, even if it was something that could never happen. She beamed, glad she’d agreed to go with him.
It’s all the wine,the skeptical voice in her head admonished. Marcy resisted a chuckle. She didn’t need wine to fantasize about Austin. She found herself smiling from ear to ear.
Marcy watched as he took a chilled bottle of Chardonnay from the fridge and poured them each a glass.
Passing one to her, he motioned for her to follow him.
CHAPTER NINE
BOTH AUSTIN AND MARCYmade themselves comfortable on the couch and angled themselves to face one another. The chemistry between them had been strong all evening, and Austin found himself even more interested in Marcy after spending the last few hours alone with her.
He was glad to learn that she, too, wanted to have a large family. The idea of his mate and his future children living in the house he’d built filled him with joy. His fingers itched to reach out and touch her. To stroke her cheek. Her hair. Her soft skin. She was perfect for him.
Hisperfect mate.
Lost in her expressive eyes, he wondered if he’d be able to stop at just one kiss. With the way his inner bear had been roaring to get out all night, he wasn’t so sure. Marcy looked down at her lap for a moment and back at him, licking her delicious lips.
“I’m glad you trusted me enough to come back here,” he joked. “You seemed to be avoiding me since you started working for us.” He winked and reached out to touch Marcy’s hand. The sizzle of energy between them only reaffirmed what he knew. What his bear knew. She was his mate.
Mine,his bear roared.
She responded by stroking his hand with her fingers. “I wouldn’t have come back here if I didn’t think it was safe.”
Austin scrutinized her. If she wasn’t scared of him. Then what was it that kept her away? “So, why have you been avoiding me?” he asked.
Marcy blushed and looked away.
Austin reached out with one hand and turned her chin to face him.
She shrugged. “The truth?” asked Marcy, raising her brows.
He dropped his hand into his lap. “Always.” Her scent was intoxicating, and he was finding it hard to sit still.
“I find you. I mean... seeing you. The way you are. You are a bitdistracting.” She drawled the last word.
