Page 14 of Bear Boss's Mate
Why me?She’d been asking herself ever since he suggested taking her out. Now the night was here, and there was no backing down.
Marcy was standing in her closet, wrapped in only a large towel. In each hand was a different dress. She held them up in front of her, trying to decide which one to wear. Since she wasn’t sure where he planned to take her, she wanted to dress up, just in case.
She chose a black sequin and bead dress with a low draped panel, revealing some of her back. After spending extra time trying to tame her hair, she left it flowing down her back and draping over her shoulders.
While she got ready and applied her makeup, she noticed her hands weren’t shaking at the thought of seeing Austin. This surprised her.
The reality of spending time with him outside of work did have a certain thrilling aspect to it. Perhaps things would change when she saw him, and her anxiety would be back?
Checking her look in the mirror, she hoped she wouldn’t make a fool of herself around Austin. She hadn’t been out with anyone since Mick-the-dick.
Marcy wanted any future relationship to be one with respect and love. There was no way she was going to open herself up to being hurt again. Unless she was sure the guy was worth her time.
She liked Austin very much, but she had no expectations. How could she? She told herself this date was just a way for herto get back into the swing of things. She was lonely, spending every weekend on her own because of Mick.
Austin seemed like a good man. She had to confess she wondered what he was like outside the office. He was quiet and composed around others at work. Much the same as she was when she was at work.
She’d regret not going out with him at least once. Besides, what woman wouldn’t want to date Austin Morgan?
Marcy smiled at her reflection. She was ready for her date. She inhaled and exhaled a deep breath, and then went to the living room to wait for Austin.
Moments later, the apartment intercom rang. Marcy’s heart raced.He’s early.She padded over to answer it. Her stomach fluttered like crazy.
“Hey,” said Marcy, pressing the intercom button, trying to sound calm.
A male voice answered back. “Hi, it’s Mick. Let me come up?”
Marcy stepped back from the intercom.What’s he doing here?She took a few more steps back as he continued to buzz her apartment. She found it hard to breathe and began to shake.
Marcy looked at the clock on her DVR. Austin was due to pick her up within the next fifteen minutes. She hugged herself as she waited.
Several more minutes passed. The intercom was silent, so she sat back down in her armchair. She let out a breath she’d been holding. Some of the tension in her body began to ease.
There was a sudden sharp knock at her door. Marcy was startled and put a hand to her mouth. Grimacing, she stood, then tiptoed toward the door and peered out the peephole. Mick’s voice startled her again with another furious knock. “Open the door.”
She jumped back from the door, cupping her cheeks. Then closed her eyes.Go away.Her eyes moistened.
“Hey, open up.” Mick’s voice sounded candy-sweet this time. He shook the door handle, trying to get in.
Marcy cringed. The pounding on the door continued, becoming more insistent. Marcy’s entire body tensed as fear threaded through her. A wave of nausea struck. She put a hand to her stomach and a palm to her forehead.
What should I do?Her mind and heart raced. Moving to the armchair, she faced the door. “Go away! Leave me alone.”
There was a quiet pause. Marcy thought for a moment about what her options were and decided there was only one thing shecoulddo. There was no way she was letting Mick into her apartment.
She ran to the table beside the sofa and grabbed her cell phone. Thumbing through the phone, she found Austin’s number and called it. She tapped her fingers to her lips as she waited for him to pick up.
He answered after two rings. “Hi. I’m nearly there.” Austin’s voice was jovial.
A pang of guilt went through her about calling him, but it was quickly overridden by her fear of Mick. “Austin, help. I’m afraid. Mick is here. He’s banging on my door.” Her voice was tight.
A low growl vibrated through the phone. When Austin spoke, his voice was steady but filled with concern. “I’m around the corner. I’ll be right there. Stay on the line with me. Don’t hang up.”
“Okay.” Marcy closed her eyes. Calm washed over her now that Austin was on the other end of the phone with her. She focused on Austin’s voice, as though he were next to her, whispering softly in her ear. Clutching the phone tight, she listened to his breathing.
The knocking at her door was becoming more intense again, bringing her back to the room. “I just want to talk to you,” Mick yelled through the door.
Marcy moved the phone away from her mouth for a moment to yell at the door. “I’ve called someone. You better leave.”
