Page 37 of Bear Boss's Mate
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 oneanother. “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.
