Page 50 of Howling Mad
“I was just thinking how glad I am to have answered Red’s ad for a matchmaker.I didn’t really think I’d find my own perfect match in the process, but the universe has a way of surprising us, I guess.”
He grins and squeezes my hand where it rests on his thigh.“Maybe we were her most oblivious duo, but not anymore.”
I nod my agreement as we enter the city, where we belong, with each other and in our perfect space.
Chapter 16
Michael
“Areyousureaboutthis?”I adjust my bow tie for the twelfth time, staring at my reflection in the mirror with growing skepticism.“We could claim food poisoning?Sudden onset wolf flu?Spontaneous combustion?”
Red’s annual shifter gala looms, and my stomach churns at the thought of being the evening’s featured “success story.”Two weeks have passed since the pack gathering disaster, and I’ve successfully avoided all calls from my father while throwing myself into work and my relationship with Finley.Now, Red wants to parade us in front of the entire local clientele as her crowning matchmaking achievement.
“We already promised Red,” she calls from the bathroom, where she’s been sequestered with Penelope for over an hour.“Besides, it’s good publicity for the agency.”
“I’m not concerned about the agency’s publicity,” I mutter, tugging at my collar.“I’m concerned about my father hearing about this and showing up to deliver another lecture on appropriate wolf mating practices.”
Penelope emerges from the bathroom, looking uncharacteristically disheveled despite her stylish jumpsuit.She wipes sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.“Trust me, after what we just went through in there, you’re attending this gala if I have to drag you there myself.”
“What, exactly, is happening in my bathroom?”I peer past her with growing alarm.
“Shapewear emergency,” she says grimly, “involving olive oil, brute force, and tactical MMA maneuvers I normally reserve for championship bouts.”Before I can process this disturbing information, she grabs my arm, pulling me away from the door.“No peeking.The grand reveal requires proper staging.”
I check my watch, anxiety mounting.“We’re going to be late.”
“Worth it,” she assures me with a knowing smirk.“Totally worth it.”
Twenty minutes later, I’m pacing the living room when I hear the bathroom door open.I turn, and every coherent thought evaporates from my brain.
Finley stands in the doorway in a vibrant red dress that seems to glow against her skin.Unlike her usual professional attire that downplays her curves, this dress celebrates them by hugging her waist and flowing over her hips.The neckline showcases the elegant line of her collarbone and a hint of generous cleavage.Her hair falls in un-frizzed waves around her shoulders, and her eyes seem more amber than brown, enhanced by whatever makeup magic Penelope has worked.
She looks powerful, confident, and breathtaking.I’m dimly aware that I’m staring open-mouthed, but I can’t seem to form words.
“See?”Penelope nudges Finley.“I told you his brain would short-circuit.”
Finley blushes, fidgeting with the dress.“Is it too much?I almost went with the black one instead, but Penelope insisted.“
“You’re perfect,” I finally manage, crossing the room to take her hands.“Absolutely perfect.”
“Told you the industrial-strength shapewear was worth it,” Penelope stage-whispers.“Even if I did have to literally wrestle her into it.”
Finley’s blush deepens.“We don’t need to discuss the shapewear situation, and on that disturbing note…” Finley grabs her wrap and purse.“We should go.”
“Pictures first.”Penelope produces a camera from nowhere, forcing us into various poses while providing unhelpful directions like “look less terrified, Michael” and “try to appear like you haven’t just witnessed a murder, Finley.”
Finally escaping Penelope’s impromptu photoshoot, we make our way to the waiting car.I help Finley into the backseat, still somewhat dazed.
“You really do look beautiful,” I tell her once we’re settled.“I almost walked into that ficus plant when I saw you.”
She laughs, relaxing slightly.“That’s precisely the reaction I was hoping for.Ficus-related injuries.”
The drive to the venue passes too quickly while Finley briefs me on what to expect.Apparently, Red turns these galas into elaborate showcases of her matchmaking prowess with successful couples taking center stage throughout the evening.As Romance Expected’s newest “star match,” we’ll be expected to share our story during the formal recognition ceremony.
“Just follow my lead.”Finley squeezes my hand.“Remember, most of these shifters are clients or potential clients.They’re on our side.”
Her reassurance calms me until we arrive at the venue, which is an elegantly renovated historical building with elaborate stonework and discreet security measures designed for shifter events.The entrance bustles with activity, couples and groups in formal wear filing through the doors.
“Ready?”she asks, checking my bow tie one last time.
