Page 27 of Into the Lion's Den (Secrets of the Northland Shifters)

I’d also strung red and white plastic fishing bobbers around the room like garland and draped a large net on the wall behind the buffet. I’d strategically placed about fifty colorful origami fish in its mesh.

Adding an extra layer of anxiety to my already nerve-racking day, for some reason Reese had fired the banquet hostess and told me that I was taking over her duties for the night.

I’d immediately called John Riordan and shared the guest list with him. None of the names were on John’s watch list.

That had certainly helped to calm my nerves, or at least brought them down to more every-day concerns, like how to best camouflage the last of my bruise, and what in the hell I should wear.

Most of the outfits I’d brought were designed for the casual nature of the lodge. I’d never planned on being public-facing, but I had packed a few nice things, including a cobalt-blue dress made of iridescent fish-scale sequins.

I’d brought it in case there was a staff New Year’s Eve party at the lodge, but the fish scales fit the night’s theme perfectly, so I was calling it a win.

That’s when I heard a low, rumbling voice from behind me—a voice I was getting to know all too well.

“What in the holy hell are you wearing?”

I immediately felt the tingle of anticipation creep over my skin before I slowly turned around.

Reese was dressed in dark trousers and a buttoned sage-green shirt that matched his eyes. No tie and—small miracles—no backward facing ball cap. Still, his tall, muscular body and thick, dark brown hair were enough to drive any woman insane.

“It’s a hostess dress,” I said.

“It’s a fucking liability.” He sounded exasperated.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I shivered under his gaze, but I was determined to hold my own in this conversation, even if his growly nature made me want to duck and cover. “I’m on theme. Fish scales. See?”

He looked me up and down, then sucked in a ragged breath and flicked his finger at the mini chalkboard. “And what’s this?”

“Decorations.”

He exhaled and glanced around the room, taking in all my efforts. “This is my fault. We probably should have talked more about your plans ahead of time.”

I muttered, “We should probably talk more—period.”

His clear green eyes snapped back to me. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Seriously? He thought I hadn’t noticed? “Ever since the first-aid closet, you’ve been avoiding me.”

There. I said it. It had been bothering me for days. Sam said I shouldn’t take Reese’s mood personally, but I didn’t believe that for a second. I may not have fully admitted my secret identity to Reese, but he knew I was in trouble and that my trouble could potentially follow me to his resort.

I was sure he’d been considering me a potential liability long before he saw my dress.

His eyes flashed. “I have not been avoiding you.”

“Oh. My mistake, then.” I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist before I took my first step away.

“If you haven’t noticed…” His voice was nearly a snarl. “We’ve had some unexpected issues this season. A season that’s only just started.”

I flinched. I’d watched from my office window as the original hostess had gotten into her Lyft, crying. I assumed it was an isolated incident, though the rumors I’d heard in town about the family needing to sell the resort still lingered in the back of my mind. Were other employees to follow?

“I need this job,” I whispered.

He pulled me closer, bringing his head alongside mine and his mouth close to my ear. His warm breath moved my hair when he said, “Everyoneneeds their job.”

My whole body trembled. “I need it more than most.”

Reese leaned back. Curiosity—or maybe even concern—crossed his face as he likely remembered what I’d let slip in the first-aid closet.

His voice softened, now more like a purr than a growl. “Your job isn’t in jeopardy, Sarah. I meant what I said before. You’re safe with me.”

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