Page 14 of Bear In Mind

“I was hoping Bear had called in for you.”She pouted.

I froze, mid tug of my leggings.Dread weighted like a heavy anchor in my gut.“You didn’t.”I cringed, meeting her gaze, quietly pleading with her.“Please tell me you didn’t, Tiff.”

“Hell yeah I did.”She sat up on the bed, crossing her legs.“I can’t wait until you tell that prick to shove his Styrofoam cups where the sun don’t shine.”

Jerking my leggings the rest of the way off, I put on my uniform.“I can’t wait to quit either, but I need to find something else first.”I shimmied my jeans into place, going back to my closet for my black flats.“Truthfully, I actually like the job and the customers.It’s the pay and the cranky boss that I don’t like.”

“I couldn’t do it.I would have poured a fucking barrel’s worth of hot coffee on the douche by now, especially after called you a retard in front of everyone.”Hopping off the bed, she followed me into the bathroom, giving me very little breathing room.

“To be fair, he didn’t call me a retard; he only asked if I was one.”I clipped back a small portion of my hair, taking a moment to straighten my earrings and glasses.I didn’t have time to do my make-up, so this would have to be put together enough.

She shook her head dismissively.“Same difference, babe.He implied that you were one in front of an audience.It’s fucking harassment on some corporate level, I’m sure.We should sue him for all he’s got.”She was working herself up, bouncing on her feet.

Rolling my eyes, I let out a humorless snicker.“That’s not how it works.There are a ton of assholes in the world, I just happen to work for a big one.”Giving myself one last rapid check in the mirror, I ambled back out to the living room in search of my purse.I quickly spotted it hanging on a dining room chair.Throwing it on my left forearm, I cried out, my heart taking off as I let the tote drop to the floor in a thud.

A fist pounded on the front door, starling me again.“Bryn!”Jake’s voice boomed beyond the barrier towards us.

“Shit.You okay, B?”Tiff picked up the bag, her brows furrowed with concern as she assessed me.

My gaze bounced between her and the door.Blowing out a small breath, my heart continued to beat faster than normal.“I’m okay.Just habit; that’s all.”My hands trembled, my nerves a mess for no reason.

Another bang sounded on the door, vibrating the wood.“Bryn.”

Shaking out my hand, as if I could flick the pain away, I refocused on the door.Opening it, I came face to face with a hyper alert shifter.There was no denying it this time: his eyes had glowing honey striations.

His hands gripped the door frame, his knuckles white from the strain, as he hovered over me, thoroughly scrutinizing me.“What happened?”he demanded.There was a rumbly tone to his voice, almost like he was about to snarl.

Instead of slowing, my heartbeat quickened.I was looking at a person, a creature, that didn’t exist to most of the world.It was a humbling notion, one that turned me into the creepy kid dressed in black that stares but never speaks.I couldn’t help it, though.All clarity fell away as I studied his eyes, mesmerized, thoroughly entranced.It looked like he had crackles, flickers of lightning flashing in his irises.

Suddenly, Tiffany was pushing her way between me and the door.The moment he was in her sights, the proof was gone, tucked away; literally in the blink of his eyes, no luminance remained.

She nudged my side.“You need to get going, B.I’ll lock up for ya’.”She handed me my purse.

Jake continued to gape at me.Determination was vivid in his expression.“I’m following you.”He lost some of his intensity as he backed up and gestured for me to lead the way.

“You mess with my friend, muscle, and I’ll turn you into scraps.”Tiff cut her eyes at him, puffing her chest like a dragon, readying to hurl flames.

Amusement lit his depths, but not in the way his animal did.“Wouldn’t dream of it.”He smirked.

“I’ve got my eye on you.”She moved two fingers in front of her eyes.The action was a period, an extension of her statement.

He barely contained his chuckle, his grin full of mischief.“And I’ve got my eyes on her.”He was mocking her.

Tiff scowled, cutting her eyes at him, but didn’t keep going.“Message me later, babe.”She gave my rear asset a quick squeeze, her gape never deviating from Jake.

Knowing the minutes were ticking by, I ignored her inappropriate power play and leapt into action.I brushed past them, practically skipping down the stairs, casting a rushed, “I will,” back at her.

I didn’t have to look behind me to know Jake was following.I didn’t know what Bear expected to happen, but a body guard was a waste on me.Last night was the last time I would ever step foot in a bar, no matter how much pleading Tiff did in the future, and, aside from a moody boss who sometimes had fits that rivaled any spoiled toddler, nothing happened at work.

Wrenching my car door open, I slid behind the wheel, tossing my medium-sized, knock-off tote on the passenger seat.My anxiety doubled when I turned on my older model car and saw the time.Oh God.Reversing out of the parking spot, I sped off towards quaint, downtown Black Fall, praying to all that was holy that I made it in time.

Maneuvering through the small mountain town, I paid no mind to who was behind me on the trip or who was watching when I kissed my steering wheel upon parking at exactly 1:57pm, three minutes before my shift started.

Chapter Eleven

Bear

“That one.”I pointed at the display phone.It was the same brand she had but the newest model.

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