Page 29 of Purrfectly Kissed

“Kylie is a new member of our Pride. She moved here from North Carolina and was actually really shy about meeting you.”

“Oh, well, no worries. When she is ready, you can send her my information.”

“I will. She’s a terrific person. She lives just upstairs, and seriously, her designs are great. I am wearing one of the strapless bras and matching panties right now. I swear, Uncle Uzzi, it feels like I’m naked under my clothes,” Jessica whispered conspiratorially.

“Ha ha. Good, yes. I love that you are able to chat with me like I am family, yes?”

“I’m sorry, is that too much info?”

“Not at all, dear. I am, after all, Uncle Uzzi. Plus, it is a great selling point. Every well-endowed woman wants her under garments to fit comfortably. I think between that, and of course the added sex appeal, make these designs amazing. You know, I think I will take a few more cards. Thank you. Now, tell me the truth about your date.”

“Oh, Uncle Uzzi.”

Jessica’s face fell even as she loaded a few more cards, flyers, and postcards into Uncle Uzzi’s bag.

“Look, I know you are good at your job, but maybe you made a mistake.”

“It has happened, though rarely. But why do you think so, my dear?” Uncle Uzzi asked, his blue eyes twinkling with magic.

“It’s no secret, I am into Brayden, but he is obviously not interested in me. It’s been two days, and I haven’t heard from him.”

“Two days? Hmm. Well, I know from your brother they have been dealing with new projects and preparing for the trial with the Council of Shifters for that miserable wretch, Blake. Perhaps the Bear had been tied up in meetings? I think maybe you might give him some time, Jessica. But not too much,” he replied, a teasing grin spread across his face at the last.

“Alright,” she said.

“I guess I should follow your advice, but really, I understand if I am not what he wants in a mate.”

“Listen to me now, Jessica Maverick,” Uncle Uzzi said, his voice thick with what sounded like Eastern Europe in his accent.

“Sometimes a woman has to take the bull, or in this case,the Bear, by the horns. Look deep inside of yourself and decide if he is the one for you. DO not wait for him, because if he is your mate, then he is worth the risk. You think about that,” Uncle Uzzi replied.

The old Witch squeezed her hand then stood up with his bag full of Jessica’s cards and flyers. He dropped an air kiss beside her cheek and patted her arm before turning one last time.

“Now, I must go. My driver waits to take me back to the Pride House, but you can depend on my clients reaching out soon. Oh, look at the time. I am late already for my meeting with the Neta,” Uncle Uzzi said, and huffed out a breath.

His magic sparked, and he gave Jess a small wink before he headed out the door. He’d moved so quickly, the Tiger Shifter could not even reply.

Jessica’s head was spinning. She picked up a business card that must have dropped from the pile she’d given the Witch, and shivers of magic shot through her arm. Shaking the teal paper, she shook off the brush with Uzzi’s magic and returned it to the pile on the counter.

Jessica’s Closetwas done entirely in shades of teal and silver. It was her own little homage to the Maverick family sigil, taken from the color of their eyes.

The unique teal was passed down from generation to generation. A strong trait the Mavericks were proud of. It was her best feature if she said so herself.

Looking around, she sighed wistfully. This place was her dream, her passion, and it was doing very well.

But just lately, she wanted more. Especially since big brother had found his fated mate in Elissa. The Nari was just amazing, and Jess could not be happier for her brother. He deserved that kind of fairytale love, the happily ever after, no holds barred, soul searing, passion that she had dreamed about since she was a cub.

The thing of it was Jessica wanted that too.

Home, family, mate, cubs.

It was a mantra her Tiger kept repeating in her mind. And what’s more, she wanted a kiss. And not just any kiss. She wanted the kiss.

The perfect kiss.

A kiss that makes my Tiger purr.

The question was, was the big Bear the man to do it?

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