I eased up to the bar and batted my eyelashes.“You wouldn’t happen to have any leftovers from lunch in the back, would you?”
“Yes, ma’am.Can I fix you something?”
“I actually dropped by to speak to Calvin about a problem customer he had last week, but I’ll get back to him.I’m on my way home and too exhausted to cook.Would it be a bother to put it in one of those little containers?”
“No trouble.”
“What was on the menu?”
“Meat loaf, bacon mac ’n’ cheese, green beans, and buttermilk biscuits.”
“Sounds delicious.”
He waved at Mercy and motioned for her to come over.“Is Lucian still working at your place?I can fix him a plate too.”
“Yes.In fact, do you have enough for three plates?”
“You bet.Back in a wink.”Bear exited the bar by the kitchen, and when Mercy approached, he kissed her on the head.“Can you take over the bar for a few minutes?”
She gave him a pat on the behind.“As long as I can sit my tushy down when you’re done.I need a break.”
I enjoyed seeing those two.They were not only opposite in physical size but also personality.She was petite and spicy, and Bear was on the quiet side.
After he disappeared behind the swing doors, I leaned against the saddle barstool.“Calvin should get regular barstools,” I suggested.“It’s impossible for a lady to sit on these in a skirt.”
She poured herself a glass of water.“You ain’t lyin’, but he’s married to those hideous things.Maybe I can talk him into switching one out for the girls.How’s Lucian coming along with the job?”
“Great, I think.We’re like two ships passing in the night most days, but I trust him.I’ve been busy with work and mating ceremonies.Everyone loves to get mated in the spring.”
She fluffed up her silver hair and then set her empty glass in the sink.“Bear and I have been thinking about another vacation, but it’s hard to get away from the responsibilities here.This place would fall apart without us.”
I chuckled when I thought of how much the two had changed this bar for the better.“It certainly might be chaotic, but Calvin would survive.You deserve a vacation, and it’s nice to see a newly mated couple enjoying their lives together.”
When the jukebox switched over to a country song, a few men in the back hollered.
“Lucian told me about the new baby in the pack.I can’t wait to meet him.”
Mercy gave a megawatt smile.“Little Jasper’s as sweet as a pot of honey.But he’s a hungry little man!Already keeping them up all night with the feedings, but Tak’s in charge of the night shift so Hope can sleep.Sometimes I find him passed out in the living room with the baby sleeping on his chest.One time, he laid out a thick blanket on the floor for Jasper and him to lie on.I walked in the next morning and found his wolf curled up around the baby like a wall of fur.He’s so protective.”
“Whenever they’re ready to officially put him in our books, give me a call.Some people bring the babies up to the jailhouse, but that’s no place for a newborn.I’ll come by and do the paperwork there.”
“I’ll let him know.”
While Mercy filled a few drink orders, I drowned myself in my thoughts.Lucian and I hadn’t been intimate since that first night, and I was beginning to wonder if that might be the end of our affair.I’d been so busy with work, and by the time I got home, he was either gone or working out on the property.Though I’d given Lucian a key, he hadn’t abused that privilege by staying late or stopping in at unexpected hours.Completely respectful.
And yet… I wanted nothing more than to feel him again.To smell his skin and taste his mouth on mine.It felt like we’d made a connection.
Maybe it’s all in my head.He probably just wanted a one-night stand.That’s what they all want.Chitahs are about kindred spirits, and I’m sure he regrets having sex with a Council member.It might hurt his reputation.He’s right.It could.Lucian’s smart—I’m sure he decided his job was more important than his dick.Or maybe he’s not as attracted to me as I am to him.But we had such good chemistry.
I closed my eyes.
If only he knew how much I crave his touch.
“Here you go!”Bear set down a plastic sack in front of me, and I counted four Styrofoam containers.
“I only needed three.”
“Those are extra biscuits.It’s all cold, so you’ll have to heat it up when you get home.”
