Huh.I kind of liked it when he did it.
I hoped like hell he didn’t notice how flustered I was.It seemed that flustered was becoming my normal state.“You could put every breakfast place in Texas out of business if you wanted.”
He snorted.“Not with my cooking.Just ask my cousins.”But the plate he set in front of me contained a perfect omelet with cheese, and plenty of crispy bacon on the side.My anxiety about the day ahead faded just a little as I dug in.
I tried to keep things casual, but my curiosity won out.“So, I have to ask, why ‘Bad Bear Security’?Are you a Bears fan?Or is there some secret bear club in town I don’t know about?”
Mack grinned, his eyes glinting with amusement.“You could say I have a thing for bears.It’s a long story, but let’s just say it fits.”
I raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to it, but let it drop for now.The truth was, everything about this man was mysterious and compelling.I had a feeling there was a whole lot that I didn’t know about Mack Kingston.
“Well, it’s memorable,” I said, sipping my coffee.
After a quick shower and one last pep talk with Muffin about being on her best behavior, I studied myself in the mirror.My dress was simple but professional—a soft blue that brought out my eyes, a little fitted at the waist, just short enough to feel new and different.But standing there, I felt like I was playing dress up.I was used to waiting on tables, not answering phones and typing shit.What if I messed this up?What if I didn’t fit in?What the hell would I do then?I had no money and no place to go if this didn’t work out.
I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and reminded myself I’d survived worse.Besides, Mack believed in me.That had to count for something.I hoped.
The drive to Bad Bear Security was short, but the closer we got, the more I started to feel like a spaz.
“Are you okay?”Mack asked, breaking the silence.
“Yeah.Just nervous.It’s my first day and all.What if I fuck up and piss the boss off?”I kept my voice light to act like I was joking, but I wasn’t.I was dead serious.What if I did fuck this up?I lied my ass off on my resume and to Mack’s face when we met.
The building was sleek and modern, nestled in a thick stand of trees on the edge of town.As soon as we stepped inside, I realized Mack had spared no expense—everything gleamed, from the polished floors to the glass-walled offices.It felt both intimidating and exciting.What the hell was I getting myself into?
He led me down a hallway to a spacious office suite.My new desk was set up right outside his office.It was sleek and professional, with a high-end computer, an intimidating phone system with more buttons than I knew what to do with.The surprise was a little arrangement of fresh flowers.
“Lilies.My favorite.”I smiled at Mack.
“Here you are,” Mack said.“You’ll be my gatekeeper.Phones, scheduling, typing up proposals… and keeping me sane.”
I grinned, taking a seat and running my hands over the smooth desktop.“I’ll do my best.Just don’t blame me if I get your coffee order wrong.”
He winked.“You’ll catch on fast.I’ll be in my office if you need anything.”
The morning passed in a blur of new faces and tasks.Thankfully, my years of waitressing taught me an easy trick to remember names.
Mack showed me how to answer phones with the right balance of friendliness and professionalism, then he handed me a stack of reports to type.I tried to type quietly, aware of every click and clack, but Mack didn't seem to mind.So, I let my fingers fly and didn’t worry about the noise from the keyboard.Thank God I was good with computers, and typing came easily.For the first time, I felt like I might actually be able to do this job!
It wasn’t long before I met some of the other security guys—Colt, Jax, and Levi.Holy Hell!Every single one of these mofos looked like they belonged on the cover of a romance novel: tall, broad-shouldered, and exuding raw strength.And they were all ridiculously good-looking.Not a one of them sported a wedding ring.
How the hell was I supposed to work under these conditions?What was in the water here, anyway?
Colt grinned at me as he passed by.“Welcome to the team, Audrey.”
“Let us know if Mack gives you too much trouble,” Jax added with a wink.
Levi just nodded, his eyes sparkled with mischief.“He’s the best boss around, but don’t let him hear you say that.”
I laughed nervously, feeling out of place in my dress and heels but grateful for their easy camaraderie.Still, I couldn’t shake the worry that everyone could tell I was just a waitress playing office girl.I hoped no one saw through me.
That’s when Mack stepped out of his office, coffee mug in hand, and shot the guys a look that could have frozen lava.There was a low, unmistakable rumble—a growl—from deep in his chest.The men instantly stiffened, their smiles faltering.Colt cleared his throat and mumbled something about paperwork.Jax and Levi backed away toward their offices, suddenly very busy with anything that wasn’t me.
I stared after them, wide-eyed, then looked at Mack.“Was that… did you just growl at them?”
He shrugged, completely unbothered.“They know not to mess around.”
Somehow, that should have made me more nervous.Instead, it made me feel… wanted.Protected.Which was ridiculous, considering how out of my depth I felt.
