AllFreeNovel
Share Us
They kept up their taunts and accusations, but I tuned them out, waiting for the perfect opportunity to walk toward the kitchen without them following me like hecklers on a dirty street corner. We hadn’t drawn much of a crowd, but people were looking, and I definitely didn’t need someone to take a video of this.
As I stood there occupied by my thoughts, I felt it again—that familiar and not wholly unpleasant tug in my chest. I couldn’t fake it. There was no way I could trick anyone into feeling it. My mate.
I spotted Bryce over Cecily’s shoulder—Sabrina had enjoyed a few rolls in the hay with him—and then I caught a glimpse of Ty coming in from the back entrance of the club. He wore a pair of khaki shorts that went almost to his knees and a blue polo shirt. His hair was windblown, and his face was red, probably because he’d just come off the golf course, but he still looked fine as hell.
He lifted his gaze, and it locked on me. A slow smile spread across his face. Without a doubt, he felt the pull, too. He froze.
Cecily and Kelis continued patronizing me, completely unaware that my fated mate had walked into the room. I didn’t even bother trying to process their words as Ty strode in my direction.
His smooth and confident voice broke through their comments. He didn’t glance away from me as he spoke to Cecily and her clone. “Need I remind you two that gossip and rumors aren’t very ladylike. Chances are, you’ll never find a mate that way. You should know better.” He looked pointedly at Kelis. “You carry the Keller name and are an extension of my family. I expect you to behave as such.”
His voice was deep and commanding, sending chills through my body. I stared at his full lips, imagining how they might part or pucker if I stepped closer to him. His presence had some sort of magical effect on me that warmed me and softened my anger. It was as alarming as it was pure and perfect.
Cecily and Kelis looked at each other, their faces turning red.
“I apologize, Ty.” Kelis folded her hands behind her back and stared at the floor.
“Your apology should be directed at Liza.” He stared deep into my eyes as I pushed my feet harder onto the floor, hoping to anchor my body so I didn’t fall over.
He knew my name.
That was surprising, but I couldn’t focus on it. My brain had turned to mush as I breathed in Ty’s musky scent. This man was as intoxicating as anything I’d ever had to drink.
Desire surged. Feelings overpowered, primal and powerful.
Kelis sighed loudly and turned to face me. “I’m sorry.” She spewed the words as if she might vomit on my shoes, but she had done as Ty asked.
She and Cecily bowed their heads in deference before heading in the opposite direction like two scolded puppies. I didn’t mind seeing it. Didn’t mind that he’d humiliated them. Didn’t even mind that they were ugly on the inside. All I cared about was that he was standing here. With me.
Once Ty and I were alone, a long, awkward silence filled the air between us. I had no idea what to do or say and found myself moving my arms into different positions. I rubbed my hands up and down my apron, crossed and uncrossed my arms, wrung my hands. Nothing felt natural, except being near him.
Apparently, he didn’t know the correct protocol, either. He shifted nervously from foot to foot, although he was grinning like a schoolboy.
Did I detect a red glow emanating from his cheeks?
Holy fuck. That only made him hotter.
Finally, he broke the silence. Clearing his throat, he placed his hand on his chest. “I’m Ty Keller.” He smiled shyly and held out his hand.
“I know.” I allowed him to take my hand in his and almost recoiled from the overwhelming sensation of his touch. Electricity zinged through my body.
It was then that I knew for certain Ty Keller was my fated mate. Everything felt right and complete, despite the onlookers and the harassment I’d just endured from Kelis and Cecily.
I could only hope he felt the same way.
He smiled sweetly, and I couldn’t look away. I didn’t want to. “So, it looks like fate has chosen us. Though this isn’t exactly how I planned to approach you after such a surprising revelation.” He looked me up and down, and there was nothing skeevy about it. “I have to agree with fate, though. It knew what it was doing.”
My heart skipped a beat, took a break, then raced ahead. I had no idea what was happening on my face. I hoped I was smiling, but I couldn’t be sure.
Damn nerves.
I was so flustered by this man, his voice, those eyes, and his handsome face, that I was almost certainly making a fool out of myself. It probably wasn’t very wise to open my mouth and make matters worse, but I had to say something. Damned if I knew what, though.
I mustered up every ounce of confidence I possessed. “I’m Liza. Liza Mims.” Clearing my throat, I tried to make a second coherent statement. “I’m supposed to be working right now, making lunch for the event. I was on my way to the kitchen when Cecily and Kelis stopped me. Wow, those two sure have a lot to say.”
I nervously covered my mouth with my hand, pinching my lower lip with my fingers. When I wasn’t sure what to say these days, I said everything. Babbled.
Damn it.
