Besides, the towns of Lyon County could all use some young, fresh blood.

  Tigress is just a starting point.

  Eventually, I’d like to expand and make sure that more and more people in the area are able to enjoy low-cost and affordable housing that will enable them to pursue the things they really want to do, whether that be work or study or anything in-between.

  “No fuss so far,” Justin says, drawing me back to the present. “But you know how the rumor mill is.”

  “Do I?”

  He raises and eyebrow and shoots me a look like he has no interest in me playing dumb.

  “All right, all right,” I say. “Fair enough.”

  It’s no secret that small towns love gossip. In fact, gossip is practically a hobby around these parts. People love making up stories about anyone and everyone, especially when the “anyone and everyone” involved happen to be out-of-towners. What better way to spread a juicy story than to throw a stranger into the mix? At least, that’s how people around Tigress seem to think.

  At some point, someone is going to start a rumor and we’re going to have to fight it. I have no idea what it’s going to be, so it’s impossible to prepare for. All I can do is make sure that I’m dotting all my i’s and crossing all my t’s. I just hope that’s going to be enough.

  Who knows whether it will be?

  Shifters are a feisty lot. If you piss off the wrong person, they’re going to cause trouble.

  “Don’t worry too much,” Justin says. “We’ll deal with any problems as they arise.”

  “Of course,” I agree, happy that he’s on my team. He’s one of the best employees I’ve got and honestly, he’s more of a friend than an employee at this point.

  I notice that Justin isn’t wearing is usual jeans and polo. Instead, he’s wearing khakis and a button down. It’s a little unusual for his normal style. Generally, Justin looks business-casual. Today he looks professional. I realize that work, for him, is simply a stop on his way to another place.

  “Hot date tonight?” I ask.

  “Yep.”

  “Wow, I didn’t expect you to say yes.”

  Honesty is always surprising to me, for some reason.

  “What did you expect? That I’m going home to watch reruns with my cat?”

  “Isn’t that what you usually do?”

  “Dude, nobody says reruns anymore,” he laughs. “You’re showing your age by the fact that you even knew what I was talking about. I stream and I hang out with my cat, yeah, but I do other stuff, too. Tonight, for example,” he motions to himself. “I have a date.”

  “Anyone I know?”

  “Considering the fact that our mating partners tend to be of opposite genders and species, I’d say no. Sorry, boss.” Justin shrugs.

  “Well, good luck to you both,” I say with a smile.

  “I don’t need your luck,” Justin says. “I’ve got this.” He motions to his body once more and I laugh as he heads outside. The door closes and I lean back in my chair.

  The world is moving quickly by me. Just a few years ago, I was a young lion in my prime and now? Justin is kind of right. I’m not old, but I’m 35, which is old enough to have a life partner. It’s old enough to have a mate. The reality is that I’ve just been caught up with my job and my business and growing my company.

  I haven’t really had time for anything else.

  Maybe I’ve been screwing up.

  Justin is an incredible employee and he’s a fantastic friend. He’s also gay and exclusively dates vampires. I’m a lion shifter and I exclusively date...

  Well, no one.

  I date no one.

  I really am turning into a bit of a recluse.

  The office is closed for the night. The rest of my team has gone home to their families, but I don’t really have anywhere to be. That’s never bothered me. I don’t mind going to restaurants alone or traveling solo. I don’t mind wandering the world as a single dude. That sort of solitude has always appealed to me. It’s never made me feel like I’m missing something.

  Besides, there’s always sex, right?

  But now I’m getting older, and I’m finding that the idea of sharing my life with someone seems a little more appealing. Exciting. I don’t need someone to come home to at the end of the day to have dinner ready for me. I don’t need a wife who sits around waiting for me to show up and entertain her. Nah, I don’t want that sort of thing.

  A partner, though.

  A friend.

  Someone I can tell all of my secrets to.

  Those are the kinds of things that I want.

  Maybe Justin knows something that I don’t. Maybe he’s realizing that there’s more to life than just working and meetings. Maybe there’s more to just completing project after project and moving through a series of checklists over and over again.

  The question is whether I’m going to actually do anything about this sudden realization that I might want to meet someone. How would I even start to try to find someone? All of my employees are either married or in committed relationships: not that I’d date someone who worked for me. Still, it’s been so long since I tried to find someone that I’m not even really sure where to start: an app, maybe?

  I flip casually through my phone, looking at my planner and my calendar, and then I realize something. An old friend is getting married soon. There will be a wedding to go to: a big one. In fact, it’ll be the talk of the town. Melanie isn’t the kind of person who could be satisfied with a small ceremony. No, there’s no doubt in my mind that she’s going to go all out when it comes to this wedding. The reception is going to be incredible and it’s not something I’m planning on missing.

  I had, however, thought that I’d go solo. What if I don’t, though? What if I decide to do something a little different this time around?

  What if I found a date?

  Oh, I always go solo to these things. It’s easier, and it’s cheaper for the happy couple to not have to feed one more mouth that’s never going to remember the event, but what if I stepped up my game for this particular event? There’s no reason not to. After all, I’m a professional businessman. I’m in my prime.

  I could go.

  I could get a date and we could go together as a couple. I’d be able to show her off and she’d show me off and I wouldn’t have to spend the evening pretending not to be totally and completely bored. Besides, there’s always the chance that I could find someone real. Someone wonderful. There’s a chance I could find someone who could make my icy heart melt and for a little while, I wouldn’t have to feel so totally and completely alone.

  That wouldn’t be too bad, would it?

  Realization and satisfaction and contentment all wrap into one warm feeling of happiness as I realize that this is exactly what I’m going to do. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s time to stop sitting back and letting the world pass me by. It’s time to take action. It’s time to do something for myself, and there’s no better time to start than right now.

  I’m going to find a date.

  I just need to figure out how.

  Chapter 3

  Cassidy

  “So, tell me something about yourself,” the tall, skinny shifter across from me says. He leans forward, as though he’s interested in what I’ve got to say. That’s a good sign, I tell myself. Maybe this evening won’t be a total disaster. Maybe I’ll actually have some fun.

  The shifter across from me isn’t unattractive. He’s got big green eyes and bushy eyebrows. They’re actually kind of endearing, but I’m wildly uncomfortable with this entire situation and it totally shows in my own body language. I have no problem with meeting strangers or new people thanks to my job, but somehow, tonight feels different.

  Maybe it’s because I’m actively looking for a date or perhaps it’s just because I’m not really in the mood to be here. I’m not sure. Either way, everything that’s happening feels forced and awkward. Even the line, so tell me about yourself, feels fake.

  Still, I’m already here, so I might as well answer.

  “Well, I’m in real estate,” I start to say, and instantly, the shifter cuts me off.

  “Oh, fantastic. It’s so nice when a woman has a hobby she enjoys. You know, I’ve always found that it’s difficult for many women to find ways to utilize their time when they’re simply stuck at home all day with the children.”

  Wait, what?

  “Excuse me?” I raise an eyebrow.

  Did he just call my career a hobby?

  Surely, he didn’t.

  Surely it was just a misunderstanding, but as soon as the guy – whose handwritten nametag says Greg – starts speaking again, I realize that I definitely didn’t misunderstand him at all.

  “Oh, of course,” he continues. “My mother had many hobbies when she was raising my brothers and me. We played chess and we were on the football team. She drove us around and when she wasn’t looking after us, she often liked to read.”

  “No offense to your mom, but I think you misunderstood. Real estate is my job, as in, my career.” Levels of impatience and agitation are rising within me, but Greg ignores me and just keeps on digging this weird hole of insults he’s chosen to jump into.

  “Oh, yeah, I mean, I get it,” he leans forward, elbows on the table, and just looks at me. “A job is a really important hobby for women to have. I totally support that. I mean, of course, once you have kids, that’s all going to change, but for now, it’s totally great you have something to keep you busy.”

  And that’s strike three.

  How do I meet guys like this?

  I can practically feel my assistant rolling her eyes at the situation I’ve managed to somehow get myself into. Fortunately, my hobby has prepared me to deal with guys like Greg before and this isn’t anything I can’t handle. I’m not scared to stand up for myself and I’m certainly not scared to let someone know when I’m dissatisfied with what they’re offering me. Which, in this case, is nothing.

  “Yeah, no, this isn’t going to work,” I motion between us.

  “What?” He sits back, obviously taken by surprise. “What’s wrong?”

  “Dude, you just insulted me on like 37 different levels. I swear to dragons that if you call my career a hobby one more time, I’m going to punch you in the damn face.”

  “But I was just trying to be supportive.”

  “By insulting me? By basically making fun of all women who work?”

  “Well, no, but I mean, women don’t really, you know, need to be in the workplace. Their kids need them at home.”

  I stand, unable to hold back any longer. This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Am I on some sort of hidden camera show? What is happening? More importantly, what fucking year is it? I tried to be at least a little polite when I shot down Greg and said that this wouldn’t work, but he’s doubling down instead of backing off.

  “Greg, I’m sure you’re a really nice guy, but I think you’re forgetting the fact that not everyone wants kids, can have kids, or is interested in kids.”

  He looks shocked.

  Seriously, has he never considered the other side?

  Has he never thought that not everyone wants a child to keep them busy? Not everyone wants a kid to fulfill them? What about those of us who love our jobs? I’m not opposed to babies personally, but they also aren’t the be-all, end-all for me. I don’t even know if I want a mate, let alone kids. It feels like a lot of pressure for a first meeting. Those are decisions I want to make later, once I’ve found someone I love. I don’t want my first-time meeting someone to be this lifestyle planning event where we map out the next fifty years. Seriously, how boring is that?

  Life should be a surprise.

  It should be an adventure.

  It should be the kind of experience that keeps you guessing.

  If, and when, I get a mate, I don’t want us to have our entire lives mapped out from the get-go. I want us to have some fun enjoying ourselves. I want things to be spontaneous and comfortable. Perhaps most importantly, I want someone who supports me and the things that are important to me, just as I’ll support him.

  Greg just wants someone to have his babies.

  That’s not me.

  Not right now, anyway.

  “I just think a woman should consider the importance of having offspring,” he keeps talking. “I mean, who is going to take care of you when you’re old?”

  “Greg, it was nice to meet you,” I lie. “Have a good night, and best of luck.”

  He keeps talking, but I’m done. I’m totally and completely over this dude, so I just leave. A year ago, I never would have had the guts to just walk away, but I’m older now, and I’m not interested in wasting my time with someone like him. Not when I have so many other things to deal with. Not when I’m trying to actually find a date. I need to be serious right now. Greg? He’s not serious. He’s a total clown. Besides, the idea of being with someone who only sees me as a baby factory is totally offensive to me.

  I might want kids someday, but I might not.

  I don’t think the decision I make really determines my value or my worth as a person.

  He does, though, so it’s without regret that I turn and walk across the crowded room. I head back to the counter and the bartender is laughing. She shakes her head as I approach, but she smiles at me sympathetically as I slide onto a barstool and lean on the counter. I drop my chin in my hands and just look at her like I can’t believe what just happened.

  “Looks like that went absolutely horribly,” she says. “Drink?”

  “Please.”

  “Same thing?”

  “Yep.”

  I’m a bit single-minded when it comes to my drinks. I’m a simple girl. No, there’s nothing wrong with trying new things, but in my world, a rum-and-Coke solves all of my problems.

  When the bartender turns to make the drink, I start to wonder if I made the wrong choice by coming here. It certainly wasn’t my finest decision, but a blind-date-matchup night seemed like a good idea. Besides, there are lots of attractive men and women here. Surely, I can find someone to bring as a date to Alastair’s wedding. I’m not ugly. I’m not too weird. I’m not boring. Finding a date shouldn’t be hard for me.

  A tall, curvy blonde woman looks by and winks as she does. Maybe I should talk to her. She’s very pretty, and I’m absolutely in love with both her hair and her dress, but she keeps walking past me to the man a few stools down.

  “Is this seat taken?” She asks, and he hurries to make room for her. Her attention turns completely to him, and I look away.

  So much for that.

  With a sigh, I accept the drink from the bartender.

  “Hey, don’t let yourself get so down,” she says. “There are lots of people here tonight. What are you in the mood for?”

  “Anything,” I say, sipping the rum and soda. “Anyone.”

  “Wow,” she lets out a long, low whistle. “That bad, huh?”

  “You aren’t single and available to attend a wedding with me in two weeks, are you?” I ask, suddenly looking up hopefully. The woman laughs and holds up her hand. A bright gold ring sits on her finger.

  “Sorry, love,” she says. “You’re two years too late.”

  “Congratulations on the nuptials,” I murmur, staring into my drink.

  Maybe I should just cut my losses and accept the next person who approaches me. After all, let’s be honest: Alastair’s wedding is just a one-day event. The person I bring doesn’t have to be marriage material. It doesn’t need to be someone I completely get along with. I’m not making any promises here. All I really need is someone who can be interesting for one night.

  One single, solitary night.

  Is that too much to ask?

  Someone needs a beverage, so the bartender moves away and starts to make their drink. While she’s gone, I turn and take another look around the room. It’s busy tonight, as it should be. It’s a special event, after all. Shifters from all over Lyon County are here trying to find someone to connect with. Perhaps I shouldn’t have wasted my time coming here, but hey, I’m feeling desperate.

  Besides, my friend Kaleb said that this is the exact bar he met his current boyfriend in, so there’s hope for me.

  There’s always hope.

  Only as I sip my drink, downing it perhaps a little too quickly, I can’t help but wonder if every person I meet in here is going to be like Greg. Does every guy think that a woman should stay at home and pop out kids? Does every person think that a woman’s place is in the kitchen?

  There’s nothing wrong with that lifestyle. Not at all. I know that a lot of women are totally happy being stay-at-home mothers and having lots of kids, but that’s just not me. I want the excitement of going to work each day and making a difference. I want the craziness that comes from launching a new house for sale. I want the joy of showing people a home they could use to start their own families in.

  I love the meetings, the chaos, and the money that comes from having a high-powered career.

  I love feeling like I’m on top of the world.

  Is there any chance I’ll be able to find someone who feels the same way?

  Will I ever be able to find someone who likes that I’m addicted to my job?

  A man across the room waves, catching my attention, and I turn to him. My eyes narrow as I see who it is. I swallow hard and my anxiety levels rise. I try to look away and act uninterested, but of course, Lester has never been one to shy away from confrontation. Maybe he doesn’t read social cues or maybe he just doesn’t care that I’ve made it obvious I’m not interested. No matter what the reason he keeps coming close to me might be, though, I’m totally over it.

  I probably should have anticipated that Melanie’s own cousin would be at this mixer. After all, Tigress is a small town. Still, I hadn’t really considered that the person I was trying to avoid being set up with would be at this event. I should have considered that he, too, would need a date for the wedding, but I didn’t.