“You like surprises.” Bryan reached in the cooler and pulled out a beer. He held the bottle out to Dare. “Light, right?”
“That’s it,” Dare accepted the bottle after Bryan opened it.
Bryan helped Tony as people came up to the bar for drinks. Dare turned in his seat and enjoyed his beer and good music. The only thing that could have made this better was if he was home with a fire going in the pit and a guitar in his hands. Tigers were loners, he couldn’t help that he preferred to be alone in the woods rather than surrounded by people. Though it wouldn’t hurt to be sociable every once in a while.
A woman came up to the bar. She had to stand on her tiptoes to slide into the high bar stool two spots down from Dare. She glanced over at him and smiled with a nod. Her white hair hung just below her jawbone. Dare nodded in politeness and went back to drinking his beer.
“Gerri, what a pleasure to see you here.” Tony leaned over the bar and kissed the woman’s cheek.
“I was just upstairs talking with Annette and her friends,” she told Tony as Bryan walked up and greeted her. “I thought I would come down here and scope out the place.”
“The place or the people?” Bryan asked with a laugh.
“Well, one goes with the other.” Gerri shrugged and glanced toward Dare again. “You can tell a lot about people from just watching them in places.”
“How’s that?” Tony asked.
“Take this guy for example.” Gerri nodded in Dare’s direction.
He didn’t let on that he noticed her movement. Instead, he listened to what she was going to say about him. Ready to correct her when she no doubt got it wrong.
“He’s stiff, so he’s not really wanting to be here right now. He has a tight grip on his beer. He’s probably not a people person. Hard on the outside and probably all warm and soft on the inside.”
“Hey, Dare!” Bryan called over to him. “I think she knows you.”
“Gerri, I’d like to you meet Dare. He’s working with us to get level twelve open. Dare, this is Gerri Wilder. Her goal is to personally see that everyone finds love.” Tony smiled as he introduced them.
Dare stuck his hand out to shake Gerri’s. She shook his hand then hopped down off her stool. She came over and tiptoed onto the stool next to him. Bryan handed Gerri a martini, and she turned her attention back on Dare. He wasn’t sure he was going to like this. Maybe he could dip out shortly.
“What about you?” Gerri asked him. “Have you found love? I can’t imagine you having a woman at home if you’re all alone here.”
“I’ve loved once, and it didn’t end well.” He lost Sarah in a fire nearly 20 years ago. Though he would always love her, he had accepted that she was gone forever.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Gerri looked at him with sadness in her eyes. “Like I was telling someone earlier, it’s never too late to find another love.”
“You think you can find me another love?” Dare laughed. “Shifters have but one true mate.”
“In most cases that is right,” Gerri agreed. “In some cases though, when a shifter’s mate dies and the other survives, there’s a chance of another.”
“You should let her take a look for you. I’m telling you, Dare. This woman is amazing. She found Annette for us.”
Dare thought about it. He hadn’t been out in a long time. His days were spent working, and his nights are spent at home relaxing. It wouldn’t be too bad to find someone to relax with him. What could it hurt? It’s not like he was getting any younger.
“I don’t know how you are going to do this with you thinking I don’t like people,” he joked.
“I said you’re not a people person not that you don’t like people,” Gerri corrected him. “I also said you were warm and soft on the inside. I know it’s there.”
“Alright, have at it then. I gave up looking for another years ago,” Dare admitted.
“That’s because you didn’t have Gerri,” Tony explained.
“I am rather remarkable.” Gerri smiled. “I have a knack for it.”
“Let’s see how good you are then,” Dare challenged her.
“Challenge accepted.” Gerri grinned. “Here’s my card. I’ll call you later on with details.”
After thirty minutes of casual conversation, Gerri excused herself. There were others in the crowd she wanted to scope out and get to know. Dare gave her a nod and turned his attention to his empty beer bottle. Should he stay or should he go?
“Want another?” Tony asked.
“Yeah, I’ll have one more before I get on the road.” Dare handed him the empty bottle in exchange for a fresh one.
Why not get used to the idea of having to go out? Maybe Gerri could find him a homebody just like him. Someone who just wants to chill out at home and have a good grilled steak. Someone who enjoys campfires and fishing trips. He didn’t want glamorous. A woman all dolled up in tons of makeup and hairspray never got his attention. Sarah had always been badass. Her hair was always pulled back and she didn’t mind getting her nails dirty. She would chop firewood and bait her own fishing hook. Dare shook the images from his mind. He loved Sarah dearly, but it was time to find that kind of love again.
Three
BJ stood in her bakery’s kitchen, slicing up the cinnamon roll log she had just finished making. They were always a favorite amongst the morning crowd. She still had time before the morning rush came in. A few early birds had already stopped by for their morning coffee and bagels. The bakery had been known for its bagels. Which is why her mother renamed the store, Bite My Bagel, after her grandfather passed away. It brought so much joy to her mother, BJ didn’t have the heart to change it.
BJ had just finished arranging the cinnamon rolls on a cookie sheet when the bell above the door rang out. A tall business man stepped through the door carrying a briefcase. BJ slid the cookie sheet into the oven before turning to the new customer.
“Morning, you look like you could use some coffee,” BJ greeted him as he stepped up to the counter.
“Ms. Betty Jean Elwood?” he asked.
“Please, just Ms. Elwood is fine.” He now had her attention. It’s not everyday someone comes calling you by your full name. Her first thought was a lawyer.
“Ms. Elwood,” he corrected himself. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Franklin Jones and I work for McNeilsons Incorporated.”
“What can I do for you?”
“We recently acquired the connecting properties to your establishment. We’re interested in this lot as well,” he stated, setting his briefcase down on the counter.
“It’s not for sale,” she said simply.
“We’re prepared to pay more than the appraised value,” he countered.
“Mr. Jones, my family has owned this bakery for generations. It’s not for sale now nor will it be in the future.
“We don’t want the bakery. We only want the building. With the amount you’ll get you could easily relocate. He pulled a business card from his briefcase and wrote on the back, then slid it across the counter toward her. “I think you’ll find this more than fair.”
“I’m not selling,” BJ didn’t even have to look at the amount. No amount could make her leave her family’s business.
“Think about the offer. It’s a good offer, very generous.” He closed his briefcase. “I’ll check back with you in a few days.”
“No point, the answer will still be the same. You’ll be wasting your time just like you’re wasting your time now.”
“We’ll see.” He lifted his chin and walked out of her bakery.
She could never sell. She had too many fond memories from her childhood of this bakery. It’d been updated a little over the years but the layout was still the same, all the way up to the apartment above. Her great-great-grandfather helped build the bakery. She had spent her afternoons doing her homework at the corner table by the window.
What would she do if she ever did sell the bakery? She’d never really thought about doing anythin
g else. Baking was in her blood. What else was she good at? Only thing she’d ever really been good at was fishing. Maybe she would move down to the lake and become a fishing guide. BJ flipped the business card over looking at the back. Her eyes widened when she saw the amount. It was more than three times the value of the building. She would have plenty of money for a new place and plenty left over to buy a boat with all the bells and whistles. Nope, she shook her head. She was happy where she was. What would her customers do if they couldn’t have her goodies every day? Mrs. Fields would have a fit. Tommy swears his wife can’t get through her pregnancy without her chocolate eclairs. She wouldn’t be going anywhere for a long time.
BJ pulled the cinnamon rolls out of the oven. The bell over the door rang out again. She expected to see Annette come in for her order of yeast rolls for the chef at the restaurant to try out. Instead, Gerri walked through the door with a smile on her face.
“Good morning, Gerri,” BJ greeted her. “Would you like to try one of my cinnamon rolls? They just came out of the oven. They just need a little icing.”
“Oh, that would be delightful. I’ll take one to go.” Gerri stepped up to the counter. “I found someone I’d like you to meet.”
“Wow, that was fast,” BJ commented. “I thought there would be a lot more to it.”
She didn’t think it would be this quick. The pounding in her chest almost turned to panic. She focused on applying the icing to the warm cinnamon rolls. Thoughts creeped in her mind, she was not ready to start dating again. BJ slowed her breathing, trying to calm down. She could feel Gerri looking at her.
“Sometimes it does take a while to find the right one. Then there are times when I can just sense things, and I sense he is what you need. He’ll be good for you. I’d like to set up a date.”
“Okay, under one condition. We meet at the restaurant at Heads N’ Tails,” she told Gerri. This way, Annette will be there in case she needed interference or an escape.
“That can easily be arranged,” Gerri assured her. “I’ll set it up and give you a call when I have details.”
BJ placed one of the cinnamon rolls in a small to-go box and handed it to Gerri. Gerri pulled her wallet from her purse but BJ insisted it was on the house. A little cinnamon roll won’t make or break her.
“Oh, I smell cinnamon rolls.” Annette grinned as she came through the door. “Are they still warm?”
“Yep, just put the icing on.” BJ took out another to-go box, knowing Annette wouldn’t be leaving without some.
“Great, I’ll take three. It’s nice to see you this morning, Gerri.” Annette turned toward Gerri. “Have you tried a cinnamon roll? They’re the best.”
“Not yet, but I’m taking one with me.” Gerri held up the box. “I have to go. I’ll call you later BJ.”
“Have a good day,” BJ called out as Gerri was leaving.
“Did Gerri find you a man?” Annette waggled her eyebrows.
“Ugh, don’t say it like that. It sounds creepy.” BJ set a box up on the counter with three cinnamon rolls inside. “She says she found the one. Who knows?”
“Don’t doubt her. If she said she found him, then I’d believe her.” Annette opened the box and took a bite out of one of the cinnamon rolls. “Oh, that is so good,” she moaned.
“Careful, you’ll eat them all before you get back to the guys.”
“Then I guess I’ll have to come back for more. I do need to get going, though,” Annette told her.
“Let me grab the rolls.” BJ went to the small walk-in freezer. The cold air hit her as soon as she opened the door. A chill ran down her body when she stepped inside. She grabbed the two trays of yeast rolls she made yesterday.
“You’re not scared you’re going to get looked in there?” Annette asked peaking around the freezer door.
“No, the door has a stopper that prevents it from closing unless the handle is lifted.” She nodded toward the stopper by the handle.
“I don’t trust it,” Annette admitted.
“Oh, it’s fine.” BJ closed the freezer door then set the trays of rolls on the counter. “I hope your chef likes them.”
“Tobias will love them. I bet he’ll want to order them weekly after one bite,” Annette told her.
When Annette left, BJ knew she made the right decision. People loved her breads and pastries. To prove her thought, the morning rush began to come in five minutes later. She served her customers with a smile.
Four
Dare spent the morning sanding and staining the bar. Bryan had been installing light fixtures throughout the level. They would chat when Bryan would pass by, otherwise, it was all work. Dare knew how important it was for Bryan and Tony to get these levels done on time. Usually he’d work through lunch just to get ahead of the game. Bryan’s phone rang out, echoing throughout the empty club level. Dare went about his business until he heard his name. He stood from his position behind the bar where he finished staining. Bryan was walking toward him, still talking on the phone. Bryan hung up before he knew what was going on.
“What’s up?”
“That was Gerri.” Bryan started texting, then looked up at him. “She wants you to meet her on the tenth level.”
“On the tenth level? What for?” Dare hadn’t been on that level yet.
“She didn’t say what for, and the tenth level is just where she happens to be,” Bryan answered.
“Now?” Dare looked at the bar. “This needs to dry anyway.”
“See? It works out, now go.” Bryan motioned toward the doors that led to the elevators.
Dare washed up before making his way to the elevators. Bryan stayed behind to finish his work. Last time Dare spoke to Gerri, she said she’d call. Why the sudden need to meet? He swiped his membership card and pressed the button for the tenth level. He wondered briefly about the type of club he’d find. Each floor was different from what Bryan had said. The familiar jolt from the elevator stopping snapped him from his thoughts. The moment the elevator doors opened, music pounded in.
Dare pushed open the door leading into the club. It wasn’t exactly the type of place he thought he’d meet the older woman. He watched for a minute as an exotic dancer worked the pole. It amazed him to see such a small woman lift her body weight to do her pole tricks. Dare took his eyes from the dancer. He scanned the audience to look for Gerri. She sat at a table near the stage. Her short white hair stuck out like a beacon.
“Gerri.” He nodded as he stepped up to the table. “I’m surprised you wanted to see me here.”
“Dare, take a seat. Have a drink, the waitress will be back shortly,” Gerri suggested.
Dare took a seat but wasn’t interested in a drink at this hour in the morning. Instead, he waited for Gerri to tell him why she wanted to meet. However, she didn’t speak, she watched the topless dancer swing around the pole. It wasn’t until the dancer finished her routine that Gerri turned her attention to him.
“Such charisma in that one.” Gerri nodded toward the dancer getting off the stage.
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand what I’m doing here,” he told Gerri.
“I wanted to see how you react to different women. If there’s a certain type that attracts you. Such as the woman who was on stage.”
“She’s beautiful, but I prefer a woman that actually enjoys food,” he told her honestly, and she laughed. “Plus, I’m old enough to be her father. I’d rather someone closer to my age.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that because I think I have the perfect person in mind for you.” Gerri smiled.
“If you had the perfect person in mind then what the hell am I doing here?”
“I needed to make sure I wasn’t wrong.” Gerri shrugged. “Plus, I told someone I’d stop by. Figured I’d kill two birds with one stone.”
“Now that you’re sure?”
“Now, I want to set you up on a date. Tomorrow night up at the restaurant on level eighteen. How’s 7:30 for you?” Gerri asked.
“
That’s doable,” Dare agreed.
“Good, reservations will be under Elwood. You know, I had one of the best cinnamon rolls this morning. You should stop by Bite my Bagel on your way to work in the morning. It’s only nine blocks from here.”
“It depends on what time I come in. I’ll think about it though.”
“Oh, you won’t be let down I’m sure.” Gerri winked at him then stood up. “I have to meet another client. I hope all goes well tomorrow night.”
Gerri excused herself and left the table. Dare wasn’t interested in sticking around for the show with all the work he had left to do. He went back to the twelfth level. He’d be able to get the clear coat on and start on the columns before he left for the day. He’d work late today to make up for the hour he’d take off early tomorrow.
****
The next morning Dare decided to stop by the bakery Gerri had mentioned. He worked right through dinner last night. When he had gotten home, he only had a small snack before falling asleep in his recliner. The small bakery was along the route he took to work every morning. He didn’t know why he had never noticed it before. He parked his truck across the street from the bakery.
The bakery wasn’t big compared to the other buildings in the area. The building had a historical look to it. The old window fronts gave it a welcoming feeling with pastries on display. A bell chimed above the door as he walked in. The warm scents of fresh bread reminded him of Saturday mornings. His stomach growled from the delicious smells. A woman came from the kitchen area carrying a tray of pastries. She slid the tray into a display case on the front counter.
“Welcome to Bite My Bagel. What can I get for you?” she asked with a slight southern drawl.
“I’ll have two of whatever you just made.”
“I just finished a batch of cannoli’s and eclairs. My banana nut bread is still in the oven. The cinnamon rolls are also fresh. They’ve only been on the shelf for half an hour.”
“Tough one.” He thought about his options. “I’ll take a cannoli and a cinnamon roll. It smells delicious in here.”
“It should, I’ve been here since five this morning.” She smiled and fixed up a small box. She placed the pastries inside and set it on the counter in front of him. “Would you like something to drink with this?”
Bite My Bengal: Paranormal Dating Agency (Heads N' Tails Book 3) Page 2
