Page 17 of Paw or Less


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He spent more time looking out over the city from here than he did in his own apartment.

Lenard was waiting for him outside the elevator, and the two men bumped shoulders. Then his assistant and friend handed him a tablet and smart pen.

Mars started scrolling through the documents as they walked to his office.

As he entered his office, his thoughts flashed back to Rhiannon. His mate had carried an old, beat-up laptop.

Most of her work had been on actual paper.

In contrast, Mars did everything digitally or online. His office had been designed by an expensive architect, while Rhiannon worked in a rundown building.

He spent days closing deals or at his bar and grill. Mars was pretty sure that Rhiannon had completely run off her feet during the week.

Their lives were so different that, for a second, a surge of doubt washed over him. What hope did he have for winning her over?

Lenard left him after they had finished discussing the signed documents.

Mars went to his desk, leaned against it, and stared out over the city. Thousands of different thoughts flitted through his mind. All he wanted was to convince Rhiannon that he was good enough for her. That they could be good together.

Electricity crackled in his palms as he thought about the first time they had touched. He could still feel the static whistling between his fingers.

She was clearly very passionate about charity work. Maybe he could donate to a different charity in Rhiannon’s name every day. At least until she went on a second date with him.

He nixed the idea right away. She’d probably want him to continue donating for the rest of their lives.

Mars turned, and his eyes fell on his phone. He picked it up reluctantly and started scrolling through his contact list.

He stopped at Gerri Wilder’s name and dialed her number after a short moment of indecision.

“Mars Casey. What can I do for you?” Gerri answered the phone almost immediately. He could picture her sitting in her office, her feet up.

She probably still had a manual telephone and was twirling her finger around the cord.

“We need to talk,” Mars said, then hesitated. He was sure that he would come out of the call owing Gerri a favor. He resigned himself to the sure future and continued speaking. “Rhiannon told me about her connection to the shelter project.” His voice was stern and curt.

Gerri clucked shamelessly. It was clear she had done what she needed to. Screw the consequences.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you upfront.” Her voice was the furthest thing from apologetic. “I didn’t want to mix business and pleasure from the beginning.”

“Well, you did amazing.” Mars's voice was grim. “Rhiannon has rejected me.”

Gerri laughed brightly. “I wouldn’t call that rejection. Rhiannon is just timid about falling in love. Give it time.”

“I don’t have time, Gerri.” His voice was hot and sharp. “And my bear doesn’t think much of timidity. When I look at her, all I want to do is whisk her away and convince her to stay with me forever.”

Gerri’s voice became harder then.

“Hold off on that because Rhi won’t like that at all. Give it time and take it slow. I promise you, persistence is the skill you need for this one. She’s your fated mate, right?”

Mars grunted his answer.

“Then you should be willing to do what it takes to convince her. And that includes learning to be patient.”

“Well, she’s told me about the shelter project now, so she has no reason to go out with me again. What if I never see her again?” Mars's voice had never been that small.

The animal part of him growled a warning.That was not allowed to happen. They had to see Rhiannon again.

Gerri’s laughter at his question was encouraging, Mars thought. The matchmaker was probably swinging around in her chair right now.

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