Bear Meets Girl
Page 49

Before Crush could argue that point, the front doors to the Group offices opened and the hillbilly with the sensitive gut walked in. And right behind her was Ulrich Van Holtz. It was strange enough that the Carnivore goalie, known as The Gentleman, was also the owner and captain of the same team. That was normally unheard of. But the fact that Van Holtz was also in charge of the Manhattan division of the Group pretty much blew Crushs mind.
Then again, the Groups offices had completely confused him in general. Hed kind of expected either a back alley or, at the very least, a cold, sterile federal or state type office. Instead, the Groups office reminded Crush of those high-end advertising agencies with comfortable leather seats and fancy art on the brightly colored walls. Although, he could tell that was just the front of the building, the first place one saw. Watching staffers having to punch in codes to get into the next level reminded him this was nothing like an advertising agency.
Sorry were late, Van Holtz said when he walked into the reception area, but he stopped, eyes blinking wide as he gazed down at MacDermot.
Desiree! What happened?
Im okay. Really. She pulled the ice pack down. You dont think this will freak Mace out too much, do you?
Smith stepped past Van Holtz and studied the full-humans face for a moment. Well ... it was nice working with you.
MacDermot cringed, then immediately regretted making that face and quickly returned the ice pack to her face.
Hell just have to understand, MacDermot muttered. Hell have to get over it. Im not giving up my job over one incident.
A good number of those words ... not in a cats vocabulary, darlin. Smith patted her shoulder. I got something that can help with that swelling, though, the She-wolf offered, but MacDermot immediately pushed herself into Crushs side.
You keep your wacky Southern voodoo away from me.
Tennessee Smiths dont do voodoo, Desiree. We leave that to our Louisiana kin. Besides, itll help.
I dont care what you tell me it does, forget it, Dee. No way.
Smith looked them over and said, Not sure you should be cuddling up to the bear that way, Desiree. Dont think Malone will like it much.
Crush looked around. Wait ... what?
Im not cuddling up to anybody. Im just avoiding you and your witchcraft. And why the hell would Cella care who I cuddle up with?
Heard theyre together now. Aint that right, bear?
Its not ... its just ... its kind of ... God! Hed known this was just going to be wacky! He hated wacky!
The She-wolf leaned down to see his face. Whats the matter, son? Cat got your tongue ... and other parts? she finished on a whisper.
Crush glared at the female, wondering how disgusted hed be with himself if he slapped around a She-wolf for no other reason than she was getting on his nerves. But then he sensed something flying at him. He raised his arms to protect himself, but a feline landed in his lap, big grin on her face.
Hi!
Crush scowled at Malone. You. Youre making my life a misery!
What kind of reaction is that? How can you be my pretend boyfriend if youre going to be a dick all the time?
So you are Cellas boyfriend? MacDermot asked.
No. I am not.
Pretend boyfriend, Malone corrected. Hes my pretend boyfriend.
And what is that exactly?
It is what it sounds like.
It is what it sounds like? MacDermot repeated back at her. You mean ridiculous?
You know, I dont need the tone.
As frustrated as Crush, MacDermot lowered the ice pack to her lap and snapped, You need something all right. Therapy ... a real boyfriend. Something.
Malones eyes grew wide at the sight of MacDermots face. God, Dez! What happened to your face?
An angry and high on cocaine-infused honey sow decked me.
Malone and the two wolves leaned in to get a closer look.
You were hit in the face by a sow? Malone asked. Are you sure?
Of course, Im sure. I know what came swinging at me and it was definitely her fist.
But by a sow? I mean honestly, sweetie, youd be better off getting hit by a building.
And she was high? Smith shook her head. Damn, girl.
Its really not that big a deal.
Well, what did the doctor say? Malone asked, showing real concern for once for someone other than herself. It was a nice change.
I didnt go to the doctor.
Malone punched Crushs shoulder and ... ow. You didnt take her to the doctor?
I didnt need to go to the doctor, MacDermot cut in, getting defensive.
You were unconscious and you didnt go to the doctor?
I wasnt unconscious. I didnt even black out.
Malone and the She-wolf blinked in surprise. Wow, they both said together.
Okay, MacDermot sighed. Now you guys are just making fun of me.