The Mane Event
Page 87

Shaking his head, Bobby Ray turned to one of the other males, and Ronnie focused on Sissy Mae. How do you do it?
Do what?
Remain so perky and fun loving after a drinking bout like the one we had last night?
Easy. I take a couple of aspirin before I go to sleep.
Thats it?
Thats it.
So my mommas right. You are Satan.
Cant prove it.
Ronnie started to laugh until the scent hit her. That big delicious cat scent that three days ago she would have sworn shed never like, much less lust over.
Swallowing her slight case of panic, Ronnie Lee reminded herself she was a Reed and she wouldnt go running because of some cat. Besides, hed forgotten all about her. Right? No use making a fool over herself for a male who wouldnt even remember her.
Determined to stand her ground, Ronnie watched Shaw stride into the hotel lobby, looking amazing in a thick cable-knit forest-green sweater, faded blue jeans, and scuffed work boots. As soon as he appeared staffers came from everywhere, demanding his attention and asking him to sign things. He dismissed all but one with a wave of his hand. She had a feeling the much smaller man, a full-human, walking with him to the front desk was Shaws personal assistant. Lord in heaven, the man has a personal assistant.
She held her ground until he stood no more than forty feet from the Pack, then she panicked. Ducking her head, Ronnie took a step back. Sissy Mae glanced over and abruptly moved in front of Ronnie, blocking her from Shaws sight. That was the one thing Ronnie did love about Sissy. Shed give her shit later about being a wimp, but shed protect Ronnie now, no questions asked.
Lord, but did she need that.
To her growing horror, Shaw stopped beside the Pack and glanced up from the paperwork his assistant had shoved into his hands. He looked at Bobby Ray and she started to step away, run really, but Sissy grabbed her shirt and held her in place. Smart woman. As predator, Shaw would immediately notice a female sprinting out of the room.
Knowing something was going down, both Marty and Gemma stood beside Sissy Mae, further blocking Ronnie from Shaws sight.
Your Maces friend, right? Shaw asked. From the tunnels the other night.
Yup, Bobby Ray answered backeventually. Bobby Ray didnt believe in rushing much of anything. Especially words.
Thanks for that.
Welcome.
She silently sighed. Males.
Shaw turned to say something to his assistant, and Sissy gave Ronnie a shove to move her from the room. Perfect timing.
Ronnie sprinted to the elevator and repeatedly mashed the call button. Come on, she begged. Come on.
Finally, after what seemed like forever, the elevator doors slidopen and Ronnie rushed inside. She juggled the big manila folders and papers in her hands so she could push the button for her floor. Once it lit up, she leaned back against the wall and let out a sigh of relief when the doors began to close.
But when that big hand reached in and slapped itself against one of the big metal doors to stop it from closing, she barely stopped herself from letting out a yelp of surprise. Ronnie pushed herself up against the wall and held her breath as Brendon Shaw walked onto the elevator with his assistant.
Comp them for their rooms.
Sir?
Did I stutter?
Not usually, sir.
And make sure they have everything they need while theyre here.
Yes, sir. And your sister called.
What did she want?
Ronnie glanced up at the numbers and willed the floors to go by faster.
Um The assistant glanced at her. It can wait, sir.
Timothy, spit it out.
He shrugged. She just said, Tell him bite me.
Instead of being angry, Shaw let out a deep laugh. He had a nice laugh. Low and real. She liked it.
Shes pissed at me. I left her alone with Missy Llewellyn.
Id be mad at you, too, sir, Timothy joked, laughing right along with his boss until the elevator stopped on the twenty-fourth floor. Ill be here late, sir, if you need me for anything.
No. Dont be here late. Go home and see youruh
Smirking, Timothy asked, My boyfriend, sir?
Yeah. Whatever. Cant we just call him Frank?
Now grinning, Timothy stepped off the elevator. If you say so, Mr. Shaw.
I do. Go home. Ill see you tomorrow.
Night, sir.
The elevator doors closed and Shaw let out a breath. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see him glance at her. He stared at her bare legs for a bit, then looked away.
She knew then he didnt remember her. Like she guessed, once the fever wore off, hed gone back to being a big arrogant cat with no use for dogs.
What annoyed her was how irritated she felt by it. Shed nursed the man through his fever and then had one helluva orgasm with him. Youd think hed remember something.
She should have known better and felt damn grateful she hadnt fucked him. The humiliation if she had
The elevator stopped on the thirty-eighth floora shifter-only floorand she stepped out without looking at him. She went down the long hallway until she stood in front of Bobby Rays room, digging into her back pocket for his keycard while trying not to drop her pile of papers.