The Bull's Bride Hunt (Holiday Mail Order Mates Book 3) (4 page)

“Great seeing you today,” Jack said, putting a beer down in front of his regular, Tanner.

Tanner looked just as frustrated as Jack was feeling. It had been two days since he had seen Macy, and he’d done nothing about it. He hadn’t seen her at the bar, and he hadn’t had the courage to email her back yet.

He still had a few days before an LK customer relations person would email and ask if something was wrong. You only had so much time before you could either turn down a match or contact the person. But you had to pick. You couldn’t just let the match sit and wait to be matched again. But Jack still wasn’t sure what to say to Macy when he saw her, so he was stalling for time.

“What’s going on with you, Tanner? You look a little blue,” he said.

Tanner shook his head. “This Easter egg hunt. Nothing is going right.”

“Are they talking about doing a hunt again?” Jack asked, surprised. “I thought that was just a rumor, and at best maybe they’d start it up a couple of years from now.”

“It was, and that was what it looked like. But I was in talks with some of the local churches to maybe get something together. We’ve got four in town, and many of them do their own thing each year. I thought it would be nice to get together something for all the kids in town, not just the ones who attend the churches. We could have combined forces and made it a lot more fun for all the kids.”

“That sounds really nice. I can’t believe you’ve been able to keep it a secret this long. What’s going wrong? Don’t tell me that the churches have backed out, or they’re arguing.”

“Not just the churches. It’s having to get everyone to agree to everything. I can get three of the churches to okay something, but one will fall through. If I can get all of the churches to okay something, the city will fall through. I can never get everything to line up at once. There’s no way this is going to happen this year. It’s been over ten years without an Easter event for the whole community.”

“I hear you, man. The funny thing is, I was talking about this with a customer recently. We have a lot of stuff going on for the other holidays, but nothing for Easter. We had one of the best Easter events out of all the towns in this part of the state. People would come from far away. Now, we’ve got nothing.”

“That’s exactly what I was talking about. This should be something huge for me to put on and to bring in some tourists. But I can’t get all these people to agree to everything.”

Jack really liked the buck shifter. He was new in town, but it was like he’d grown up in Maple Creek. He’d come to town to work at the park district, and they were lucky to have him. Tanner worked harder than anyone Jack knew, and with his help the town was going to great new places.

He continued to try to bring in new things, but the town wasn’t really working with him. It didn’t make any sense to Jack. Maple Creek needed the infusion of tourist dollars badly. The nursing home was the most successful business in town, and that spoke volumes. They did have many activities for younger families, but the town needed balance, and people like Tanner were trying to do that. It was a shame that he was being blocked at every turn.

“I wish I could do something to help you,” Jack said.

Tanner sighed. “Well, unless you know some people who want to help me put on an Easter egg hunt, I don’t think there’s much you can do.”

“I don’t know about that, but how far have you gotten on it?”

“I’ve got about thirty percent of the funds raised. I think I can maybe get to the fifty or sixty percent mark on my own. I know I can get some local businesses to donate stuff. Without the churches’ help, I’d still be forty percent short. If it weren’t such short notice, I know I could get the funds on my own. Time is just running out, and I can’t secure vendors without funds.”

Jack thought for a minute. “I can do the last twenty percent.”

Tanner laughed. “Thanks, Jack, but I really don’t think we can have a bar sponsoring a family event.”

“Then just say ‘businessman Jack Keller’. And I’ll have you know that this is a very family-friendly bar. I have families in here all the time in the afternoon and in the early evenings.”

Tanner got serious. “Really? You know, I do remember seeing families here. And you’re well-respected in town. This might actually work.”

“I think we could do it downtown at the park. I can help you get the local vendors to donate. I have more than a few friends who’d be willing to do this to have something fun for their kids.”

“I know the senior center’s interested. The residents were begging me to take their money from a fundraiser the last time I was there. They would love to have another town event for their grandchildren,” Tanner said excitedly. He finished his beer in three big gulps. “I’ll go down there and talk with them right now. You sure about this, Jack? It could cost two or three thousand dollars.”

Jack smiled and put out his hand. He’d been expecting to spend six or seven grand. He would be able to bring in three grand from the extra business this would create for him. “I’m positive.”

“Thanks, Jack. You’re not going to regret this.”

Jack was feeling great about this new endeavor. He was finally doing something to help out his town, and he was walking on cloud nine when all of his troubles walked in. It was as if the universe knew he was having a good day and wanted to shake him up.

Macy Peach sheepishly sat down at the bar.

“Long time, no see,” Jack said carefully.

She nodded. “I’ve been busy. Well, not so much busy as failing miserably at everything in my life.”

Jack chuckled. “Sounds like you’re having a great week. What can I get you? I’m sure with our luck, I’ll spill it on you while I’m trying to serve you.”

He wanted to be mad at her, but all he could be was attracted and charmed. His bull definitely still had a thing for the petite brunette. She was just so interesting. It didn’t hurt that she was also really easy on the eyes.

His bull was still lusting after her sweet curves. He wondered how long it would take before he would get over this fascinating beauty.

“Can I get a Shirley Temple?” she asked. “I have to be home again in a little while, and I don’t want my mom to think I’ve taken up day-drinking. She would get the wrong idea, and I’d never hear the end of it.”

“Glad you picked something easy,” Jack said as he made her drink. “What are you failing at, exactly?”

“Life? Is that too vague? ’Cause I’m pretty sure it’s life.” She sighed and put her hands under her chin. “I’ve been searching for a job since I got here, and I’m still empty-handed.”

Jack nodded sympathetically. “It’s tough. Maple Creek is a small town, and you’ve been gone for more than a few years. If I hear about anything opening up, I’ll let you know. Are you hoping for anything in particular?”

“I think I’d take anything at this point. I’d really love to be able to work with people, but if you have a factory job or a dog walker spot—or even a sidewalk mime gig, I’ll take whatever you can find.”

Jack laughed. “A
mime
? We might have to get creative to find you something, so I’m glad you’re willing to take on anything. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.”

“Thank you. I always forget how nice people are in small towns. Why did I ever leave here?”

It was on the tip of Jack’s tongue to say
you left for your husband
. But he couldn’t bring himself to ruin the moment. He was feeling so good that he wanted it to last.

“You look pretty happy,” Macy said, sipping her drink. “Have you got some good news to share?”

“None at all. Just having a happy day,” Jack lied. He didn’t want to talk about it before it was a sure thing.

“Come on. I could use some good news.”

“Well, if you promise not to tell,” Jack said reluctantly. He was itching to tell someone about the Easter egg hunt. Even if it fell through, it wasn’t like Macy could spread the news far and wide before Easter. She barely knew anyone in town. “I’m in talks with one of the people down at the park district to fund the Easter egg hunt here in town.”

Macy’s eyes lit up. “Are you kidding? Jack, that’s great!”

She reached across the bar and threw her arms around his neck. Jack was surprised, but he hugged her back. Her soft curves pressed up against his chest and he inhaled the smell of her shampoo and perfume. She smelled as beautiful as she looked.

She pulled back and sat in her seat again, but her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were sparkling. “I can’t believe you did this! This is so great. My daughter is going to be so excited. We won’t have to go to a different town. I’m sure whatever you come up with will be great.”

Jack was still pumped from the contact, and his bull was going wild. He stood up straighter. “If makes you smile when you’re having a bad week, I’m glad I did it.”

Macy blushed. “Oh, Jack. You know how to make a girl smile.”

“You know, since we’re having such a great time, I think it’s time we talk about this whole LK Bride thing.”

Macy’s face fell a little, but she nodded resolutely. It was far past time for him to get to the bottom of things.

Macy wanted to hide her face. She was so embarrassed. She couldn’t believe he was bringing it up, but she knew he was right. Better to get it over with than have this cloud hanging over them forever.

“Okay, shoot,” she said.

“Why did you sign up for LK Brides when you’re still with someone?”

“It’s kind of complicated. My husband and I were getting a divorce, so I signed up for a bunch of dating sites. I changed my mind almost right away and deleted all my profiles. But I completely forgot to cancel my profile on LK.”

“What’s the complicated part?”

“Well, we actually did start the process of getting a divorce. We were waiting for it to be finalized, but now we’re kind of back together again. Maybe.”

Macy felt ashamed and sick to her stomach as she told Jack the truth. She and Don were in the process of getting back together… sort of. She’d actually come in to Jack’s bar because Don had stood her up again. He hadn’t shown up at the house for their rescheduled dinner date.

She’d tried to call, but her call kept going straight to voicemail. It had taken over an hour even to get him to text her back. Macy was about to say she was seriously done, but then he’d texted and told her that his phone had died while he was driving out of town on his way to a work emergency.

They’d rescheduled for a date that night, but he’d texted her that morning and said he wasn’t going to make it back to Maple Creek in time. It had been more than a little frustrating, and Macy’s mom wouldn’t shut up about it. This was typical Don. He’d made a promise and he couldn’t keep it. This wasn’t even something difficult to do, but Don couldn’t seem to find the time to come and see her.

Macy knew it was a bad sign, but there was nothing she could do about it now. She was trapped in a weird in-between with Don until he at least called her. She didn’t want to have a fight with him via text. It was too impersonal.

After a grueling day of job hunting, she had decided to treat herself with a sweet drink at Jack’s before she went home.

“Why aren’t you wearing a ring if you’re kind of together again?” Jack asked, crossing his arms over his very broad chest.

“I don’t have the ring because I haven’t decided to wear it again. We’re still trying to figure things out.”

“I understand.” Jack uncrossed his arms and put his hand over hers. “It was just a little strange seeing your picture come up as my match.”

Macy could feel the tension between them. She found Jack very attractive, and now she knew that he felt the same way.

LK Brides really knew how to match people. It was strange to know that there was someone out there who was probably more perfect for her than Don. She knew that she and her possibly soon-to-be-ex-husband weren’t perfect together, but she’d never really thought seriously about finding someone else. If she was honest with herself, she didn’t think it was possible anymore. She’d been married once and that hadn’t turned out well. Maybe she just wasn’t the marrying kind.

She wished she’d never even signed up on the site. And that Don had never shown up on her doorstep. She didn’t think Jack would give her a chance anymore—but no matter what she chose going forward with Don, she was always going to wonder about what could have been with Jack.

“I can’t believe you haven’t had any luck with finding a mate yet,” Macy said. “That’s so surprising. A shifter as handsome as you should have no trouble getting a date.”

“From your mouth to God’s ears,” Jack said wryly. “I don’t have trouble getting dates, but I haven’t found ‘the one’ yet.”

“I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone with LK Brides. I have no doubt that you’ll find a mate really quickly. I wish you the best of luck with your search.”

“Thanks. And I’m sure we’ll find you a job soon.”

“I’ll be back in to touch base with you every few days,” Macy said. She checked the time and finished her drink quickly. “I need to head out. My mom and daughter are expecting me.”

“Okay. See you again soon. If not, I’ll see you at that Easter egg hunt.” He hesitated for a moment, then told himself that he would make the event happen no matter what, if it meant a chance to spend time with Macy. “It’ll be downtown at the park with the gazebo.”

Macy smiled. “For sure. I’ll spread the word to all the moms at the park.”

“Thanks. I’m sure the turnout is going to be huge. People have been talking about bringing this thing back for years.”

“Great. See you.”

She left the bar and walked a few blocks down to where her car was parked.

All the way home, she felt terrible. She was so very attracted to Jack. If she was honest in her heart of hearts, even more attracted than she had ever been to Don.

Something about Jack was so comforting and calming. He knew his town had a problem, and he was helping to solve it. He was putting up his own money and was going to work to make something positive happen. Don would never think to do something like that.

He’d never even done anything like that for his own family. Macy was always the one who had had to go above and beyond to make sure they had what they needed. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be married to a man like Jack. What kind of father would he be?

She imagined he would be kind and generous and would enjoy spending time with his children. She knew shifters were very family-oriented and usually mated for life. That was the main thing that had attracted her to sign up with LK Brides in the first place. That, and the fact that shifters had a reputation for being beasts in the sack. After her marriage with Don had hit the rocks, Macy had thought about everything she would want in a dream man. All the rumors about shifters made them sound too good to be true.

But then she’d met Jack, and it all seemed to be true. Even alone in her car, Macy blushed at the thought of Jack in the bedroom.

This was wrong. So very wrong. She was never going to be able to go back to the bar again!

If she really wanted to try to make things work with Don, she couldn’t keep going to see Jack. Even though he’d offered to help her find a job, she couldn’t risk it.

“What’s wrong?” her mother asked as Macy was taking off her coat at home.

She’d barely gotten in the door and her mom was already asking her questions. “Nothing.”

“You went to the bar again,” her mom said.

Macy had no idea how her mother knew these things. “What? How could you tell?” She smiled to herself. “I know it’s not the alcohol smell. I didn’t even have any.”

Her mother laughed. “I didn’t know. I just guessed. But you did go to the bar, obviously.”

Macy nodded. “Where’s Jill?”

“She’s taking a nap. So, why’d you go to the bar?”

Macy shrugged. “I just wanted to have a drink and relax for a few minutes. Job hunting isn’t going well. Jack offered to help me out if he heard anything.”

“Of course he did. He’s a really great guy. Macy, are you sure you want to get back with Don again when you have a really great man standing right there in front of you waiting to be scooped up?”

“I know, Mom. I have to give this a shot for my family. It doesn’t matter if I’m attracted to someone or they’re the best man I’ve ever met. I have to do what’s best for Jill too.”

“The times have changed,” her mother said angrily. “Just because you have a baby with someone, you don’t have to be stuck with them for life. You can start again. Jack loves kids. I don’t think he’d mind having Jill around.”

“But it’s better if she’s with her father.”

“If her father wants to be there. What happened to your date?”

“He had to cancel, but it’s fine. The Easter egg hunt is coming up soon. I just found this out today, that there might be one in town. So, it’ll be easier for us to go together.”

“Really? Don said that?”

“No. I haven’t told him about it yet. Isn’t it great, though? Jack and the park district are helping fund it. They’re finally bringing a hunt back to Maple Creek, just like we talked about.”

“Of course Jack’s helping to fund it.” Her mother shook her head. “He’s such a great man. Just make sure you make the right choice, Macy. You don’t find a man like Jack every day.”

Macy was definitely going to try her best. As long as Don kept his word, it wouldn’t be hard at all. She just hoped she wouldn’t always feel so bad about never getting to know Jack.