Free Shifting Destinies: A Paranormal Interracial Story (HIdden Hills Shifters Book 3) by Vella Day

it’s my turn. Tell him how you feel. You won’t know what he’s thinking unless you come clean.”
    Emmaline lifted the glass to her lips and held it there mostly for comfort. She took a sip then set it down. “I’m not even sure when he’s coming to town next.”
    “You could call him.”
    “I’m not doing this over the phone.” Maybe she had decided to tell Wade then and wasn’t even aware of it. Suddenly, things seemed to be a little brighter. She looked up at Tasha. “You’re right; he does deserve to know.”
    *     *     *
    Emmaline was nervous. She’d donned her best suit and even sported some high heels for the interview. It wouldn’t hurt if Mr. Emerson found her attractive even though he’d had Agnes as his assistant for a long time.
    When Em entered the office building, a buzzer above the door sounded, announcing her arrival. She looked around, a little surprised at the small space. A compact, but well-appointed lobby ended at a hallway, implying the offices were in back. The leather chairs looked expensive, as did the prints on the walls.
    Footsteps sounded, and then a smiling Agnes appeared. “Hello, Emmaline. Mr. Emerson has stepped out for a few minutes, but if you come with me, we can go over some information first.”
    As she followed the older woman, Emmaline debated whether to mention she was pregnant since her condition might make a difference in whether Mr. Emerson thought she could handle the job. There might be times when she had to leave and take care of a sick child.
    At this point, she wasn’t even sure what she would do with her baby while she was at work. Daycare was an option, but that was expensive. Em doubted her mother would volunteer to help out, especially when she learned the baby would be half bear. She didn’t want to think about the six weeks she’d need after the baby was born either. She sighed. Not having been offered the job, it was premature to even be thinking about this.
    Agnes opened the door to a rather sterile looking office that seemed unused. “Have a seat. As you know, Harold and I were friends. He spoke of you many times, about what a great job you did.”
    “Thank you.” She was thrilled since Mr. Francolini didn’t dole out compliments very often.
    Agnes picked up a pen. “Tell me what you’re looking for in a job.”
    She hadn’t expected that question. “A nice boss. Good hours? Decent pay?” She felt as if she were sinking with each word.
    Agnes laughed. “That works. I think you will find Mr. Emerson very easy to work for. He’s demanding only in that he expects you to do what he asks.”
    “I’m very conscientious.”
    “I’m sure you are, dear.” Agnes asked for her contact information, her educational level, and any other jobs she’d held. Then she stood. “Why don’t you take a seat back in the lobby, and I’ll find you when Mr. Emerson arrives. I know he’ll want to go over the job in more detail with you.”
    Hope and excitement rushed through her. The fact the boss might still be interested was a good sign. Once she was settled in the lobby, Agnes disappeared down the hall. A stack of magazines, mostly involving investment strategies, sat on the table next to her. Em picked up one and searched for something interesting to read.
    A few minutes later, the door buzzer sounded, signaling a new arrival. She looked up and froze. Holy howls. It was Wade dressed in blue jeans and a T-shirt, looking amazingly hot.
    She jumped up. “What are you doing here?”

Chapter Eight

    W ade hoped he hadn’t made a mistake. Many times this past year, Agnes had told him she wanted to retire, but he’d been able to talk her out of it. When Emmaline lost her job, he decided he could finally grant Agnes her wish. His biggest problem was whether Emmaline would hold it against him that he hadn’t told her who he was or what he did for a living—but he had his reasons.
    “Hi, Emmaline.” He didn’t want to tell her he was