Lucky Lion (Shifter Mail Order Bride Holiday Romance) (Holiday Mail Order Mates Book 2) Read Free Page B

minutes early so he could pick a good table. He’d already drunk one cup of coffee and gone back for a latte. He was going to pace himself for this one. He didn’t want to be all jacked up on caffeine for his date. Every time the door opened, his heart skipped a beat. He’d memorized her picture so he’d know her when she got there. She’d told him that she would be wearing a red scarf, but he would know her without it.
    She had long, strawberry-blond hair and big green eyes. Her face was covered in freckles and she had a dimple in one cheek when she smiled. Her body was soft and curvy, just what his lion liked. He and his animal were both very excited to meet this woman.
    Just when he thought he couldn’t take it anymore, she walked in. She was wearing the red scarf, just like she had said, and a white top. It was cut low so he could just see the top of her tantalizing curves. Her eyes moved across the room looking for him. Aaron stood up so she could see where he was and waved.
    Emma smiled and came over. “You must be Aaron.”
    “Emma?”
    He didn’t have to ask; he would know her anywhere. He felt as if he had been hit by a two-by-four. His lion went crazy, and Aaron had to push the animal to the back of his mind. Even with all that effort, his lion was barely tamed. This woman was special. His animal had never reacted like that before.
    “It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
    Finally, his animal reared back up. He hoped the lion would cooperate for the whole date. He couldn’t believe how it was acting.
    “It’s great to meet you too. Would you like something to drink?”
    She looked at the handwritten menu next to the register. “What do you recommend?”
    “Everything. If you like espresso, they make a great latte. If you prefer something a little lighter, try their white mochas. They also have great Danishes here.”
    “I think I’ll get a white mocha and a blueberry Danish.”
    Aaron pulled out her chair. “Have a seat. I’ll bring it to the table for you.”
    Emma nodded and started taking off her coat as he went to the register.
    Aaron took the time alone to get his lion in check. He understood what the animal’s problem was: it thought she was his mate. They had barely even spoken, but the animal wouldn’t shut up about her. Aaron acknowledged that maybe she was his mate, but he needed to be in control for this. His lion seemed to take the direction and stopped trying to push its way forward and let Aaron breathe. He was nervous enough already. At least Emma wouldn’t have to worry about his lion coming out in the middle of a coffee shop.
    He set the drink and pastry down in front of Emma. “How was the drive?”
    “It was nice. I can’t believe the weather we’re having. Did you guys have a storm here too last week?”
    Aaron shook his head. “It barely rained. You guys get hit?”
    “Unfortunately, yes. My house was fine, but the place where I work took a pounding. The roof came off and part of the building was destroyed.”
    “That’s terrible. How long will it take to fix the damage?”
    Emma took a sip of her drink. “Longer than I’d like. They had a big event coming up that looks like it’s not going to happen. We probably won’t be able to have another event until next spring.”
    “I’m sorry. You work at a dance center, right?”
    Emma nodded. “That’s part of it. I do work mostly with the dancers, but it’s a place to learn about the contributions Irish people have made in America.”
    Aaron tilted his head. He had no idea what that was. He’d thought she said she worked with Irish dancers.
    Emma giggled. “I know it’s a strange job. We have a large Irish population in Burton. The Center’s been around for over fifty years. We do so many events in the community. One of the big ones was just coming up. My dancers also do stuff for other Irish festivals around the country.”
    She described all the different places she’d been. Aaron was impressed. She had