“I'll be at the Holiday Market tomorrow too, setting up my booth.”
Spinner Girl would be at the market! He couldn't believe his luck. He loved the Holiday Market. And he loved crafters. And he loved her. Woah, he had to slow his role. He didn't want to scare her off. He didn't even know her yet. How could he love her?
He knew in his heart and in his soul, that he did love her, he would always love her, and he would do anything for her. He was a shifter and she was his fated mate. Mate.com had had a one hundred percent accuracy rate since its inception more than twenty-five years ago.
Every couple who found each other, had lived happily ever after. He knew that he and Spinner Girl would live happily ever after too. It didn't matter that he’d never met her, or that he didn't know her real name. All that mattered was this feeling in his heart when he looked at her.
His bear rumbled inside his chest. He couldn't wait to kiss her and hold her body close to his. But, he told himself, he had to hold it together. Spinner Girl was a human. He couldn't scare her off with his lustful, shifter ways. He had to take things slow, be a gentleman. He had to court her, take her on dates, buy her flowers and chocolates. The idea of buying her flowers and chocolates sent his heart beating high in his throat.
“It’s a date,” he typed back.
“Stupid,” Liam said, not wanting to scare her off.
“It's a date,” the text came back a few moments later.
He breathed a sigh of relief and sat back in his chair. This was the first time in years he'd been so flustered. Maybe in his entire life. He didn't know what was happening to him. But none of that mattered. All that mattered was that he had found his mate. It was going to be a Merry Christmas after all.
Chapter 3
Layla packed all her plastic boxes into the back of her SUV and climbed behind the wheel. On the way to the event center, all she could think about was meeting Liam for the first time. Her heart pounded wildly, but she didn't want to get her hopes up. It was all just too good to be true. He seemed like he really wanted to meet her, and she kept telling herself not to act too overeager. She didn't want to seem desperate. Layla was convinced that her eagerness to settle down was the reason her boyfriend had cheated on her.
She heard her grandmother's voice in her head, telling her to believe in herself, but she didn't listen to it. It was always easier to listen to the negative voices than the positive ones. No matter how many times she heard her grandma telling her she was beautiful, she didn't hear it. Instead, she heard the nasty comments from the mean girls in high school. It made her believe she’d always be a failure at love.
The little voice of her grandma in the back of her mind, told her to keep her head held high and hope in her heart. Liam seemed very interested in meeting her. From what she knew about shifters, they only wanted their fated mates. Mate.com had paired up mates with a one hundred percent success rate. Who was she to argue with those kinds of statistics? She had her dream career and had lived life mostly by her own terms. So why couldn't she also be lucky in love?
Layla made it to the event center and pulled up in front of the loading zone. Several burly men with large carts were standing on the ramp, ready to help her unload. She climbed out of her SUV, and the young men helped her pack her things onto the carts.
She followed them as they carted her supplies through the bustling event center. The other vendors and craftspeople were setting up their own booths all around. She always got nervous at the beginning of a market, hoping that people would like her display and her items. She'd spent all year working, and she didn't want it to go to waste. This was a new venue for her, in a new town, and it was important that she make a good first impression.
The boys helped her set up her booth and unpacked her boxes into the center of her area. She hung her new sign on the back of the display booth, and then began to unpack her crafts.
Across the aisle, she saw the corporate vender Best Water Filtration Systems. The slickly suited salesman aggressively handed brochures to the other craftspeople and vendors as they busily walked by.
She narrowed her eyes at the man and shook her head, going back to her own work in her own booth. After she had hung up the shawls, sweaters, scarves and hats, she unpacked the mittens and the dolls that she hoped the children of Fate Valley would enjoy. She had little Santa bears, Santa lions, and Santa wolves like the shifters that lived in the Fate Valley community. Since so many of the residents of Fate Valley were shifters, she thought it was fitting.
Layla sat behind her display table after everything was unpacked. The salesman from across the aisle came walking over, his chest puffed out, his overconfidence spilling around him in a ten-foot radius. She blinked her eyes several times at the blinding white of his teeth.
“Martin Green here,” he said. “I'm with Best Water Filtration Systems. Have you considered putting a water filtration system in your home?” he asked.
“The water in my house is fine,” she said.
“Oh no ma’am, there's all kinds of bacteria and other horrible things in the tap water.”
He slapped the brochure down in front of her, and she immediately saw the price point was six thousand dollars.
“If I'm worried about that, I'll just get one of those pitchers that filters tap water for fifty bucks,” she said.
“Those don't take all the toxins out of the water. You're going to need one of these systems. Water toxins ruin your complexion.”
She widened her eyes at the rude man, touching her cheek, and handed him back his brochure.
“No thanks,” she said.
He took the brochure and frowned, turning back to his booth. She smelled the fudge wafting down the aisle and got up from her booth to follow the delicious scent in the air. She made it to the confection booth and found an attractive, muscular, bearded man standing behind the counter.
“Welcome to Fate Valley Confections,” he said. “Would you like a free sample?”
“Would I?” she said with delight.
He handed her a sample of rocky road fudge, and she popped it in her mouth. The delightful flavor lapped over her tongue and down her throat. Her eyes widened at the deliciousness.
“Thank you,” she said, her mouth full.
“Anytime,” he said with a smile and a wink.
She giggled and turned back to her booth, thinking that she should finish tidying up her display before the doors opened for the public in an hour. When she made it back to the booth she saw a man in black slacks and the most adorable ugly Christmas sweater, standing in front of her display. As she approached, he turned to her and their eyes locked. Recognition bubbled in her chest and her mouth dropped at the sight of him. He must have been at least six two with broad shoulders and bright brown eyes. A smile that could melt your heart and your panties in two seconds flat.
“Is it you?” he asked, stepping forward like a prince out of a fairytale. “Are you Spinner Girl?”
“That's me,” she said, trying not to sound like a complete dork. “My name is Layla Watson.”
“Liam Nash,” he said, reaching out his hand to shake hers.
She took it and a spark radiated between them. It ping-ponged up and down her spine, exciting her core and exploding in her brain. She bit her lip as he cupped her hand with both of his and lifted it to his lips, kissing her knuckles ever so gently.
“Pleased to meet you, ma'am,” he said in a husky voice that did naughty things to her lady bits.
“It's nice to meet you too, Liam.”
“Are you finding everything you need to set up for the Holiday Market?” he asked, still holding her hand.
“Oh yes. The loaders were very helpful.”
“It’s good to have a few extra strong hands to make the process run more smoothly.”
“You’re a prince,” she let out. And then bit her lip, realizing what she’d just said.
“Thank you,” he said, a blush rising in his cheeks. “Would you like to walk around
the market with me before the doors open. I could buy you a cup of coffee.”
“You're speaking my language,” she said with a smile and a giggle.
He moved her hand into the crook of his elbow. Layla looked up at him with adoration and a grin so big it hurt her cheeks. He held her hand in his elbow and walked with her down the aisle. The voice of the rude salesman erupted behind them.
“Liam Nash!” the man said, “Just the man I've been looking for.”
They turned, the water filter salesman was waving his brochures at Liam.
“I'm offering free installation estimates any time after the market. I know a man of your caliber appreciates clean water.”
“I do,” Liam said, taking the brochure. Layla noticed a ruby pinky ring on Martin’s finger when he handed Liam the brochure.
They turned and walked away.
“It's not that I don't believe in water filtration,” Layla said. “But that guy is obnoxious.”
“He is obnoxious,” Liam admitted. “But he pays for multiple booths every year. I can't turn him away.”
They walked around the market and came to the booth for Fate Valley Café and Bakery. Grayson Baxter stood behind the counter in his white chef coat, a smile on his lips. His dark beard was dusted with a bit of flour and his brawny, tattooed arms, were crossed over his broad chest.
“Liam,” he said with a smile.
“It's good to see you Baker Bear. This is Layla Watson.”
“Layla and I know each other. I didn't know that you two were fated,” Grayson said, sniffing the air.
“We just found out last night,” Layla said, heat rising in her cheeks.
“Anything you want is on the house.”
Layla ordered a blueberry scone and her usual mocha latte with whipped cream, and Liam ordered a tall black coffee and a croissant. They sat together at the little café table as the carolers in Victorian costumes started tuning up for their concert.
“I love this event,” Liam said. “It's my favorite time of year.”
“It's mine too.”
She took a bite of the blueberry scone and groaned at the wonderful flavor. Baker Bear added some lemon zest and spices or something that made his blueberry scones and muffins absolutely delectable. The caffeine rushed to her brain as she sat across from Liam. Her every instinct was to climb on the table, grab him by the collar, and kiss him hard on the mouth. But she was a lady, and she would never do that kind of thing, outside of her imagination.
She could see the look in Liam's eyes, bright and sparkling with what she wanted to believe was desire. He was so handsome, and he made her giddy and weak in the knees. But she couldn't take things too fast. She didn’t want a repeat of her ex.
When they were done with their coffee and pastries, he took her hand and scooped it into his elbow as he escorted her back down the aisles of craftspeople. The carolers began their songs as the doors to the market opened to the public. Liam accompanied Layla to her booth and kissed the back of her hand one more time.
“I will leave you to it,” he said. “I know you’re going to make lots of sales today. Your crafts are beautiful, and I can tell you are a master at your trade. I won’t take any more of your time.”
“You can take all my time you want,” she said, the words spilling out of her mouth. She bit her lip and crinkled up her eyebrows.
“I’ll bring you lunch later.” He grinned.
“You’re an angel,” she said, letting out a relieved breath.
Chapter 4
The doors to the Holiday Market were open, and Layla's heart leapt with excitement. The customers filed into the event center. Families with bright smiles, walked down the aisles, looking at all the wares along the way. Children hopped by Layla’s booth, grinning at her little knitted Santas. They pleaded with their mothers and fathers to buy one. Layla was never happier than when she made someone else happy with her crafts. The carolers strolled by, singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Layla sold three sets of mittens to a mom who was buying them for all her daughters.
At about noon, Liam walked up to her booth with a bag of food that smelled of hamburgers and french fries, and two strawberry milkshakes in a cardboard tray. Her mouth watered at the smell as he came into the booth and sat beside her.
“You are my savior,” she said as he handed her the hamburger. “I’m starving.”
They ate hamburgers and french fries while drinking their strawberry milkshakes as the carolers continued past.
“I love this group,” he said with his mouth half-full as he motioned to the carolers with his hamburger in hand.
“They're splendid.”
“Mr. Nash,” said Martin Green. “Have you given any thought to the free estimate for installing a Best Water Filtration System in your house and all of your other real estate?”
“I haven't,” Liam said. “I've been busy.”
“I am available any time,” Martin said.
Layla slurped her strawberry milkshake through her straw and looked up at the guy. He had a hint of desperation in his eyes. For such an aggressive, smooth talking salesman it seemed a little bit off.
“We can talk at the end of the day,” Liam said, being polite.
Mr. Green went back to his booth across the aisle, attacking passersby as they tried to avoid him. A man in a suit walked up to Martin, said a few words walked off. The woman from the glass bead booth next door peeked around the corner.
“He’s so annoying, isn't he?” she said.
“A little bit,” Layla said, not wanting to get into it.
“He's like this every year,” she went on. “Why do you let him keep coming back here, Mr. Nash?”
“He pays for the booths. And nobody has complained.” Liam shrugged.
“Well, let me tell you, plenty of people feel exactly how I do. He bullies and intimidates everyone to keep them from complaining.”
“I will definitely take your concerns into consideration,” Liam said.
“Thank you, Mr. Nash,” the glass bead maker said, walking back around to her booth.
“I had no idea that the vendors felt that way,” Liam said.
“Oh yeah they do,” said the woman from the other side of Layla's booth. She was a landscape artist with beautiful paintings of the Ozarks and the lake. “We've all just been too intimidated to say anything. Plus, he pays off other people to keep them quiet.”
“Why would he do that?”
“This is one of the biggest events of the year in Fate Valley. People come from all around. Their pockets are open, and he makes a lot of money every year.”
“Well, we’re going to put an end to it,” Liam said. “I can assure you.”
The painter nodded once and then went back to her booth. Layla finished her hamburger and wiped her mouth with a napkin.
“That was delicious.”
“I had no idea I had such a scoundrel in my market,” Liam said. “If I had, I would've put an end to it a long time ago.” Liam stared at the aggressive salesman across the way and frowned. “I'm sorry you had to see that. But there's someone I want to introduce you to.” He checked his phone. “She's going to be here in just a minute.”
“Who is it?”
“It's my friend Harrison’s mate, Sunshine. She's a web designer. I love your knitting and your spinning. It's top-notch. But I checked your website, and well, I think you could use Sunshine's help. She's a real pro and a great lady.”
Layla blushed with embarrassment, but at the same time, she was happy that he cared about her business. A handsome, happy couple walked arm in arm around the corner and approached the booth. The man was tall and gorgeous, and the girl was curvaceous and pretty.
“We were just talking about you two,” Liam said as his friends entered Layla’s booth.
Sunshine’s mouth formed an O as she exclaimed how beautiful Layla's knitting and crocheting was. She picked up a slouchy crochet hat and plopped it on her head, looking in the mirror on the table. br />
“That yellow is perfect with your skin tone,” Layla said.
“I have to buy this right now!” Sunshine said, taking money out of her wallet. She shoved it into Layla's hands, and Layla accepted, giving her the change.
“I hear you need a web designer,” Sunshine said, admiring her hat in the mirror.
“I need all the help I can get.”
“I would be happy to take a look. It's my specialty. And now that I have my Hero Bear, I live in Fate Valley permanently. We should get together after the market and go over some ideas.”
“That sounds fantastic,” Layla said.
“I’m so glad you found your fated one,” Harrison said to Liam. Liam gave him the same sideways look he’d given Grayson. “We'll talk later,” Harrison said to Liam as he escorted Sunshine away.
“Well, they were awfully friendly,” Layla said as Harrison and Sunshine walked down the aisle and around the corner.
“Yeah,” he said, scratching his head. “I hope it didn't make you uncomfortable.”
“Why would it make me uncomfortable?” she asked.
“All the talk of being my fated mate.”
“I am though, aren’t I?”
“I promised myself I’d try to take things slow.”
Layla bit her lip. She could always let her self-consciousness sabotage what they could have. She didn't want to let that happen. She heard her grandmother's voice inside her head telling her “See, this amazing man wants you. And you doubted it.” She told her grandmother's voice to shush and smiled at Liam as he took her hand and kissed the sensitive skin between her knuckles.
“I'll be back to help you close down your booth at the end of the day.”
“I look forward to it.” she said as he stood and skirted around the booth.
She gave him a little wave goodbye as he turned and walked away. Layla rested her cheek in her palm, letting out a long, contented sigh. He was so dreamy.
The rest of the day went on beautifully. She sold so many items from her stock that she thought she might need to go back home and get some more by the end of the market. Liam returned at the end of the day as the doors were closing and the guests were all meandering out into the night. She had a song in her heart and a contented feeling of weariness after a long productive day.