Page 6 of Unbearable Player
At thirty-eight, Reid had built Parker Security Solutions into one of the most respected firms in the country. His dual life as a bear shifter and CEO had taught him the value of vigilance, a lesson he’d learned early and well.
A memory flashed through his mind: his father’s strong hands guiding his own as they traced tracks in the Georgia mud. “Remember, son,” the deep voice echoed in his thoughts, “a bear’s strength is in his instincts. Trust them, but temper them with wisdom.”
Reid’s jaw tightened. His father’s wisdom had served him well, both in the boardroom and in the wild. But some lessons were harder to learn than others.
As if summoned by his thoughts, his phone buzzed. The caller ID displayed “Mom,” and Reid suppressed a sigh. He tapped the screen, bracing himself.
“Hello, Mother.”
Catherine Parker’s voice crackled through the speaker, warm but tinged with familiar exasperation. “Reid, darling. How are you? Working too hard, as usual, I expect?”
“I’m fine, Mother. Just reviewing some protocols. What can I do for you?”
“Can’t a mother call her son without an ulterior motive?”
Reid’s lips twitched. “She can. You don’t.”
Catherine’s laugh was a mix of amusement and defeat. “You know me too well, dear. I was just thinking...”
“Here we go,” Reid muttered under his breath.
“What was that?”
“Nothing, Mother. You were saying?”
“Well, I was talking to Martha Ellis at our book club, and she mentioned her daughter is having some trouble with a project. I thought, given your expertise...”
Reid pinched the bridge of his nose. “Mother, please tell me you didn’t give out my business card again.”
“And what if I did?” Catherine’s tone turned defensive. “You’re always saying you want to expand your client base. Besides, this could be a unique opportunity. Martha’s daughter works in the gaming industry, of all things. Imagine, my Reid working on video games.”
Reid’s eyebrows rose despite himself. The gaming industry wasn’t his usual arena, but he couldn’t deny a spark of curiosity. “What kind of trouble are we talking about?”
“Oh, something about security features. I’m sure she’ll explain it better than I can. The point is, Reid, you should consider it. And who knows? Maybe you’ll hit it off. Martha’s daughter is single, you know.”
And there it was. Reid’s momentary interest deflated like a punctured balloon. “Mother, we’ve talked about this. I’m not interested in you setting me up.”
“But, darling, you’re not getting any younger. Don’t you want to find your mate? Start a family?”
Reid’s grip on the phone tightened. “I’ll find my mate when the time is right. And I have a family - you, Jake, and the sleuth. That’s enough for now.”
Catherine’s sigh crackled through the line. “I worry about you, Reid. All work and no play...”
“Makes Jack a dull boy, I know,” Reid finished, his tone softening. “Look, I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine. Really. Now, if there’s nothing else...”
“All right, all right. I know when I’m beaten. But, please, at least consider meeting with Martha’s daughter. For me?”
Reid closed his eyes and counted to five. “I’ll think about it. No promises.”
“That’s all I ask. I love you, dear.”
“Love you too, Mom. Good-bye.”
The call ended, and Reid set the phone down with more force than necessary. He loved his mother, but her constant meddling in his love life - or lack thereof - grated on his nerves. At thirty-eight, he was more than capable of managing his own relationships.
Not that there had been many lately. Between running the company and his responsibilities to the sleuth, Reid’s social life had taken a back seat. He enjoyed the occasional night out, the thrill of the chase, but nothing serious. Nothing lasting.
And that was fine. Really. He didn’t need the complication of a relationship. He was waiting for his fated mate, the one person who would understand both sides of his nature. Until then, he was content with his life as it was.