Standing in front of his crew, Pierce stood tall, intent on projecting the same confidence his father used to be known for. These were men whose livelihoods depended on him, who trusted Pierce to keep things going.

To fill his father’s shoes.

He could feel the weight of it on his shoulders, but he couldn’t let it show. Dalton Construction was his responsibility now, and he had no intention of buckling under the pressure.

Having just come from a meeting with the foremen, discussing upcoming projects, Pierce had felt the need to address his workers directly, to make sure everyone was on the same page.

So there he was, standing in front of the main office with a small crowd in front of him, clad in jeans and holding their hardhats. He knew most of them, especially the old-timers, but there were some guys that were new hires.

The ground was still damp from the morning rain, the air humid yet fresh. Pierce’s bear growled inside him, the primal urge to lead raising its head.

“We have never made empty promises, never broken our schedule, never left a customer unsatisfied,” Pierce said, letting his gaze wander over the faces looking at him. “And we’re not about to start now. I know you all had the utmost trust in my father. We all miss him. But the old man taught me everything he knew.

“He might have thought I wasn’t listening,” he grinned, earning a couple of smiles, “but I was. Nothing is going to change. And I encourage everyone to come and talk to me personally if there’s something you feel I should be aware of.”

There were some murmurs, grunts of agreement and approval, some nods. These guys weren’t a talkative bunch on the best of days, so Pierce considered it a win.

“All right, now get out of here. We have a big day tomorrow,” he said.

And it was true. They were set to break ground on a hotel complex, a project Pierce’s father had fought long and hard to get in on. Pierce only wished the man had lived long enough to see it all come to fruition.

Many of the men came over to shake his hand and share a few words before they left, and Pierce appreciated the gesture of support. After everyone cleared out, he continued to stand there for a good while, letting everything sink in.

The town of Black Oak had always seen him as someone who didn’t take life too seriously, that much he knew. There had been truth to that. But now, he was determined to prove himself. Not only so he wouldn’t let those who worked for him down, but also to honor his father.

There was a sense of pride in making sure Dalton Construction continued to thrive. He was willing to put in the time and effort, to do whatever it took. But now that his mate had come barreling into his life, his thoughts were racing, filled with Tory.

Even if he wanted to stay away from her, focus on his business, he knew he couldn’t. The moment he met her, his life had been irreversibly altered. There was no way to get Tory out of his head, so he gave up on that altogether.

He didn’t want to forget her, nor could he. So that left only one option – he had to see her again. And he knew exactly how to make that happen.

* * *

Pierce walked into Black Oak Dance Studio a little after four, excited, a grin plastered onto his face. Sally greeted him from behind the counter, her dark hair braided to fall down her back, and her almond eyes studying him curiously.

“Ah, so you’re the mystery appointment,” she said. “I thought your voice sounded familiar on the phone.”

“You got me,” he replied. “I wanted it to be a surprise. For the wedding,” he quickly added. “I plan to blow everyone away with my new skills. But in case I’m a lost cause…”

“Got it,” Sally nodded.

A familiar scent hit his nose even before Tory appeared in the reception area. Sweet and warm, it was like a siren’s call, making his bear stand up and pay attention. She was wearing heels, but still only barely reached his shoulder.

Clad in a pleated skirt, thick tights and a loose t-shirt, her emerald gaze landed on him in an instant. Her eyes narrowed, but her heart started beating faster, and her lips quirked up.

“You,” she stated plainly. “You’re my last lesson of the day?”

“I knew you’d be happy to see me,” Pierce grinned, earning an eye-roll.

“Follow me,” Tory sighed, and he followed her to a room marked Studio Two.

The space was smaller than the one the group class had taken place in, but otherwise looked the same. Tory left the door open, and rounded on him as soon as he was inside.

“What are you up to?” she asked.

“Is the third degree part of the lesson?” Pierce countered.

“Is that why you’re here? To actually learn to dance?” Tory asked.

“Are we going to communicate solely in questions going forward?” he arched a brow at her.

Huffing, she crossed her arms in front of her.

“No,” she said, making Pierce grin at the petulant look on her face.

“I’m not going to lie. I wanted to see you again, and since I didn’t get your number…” he admitted. “But that doesn’t negate the fact I’m still a terrible dancer. Still, if having me as your student makes you uncomfortable for any reason…” he trailed off.

He could see the hesitation on Tory’s face. Pierce didn’t have any doubts about her being his mate, so he also didn’t doubt the attraction went both ways. That didn’t mean he wanted to corner her or force her into anything, though.

“I’m not uncomfortable,” she insisted, sounding a bit defensive. “And I can’t in good conscience let you ruin Joanne’s wedding by stepping on everyone’s toes.”

“Very magnanimous of you,” Pierce grinned.

“All right, then,” Tory said, nodding. “Let’s get started.