Page 15 of My Forever Bear

Setting both bowls on the island, I take a deep breath and turn to face her. She’s back in her hiking clothes from yesterday. A dark gray long-sleeved thermal accentuates her perky tits and small waist. Tight black leggings hug her thick thighs and wide hips like a second skin. Fuck me, I want my head back between those thighs as soon as possible.

She’s taken her hair out of the braid, leaving it to cascade over her shoulders in messy waves. I’d love to tousle those waves even further while she’s bouncing on my…stop it!

Clearing my throatandmy brain, I let my eyes trail the rest of the way down her curvy body. A soft laugh slips out when I get to her feet, wrapped inmywool socks. She wiggles her toes, which reminds me…

“How are your blisters this morning?”

“Oh, yeah, much better. I changed the bandages in the bathroom. I saw the first aid kit on the counter. I hope that’s okay?” She gives me a small smile.

“Of course,” I tell her while unbuttoning the wrist of my shirt sleeve. It suddenly feels hot in here with all of my horny thoughts. “Next time, let me help you change them. Are you hungry?”

She nods, but I catch her watching my hands. I roll the sleeve several times before repeating the process on the other sleeve. I look over to Wren, whose eyes have heated, pupils overtaking her light blue irises. Her bottom lip is pinched between her teeth.Is she ogling me?

“You've got a little drool there,” I say playfully. I reach for her mouth, wiping my thumb over the corner. Bringing it up to my mouth, I dramatically suck her drool off. “Mmm,” I moan.

She sucks in a sharp breath, eyes glued to my mouth. Her cheeks pinken and she clears her throat. “Sorry, yes, I’m hungry.”

“I’m hungry, too, baby.” I chuckle, letting my voice drop lower to a seductive tone.

“Shit, umm, for food. I’m hungry for food.”

Chuckling again, I lead her to the bowls of oatmeal on the island.Damn, who knew forearms could be so pornographic?

“I hope you have a sweet tooth like me. I made oats with banana and Nutella.”

Her giggle fills the air, breaking the awkward sexual tension. “Yeah, I actually have a pretty bad sweet tooth.” Perfect. “This looks really good. How did you learn how to cook so well? I mean the stew last night was delicious. And making bread from scratch?” A fucking adorable blush spreads across her cheeks again.

“Finn and I were on our own a lot growing up, so I learned pretty fast. Two growing boys, ya know, we ate a lot.”

“Oh, I bet.”

“And then, once I moved here, Reese helped me at first. And some of the other guys, too. I can introduce you to them and give you a tour of Cypress Valley… if you want.” I try not to let the excitement show in my voice. She could still leave as soon as she gets her car.

She looks up at me from beneath her lashes. “Can we get my car first? I have some spare clothes in there and I want to make sure everything is okay.”

“Yeah,” I croak. “Let’s have breakfast and get going.”

Fuck.He totally caught me checking him out. I’d stepped into the kitchen after getting ready, and there he was, looking delicious in a black and white flannel. Fitted dark wash jeans hugging his powerful thighs and firm ass.

And then, like he knew my kryptonite, he rolled up his fucking shirt sleeves. Putting those veiny, muscular forearms on display.

I’m so fucked.

I’d spent extra time in the bathroom trying to convince myself the attraction between us wasn’t so strong, so palpable. But as soon as I was back in his presence, I didn’t want to be anywhere else. He says I'm his mate. But what does that mean? Can I really stay here? Just leave the real world behind and live in a love bubble with Kiernan?

Love?

Shit, where did that come from? It’s way too soon to be thinking about love. I need to get my car and call Sydney ASAP. If anyone can talk me through this, it’s her.

“Ready?” Kiernan’s deep voice breaks me out of my spiraling thoughts. I finish tying my left hiking boot and stand from the couch.

“Yep.” Wiping my clammy hands on my thighs, I gesture toward the door. “Lead the way.”

Kiernan takes me out the back door of his cabin to a large garage. To the side of the garage is a large metal rack piled to the top with firewood. A red handled ax is stuck in a stump next to the woodpile.

Following my gaze, Kiernan explains. “I use firewood for extra heat in the winter. Plus, there’s somethin’ romantic about sitting in front of the fire watching the snow gently fall outside.” His shoulder hitches up into a shrug. “My truck is this way.” He holds out his hand to me.

I’m not sure why this moment seems pivotal, but I take a deep breath and slide my hand into his large, warm palm. He pulls me into the garage, where a dark green pickup truck waits.

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