Page 16 of Flirty Pucking Wolf

He nods slowly and gives me a panty-melting grin. “Okay. Just so you know, I don’t expect anything. Anytime you want to send me to the couch or another room, that’s fine.”

I know I can trust him. I shouldn’t have confidence in instincts that have led me astray before, but I do.

“I know. This doesn’t mean anything. It’s just scratching an itch. My wolf likes to cuddle. Does yours?”

He nods.

I take a deep breath, which fills my lungs with his scent again. That doesn’t help my resolve to only cuddle and not have sex. “No sex tonight. But we’re both single and like kissing each other.”

That sexy smile turns up a notch as he nods again.

“And we’re going to be too busy to deal with anyone else. I’m sure we both have needs, and it’s a convenient way to scratch them. So maybe we’ll have sex sometime. But it’s just for our time on the show. It’s just temporary. A fling.”

His chuckle settles over me like a cozy blanket. I want to snuggle in and get comfy.

“You can change your mind, Sophie. It’s okay to say something impulsively and then wish you could take it back.” The sincerity in Trevor’s voice is soothing.

“No! I don’t want to take it back.” Blowing out a breath and shaking my hands, I try to decide how honest to be. “I’m nervous. Obviously, we’re attracted to each other.”

“Obviously.”

I roll my eyes. “I think you’re hot, I’m horny, I want to fuck you, but I’m only interested in a fling. No relationship, no falling in love, no future. Just have fun for now. If you’re good with that, I think we can enjoy each other.”

Trevor nods his head vigorously, like a bobblehead in an earthquake. “I’m good with that. Yeah. So good.”

I lead us into the bedroom. “You can have the bathroom first if you want.”

As Trevor disappears into the bathroom with his bag, I close the bedroom door and push away from it. I try to ignore the sounds of him getting ready for bed and taking a shower. It’s not my fault my shifter senses are so acute I can hear everything and that I have a vivid imagination. It’s my job to be able to look at a person and envision how they move.

I pull on my pj’s and go to the small powder room in the suite to brush my teeth and take out my contacts. No sex until after our first week on the show. If we don’t get past the first dance, having a sexual relationship will be messy. Yeah, that’s practical. There’s plenty we can do still. And maybe dangling that carrot will get us through the cha-cha.

The shower is still running as I slide into bed. I don’t know what side Trevor sleeps on, so I pick what I prefer, and we’ll work it out.

My goodness, is he going to leave any hot water for the rest of the guests? Good thing I take showers in the morning. May as well get comfy while I wait. He better be worth it.

5

TREVOR

I didn’t planto take so long in the shower, but I had to relieve the ache in my balls and jerk off. Twice. No way could I sleep beside Sophie, touching her, smelling her, and not want her. I hear the snores as I open the bathroom door. She’s asleep. Her pink glasses on the nightstand bring a smile to my lips. How many people have seen her wear them? I have the feeling not many, and that makes me happy. She’s on her side, facing the center of the bed. Her hands are sweetly tucked under her cheek. My bedside lamp is on and washing over her in gentle light, and my heart flutters. It must be heartburn. It can’t be anything more than that. This is a no-strings fling. Of course there are feelings, but there can’t befeelings. I slide between the sheets and turn off the light. I’m trying to decide whether to pull Sophie into my arms or give her space when she scooches toward me. I lift my arm, and she settles against me, resting her head on my shoulder and draping an arm over my bare abdomen. Her breathing has remained steady, and her eyes are closed. I think she’s still asleep. She has to be exhausted. I know I am.

This is my first time sleeping with a woman. I’ve had sex, of course, but I’ve never shared a bed and slept through the night, waking up next to my partner. This will be a first, especially since we didn’t even have sex or make out. I press a kiss to the crown of her head and close my eyes to let sleep overtake me.

* * *

The winter sun slants weakly through the window. I watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean, a rare treat. I love living out in the woods, but there’s something about being near the ocean that brings me peace. Especially on January mornings like this, when the beach is empty, the quality of the light is muted, and there’s a dusting of snow on the sand. It’s magical.

I turn off my alarm before it sounds. No reason to break the peace with its annoying tone. Sophie is still cuddled up against me. My arm is asleep under her head, and I’m sore from not changing positions all night, but I wouldn’t disturb her for anything. I hope she slept well. My dick isn’t the only thing stirring, having her so warm and close to me. My wolf is stirring because he caught her scent. It’s hormones, not feelings. We’re both young, attractive, healthy wolf shifters of mating age. Nature is forcing me to take notice of her. But it doesn’t matter if I—as a man or as my wolf—find her attractive. We can’t be with her for anything more than a fling.

She and I cleared the air some, and I understand where she’s coming from. Her goals as a dancer are as precious to her as my hockey goals are to me. We both have a lot to prove, and we must work together to do that. We need to work in harmony to find our groove and win the Platinum Paw. I chuckle quietly to myself. Listen to me with all the dance clichés. Kennie and Randi would laugh their asses off if they knew my thoughts.

My chuckle must have roused her because a sleep-flushed Sophie sighs and cuddles closer.

“Good morning,” she says, her Irish lilt strong and washing over me like a gentle mist.

“Good morning.” Everything in me wants to lower my head and press a kiss to her strawberry lips, but I resist. It’s not only in dancing that I’m taking cues from Sophie. After what we discussed last night, I understand her need for control. I think if we’re going to be successful, I’m going to need to let her be the alpha in this partnership. Yeah, I give off an air of being easygoing and uncaring, but that’s not true. I like to be in control too. But if letting her lead is what’s necessary in this dance, so be it. It’s only two months, not forever.

A beautiful smile spreads across her face, like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. It’s glorious, and warmth spreads through me.

---