Page 15 of Bear Hunt

“That’s right. Now, I don’t like to ask, but I need to gauge where you’re at and I can easily show you the ropes with anything you’re unsure of. What kind of experience do you have?” She seems nice enough, but it’s kinda overwhelming to understand how so many people can be like this when all I’ve ever known is the opposite.

“Er… none.” I keep my back straight and try not to fidget, perfectly poised.

“That’s fine. You’ll pick everything up in no time. I just have some forms for you to fill out, social security number and all the boring things.” She’s quick and efficient, turning to grab the papers from the counter before passing them to me. “If you think this will be a good fit for you, we can have our first training and trial tomorrow. You’ll get to meet Wesley.”

The tinkle from above the door sounds, and Lucy’s bright smile doesn’t falter. Instead, her eyes light up, and it’s infectious.

“The mid-morning rush is about to begin, so I’ll see you in the morning, okay? Around seven.” Lucy pats my upper arm and I immediately regret flinching because her eyes dull a little and her smile shows the thing I’m so desperate to forget. Pity.

Nodding, I attempt a smile in return and leave, knowing I will probably never see her again because I feel like I’m failing at the first hurdle. I’m hoping Maribel can help me figure it out because I’ve never even heard of a social security number before.

The rumble of engines outside comforts me a little and calms my racing heart, the wide open space is relaxing and I wish I hadthe money to spend frivolously on one of Lucy’s coffees because the place smelled amazing.

Okay, I can do this. I can totally do this.

I didn’t come this far only to get in my own way.

Chapter Seven

Bear

“This is ridiculous.” I’m practically pouting like a toddler as I watch Athena walk into Lucy’s coffee shop. Psycho is next to me, spread over his gas tank, chin resting on his forearms. That smirk on his face is about to get rearranged.

“You’re really fucking bad at this whole stalking thing. You know this, right?” My side-eye is side-eyeing him, that’s how badly he’s annoying the fuck outta me.

“I don’t get this game you think we gotta play. Why the fuck can’t we just walk her places? Protect her?” This whole hiding from her sight and following her every time she moves seems creepy and unnecessary. That thought dies a lonely death when I realize who I’m talking about. My best friend should have a Master Class on stalking girlfriends.

Not that Athena is my… anything. I’m just worried, is all.

“Cheesus Kripe.” Thankfully, Athena is inside and can’t hear me belly laughing at Psycho’s use of non-curse words.

“My man, that is not sexy.” I interrupt whatever else he was about to say and take great satisfaction in watching him scowl.

“What’s not sexy is the idea of my kid sayingfuckas his first word. Mac’s words, not mine. Personally, I think that would be an awesome story to tell everyone.” Of course he would. “But as I was saying, you do not want to get all stuck like glue on your little Bambi over there. She will run for the hills faster than you can say ‘Will you marry me?’”

It’s my turn to scowl because what the actual fuck?

“No one’s getting married, brother. And I’m not taking advice from the likes of you.” I try to put some heat in my words but who am I kidding? We disagree more than we ever agree but at the end of the day, this dude is my ride or die.

“Got me my girl, didn’t I?” Fucking cocky son of a bitch. But he’s right, his completely fucked up idea of courting a woman actually worked.

Maybe I’m not cut out for this shit. Maybe I’ll just get a cat or ten and call it a day.

Except that thought evaporates like a puff of smoke as soon as Athena walks out of the coffee shop looking like someone ran over her puppy. My body is on instant alert and I’m ready to throttle and maim whomever it is that put that look on her face. Or maybe she doesn’t have enough money for a coffee?

“Oh, I recognize that look, brother.” I barely hear Psycho’s words since the sudden stress and anger has my ears throbbing and my vision turning this side of red. “Yep, just as sure as I’m going to get laid when I get home, that girl is going to make you do things you never thought possible.”

I ignore my best friend, and instead of reacting to his crazy, I turn the engine and follow Athena from a not so safe distance. When she stops, pauses, then turns to look behind her, a bolt of desire races down my spine and lands directly through my dick.Riding a speed bike with a hard-on was not on today’s agenda, yet here we are.

All of a sudden, her eyes find mine from across the street. The way she just stares at me, no pretenses, like she’s worried about my next move or possibly her own, is breaking my heart into a million pieces.

Throughout the years, I’ve seen that panicked look on many women, but until right now, this minute, it was never directed at me. I don’t fucking like it. In fact, I’m torn between going up to her and telling her I’m not going to hurt her, ever, and keeping my distance so I canshowher that I’m not a threat.

Fuck.

I choose the latter, hoping I’m not fucking it all up, and raise my hand in a wave. It’s awkward and stiff, making me feel completely out of my depth. Just then, Psycho’s bike rolls up beside me where he parks it, turns off the engine, and slaps me on the shoulder seconds after he hops off.

“Come on, man. Let’s get those coffees.” I grin, a little too wide no doubt, and follow Psycho’s lead, although he never mentioned anything about craving coffee.

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