Page 35 of Bear Hunt

“The Charity Run? Damn, Bear. You're supposed to be the reasonable one of us all.” Fuck, that’s in less than three weeks already.

“No, of course I didn’t forget. Just didn’t think y’all would be buying presents so soon.” I’m so full of shit. I forgot like a kid forgets homework.

“Right. Whatever. Come on, let’s go home and organize!” Mac kisses Athena on the cheek and I notice only a slight flinch this time, before she heads straight for her bike, pulling on Jonesy and Kincaid’s leathers so they’ll follow her. Mac knows I’ve got shit I need to say to my girl and, as always, I’m grateful for her intuitive side. Not to mention the extra helmet and clothes sitting in a bag at Athena’s feet.

“We need to talk.”

Chapter Fourteen

Athena

Does he know what I’m planning? Is there something else wrong with the truck? These and a thousand more questions are running through my mind as he leads me to his huge dark gray motorcycle. Has it only been less than a week since I was riding on the back of this bike? God, it feels like a lifetime.

“I thought you wanted to talk?” I’m not going to complain about having another ride on this thing though, because the last time was exhilarating.

“Figured we’d do it somewhere more comfortable. You okay coming back to my place?” A sliver of a grin appears on his mouth, coming across as a little shy, like he hasn’t fully thought this through until now.

“Yeah.”

His smile grows wider at my response and he nods to himself.

“I asked Vanessa to get you a few things to make doing this easier.” He hands me a red paper bag that was sitting besidehis bike. “You should be able to put them on over what you’re wearing for now.”

Another gift?

I’m a little taken aback and I can’t help scrunching my eyebrows together as I take the bag and look inside.

“It’s too much… I—”

“Baby Girl, it’s to keep you safe and me from worrying.” He moves closer to me, invading my personal space more than he ever has, but I don’t want to run from him like I do everyone else. This doesn’t scare me like it does with other people. My heart is pounding against my chest as I look up into his soulful eyes and he lifts a hand, gently stroking it across my cheek. “And nothing is too much. Not for you. Not ever.”

We continue to stand there, so close I can feel his breath on my face, and I think he’s about to kiss me. I think I want him to kiss me. I’ve only ever wanted to be kissed once before, and I regret every moment, but this isn’t the same.

Clearing his throat, Bear’s fingers slide from where he’s cupping my cheek and he steps back.

“Thank you.”Will I ever find someone like this man again?He’s the only reason I’m doubting my reasons to leave.

Pulling out the jeans first, I look for something to lean against so I can take my boots off.

“Here.” Bear offers me his hand, and I take it, squealing a little as he drags me closer and lifts me by the waist, placing me carefully on the seat of his motorcycle. “Sorry.” He shrugs and looks a little sheepish, but it makes me giggle rather than worry. I’m happy, not scared.

This is all so surreal, but I’m thankful to the gods for this time they’re giving me. After all the crap, and with all the crap to come, I think I deserve a little happiness.

A normal life.

I can’t take my eyes off Bear as he lowers to the cold ground, on his knees, and lifts one of my legs. He begins untying the lace before gently sliding the first boot from my foot. The way one of his large, thick hands is wrapped around my ankle is like the sweetest caress and I sigh.

It can’t be comfortable for him down there, but he continues on to the other boot. I’m in awe of him, he’s an enigma among all other humans. Why would he do this for me? Get on his knees for me? I don’t feel worthy of all this man is, but I can’t help wanting to indulge for just a little longer.

“Jeans.” He looks up through his long black lashes and holds out a hand. “I’ll push your feet through the legs then I can put your boots back on for you before you stand. All you’ll need to do is pull your pants the rest of the way up.”

I love how he’s explaining his actions, letting me know what’s happening so nothing is a surprise. Except whatever it is he needs to talk about…

“Come on, Baby Girl. I got you.”

And with those three final words, I believe him. I really, truly believe him. My heart aches for a reason to stay.

“Okay.” I allow a shy smile as I pass him the jeans, because I may be smitten, but I’m still hesitant and a little unsure.

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