Page 17 of Bear Creek Valentine
Aiden started with his most unique product—Bear Brownies. Neither Ms. Cosgrove nor Mr. Thorn seemed terribly impressed with the clunky tan slabs.
“Since Bear Creek is a mixed community, I wanted to make something special for my shifter friends that was both nutritious and tasty. Bear Brownies don’t look very appealing to us, but I can assure you there isn’t a bear around who can resist them.”
While Thorn took a couple of obligatory shots, the door chimed behind them and in walked Dash, growly and cross. He came right over to Aiden, scented him, and then wrapped an arm possessively around his waist. Aiden hurried to introduce him and smooth his ruffled feathers.
“This is my boyfriend, Dash. These folks are from the magazine I told you about. I was just showing them the brownies you love so much.”
Dash must have scented something he didn’t like, for he stood there glaring at the strangers without saying a word or letting go of Aiden. This situation required finesse, and Aiden caught Blanche’s eye.
“Blanche, why don’t you treat our guests to some samples of their choice, and I’ll be right back.”
Aiden all but dragged Dash outside and away from the shop windows so he could find out what was going on. The upset bear leaned in to scent him again, huffing in distress.
“Mine! No one touches you. Mine, mine, mine...”
While Aiden loved to hear Dash say it, he needed to reassure the flustered bear before he got too upset.
“Yes, I’m yours. I don’t want anyone else. They didn’t touch me or even shake my hand, and I won’t let them. All right?”
Dash knew Aiden wasn’t lying to him, and he relaxed slightly.
“They both want you,even that woman!Can you make them leave? Should I stay?”
Aiden cupped his flushed face and pulled him in for a kiss. It seemed to help, though he could tell Dash was having difficulty controlling his bear.
“I need to go back in there and finish the interview. I don’t want either of them, but you have to trust me. Call in an hour, and I’ll tell you if they’re gone, okay?”
Dash reluctantly agreed but pressed for time with Aiden later.
“Stay with me tonight. I need... we could...you’re mine!”
“Shhh, it’s all right. I’ll be there as soon as I can after the shop closes, and you can do anything you want with me tonight.”
Dash curled a big hand around the back of Aiden’s neck and held him still for a punishing kiss. After a clingy hug, he stalked back to his car, growling and snorting the entire way.
Aiden watched him fondly as he hurried back to salvage what he could of the interview. Yikes, how he adored that man!
####
The following week, Tri-County High School
Spring Break was just around the corner, anticipated by both staff and students alike. Everyone was talking about it, making travel plans or looking forward to quiet days at home. As they often did, Levi Green and his best friend Eden Shaw were having lunch in his office. Undisturbed, it allowed them to converse in relative peace and quiet. Four minutes after the bell, Eden sat on the other side of Levi’s desk, sniffed the air, and started the conversation.
“Do I smell Knox’s chicken salad? Please tell me you brought an extra sandwich to share.”
Levi grinned but didn’t bother teasing her, handing over the whole wheat wonder—chock full of Knox’s special recipe. Eden squealed with delight and abandoned her sad-looking ham and cheese.
“Just for that, I’ll share the new coffee-flavored treats Aiden is working on. I stopped in to see him yesterday, and he gave me a bunch to try at home. Oh, and he told meDeliciousis supposed to appear in a national trade magazine soon. From what he said, it’s a big deal.”
That got Levi’s attention.
“Good for him! And anything he makes that includes coffeehasto be good. Speaking of Aiden, does he seem any different to you since his birthday?”
Eden swallowed a bite of the sandwich while opening a baggy of carrot sticks. She actuallyhadnoticed a difference in their mutual friend.
“You know, he was suspiciously upbeat and smiley while I was there. Unless my radar is way off, I’d say he and Dash Hawthorn have moved beyond flirting. I sure hope sobecause they looked perfect together last week, and Aiden needs someone.”
Levi agreed but wondered if the newcomer to Bear Creek was good enough for Aiden.
