Page 39 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
Silence settled like dust.
Stanley stood there, heartbeat thudding, as Barb’s words cut deep into his soul, severing
the last thread of his resistance.
Every word felt like a blow, but the truth was undeniable. Barb thought he’d been a coward. Not noble. Not protective. Just afraid.
And in a way, he was afraid. Afraid of hurting his mate.
He moved to Herbert’s enclosure and gathered the rabbit again, holding him close.
The small body nestled trustingly into his chest.
“I need to tell her.”
His bear stirred, warm and satisfied.Good. Because the scariest part of all this?
Stanley looked out toward the door. “What?”
If this goes well…Barb is going to be our aunt-in-law.
Stanley winced.Oh no.
Oh yes,his bear said grimly.And she will wear that title like armor…and wield it like a sword.
Stanley scratched Herbert’s ears. “I need more coffee.”
And a will.
“Don’t be dramatic.”
We are talking about Barb, remember,his bear said lightly.
He laughed softly and glanced toward the door once more.
One day, I am going to thank Barb,Stanley said.
For being so scary?his bear asked.
No, for loving June and Oli so very much,Stanley said.
Chapter Twelve – June
June woke to the smell of fresh coffee drifting up from the kitchen. She lay still for a moment, letting her senses adjust to the morning. Her body still hummed with the memory of a dream. One that left a heat across her skin and a deep ache of desire in her core. Stanley’s hands had been on her skin, rough and sensual, his lips trailing down her neck as he slid his fingers inside her. She’d felt the weight of him pressing her into soft sheets, his breath against her ear, his voice—low and full of desire—saying her name. It had felt so real, she was almost surprised to wake and not find him lying next to her in bed.
She sighed and stretched her arm out, wishing he were there. Wishing he would pull her close and press his lips to her shoulder, before trailing kisses down her neck, while his hand cupped her breast, his thumb brushing against her nipple…
Time to get up!
She pushed back the covers, pulled on her robe, and padded to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face before heading downstairs. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, flushed cheeks, still slightly parted lips, and shook her head, embarrassed by how much she’d wanted him, even in sleep.
As she patted her face dry, she forced herself to think of anything other than Stanley Thornberg and his talented fingers and mouth. Of the way he made love to her like no other man had…
“Urgh.” She leaned her forehead against the cool bathroom mirror. She truly was a lost cause.
Lost in love with a man she barely knew.
But that wasn’t true. Deep down, it was as if she knew him in her soul.
