Page 20 of Bear Haven
“Be nice, pretty girl.”
“Put me down.”
“I don’t think so. You scooted away from me. I’m not giving you a chance to run. I think it’ll be better if I just carry you up the stairs.”
“I won’t try to get away.”
“Still… No.”
“We won’t fit this way.”
She was right. They wouldn’t. “I’ll make some adjustments. I’m not letting you down until we get to the bedroom. So…”
Before he took the first step to the second floor, he stopped, slid her from his shoulder and down his chest. The wicked gleam in her eyes did the craziest things to him. He’d take her against the wall if he wasn’t afraid everyone outside would barrel through the door.
Bex wound her legs around his hips and her arms around his neck. “Oh, this is nice,” she purred.
“Getting into it, are you?”
“I’m always into it with you.”
“Is that so?”
“Yep. Since that very first time. Remember the room above the tattoo place?”
How could he forget? “I do.” He planted a kiss on her lips. “Hold on.” He placed his foot on the first step, shifted her, then had to grit his teeth when she giggled. “Stop that.”
“Sorry.”
“Like hell you are.”
“You’re right. I’m not.”
He managed four steps and had to stop. “I don’t think this is going to work.”
“I tried to tell you that.”
“Bex, I swear…” He swatted her behind, tightened his jaw, and stomped up the rest of the stairs, counting each one as he went. She rubbed against him and he was near to coming in his pants.
“You can set me down now,” she said when they were outside the bedroom.
“Nope.”
“Gus, I’m not going anywhere.” She sounded exasperated, yet she stroked the back of his neck with her fingertips. His mate was toying with him. He grinned.
“Got that right.” He opened the door, marched in, kicked it shut, and promptly tossed her on the bed. Her laughter filled the room and his heart clenched. He wanted to hear that sound for the rest of his life. He wanted to see that joy and love on her face until he took his last breath. He wanted to keep her happy and by his side forever.
And come hell or high water, regardless what they stood against, he’d keep her, they’d stay together, and they’d win.
But that giggle? Thatcome hither, but I dare youlook on in her eyes right then? That was a dare he’d have to take.
He flipped the snap on his jeans and her eyes zeroed in on his fingers.
He lowered the zipper and she drew her bottom lip between her teeth.
“You okay, pretty girl?”
“Uh-huh.”
