Bewitching The Bear Read online

  Gillian looked straight at him. “I intend to,” she said.

  Cade felt her kick his foot and looked under the table to see she’d taken off both her shoes. Even her feet were sexy with the red painted toenails and the high arches. She reached down and rubbed the back of her heel and he noticed a smear of blood. A burst blister no doubt. If only she hadn’t been so stubborn. Still, he’d cure her of that.

  Cade began eating just as Bear and Hannah’s son, Sam, walked into the café.

  “It wasn’t supposed to rain until tomorrow,” said Bear, shaking off the water from his jacket.

  “Mom, my team won,” shouted Sam, running to the back of the café to find Hannah.

  “He’s getting taller each time I see him,” said Cole. “His resemblance to his father is uncanny.”

  “It sure is and he runs like his father too. I can’t keep up with him. Sam’s going to be a football player,” said Bear.

  Hannah walked out from the back kitchen with her arm around Sam.

  “Not working too hard are you, honey,” said Bear. He reached out and patted her belly.

  Bear had done a great job stepping in as step dad to Sam and knew he was going to make a great dad to his own child. For a second, and just a second, Cade wondered what it would be like to have a mate who was pregnant.

  “Nope, taking things at an easy pace like I promised. Oh, and Gillian and I are going to have lunch and she’s going to share her huckleberry scone recipe with me.”

  “They were the best thing at your store’s opening,” said Bear. “I’ll let all of you get on with your meals and Sam and I are going to dry off and then watch a movie.”

  Cole and Sam finished their meal. “Hannah, could we get the bill? I have to get to the clinic and check in with one of my patients who started her treatment today,” said Cole.

  “Nice meeting you Gillian, and I’m guessing we’ll see you at Ian and Eve’s wedding at the weekend,” said Samantha.

  She’d given him the perfect idea for a second date with Gillian.

  “Sure, you will,” said Cade answering up before Gillian could say no. Just like her aunt had committed her to having dinner tonight, he’d committed her to being his plus one for his brother’s nuptials.

  *****

  Cole had been right. She did need to watch out for Cade. She’d had no intention of going to his brother’s wedding with him but now it seemed like she had no way out.

  She rubbed the back of her foot because there was another blister back there. The food had been delicious the company fun, sitting next to Cade delightful, if not tempting. The rain continued to beat against the café window. Gillian pulled out her phone ready to call an Uber. Hopefully, she wouldn’t have long to wait.

  “And what do you think you’re doing?”

  She looked up at Cade who’d just returned from chatting with a couple of guys who were sitting in a table in the very far corner.

  “I’m calling an Uber.”

  “I’m your Uber tonight. Me and Reed.”

  Gillian stood, trying hard not to wince at the stabbing pain in both her feet.

  “I’m sure you have things to do,” she said.

  “I do, but top on the list is getting you home and out of the rain.”

  “That’s why I’m calling the Uber.”

  She tried to pull up the app, but Cade took the phone from her.

  “Hey, do you mind?”

  “I’m about to break your stubborn streak,” he said.

  “What if I don’t want it broken?”

  He gave her another smile while showing off those gorgeous dimples of his.

  “Come on, let’s get you home,” he said, holding out his hand to her.

  “I am not riding on the bike tonight, and if you really do want me as your plus one for your brother’s wedding, then I suggest you think about borrowing a car.”

  He didn’t say anything in response but merely grinned.

  “Okay, if we have to do this the hard way, that’s fine with me. It’s the way you might not enjoy, but then again, maybe you will.”

  Before she had chance to stop him, he’d picked her up and slung her over his right shoulder.

  “Yeah, go Cade. You show her how it’s going to be,” shouted one of the guys Cade had been talking to.

  Another one whistled.

  “Hey, spank her ass,” shouted another.

  “You hear that,” said Cade, putting his hand over her waist and heading out the door.

  “Could you please put me down,” said Gillian. Could things get more embarrassing than being carried out of a café with other guys cheering Cade on?

  “Your aunt told me your shy but I bet you’re the kind of girl who enjoys a good ass spanking.”

  Just how much had her aunt told him, and ass spanking…“If you don’t put me down, I’ll…”

  They were outside, the rain was beating down on them.

  She was going to say scream but she didn’t mean it because he was right, she did enjoy being slung over his shoulder. Him acting like he owned her. Independent Gillian Finnagan, wanting a guy to be all macho and alpha like.

  “If you were going to say scream. Here’s my solution.”

  Before she knew it, he had her back on her feet and his lips were on hers.

  She had every intention of keeping them shut like someone had superglued them together but she gave into him. Opened them wide and let Cade’s tongue slid over her lips and into her mouth.

  She thought the rain was making her wet but it was nothing compared to the sudden gush of juices that slipped from her pussy. His very obvious erection pushing into her belly as he wrapped his arms around her did nothing but stir her libido. What woman could resist Cade?

  The kiss seemed to go on forever which made it all the more delightful. Time standing still, things around them being stopped in motion. She really didn’t want it to end but then he gradually moved away.

  “I’m getting on the bike and I expect you to get on it too, no arguments, you’ll just do it,” he ordered.

  He’d hypnotized her or something because she didn’t argue but simply took the helmet, slipped it on her head, and soon was hugging him tight as they rode back to her apartment.

  She rested her cheek against his back, feeling the roughness of his leather jacket as it brushed her skin. Gillian took in his scent. She detected the sandalwood soap she’d given him and the odor of bear shifter. She rubbed her nose into the material and took a deep breath.

  I want him, I want him so badly but I can’t give in.

  Cade pulled into the parking lot and she wished that they could ride all night, but she’d wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much she loved riding with him. He turned off the engine and stepped off the bike and turned to look at her. “Don’t you dare tell me you didn’t enjoy both the kiss and that ride.”

  She couldn’t deny it any more so her best course of action was to stay silent. That way she hadn’t lied, and she hadn’t admitted that he’d been right either. He held her hand as she slipped off the bike. Her feet were suddenly cold and wet and she realized she’d done something stupid.

  “I left my shoes at the café,” she said.

  “No problem it will give you an excuse to go back there and chat with Hannah. I have a feeling both of you are going to be great friends.”

  She’d sensed it too.

  “I’d carry you up to your place but I think if I spend any more time with you, I’m going to have to make love to you. I also have the feeling for whatever reason, you’re not ready for that.”

  He lifted her chin so he could kiss her again. Not the sort of kiss they’d enjoyed back at the restaurant, but a swift one like he was in a hurry.

  “Guess, I’ll be jerking off again when I get home either that or taking a cold shower.”

  She stood watching as he left. Yeah, a bath and self-pleasuring was probably in her near future too.

  Back to Top

  Chapter
13

  “Damn it,” said Cade, throwing down the wrench.

  “I thought you went on a date last night so why the bad mood?” Trey asked, peeking over the saddle of the motorbike they were planning to overhaul and sell.

  “Because my date was so frustrating.”

  He stood and wiped his oily fingers on the towel he always secured around his waist.

  “Your actual date or the person, the date?”

  “Gillian.”

  He leaned against the desk and took a sip of coffee. “I’ve never been so smitten by someone. I want her but something, some vibe she’s giving off tells me, there’s a complication.”

  “Another guy maybe, perhaps she’s in the middle of a divorce?”

  “I don’t think that’s the case. And I’m pretty sure her aunt would have told me about something like that,” Cade said.

  “Have you thought about asking her?”

  “I tried asking her aunt but didn’t get much from her.”

  “That’s not the same thing, Cade. You want a relationship with Gillian, not her aunt.”

  His baby brother stood and looked over at him. When had he gotten to be the smartest of the Mallory boys? What he lacked in his big brothers’ height, he made up for in brains. Well, at least where women were concerned. Look what a fool Ian had been chasing after Joanne for so many years and now she was married to someone else and in three days, his brother was marrying a human.

  “Women don’t like to be asked why they’re so irritating,” said Cade, pouring himself another cup of coffee.

  “I really haven’t chatted with her but I doubt she’s irritating. What’s getting to you is she hasn’t fallen under your spell like every other woman you’ve known. You haven’t arrived home to find one in your bed with their legs spread waiting for you to fuck them.”

  Damn, Trey really was smart. His brother poured himself a mug of coffee and he too leaned against the desk.

  “Maybe that’s the appeal, you’ve got to pursue her and not vice versa,” continued Trey. “Maybe when you’ve had sex, she won’t seem that attractive to you anymore. Could be even she realizes that and she’s trying to make the chase last as long as it can. Some women are really into that sort of thing.”

  “You think?” asked Cade.

  “Women, whether they’re human or shifter are as sneaky as hell. Take Denise for example. Last night just before we had sex, I noticed she’d covered her belly button with make-up. I could see her mating ring through it and it was a completed circle. She was fooling me. She wanted to get pregnant. I think I have a right to know when I’m about to mate. She obviously was hoping to get pregnant and force me into marriage.”

  Cade was intrigued as to how his brother handled the situation.

  “So, what did you do, tell her you knew?”

  “Nope, found some of Ian’s condoms and used them every time I fucked her. Man, you ever worn one of those things? Ian really had to have fallen hard for Eve to have his dick squeezed to hell. Fucking isn’t half as much fun. I almost feel sorry for human guys.”

  If he did have sex with Gillian, he too would have to wear one. Would it be as bad as Trey made out? He was willing to bite the bullet if he ever got lucky enough to fuck her.

  The buzzer over the door sounded and Cade saw Charlie’s friend, Eddie stroll in.

  He whistled when he looked around the store. “This is quite something. Charlie would be proud of you, Cade,” he said.

  “I couldn’t have done it without the money he left me.”

  “I know he’s looking down and smiling. He loved you guys like sons.”

  Cade knew that and still got choked up when he heard people talking about Charlie. He’d only wished he’d lived long enough to see Ian get married. He’d also be around able to give Cade advice about Gillian.

  “Mind if I take a look around?”

  “Spend all the time you want,” Cade told him.

  “Charlie’s death reminded me even a shifter’s life isn’t that long. I’m going to buy myself a motorbike,” said Eddie.

  Cade whistled. “That’s what I like to hear.”

  “Anything you can recommend for an older bear? Aww, how about this one?”

  He ran his hand down the bike that Gillian’s aunt had purchased. In fact, she was coming to pick it up shortly.

  “That’s already sold but if you like it, I could order another one?”

  “How long would that take?”

  “Week or so, however, I highly recommend this one,” Cade said, walking him over to a bike that had just been delivered the day before. “This one’s a beauty,” Cade said.

  The buzzer over the door sounded again and in walked Gillian’s aunt, Louise.

  “Now that’s what I could a beauty,” said Eddie, looking over at Louise.

  Cade noticed the old bear’s eyes light up.

  “Louise, you ready to take ownership of your bike?” Cade asked her.

  “I sure am.”

  “I’d like you to meet Eddie Ward, Eddie this is Louise Finnagan.”

  Eddie took two steps over to Louise and shook her hand.

  “Pleased to meet you,” said Louise.

  “Eddie’s going to buy a bike too,” said Cade.

  “Hey, maybe we could go riding together,” Eddie told her.

  Eddie had always been pushy but even that suggestion took Cade by surprise.

  “That sounds like fun,” said Louise. “I work next door with my niece so anytime you want to stop by, I’ll be around.”

  “How about having dinner with me tomorrow night?” Eddie asked.

  Cade exchanged glances with Trey and then looked at Louise. Eddie had certainly put her on the spot.

  “I’d love to.”

  Cade almost felt jealous of Eddie, not that he’d gotten a date with Louise, but how easy it had been to convince her to go on one. If only her niece said yes so easily.

  “Louise, let me give the bike a polish and I’ll wheel it over to the store,” Cade said.

  “I’ll be waiting. Looking forward to our date, Eddie.”

  “Sure, I’ll pick you up at the store around 7 p.m.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  Louise left and both Cade and Trey whistled.

  “You sly old bear,” Trey said.

  “What a beautiful woman,” Eddie said.

  “You know she’s human, right?” asked Trey.

  “Why of course, and I don’t discriminate when it comes to beauty,” Eddie said.

  “You know you’ll have to wear a condom,” Trey said.

  “Are you two laughing at my expense?” asked Eddie.

  “Who us?” asked Cade.

  “Yes, you. Do you think she’d like flowers?”

  “I’m sure she’d love them,” Trey said.

  “You know I’m taking Louise’s niece to Ian’s wedding?” Cade asked.

  “Really, maybe we can all double date sometime.”

  Cade smiled. Now wouldn’t that be something.

  “Okay, guys let’s get Louise’s bike to her and then it’s time to get ready for a bachelor party.”

  Back to Top

  Chapter 14

  Her shoes.

  She was going to need them for the wedding at the weekend. Should she buy a new dress? Was the wedding going to be a fancy one? She’d phone Hannah, and one, ask if she’d found the shoes, and two, what would be an appropriate dress for the event.

  She dialed the number and a young boy answered.

  “Hello, Starlight Café, Sam speaking.”

  “Hi, can I speak with Hannah?”

  “Sure, just a minute. Mom, you’re wanted on the phone.”

  Gillian, did a quick online search of local clothes stores while she waited.

  “Hi, this is Hannah.”

  “Hi, it’s Gillian from The Apothecary.”

  “I bet you’re calling about your shoes. I found them under the table. I have to say if I wasn’t pregnant, I’d be wearing them ri
ght now. They are gorgeous.”

  Gillian smiled. “And my feet paid the price for walking in them. Could I swing by and get them later today?”

  “Yes, why don’t you stop by for lunch and it’s on me. I have my first ultrasound at ten so shall we say noon?”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Great, see you then.”

  *****

  The Starlight Café was bustling when she arrived at ten minutes to noon. Hannah was playing hostess but told a young girl to take over from her while she had lunch.

  “Let’s go into the back away from the chatter.”

  Hannah brought out a pot of the tea Gillian had enjoyed before. “Order whatever you want because like I said, it’s on the house,” she said, handing her a menu.

  Everything sounded so good but she finally settled on the turkey wrap with sweet potato fries.

  Hannah put their order in and then sat down. “That feels good to be off my feet.”

  “Everything go okay with your ultrasound?” asked Gillian.

  “I’ll let you be the first to see the image, well apart from Bear and Sam.”

  Hannah pulled out the image from her bag and slid it across to Gillian. She noticed a piece of tape over one section.

  “Neither Bear or I want to know whether it’s a boy or girl. Sam insists he needs to know and promises to keep it a secret but I know him too well. It will be either, I don’t want a sister or I’m so happy I’m having a brother, and he’ll spoil it for us.”

  Gillian saw a distinct outline of the baby and it was even sucking its thumb.

  “Cole thinks I’m further along than we initially thought so I guess I’m now having a Christmas baby.”

  “Really, I arrived on Christmas Eve.”

  “Maybe you and the baby will have the same birthday,” said Hannah. “What a great gift for Bear. I’m sure it was for your dad too.”

  Gillian hadn’t thought about her father in a long time. Seeing an image of his handsome face, strangely reminded her of Cade.

  “Did you grow up in this area?” asked Hannah.

  “Yes, not too far away.”

  “And are your parents still alive?”