Romance: The Bear's Desired Mate: BBW Bear Shifter Romance Standalone ( Shifter Romance, BBW, Werebear) (Spicy Shifters Book 1)
Page 8
“I’m glad to hear that’s the image they’re sharing to our partners.” James sarcastically conceded. He made a mental note to speak to his staff about the image they portrayed of him. Although he was young, he was adamant about being known for his work ethic and accomplishments as a business owner and CEO.
“Loosen up, James. It’s a compliment, not a diminishing factor for your company.” She assured him before thanking the driver who held her door open and taking a seat in the black SUV that would be their ride for the night.
She was unlike the other women he had ever been with. She impressed him. Her simplicity, liveliness, humility, and boldness invigorated him. This only made him vow to be more distant and cold. She was amazing and people like that were rare. He was not going to be the one to taint her spirit.
Chapter 2
“I would never have done something like that in a million years. But, then again, we don’t have a million years to live, so I knew I had to do it at any cost. It was just really hard for me to sign up.” Adie put simply before placing another scoop of vegetable casserole in her mouth. James watched her inquisitively as she ate.
He took a sip of his oolong tea, which Adie convinced him to try. To his surprise, he actually enjoyed it.
“I wouldn’t have guessed someone like you was shy. Why don’t you auction yourself more often?” He asked.
“For starters, I look nothing like the other girls who were up there. I mean, I’m not insecure, but women like me usually get the shorter end of the stick when it comes to being chosen based on looks.” She shrugged.
“I won’t take that as an answer.”
“Okay, fine. You got me. I guess the whole fat-girl-complains-about-society-not-accepting-her thing is outdated.” Adie laughed.
“You’re not fat.” James assured her. Adie smiled faintly at him before revealing the real reason she wasn’t a regular at bachelorette auctions.
“Truth is… I’m a shy girl. I’ve had stage fright for all my life or at least, until tonight. I’ve always only been comfortable in the background; observing and creating but never actually putting myself out there.”
“That’s not a way to live, Adie.” James declared.
“It’s not that I don’t live. Trust me, I live to the fullest. The idea that if a girl doesn’t scream up and down the streets of Manhattan in nothing but a bikini top and a mini skirt with three cocktails in her system she isn’t alive, is absurd. I don’t judge anyone who does that, but it’s just not how I am.”
“That’s not how I am either but I would definitely judge a bit harshly if I knew someone who did that. What kind of friends do you have?” He teased and smirked at his own cleverness. She smiled back and giggled.
“Wow, Mr. Business can make jokes. Have you finally let loose? There’s no alcohol in that tea is there?” Adie teased.
She had picked up on his cold and reserved attitude long ago and she was proud of herself for getting him out of that as much as she did already.
“There must be alcohol in here. Next thing you know I’ll be running up and down the streets of Manhattan in nothing but a bikini top and a mini skirt.”
“That’d be a sight to see.” She took a sip of her iced tea and smiled at him. They sat in silence admiring each other. It was immediate and apparent: the tension between them was high.
James held his breath. His insides began to tremble again; his blood turned cold and his heart was beyond inflamed. He felt like he was going to come out of his own skin. Literally.
It was rare for him to feel this way around someone. His inner beast normally didn’t interfere with normal women he dated but Adie was different. She caused his dragon to become restless. It was as if he was impatient for her and begging for more.
“Have you finished your casserole?” He asked, taking a look at his Rolex watch. He couldn’t be around her any longer. His insides could implode. Adie looked at her plate and nodded.
“Oh definitely. I’m sorry, I forgot some people have demanding jobs and aren’t able to stay out all night in Queens like I am.”
“How do you work in New York but you don’t have a demanding job? You said you’ve done business with my corporation before. I never asked what it was exactly that you do.”
“I’m a painter. You requested a mass production of a landscape piece of mine. It’s in every room of your hotel and a handmade, custom portrait of mine was placed in the lobby of your Rhode Island location.”
“You’re the Adelaide Frasier. I knew your name was familiar. I apologize for never thanking you for your work earlier. You are an amazing artist.” James was charmed.
This woman was not only gorgeous and great company; she was highly respected in a field where everything was based on the speculative eye of the beholder.
I’d use the word amazing for people like Van Gogh or Picasso... But thank you. I appreciate it.” She blushed and pushed a loose curl behind her ear. James had already noticed she did that often.
The ride to Adie’s apartment was filled with sober-fun, banter, and a few lovey-dovey eyes. James tried to distract himself by engaging in mediocre conversation but it was no use. His attempts were futile against the growing beast inside of him.
‘You need to chill out.’ He told himself as Adie spoke. It was like every word she said no matter in what context caused his inner beast to rumble and his human form pictured their future. This was strange, even for someone like him and that was scary.
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