by Vella Day
Only the sound of laughter brought her back to her senses. People were coming up the path. Holy balls of fur. Tasha looked to the trail entrance. While she didn’t see anyone yet, the voices were getting louder. “Oh, shit.”
Chapter Ten
Despite Tasha’s embarrassment at being out in the open with Burke inside her, she actually giggled. They were about to be found out by who knows who.
Burke jumped to his feet. “Take all of our clothes and hide.”
There wasn’t time to ask why she should take his stuff, too, so she just obeyed. Grabbing everything, she managed to dart across the area with little damage to the souls of her feet. Heart pounding, she ducked behind a big tree, and then glanced back around. Stark naked, he was closing the picnic basket, acting as calm as could be. Tasha wanted to yell at him, but she didn’t want to attract any more attention.
Needing to get dress, she pulled down her bra and donned her top. Stuffing her panties in her jeans pocket, she stepped into her pants.
Before she could pull on her socks, a scream sounded, and she stilled. Afraid to peek out, she prayed the newcomers didn’t have any kids with them. If she’d been a mother and walked in on a naked man, she might panic, too.
Footsteps sounded, and a roar followed. Tasha dropped her head back and had to clasp her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. Only Burke would think to shift and scare them away. Those poor people.
“It’s safe now,” he telepathed.
Tasha slipped on her shoes. Picking up his clothes, she stepped from behind the tree, and then halted. He was still in bear form and eating her fish!
She didn’t want it now anyway, but still. Normally, she would have gotten mad, but Burke looked too damn cute. She ambled over to him, set down his clothes, and waited for him to finish the meal. As soon as he was done, he shifted back to human form.
“What happened?” she asked.
“I didn’t need them to see me, so I scared them away.”
“I figured.” She shook her head. “I feel sorry for them.”
“Them? What about me?”
She walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’re a big boy. You can handle it.” She scrunched up her face. “You ate our fresh catch.”
He grinned. “I did, didn’t I?”
* * *
Not wanting to have anyone else come upon them, Burke suggested they pack up and head out.
“I never got to use my new pole.” Tasha gave him a fake frown, but he doubted she really cared.
He wiggled his brows then glanced down. “I got to use mine.”
She burst out laughing. “Oh, boy.”
“Don’t worry. There will be plenty of other weekends. We’ll come again.”
Excitement zinged through her. She wagged a finger. “Okay, but no sex next time. I don’t want to chance anyone finding us.”
“No sex. Got it.” Like that would happen.
More than ever, he was convinced Tasha was his mate. His sixth sense told him she wasn’t as sure. As difficult as it was, after ravishing her twice today, it might be better if she dropped him off at the library and he kept his distance for a day or two. He didn’t need her to get sick of him before he could convince her he was the one for her.
Was he in love with her? No, but that would come. At the very least, he could say he was highly attracted and intrigued by her. “Let’s head back.”
The trip down the trail seemed to take only minutes, as did the drive to town. When he pulled into the library parking lot, he half expected her to suggest they go back to her place, but she kept quiet. He angled her car next to his dad’s old truck and pushed open the door. “I’d suggest I shower at your place, but I know I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off you.”
She smiled and placed a palm on his thigh, shooting streaks of heat straight to his cock. “I appreciate your concern. I would like to be able to walk into work on Monday.”
He laughed. “Got it. Dad asked me to help him with some things around the house tomorrow, but maybe Monday?”
“Sure.”
He leaned over and kissed her quickly before jumping out. He didn’t trust himself in the least. He grabbed his pole from the back and strutted over to his truck. Fearing he’d change his mind, he slid in, and cranked up the engine, all the while recognizing just how amazing Tasha was.
His biggest fear was if she decided he wasn’t the type of man for her. She might have little interest in someone who rarely read fiction. In the past, he’d spent all of his time either working or trying to get into a woman’s pants. Man, he sure was a piece of work. For Tasha’s sake, maybe he should head back to Pennsylvania sooner rather than later.
Not needing to dawdle, he drove back to his parents’ house.
As he stepped inside, his dad approached. “How was the fishing?”
He smelled of fire and river water—a scent his father was sure to detect. “Tasha caught one. I didn’t.”
“Hmm.”
He waited for more questions, but his father donned his reading glasses and picked up the book on his lap. Burke must be the only one alive who wasn’t a reading enthusiast. He had building codes to study and architectural magazines to pore over. He didn’t have time for fiction. Tom, too, had taken up a lot of his time. Excuses, excuses. Man up. Perhaps he was just that shallow.
Burke climbed the stairs to his room, and the euphoria from this afternoon dimmed in the light of reality. Burke should have set a better example for Tom. Well, damn.
* * *
No sooner had Tasha arrived at work on Monday, than her boss, Mary Cripp, rushed up to her and clasped her arm. “Can you come into my office?”
Tasha’s stomach tumbled. Someone must have spotted Burke climbing out of her car and suggested it wouldn’t look good if she dated someone so wild. Well, tough shit, if they had. The more she’d thought about Burke and considered all of his actions, the more she realized he’d changed. Tasha refused to think he was just using her. Sure, she should have asked if he’d ever told another woman that he thought she was his mate, but she wasn’t ready for the answer if he said yes.
No one seemed to know how this mate thing really worked, anyway, but she doubted whoever was in charge would worry about things like looks or perfect bodies. She and Burke got along, and that should be good enough.
“Have a seat, Tasha.” Mary sat behind her desk and steepled her fingers. This couldn’t be good. “I received a call about an hour ago that my mother had a stroke.”
Tasha slumped. “I’m so sorry.” Mary and her mom were close. “What can I do?”
“I have a three o’clock flight to Michigan to see her.”
The pieces fell into place. “What about the conference you’ve been looking forward to?”
“That’s where you come in. This conference would be perfect for you. There will be a ton of panels on what’s new in children’s literature, and the authors will be signing their books.” She opened her desk drawer and retrieved a pamphlet. “Here is the list of events. Would you be able to go in my place?”
Excitement raced through her. “I’d love to.” The idea of discussing what was new and upcoming in children’s books thrilled her. The only downside was being away from Burke when their relationship was just getting off the ground.
“Perfect. I’ll cancel my flight now. Can you call and switch the hotel reservations?”
“Absolutely. Don’t worry about a thing.”
Mary stood, came around her desk, and hugged her. “Thank you.”
“Hope your mom’s recovery is quick.”
“Thanks. Buy whatever books you think we could use.”
Really? This was better than she could have hoped for. Once Tasha left Mary’s office, she stepped into the break room and made some calls. Tasha was fortunate enough to get a flight out Wednesday at noon to Parkersburg, West Virginia, which was the nearest airport to Clemsworth—a remote town in the Ohio Valley. She’d have to rent a car, as the co
nference was at a retreat center, a good hour and a half from there.
That meant she’d only get to see Burke tonight and tomorrow. Packing would have to be sandwiched in somehow. He’d be outside working right now, but she didn’t want to disturb him. The last thing he needed was for her to bother him while he was the new guy on the job.
She had planned to meet with the girls tomorrow night, but now she’d have to cancel, so she dialed Emmaline first as she doubted she could reach Chey at the clinic.
“Lawson, Parker, and Francolini’s office. How many I help you?”
Tasha smiled. She wasn’t sure she could say that more than a few times a day. The funny thing was that Lawson and Parker had passed away years ago. Only Mr. Francolini remained, and he was as old as Methuselah. “It’s Tasha. Something’s come up. By any chance are you free for lunch?”
“Let me check.” Keys clicked. “Sure. The café at noon?”
“Perfect. See you there.” She saw no need to go into detail on the phone about what happened. Besides, Em wouldn’t have been able to talk while at work.
Until it was time to meet with her, Tasha gathered the list of children’s books that were available at the library, and then checked the copyright dates to see how old they were. After studying the types of stories, she made a list of what they could use.
Mary had already gone home to pack, so a few minutes before noon, Tasha slipped out in order to get a good table. When she entered the café, who was seating people but good old Dee Dee Duncan. “Hey, Dee Dee.”
“Tasha. Just one?” Her snarky attitude rubbed her the wrong way, so she pretended Dee Dee was just jealous.
What Tasha wouldn’t give to be able to say that Burke was meeting her. “Two, please.”
With her chin held high, Dee Dee picked up the menus and escorted her to a cramped table near the back. That worked for Tasha. It would hinder the Café’s catty waitress from overhearing any of her conversation.
A few minutes later, Em rushed in and sat down. “What’s so urgent?”
“Did I say urgent? I have to cancel tomorrow night.” She told her about the conference in southeastern Ohio.
“That sounds like an awesome opportunity. I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks. The only downside is being away from Burke for four days, just when we’re getting to know each other.”
She clasped a hand over her mouth. “That’s right. You went fishing with Burke! How did that go?”
Tasha let out a sigh of contentment. “It was amazing and wonderful.” Normally, she would have called Em and Chey and discussed her incredible sexual adventure since something like that had never happened before, but she’d needed time to think things through.
Emmaline clapped. “So now what?”
“I don’t know. It’s so intense when we’re together. Do you think that means we’re mates?”
Diane, their waitress, came over, and took their drink orders.
As soon as she scurried away, her friend leaned back. “You know my thoughts on that topic.”
“You don’t believe in it, I know. Do you think there’s any harm in me seeing where this can lead?”
Emmaline grabbed her hand. “I want this to work out between you, I really do, but just be careful. My mom used to say that cheetahs can’t change their spots.”
She laughed. “Burke’s a bear, silly.”
“It’s just a saying.”
Tasha wasn’t sure what she was implying. “Do you think I should cool it?”
She shrugged. “I’m not saying that. Do you have fun with him?”
Tasha thought back to their fight over the fish. “Yes.”
“There you go. I say enjoy your time together and see where it leads.”
“I will.” She slumped. “The problem is that we’re total opposites. He loves TV and I don’t own one. I know he loves college football and I’m not sure I could name one team. He drives a Harley and I hate motorcycles.” That was a depressing comparison.
“At least you both appear to like sex.”
Emmaline had a way about her. “You’re right about that.” But was that their only common ground? As good as it was, a relationship couldn’t be built on sex alone.
Tasha glanced over at Dee Dee. “Besides the fact our flirty hostess is a loose cannon when it comes to men, what else can you tell me about her?”
“You want the good or the bad?”
Tasha wanted to assess the threat level. “The good.”
“She graduated from Edmonds University in Chicago with honors.”
That put them on even ground. She, too, had done very well in school. “Why is she a hostess then?”
“Never asked, but her parents are richer than sin. Rather than have her leave town, perhaps they’re supporting her.”
Or Hidden Hills didn’t have any job offers in her major. “What else?”
“She’s very knowledgeable about all types of sports.” Emmaline placed her napkin on her lap. “She used to be a bartender, too, and did you know she tried race car driving for a while?”
Shit. Tasha had none of those skills. She was just great with kids and loved to read. “Sorry I asked.”
Their drinks materialized in front of them. “Do you ladies know what you want?” Diane asked.
They each ordered, but Tasha wasn’t hungry anymore. “Have you heard Dee Dee talking about Burke?”
“No, but watch out for her.”
Tasha almost smiled. “I take it she’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing?”
“You got it.”
Chapter Eleven
No sooner had Burke stepped out of the shower than his cell rang. With a towel around his waist, he rushed into his bedroom and grabbed the phone. When he saw it was Tasha, he smiled. “Hey, beautiful.”
He’d called her last night to make sure she was okay after all the sex they’d had, and it had taken all of his resolve not to suggest they get together Sunday. When Wade had called to remind him about his Dad’s birthday party tonight, Burke had inwardly cursed. As much as he adored Wade’s family, he wanted to spend his time with Tasha. Hell, he barely slept because he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He’d hoped this incredible rush every time he saw her would wear off soon. If not, he’d end up a zombie.
“Hey, I wanted to call and let you know I have to go out of town from Wednesday to Sunday.” She explained that her boss’s mother had a stroke, and that she’d asked Tasha to take her place at a conference.
“Four days? Wow. When can I see you?”
“You want to come over tonight?”
He sucked in an audible breath. “Can’t. It’s Wade’s dad’s birthday. I’d ask you to come, but then I’d have to drag you into a spare bedroom and have my way with you.” She laughed, just as he’d hoped. “All kidding aside, I promise to behave myself if you come.” For a moment, he’d debated canceling on Wade, but Burke was trying to rebuild his reputation and wanted to be known as someone who kept his word.
“I honestly forgot about Mr. Black’s birthday party. My dad and mom are going, too, but I’m not sure I can keep my hands off you.”
“I like the sound of that. You want me to pick you up then?”
“I’d like to go, but I really have to pack. I’ll send a card and bring something over for him when I get back.”
“If you change your mind, let me know. Tomorrow then?”
“Perfect. Is seven okay?” she said.
“It’s a date. How about if I bring dinner?” Something without sauces or covered in batter. His waistline wouldn’t be able to handle too many splurges.
“Great. I’ll supply the wine.”
“See you then.” He was dripping all over the floor so he disconnected the call and towel dried.
The thought of being with Tasha again had his temperature rising. While he and his dad were close, talking with him about mating would surely get back to Tasha’s dad, and that wouldn’t be good. If his conversation reached her, she might think he was havin
g doubts—which he wasn’t.
As he dressed for the party, he tried to ready himself for the possibility that Tasha would think him not her intellectual equal. He didn’t read fiction, kind of sucked at fishing, and rode a motorcycle, which she said she didn’t like. He was so fucked and had no idea what to do about it.
* * *
Tasha paced the living room. Burke was late, and she hoped he was merely delayed. She checked her cell to make sure he hadn’t messaged her, but there was nothing.
She smoothed down her outfit. She’d gone to Gina’s lingerie shop after work and splurged on a bra and panty set. Never before had she spent so much money on so little fabric. For the first time in her life, she had on a bra that actually fit. No fat lumps poured over the sides. While Gina had tried to talk her into a thong, there were some things no man should witness.
Tasha glanced out the window for the umpteenth time but didn’t spot any vehicles on the main road to her street. To keep busy, she centered the dishes on the placemats and straightened the silverware once more.
The doorbell rang, and she jumped. She shouldn’t be nervous. They’d eat. They’d have sex. And she’d send him on his way. Simple.
You want more.
No, she didn’t. Burke was Burke, so she’d take what she could get. Fat girls couldn’t be picky.
She pulled open the door. Holy mother of shifters. Burke had on a button-down white shirt and black jeans. In his hands was a bag from The Taste Of Hidden Hills restaurant—her favorite place to eat. She inhaled, and the scent invaded her body.
“May I come in?”
She must have been staring. “Yes.”
He grinned, grabbed her around the waist, and kissed her. “I’ve been waiting for days to do that.”
She lightly punched him. “You say the sweetest things.”
“We’ll see how sweet you think I am after dinner.” He winked then strode past her to the kitchen.
She followed. “It smells wonderful.”
“Sorry I’m late. The restaurant was incredibly busy.”