Jackson Valley Shifters Complete Series: Bear Shifter Romance

by Candace Ayers

  He stood, in the middle of the street, staring at her.

  There was nothing else he could do.

  Chloe’s appearance physically wounded him. She looked so full of life, so animated as she talked. Wesley would have given anything to have been sitting opposite her, listening to whatever she was saying—he wanted to know what she thought of college, what it was like for her in Michigan, if she missed her family, what her friends were like, if she’d read any good books or watched any movies—he wanted to know it all.

  It was in that moment he realized that he missed out on one of the most fundamental, crucial aspects of Chloe’s life. Her college years were, of course, spent fully developing her own ideas and opinions. She had made critical relationships, turned into the woman she would later be—the adult.

  He would miss it all.

  Wesley was so accustomed, for so many years to knowing what Chloe thought on a particular subject, what she might do in particular circumstances, what hurt her, what made her laugh, or yell or moan. He realized he didn’t know those things anymore. That someone else would—someone who wasn’t him.

  Wesley quickly crossed the street. He wanted to get a look at the guy Chloe was sitting opposite, without having to walk past the restaurant and risk being spotted.

  Safely over the other side, he changed his vantage point so he could see Chloe’s dinner date more clearly. What he saw made his blood run cold.

  The guy was sickeningly handsome, with a broad, charming smile which he was using to great effect—almost constantly flashing his straight, white teeth. From the way he was dressed, Wesley surmised that he wasn’t hurting for money. He wore a large gold signet ring which caught the light, gleaming when he moved his hands across the table. His clothing was understated, but tasteful and expensive. He had the air of East Coast privilege. He was exactly the kind of guy that Wesley assumed Tanner would want for a son-in-law, and exactly the kind of guy that Chloe should be dating—someone who could take her to nice restaurants, who would have a good job, someone who could travel with her, who would one day give her beautiful, smart, non-shifter children.

  Wesley hated the prick on sight.

  He was everything Wesley wasn’t—and couldn’t be—no matter how hard he tried. Sure, he was earning a pretty penny, but he could earn all the money in the world. It wouldn’t buy him the cultured, well-bred tastes of the man sitting opposite Chloe. No matter what Wesley did, he’d always be the abandoned son of a shifter—a homeless kid who came from nothing and was taken in due to the pity and kindness of a rancher. A guy who had had no abilities other than what his shifter genes enabled him to do—move a ball around a field. Wesley the man had nothing—was nothing, not really. An ex-farmhand, at most. Not a man worthy of Chloe Holt.

  Wesley tore his eyes away and jogged on. He couldn’t bear to look at Chloe’s date anymore. He couldn’t bear to see Chloe laughing and enjoying the company of a man that wasn’t him.

  As he ran, he kept trying to remind himself why he was running.

  Why he was turning away from the love of his life whom he’d driven all this way just to be close to.

  To ease his mind, he thought of all the things Chloe would do in her future. The bright, full life he knew she would have. It was why he would stay away. Chloe deserved the best of everything—he didn’t want to ever complicate things for her—to make her think that she had feelings for him, just because she’d known him for so long. It wasn’t fair. He would never forgive himself if he held her back in any way.

  9

  “Okay, this, or this.” Mia held out two dresses, pulled from her own wardrobe and shoved them enthusiastically in Chloe’s face.

  “In this weather! Are you nuts?”

  “You’re not going to be outside, not for long anyway! I would totally wear a dress. And strappy heels. Who cares about the weather?’

  “You for one,” Chloe pointed out. “Not dressing appropriately is why you spend most of your time moaning about the cold.”

  “Whatever,” Mia replied, shrugging off the inconvenient fact. “These will both look amazing on you. This one will bring out your eyes, and this one will show off other—err—assets.”

  Chloe rolled her eyes.

  “Mia, I barely have cleavage, there’s no point. And I’m not wearing a dress—seriously. Jeans and a nice top. That’s final.”

  “You sound like my mom,” Mia grumbled.

  Harper entered Chloe’s bedroom, carrying clothes folded over both arms.

  “Not you too!” Chloe cried out, exasperated. She was already pretty clear about her outfit for tonight—a pair of jeans and her black sweater with knee high black boots. It was a perfectly decent ensemble. Mia and Harper had decided otherwise.

  “Yes, me too! But don’t worry—it’s all really casual, but slightly less casual than what you wear every day to class. It’s a date Chloe, you can’t just wear any old thing. Where’s the fun in that?”

  “I thought you’d be on my side,” Chloe sighed.

  Mia suddenly jumped across Chloe’s bed, reaching for a photo that she’d thumbtacked up on the wall.

  “I’m sorry—what happened to this girl?”

  Mia held the photo up, waving it about in front of Chloe. The picture had been taken years ago. Chloe was about eleven or twelve, with Heather next to her. Both of them were grinning at the camera. Heather looked beautiful and elegant, but Chloe looked like she’d just attacked Sephora—with make-up and glitter covering most of her face—and dressed in her favorite outfit of the time, a fairy-wing ensemble which she’d worn with crazy stripped tights and a polka dot leotard.

  “That girl looks like she needs to be committed,” Chloe laughed. She loved that picture. It always reminded her how much Heather had always let her be whoever she wanted to be—Chloe always had free access to Heather’s make-up and wardrobe. No matter how ridiculous she emerged looking, Heather always told her she looked great, always complimented her on zany outfits and clown make-up.

  “She could bring a bit more of this devil-may-care, I-look-like-a-crazy-person attitude to her date outfit, that’s all I’m saying.” Mia stated.

  “You want me to wear wings and a polka dot leotard?” Chloe asked.

  Mia pulled a face.

  “A dress. I just want you to try on something a bit more exciting. That’s all—just try.”

  “I’ll try a different top,” Chloe bargained.

  “Perfect!” Harper interjected, throwing a pale blue sweater over Chloe’s head.

  “Fine,” sighed Mia.

  Thirty minutes later, after showering, dressing and applying her make-up, Harper and Mia were finally satisfied. Chloe gave herself a final look-over in the mirror, pleased with the overall effect. It looked casual, but a bit more like she’d made an effort. Chloe added a pair of new earrings that she’d bought at a trip to the mall with Harper and smiled at her reflection in the mirror.

  Chloe was pleased she had said yes. She didn’t exactly have butterflies or feel any excited nervousness like she used to when she was about to see Wesley, but that didn’t matter. It was probably better, she told herself. Around Wesley she had felt like an awkward, clumsy child. This was a chance to get to know someone properly, to date someone who felt like an equal—not some semi-god she hero worshipped.

  “You look beautiful,” Todd murmured as he leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek in greeting.

  “Thanks. You look great,” she acknowledged in return.

  Chloe stepped back, putting some space between them. She drank in Todd’s good looks and sharp clothes. Up until now she’d only really seen him in workout clothes or football gear. He looked different—slightly more intimidating, she thought, simply because they were both very clearly dressed up for an actual date, rather than a casual hook up.

  “My car’s in the first lot,” Todd said, ushering her toward the parking lot with a hand on her back.

  Chloe had told Mia and Harper not to be anywhere in the vicinity whe
n she met Todd at the agreed spot. She knew that Mia would say something obnoxious or awkward and unsettle her. They had both, however, insisted that they be given an entire run-down—no matter how late she returned. Chloe had promised. Reluctantly.

  Chloe drew her coat more tightly around her. It was a bitter, clear evening and not for the first time, she was very glad she’d been talked into wearing one of Mia’s dresses.

  “It’s over here,” Todd gestured to the car—the only one parked in front of the dormitory back entrance—which was a strict no-parking zone.

  “You weren’t worried you’d get towed?” Asked Chloe.

  “I was—but I was more worried about my date dying of hypothermia,” Todd replied smoothly.

  “I appreciate it,” Chloe grinned.

  He opened the car door for her, and Chloe sunk into the mild warmth of the vehicle. Todd climbed in next to her, blasting the heating.

  “Never got used to the winters here,” he commented.

  “Not a fan of the cold?” Chloe asked.

  “Not really. I’m a more sea, sun and surf kind of guy,” he replied, looking sideways at her. “Let me guess—Chloe Holt of Wyoming loves winter and now thinks I’m a total pussy?

  “No!” Chloe laughed. “Not at all. Just please tell me you like Christmas and Thanksgiving—or I’m getting out of the car.”

  “Love them,” Todd emphasized hurriedly. “Except the whole ‘quality time with family’ thing.”

  “Don’t you get along with your family?”

  He shook his head.

  “Nah. Not really. It’s like we harbor an active disdain for one another—but I suspect we just don’t know each other very well. Mom and Dad never spent that much time at home when we were growing up.”

  “Do you have any siblings?” Chloe asked.

  “Only child,” he replied matter-of-factly.

  “Same—or I was. I have a niece and a nephew now, and they feel a little like siblings.”

  Todd nodded in understanding, “That’s nice. I grew up wishing I had one of those large, extended families—the ones where everyone goes around to one another’s homes. I kind of got that though, playing football in college. The team starts to feel like your family. Did you have close friends, where you lived?”

  “A few girlfriends, sure,” Chloe responded vaguely. “My best friend since grade school, Lucille, lived close-by.”

  The truth was, Wesley had been her best friend growing up. He was the one she’d told everything to, the one she’d gone to when she had a problem or needed cheering up.

  As the car sped out of the college campus and onto the main street, Todd entertained Chloe with tales of his teammates on the Wolverines and the wild pranks they pulled on one another. Chloe laughed along but it was a million miles from her experience in high school and college, which had been mainly focused on academics. Her teachers had pushed her hard, and in turn, Chloe had pushed herself even harder. She’d been desperate to make a success of herself—and tended to say no to parties, or dates—anything that she thought might get in the way of a good grade point average. Chloe had always thought there’d be plenty of time for fun later down the line, when she was done proving herself.

  “You’ve gotten quiet,” Todd said as they pulled up to the restaurant. “Are you okay?”

  “Sorry! I didn’t mean to—I was just thinking that I’ve put off a lot of stuff, by focusing on studies. That’s all. It sounds like you had an amazing time…I’m not sure I would necessarily say the same about my school years.”

  “I didn’t figure you for a party animal. I think that’s part of the attraction.”

  Todd turned to her in the car, his expression full of intent as he studied Chloe’s face. She suddenly felt exposed, uncomfortable, and desperate to get out of the car.

  “Hey,” Todd said, taking her hand as she made a move to turn away. “Can’t I look at you? You’re beautiful Chloe. I could stare at your face for hours.”

  “I’d rather you didn’t!” Chloe replied lightly. She found his stare, and the accompanying words, far too intense.

  “Shall we go in?” She added, trying to lighten the mood.

  “Sure.”

  Todd agreed instantly, but his tone was flat. He jumped out of the car quickly, moving around the side to open the door for Chloe. She didn’t take his proffered arm, but smiled up gratefully instead, not wanting to offend him.

  “This looks fantastic!” Chloe exclaimed, finally registering the small bistro. Its outside was charmingly decorated with evergreen plants, a warm glow from candlelight emanating from inside. It looked warm, inviting and cozy—just the kind of place she loved.

  “Thanks for bringing me here,” she said, meaning it.

  “It’s a total pleasure.”

  Todd seemed to have regained his initial mood and smiled broadly at her as he opened the door to the restaurant. The heat hit them both as soon as they entered, causing Chloe to sigh with relief and Todd to instantly shrug off his jacket.

  They were quickly shown to a table by an attractive waitress and handed thick menus.

  “You’re not a vegetarian, are you?” Todd asked.

  Chloe shook her head.

  “I grew up on a Wyoming ranch. There’s not that many vegetarians where I come from. Plus, I think it would break my mom’s heart! She loves to cook.”

  Todd nodded, clearly pleased.

  “Let me order for you then.” he caught the attention of the waitress before Chloe could protest.

  “Two steaks, rare, with all the sides. And a bottle of red.”

  “Which red, sir?”

  “The best one you’ve got,” Todd replied quickly.

  “And I’ll have some sparkling water,” Chloe interjected. “Thanks.”

  The waitress hurriedly wrote the order down and left. Chloe hated having someone order for her. It was such a massive turn-off for her when someone thought she couldn’t decide what she’d like to eat on her own, like she was a child. She deliberated whether she should say something, or not. She was tempted to, certainly, but she didn’t want to sour the evening before it had already started.

  “Tiffany was a vegan.” Todd stated with a roll of the eyes. “I miss having steak out—I hope you don’t mind, but this place has the best in the state.”

  “It’s fine,” Chloe replied, shoving the inner protest aside.

  As the evening wore on, Chloe found herself actually having a pleasant time. She liked Todd. He was an articulate, interesting person to talk to. She got the impression that he was used to being charming to women. Compliments rained down on her throughout the evening—but they had the expert, practiced feel of a pro.

  At one point, after they had finished dinner and were waiting for coffee, Chloe felt a slight prickling at the back of her neck—like someone was watching her. She turned abruptly, looking out onto the darkened sidewalk, but she couldn’t see anything, only a few pedestrians walking with their heads down in the dark, coats wrapped tightly around them for warmth.

  The feeling passed as quickly as it had come, but Chloe was left with an unusual sensation of having missed something—like an appointment she’d forgotten all about. When Todd went to the restroom, she surreptitiously checked her phone, but there was nothing, only a few texts from Mia asking how the date was going, which she ignored. Sheesh, she’d promised to give her and Harper all the gossip later. One would think she was a young girl going off on a first date, instead of a woman in her last year of college, the way they fussed.

  Todd insisted on paying the bill, no matter how much Chloe argued with him. She managed to say thank you, graciously—vowing that she would pay the next time.

  At the mention of ‘next time’ Todd grinned brightly.

  When Todd pulled up to Chloe’s building, he got out of the car with her. It was raining heavily and a wind had suddenly picked up.

  “Thanks for this!” Chloe shouted over the downpour.

  “You’re totally worth it, Chloe Ho
lt.”

  He dragged her beneath the door of the building’s entrance, its thick, intricate stone arch offering just enough shelter for one person. Todd stood in the rain while he looked at her, staring deep into Chloe’s eyes.

  “You’re getting drenched,” she pointed out, trying to cover up her awkwardness.

  “I don’t care.”

  Chloe swallowed, her mouth suddenly feeling bone dry.

  Todd leaned forward, hesitating momentarily before moving his hands up either side of Chloe’s face. He cupped her jaw, his lips baring down toward hers.

  “Wait!”

  Chloe jerked her head backward.

  “I’m so sorry, I’m just not ready…uh…” She mumbled unhappily. She wanted to kiss Todd; she really did. No, she wanted herself to want to kiss Todd, which was not exactly the same thing. The guy was handsome, charming and seemed to like her. But it just felt far too soon after just one date. She barely knew him.

  Todd’s face flushed an unattractive crimson.

  “Really?” He bit out.

  “Really,” Chloe replied firmly. Seeing how irritated he was only confirmed her choice.

  “I’m sorry, Todd. I am. I just don’t know you that well. I want to wait.”

  Chloe heard herself speaking, pleased with how steely and uncompromising she sounded.

  He heard it too, holding up his hands in surrender.

  “Okay, okay, I get it. I’m sorry. I just really like you. A lot. A hell of a lot.”

  Chloe relaxed. His apology seemed sincere, and now that there was breathing space between the two of them, she could relax.

  “I had a really nice time,” she said honestly. “See you again?”

  “See you again,” Todd echoed, looking relieved.

  Chloe kissed him briefly on the cheek and then unlocked the outer door to her building and escaped inside, not wanting to look back.