by Day, Vella
Seeing her so maternal shook him. “I suspected on our first date. As soon as I walked into your house and came near you, I thought I detected the bear in you. Then when I drove you to Mr. Francolini’s house, your scent was even stronger.”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“It’s your body. I wanted you to make the decision as to when you told me.”
She covered her mouth. “I didn’t even know on our first date.” Her hand shook, and then she lowered it. “If you could detect the bear in me, does that mean I’m having a boy?”
“No, it just means that part of me is in you.” Her body trembled, and Wade could no longer take it. He slid off the desk, raced over to her, and lifted her to a stand. He then wrapped his arms around her.
She planted her palms on his naked chest, her fingers searing his skin. “I understand why you didn’t tell me who you really were. I’m the one who needs to apologize for keeping a secret. I should have told you right away about the baby, but I’m still trying to come to grips with it all.”
“I can see why, but how about we discuss it later?” He cupped her cheek. “Right now, I need you more than I can possibly say.” His body vibrated with a desire so strong, he was certain his inner beast was about to come out.
Her eyes shone and her whole body seemed fragile to his touch. Wade placed a gentle kiss on her lips and let the connection seep deep into him.
“Okay.” Emmaline then wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with even more emotion. “I need you, too,” she said. She then lowered her hands to his pants and pulled open the buttons.
That one action spurred him on. As much as he wanted to talk about their future, if he didn’t have her right now, no telling what he’d do—or rather what the animal in him would do.
He placed a hand over hers to stop her. “Are you sure?” He wasn’t certain exactly what he was asking of her, but he wanted her consent more than anything.
“For now, yes.”
He’d take what he could get. Not wanting Agnes to walk in on them, he strode over to the door and locked it.
“She won’t come looking for you?”
“I hope not. She knows what you mean to me.”
“So she was in on this job interview hoax the whole time?”
He didn’t need to get into an argument about that deception. “Does it matter? You’re here now and you know who I am. If we could table this discussion, I’d greatly appreciate it. If not, I’ll melt before your eyes.”
She smiled, just like he hoped she would. “I can wait.”
He kicked off his shoes and socks and dropped trou. In the past, he might have waited for her to get undressed, but not now. His urgency was too strong. Emmaline moved closer and dragged a finger from his breastbone to his belly button, leaving a trail of fire, and making his cock grow even harder. “I’ve missed you, Emmaline.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Let me show you just how much. You look so beautiful in your outfit, and I hate to take it off, but I have to.”
She grinned. “Is this part of the interview process?”
“It is now.” As much as he wanted to go slow, he couldn’t. He yanked open her blouse with speed and agility. As he peeled back the material, his breath caught at the sexiness of her red, push-up lace bra. “I see you were determined to get this job.”
“Like I knew you’d be the boss?”
He chuckled. “Glad to hear it.”
Wade removed her top and tossed it on the chair behind her. He then slid his fingers under her bra, and when he lifted it over her tits, her delicious pink nipples called to him. Wade brushed his thumbs across the tips and watched them peak. His inner animal growled, forcing him to lean over and taste her. The first lick made his rigid cock rock hard, and he wasn’t sure how long he would last. “I need you naked now.”
“Let me help.” She kicked off her heels, forcing him to bend over farther to keep sucking on her tits.
“Why can’t we make love in a bed like an ordinary couple?” he panted.
She chuckled. “It’s more exciting and daring this way.” Without asking, she unzipped the back of her skirt and let it pool at her ankles.
Her delicate, red panties made him want to throw her on the ground and do her right there—but he wouldn’t. Emmaline deserved better. As if she understood what he needed, she grabbed his cock and squeezed it tight. God help him. He wasn’t certain if he could keep any kind of control.
* * *
Emmaline was in shock. Her body was going wild with need while her mind was unable to comprehend what had happened. All this time, she’d thought Wade held a menial job, and here he was rich. Boy, had she been fooled, but to her surprise, it didn’t bother her. He had his reasons for not telling her—good ones.
The problem was that he was her new boss, and she shouldn’t consider making love with him since it might mess everything up. They should talk about the baby first and how this was going to work before having sex, but the wolf in her had other ideas.
“I need to take off your panties,” Wade said, lust pooling in his eyes.
The moment he slipped his thumbs under the waistband and tugged them down, all of her questions and doubts vanished. The logistics of how they could work together and what they were going to do about her situation flew out of her brain as her hormones shot into overdrive. Nothing mattered but having him.
She stepped out of her panties and once more wrapped her arms around his neck. She needed his mouth on her worse than anything. When their lips connected again, she delved in, tasting and savoring him, wanting to reach his soul.
He walked her backward to his desk, lifted her up, and placed her on top. He then pushed aside some papers. “Lean back.” His strong command had delicious goose bumps chasing up her skin.
Heart pumping fast, she did as he asked. Wade folded his shirt and placed it under her head. While he bent over, she grabbed his neck and pressed her breasts against his chest. At the moment, it didn’t matter that he was a bear and she a wolf.
“I’ve missed you,” he said. “A lot.”
Wade planted her feet on the wooden surface, and when he slipped two fingers into her pussy, shards of pleasure pierced her. She clutched his shoulders, her breaths coming out fast. She couldn’t stop if she wanted to. “Fuck me, please.”
“We have time.”
Instead of entering her, he cupped her breasts and sucked hard on her nipples. He tugged and pulled, twisted and licked. Great wolves in heaven. Pulses of lust streaked down her body, jamming at the intersection of her legs while contractions rippled inside her, causing her need to grow by the instant.
“Please, Wade.” Her desperation added to her need.
“I love your tits,” he said. “But I want you more.”
She spread her legs wide, and he slowly entered her. The friction ignited her, causing shivers of delight to spread through her. Once he was jammed in all the way, she pulled herself up and kissed him hard. He groaned, and she answered with a moan. “What you do to me,” she said after breaking the contact.
Wade nibbled on her neck, and spikes of passion shot through her. As if her inner beast had taken over, Emmaline inhaled and scooted closer to the edge of the desk, helping to drive his cock in to the hilt again. Her body caught fire, and passion pummeled her. She cupped his face, needing more. Em kissed him once more, but instead of devouring him, she savored his taste, letting his whole being drift into her.
Wade dragged his lips down her neck, sending bolts electricity straight to her core, possessing her. He clamped his hands on her hips and held her still as he thrust into her over and over again until she nearly came apart. Desire, lust, and overwhelming need infused her, and her mind ceased to function.
She acted on instinct only. Together, they did an erotic dance, melding their two bodies together. She touched and kissed every bit of him, then ran her hands through his hair and down his shoulders. Squeezing his large biceps, she thrilled
to his taut sinews and powerful muscles.
Blood pounded in her ears as her climax neared. Every scent, sound, and touch was heightened through their union, and as sweat slickened their skin, her desire grew. Heat bubbled inside and the pleasure consumed her.
Wade drove in hard once more, and as his cock exploded, sending hot seed into her, she dropped back onto his desk and gasped. Wave upon wave of pleasurable ecstasy charged at her. Her orgasm swirled around her, taking her to a place she never wanted to leave.
Eventually, their bodies came down from their high, and Wade buried his face in her breasts and held her tight. “I wish we could stay like this for ever.”
Me, too. “That would make my new job rather easy, I suspect.”
He lifted up and raised a brow. “Does that mean you’ll accept my job offer?”
She smiled. “Depends on the benefits.”
“They’re negotiable.”
“Deal.” Emmaline hoped she hadn’t made a mistake.
Chapter Nine
For the next few days, Emmaline was delighted that her job went so smoothly. Wade was a great boss. He spent time with her and was very patient as he outlined what her duties would be. While she’d messed up a few times, he never lost his temper. To her delight, she found this job wasn’t all that different from the one she’d had with Mr. Francolini, except that it was less stressful. Having the wonderful eye candy around helped, too.
Her only disappointment was that Wade hadn’t kissed her in his office again, nor had he stopped over at her place at night. She expected him to bring up the topic of the baby, but so far he hadn’t. All she could think of was that he was waiting for her to broach the subject, or else parenthood held little interest for him. Right now, she was content with the status quo.
On Wednesday, Wade invited her to dinner with him and two prominent clients, saying he thought she’d enjoy the change in venue. If she took notes, not only would it help him remember what was said, she might learn a bit about the business, and the more involved she became, the better help she could be. She had to admit, she enjoyed herself.
Then on Thursday morning, Wade stepped into her office. “Can you make some airline reservations for me to fly to Pittsburgh?”
Her pulse beat harder. She liked having him around since it gave her a sense of security. “For when?”
“I need to leave tomorrow morning and will return Sunday—the earlier the better.”
She waited for him to tell her why, but she figured it was for business. “Sure.”
Emmaline had planned to have the discussion about their future this weekend—a future that did not include Wade permanently in her life. She didn’t think he would be offended since he hadn’t said anything about marriage or being there for the baby. It was possible that when she’d mentioned she had her obstetrics appointment on Friday afternoon, he was waiting until after that to have the discussion.
Wade kept her busy the rest of the day sorting, filing, and making a lot of phone calls. At five, he stopped in again. “You want to catch a bite to eat?”
That caught her off guard. “I’d love to.” Emmaline had yet to figure out his agenda, but hopefully she’d find out now.
“I’m ready now if you are,” he said.
“Sure.” Once she shut down her computer, he helped her on with her heavy sweater and escorted her outside.
“Mind walking?” Several restaurants were close by.
“I could use the exercise.” All she’d done was sit this past week.
“Can you handle Chinese food?” he asked. “I know you’ve mentioned some things upset your stomach.”
How sweet of him to ask. Of late, she had felt queasy but only in the morning. “I’m game.”
As they walked to the restaurant, Wade clasped her hand, acting as if they were a couple again. She liked touching him, but it confused her at the same time. She couldn’t quite decide whether he wanted to be her boss, her lover, or both.
“How do you think things are going?” he asked.
She wasn’t sure if he was talking about work or the baby. “I love the job.”
“I’m treating you okay?”
Everything he said seemed to have a hidden meaning, but until he asked her out right, she’d take the easy route. “You’re an excellent boss.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you think so.”
For the next two blocks they walked in companionable silence. It was still light out, and a lot of people were getting off work and apparently doing some last-minute shopping. Once the two of them entered the restaurant, the hostess led them over to a cozy booth.
He ordered coffee, while she opted for tea, and Wade ordered them an appetizer of egg rolls. “We need to talk about the baby,” he announced.
Her stomach did a somersault. Emmaline collapsed back against the seat, her pulse soaring. He wanted to talk now, but suddenly she wasn’t ready. “Please, Wade. I’m a grown woman and can handle this myself.” She thought it best to cut off his intervention right from the start. Thankfully, her voice didn’t waver.
“You act as if having the baby is a one-person job. Did you forget I’m the father?” She detected a hint of anger.
Em sighed. “You can be as involved as you want with our baby.”
He cocked a brow. “What about you and me?”
“What about us? We barely know each other.” She wasn’t ready to say they belonged together because the sex was hot. Mixing breeds was never a good idea.
“I was hoping to change that.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” She’d never be able to explain to him the difficulties they’d encounter if they became a couple. He hadn’t suggested they marry, so perhaps he just wanted to date, but once she began to show, he probably wouldn’t be interested in her. Holy wolves, she was confused.
“What can I do to change your mind?” His demeanor was intense and focused.
“Let me keep this job.”
“That’s a given.” He leaned forward. “I know you’re perfectly capable of taking care of our child. I’m not debating that, but I’d like to be in your life. You know that when we’re together we seem to combust around each other. I’ve even spoken to my dad about you.”
Her eyes widened, unsure if this was a good thing or not. “You have? What did he say?” Most likely, his father told him to get as far away from her as possible. On the other hand, he was a bear, and his dad might be proud to have his son with a wolf.
“The fact that I could detect my baby in you means we’re mates. I want you, Emmaline. Not because you’re pregnant, but because we belong together.”
His sincerity shook her. He seemed to believe what he said. “That’s sweet of you to say, but I hate to break it to you, there are no such thing as mates.”
Now, it was Wade’s turn to lean back. “Oh really? Then how do you explain this intense attraction we have for each other? I’ve never felt anything like this with anyone else.”
Neither had she, but it didn’t seem smart for some reason to mention it. She shrugged, attempting to act casual. “You’re hot and good-looking. What’s not to desire?”
“I can see I’m not going to get very far with that line of argument, so I have a proposition for you.”
“What?”
“I’m in the process of building a home on the outskirts of town, but it won’t be done for many months. In the meantime, since I’m spending so much time here in Hidden Hills, I think I should move in with you. You did say we needed to know each other better.”
She nearly choked, but it was what she said. “You don’t take no for an answer, do you?”
“Not where you’re concerned.”
The server brought them their drinks and took the rest of their order. With her mind racing, she kept her gaze averted.
“For now, I’ll let it go,” he said. “But if you need my help with the baby or anything else, I’m going to be there for you, whether you want me or not.”
“Sounds g
ood.” Once he’d learned just how independent she could be, he’d back off. She could only hope she’d never really need him.
* * *
Emmaline hadn’t realized how empty the office would be with Wade gone. She tried to remain focused all day, entering the data just how he’d taught her, but it was hard to concentrate. Visions of him with another woman irrationally surfaced. He might have a secret life in Pittsburgh, which was why he hadn’t mentioned marriage. Surely, he’d dated a ton of women there. She’d seen television shows that depicted a man with separate lives in different towns—two wives and many children. Shivers rippled over her skin.
Stop it.
She was not jealous. She couldn’t have it both ways. Either she wanted him and had to tell him, or she didn’t. He deserved to live his life any way he wanted to.
By the time three o’clock rolled around for her doctor’s appointment, she was almost happy to get out of the office. Unfortunately, she had to wait over twenty minutes before she was able to see Dr. Samuels. After he asked her a series of questions, many about Wade and his species, she had to supply a urine sample and schedule a blood test. He then said she needed to have an ultrasound done. “Patty will escort you down the hall.”
For a brief moment, Emmaline wished Wade had been there. Going alone was more stressful and uncertain than she’d thought.
When she entered the room, she was delighted to see Piper.
“Hey,” Piper said. “How do you feel?”
“I’m sick in the morning, but I’m getting through.” Emmaline nodded to the ultrasound machine. “Will you be able to tell the sex of the child?”
Piper looked down at the paper again. “No, it’s too soon.”
That might be just as well. If she ended up having a little boy, Wade might feel obligated to stay with her for the sake of the baby, as he possibly thought a wolf having a bear would be difficult. Even she wasn’t sure about it.
Emmaline hopped on the table and stretched out. Piper picked up the tube of gel. “I need the deets.”
Em had promised to fill her in. “His name is Wade and he’s a bear shifter.”