Bear In The Rough: Book 1: Treasure Hunt (BBW Bear Shifter Romance)

by Foster, L.

  “That hurt!” Art rubbed his head. “At least I got a reaction from you.”

  Alice let out an exasperated sigh.

  “I am going home.”

  She stood up and brushed the dirt from her clothes.

  “Good, it’s not right to be out so late. It’s past midnight.” Art said smiling.

  He looked suddenly handsome, Alice noted, not wholly happy about the observation. She began to walk the direction of her apartment and suddenly turned around.

  “It’s Alice.” she said and quickly walked off, leaving him shocked but smiling.

  “I’ll see you around!” he called.

  Slim chance. thought Alice. I don’t even know your number.

  As she walked home, she couldn’t help but dwell on him. What was up with the guy? Why was he so unfailingly cheerful and after a breakup! Maybe he wasn’t right in the head.

  And why am I even thinking about that? Alice dug her hands into her jacket. Whatever, at least I don’t have to see him again.

  The next day, Alice called in sick. Her job didn’t matter anyway, it was just sorting paperwork. They can do without me for a day, she told herself.

  But that left her with nothing to do for the entire day. She looked around her one room apartment. It was a mess. Clothes everywhere, dishes unwashed and a thin layer of dust on her furniture.

  I could sort the place out. She thought unenthusiastically.

  One by one, she began picking up her clothes and placing it in the corner. She cleaned the dishes and wiped her furniture. It was time consuming but she felt a sense of accomplishment when she finished. Her apartment looked a lot bigger now that everything was cleared up.

  Her stomach growled and she decided to make herself something to eat. But when she opened the fridge, it was nearly empty.

  Groaning, she decided to go out and shop. After her trip to the supermarket, she came back and made herself something. Her stomach filled, she wondered lazily what else she could do.. The rest of the day, she did nothing. She lounged around, watched television and searched the internet. It kept her mind distracted so she didn’t have to think.

  But at night, she stopped. It was like a switch had been flipped and she was consumed with troubling thoughts. Where was her life going? Was she going to be stuck in a dead end job? Was this because she wasn’t ‘engaging’?

  The apartment was suddenly constricting, she had to get out. She put a long coat over her shirt and jeans then walked out the door. Halfway through, she wondered if Art was going to be there again. She had mixed feelings about that.

  The corner was empty and she crouched underneath the street lamp. It was colder than yesterday but Alice didn’t care. She felt numb, body and soul.

  “I thought you would be here.” Alice heard a familiar voice. She resisted the urge to groan as she looked up. Art was dressed more warmly, in jeans and a brown jacket. He had a slight beard going on now but it only highlighted his face. His eyes twinkled.

  Alice looked down again. She heard him sit down beside her. Suddenly, she felt something poking her. She was about to respond annoyed when she smelt something.

  “Cocoa?” she murmured.

  “Good work.” Art said approvingly. He was holding a paper cup with steam rising from the top, extended towards her. Alice took the cup, the heat from it warming up her fingers. She looked back at Art; he had a thermos in his hand, pouring more into another cup.

  Alice took a sip, it was delicious. It warmed her up.

  “This is really good.” She said surprised as she took another sip.

  “Thanks, I tried very hard to hone my cocoa making skills.” Art said as he sipped his one. His voice was serious as he said it and Alice couldn’t help but laugh.

  “That’s the first time you laughed. It looks good on you.” Art complimented. Alice ducked her head in embarrassment.

  “What, are you blushing?” he teased, trying to look at her face.

  “It’s the cold!” Alice insisted flustered.

  They drank quietly and then Alice broke the silence by saying, “Thank you.”

  “You are welcome.” Art smiled.

  “Why are you here though?” Alice asked.

  “I had nothing to do and I knew you were going to be here.” Art said easily.

  “You are starting to sound like a stalker.” Alice noted.

  Art shook his head. “Not even five minutes and you are already calling me a stalker.”

  Alice shrugged.

  “You are still not going to tell me why you are here?” Art said quietly.

  Alice shook her head.

  “Well I might as well talk about myself then.” His voice became louder.

  “You said that you had a breakup.” Alice prompted.

  “I did. The usual, my girlfriend cheated on me with my best friend.” Art said nonchalantly.

  “You seem okay with it.”

  “Is that how it seems?” Art sighed. For a brief second, Alice saw the pain on his face.

  “It passes.” She said.

  “Does it?” Art looked at her and she nodded.

  “You end up feeling numb afterwards but you recover.”

  “Is that what happened to you?” Art probed.

  “You could say that.” Alice tilted her cup but there was none left. Art held out the thermos and she poured herself another cup.

  “How long ago was this?”

  “Three months.” Alice answered. She didn’t know why she was answering the questions but she felt herself becoming lighter as she answered.

  “Did you love him?”

  “You ask too many questions.” Alice said instead, she couldn’t answer that question. It brought up too many painful memories.

  “You did tell me I was nosy.” Art realized that it was a sore spot.

  “How long did you date her?”

  “Six months. I thought it was going well but I guess I was wrong.” His voice faltered at the end.

  Alice didn’t know why but it affected her. She set the cup down and looked at him.

  “It’s not your fault.” She said fiercely surprising herself. “She made a mistake and she’ll realize that later.”

  Art looked at her in shock. “You should see yourself, your eyes are blazing. You look like a warrior.”

  Alice didn’t know how to react to that. She settled for looking at the ground. They didn’t talk about their failed relationships. They moved on to random things, the weather, events and music. Alice found herself talking easily; there was something about Art that put her at ease. Finally she decided to leave.

  “Are you going to be here tomorrow?” Art asked as she left.

  Alice didn’t answer and a few seconds later, Art said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Alice walked towards home, her hands buried in her coat pockets. It didn’t look like she was going to get rid of Art and somehow she didn’t mind.

  Two months passed. Alice and Art became regulars at the spot. They went there every day and stayed late, talking and drinking cocoa. Alice was becoming more comfortable with Art. There was something about him. He was goofy and idiotic but he made her laugh, something she hadn’t done in a while. But he could be serious when he wanted to be, especially if the conversation reached his ex. Alice was still touchy about her ex, she talked about everything else but him.

  When she told him about her job, Art was quiet before saying, “Quit then.”

  “It’s not that easy. I need the money.”

  “What’s the point of doing something if you don’t love it?”

  “What do you do then?”

  “I am a painter.”

  “Figures.” Alice muttered.

  Art didn’t say anything, he had gotten used to her. Alice thought about it, it made a lot of sense. Art usually looked scruffy and his clothes were mostly worn out, probably because he didn’t want to get paint on them. When she had first seen him, he hadn’t really looked groomed but he had fixed himself up later. He was clean
shaven nowadays and wearing different clothes.

  “I have a show in a gallery, wanna come?” Art said suddenly.

  Alice hadn’t been able to answer and now she was standing in front of the gallery, the pass clutched in her hand. What was she even doing here?

  But she knew the answer; she wanted to see his paintings. She checked herself again, she had opted to wear a dress, long and modest. It was a pale blue and complimented her eyes. Her hair was neatly combed back and she felt she looked alright. No one gave her weird looks as she walked in.

  The place was crowded; there was a big picture of Art hung by the entrance, looking serious in a suit. Whoever took the picture had done a good job because it looked so different that what he usually looked like but something about it made her heart beat faster. Alice shook her head trying to calm herself and looked around for Art.

  She spotted him on the opposite of the room, talking with a couple of people. He was in a dark suit and he looked so different in a good way. Alice was about to call him when she saw a beautiful lady walk up to him. When Art looked at the lady, a look of sadness overcame his features and Alice knew who she was.

  She couldn’t stay. She turned around and almost ran out. Her heart filled with pain, why was she so bothered by it?

  It couldn’t be that I like him? She asked herself uncertainly.

  “It was a good show.” Art told her.

  “Sorry I had to go somewhere for work.” She lied. She had spent the rest of the day regretting her decision but unable to go back. She didn’t want to see Art with that woman, it hurt her.

  Art was quiet today and she knew why but she didn’t ask him about it. The last thing she wanted to do was talk about it.

  “I am quitting my job.” Alice stated.

  “Are you?” Art asked surprised.

  “I decided enough was enough. I applied to a couple of places. I am going to hope for the best. If nothing happens, I am blaming you.” Alice said jokingly.

  Art laughed and Alice smiled. “Fine but you’ll get another job. Have faith.”

  “You seem happier. Is it because of me?” Art said playfully mussing up her hair.

  “You think too much of yourself.” Alice said blushing.

  Art’s playfulness disappeared. “She came to see me at my show.”

  Alice didn’t say anything and he continued, “She wanted to meet up but I refused.”

  “Are you sure?” Alice said trying not to see the evident agony on his face.

  “Yeah I think it’s for the best.” Art said. “That reminds me, look what I got.” He took out a flyer from his pocket and handed it to her. It was an advertisement for the opening of an oceanarium.

  “I have never been to one of these.” Alice said casually.

  “You haven’t?” Art said incredulously. “I am going to take you there!”

  Alice felt happy when he said that. “Really?”

  “Yeah, I’ll book the tickets in the morning.” Art said.

  Wait did this mean he was asking her out? The thought made her nervous and she stood up.

  “I have to go.” Alice said abruptly and left. All the way home, she was blushing.

  They held a farewell party for her at the office. It was a sham, she wasn’t a big enough employee but they wanted to have some fun and were using her as an excuse. She accepted the good wishes with a smile and managed to enjoy herself.

  “I am glad you are quitting.” One of the co workers said.

  Alice was taken aback by the statement. “Why do you say that?”

  “You always seemed so unhappy but you look better now. You are glowing.” The co worker explained.

  Alice touched her cheek; did she really seem that different? Two months ago, she would still be drowning in her sadness. But she did feel better now and it was because of Art. He took away her loneliness and she was grateful to him. Just the thought of him made her smile tenderly.

  That night, she was almost skipping as she went to see him. She had a call from one of the places she had applied to and they had offered her a great job. She couldn’t wait to tell him.

  But her happiness died when she saw him. Something was wrong. Art looked subdued and he didn’t have the thermos he brought every time without fail.

  “What happened?” Alice asked immediately as she sat down.

  “She asked to meet me. She says she wants me back.” Art said emotionlessly. Alice could feel her heart breaking. He couldn’t be going to meet her.

  “Are you going to see her?” Alice asked trying not to let the pain be heard from her voice.

  “I have to.”

  Alice and Art didn’t talk. They sat there for hours before quietly walking up and leaving. Alice’s heart was in turmoil. Why did life have to be so unfair? Why couldn’t she just like someone? Just when she was ready to open her heart again, the person she wanted to do it for was already taken.

  Alice couldn’t bring herself to go the next day. She avoided going for three days but she couldn’t resist anymore. The last three days had been sheer agony. Her feelings for Art became stronger as each day passed. She wanted to see him so badly. She missed his smile, his stupid jokes and him in general. She was starting to sound like a lovesick teenager but she didn’t care.

  It didn’t matter anymore. She had to see him.

  Alice put her coat on and walked there. No one was there and she sat down. She didn’t really expect Art to come and that thought disturbed her.

  “You are here.” Art’s delighted voice broke her thoughts. He looked happier than usual. That could only mean one thing but Alice refused to think about it.

  “I was busy. I got a new job.” Alice replied.

  “That’s great.” Art sat down beside her.

  “So how did it go?” Alice asked cautiously.

  “As well as can be expected.” He said cryptically. He smiled. “It looks like you don’t need me anymore.”

  “What are you saying?” Alice exclaimed.

  “You seem fine now, not the wreck that you were before.” Art said. “I should go.” He stood up and began to walk away. Alice didn’t know what brought this on. She didn’t want him to leave. Her heart pounded against her ribs as her nervousness came back. He couldn’t leave her, not now! Not when she…..

  “You can’t!” The words burst through Alice’s mouth. Art stopped but didn’t look at her.

  “You can’t just come into my life and then decide to leave without asking me. I won’t let you, not when I am so attached to you now. I don’t care if you got back together with her; I am not giving up on you.” Tears brimmed over her eyes but she continued. “You promised that you would take me to that oceanarium, you have to take responsibility for that! I l-“her words were cut off by arms enveloping her.

  “Took you long enough.” Art muttered.

  Alice was in too much of a shock to talk properly.

  “Wh-what?”

  Art drew back and leaned down until his forehead touched hers. “You didn’t think I actually took her back did you?”

  “But you indicated that…”

  “I was only teasing. I had to make sure you felt the same.” Art murmured placing a kiss on her forehead making the heat rush to her cheeks. “I liked you from the moment I saw your eyes burning with fury but I was still hung up on her. But when I saw her, I didn’t feel anything and I knew who it was that I really liked.”

  “You are a s-sadist!” Alice stuttered her face still red. She couldn’t believe him; he had made her suffer for nothing. But the relief overpowered her quickly followed by joy.

  “You should get used to that.” Art grinned malevolently. He let go of her hand and began to walk opposite the direction of his place.

  “Where are you going?” Alice asked puzzled.

  “Well now that we are together, I have to make sure you get home safely right?” Art turned back to give her a tender smile. He stretched his hand towards her. Alice felt a smile spreading across her face as she ran forwar
d to take his hand.

  Their fingers interlocked, they left the spot behind for the last time.

  Press On

  Chapter One

  She sat cross legged on an old, Indian print blanket that still smelled of the campfire she had with her family last year. Before her was splayed boxes of old photos; polaroid’s and prints or family events she had long since forgotten. She pored over the great bounty of memories, and tried to categorize them according to date. She found herself amazed at the amount of occasions that had been thrown for her that she had no memory of; Her childhood birthdays, none of which she could really remember beyond the age of eight, large Christmases in which the entire family was in attendance, a few childhood pets. Had it not been for her father’s perfect and meticulous handwriting that adorned the back of each photo, she was sure the task would have been impossible. Yet, he had marked every single one with a date and the name of the certain occasion.

  “Maggie: Pre-School graduation, I’m so proud of you darling,” the blue ink read.

  She caressed her fingers against the indents of the pen point. She cherished the thought that this was where her father’s fingers had been at one point, when he was alive and well. She wondered if she had been standing next to him, clenching onto his ripped jean pants he always wore, even though her family was well-off enough to buy another pair. There was a small break in the writing that indicated something or someone had interrupted him. She thought that maybe it had been her, asking him some inane question, which he always took time to answer, or perhaps it had been her mother, telling him to make more of that lemonade that everyone loved so much. It was never a family event or celebration without her father’s lemonade.