Bewitching The Bear

by Vanessa Devereaux

  She found a parking spot, got out of her car, collected her things, and then hurried inside.

  “Can I help you?” asked a girl who sat at the glass topped desk in the reception area which was equally as beautiful as the outside of the building. Gillian could imagine herself living in this sort of place quite comfortably.

  “Hi, I’m Gillian Finnagan and I’m here to see Maisie King.”

  “I’ll let her know you are here. Can I get you anything while you wait?”

  “No, I’m fine, thank you.”

  Gillian looked around the reception area while she waited. Looked like they had yoga classes of all kinds, and spa services with facials and massages. She wandered over to the notice board, looking at all the slips of paper people had pinned to it. Piano lessons, fresh salmon delivered to your door, house painting, and a book club. Now that sounded like fun and a great way to meet new people and take her mind off things, including Cade. She grabbed a pen and jotted down the number and name, Lilly Renner. She’d give her a call as soon as she was done here.

  “Gillian.”

  She turned to see a shorter, much younger woman than she’d expected as co-owner of such a vast place, standing behind her. She noticed a distinct baby bump pushing against the loose top she wore. A pregnant wolf shifter if she wasn’t mistaken.

  “Yes, and you must be Maisie.”

  “I am,” she said, extending her hand. “Come on back to my office and you can show me all the wonderful things I’ve been hearing so much about.”

  She followed her to the left and into what looked like a dream office, glass windows overlooking a fountain with rocks and a bench that looked perfect for sitting on and forgetting about the worries of the day.

  Maisie pulled out a chair for Gillian and then sat and pulled out another chair to put her feet up onto before rubbing her belly.

  “That feels good because I’ve been on my feet since I arrived here this morning.”

  “I have just the thing for you,” said Gillian. “Perfect for legs and feet and very invigorating during pregnancy.”

  Gillian rummaged through her samples and found what she was looking for. She pulled out the bottle and handed it to Maisie who quickly unscrewed the top and lifted it to her nose.

  “I’m feeling better already,” she said. “I’m detecting mint of some kind.”

  “Peppermint and lemon balm.”

  Maisie squeezed some into her palm, rolled up her yoga pants and rubbed it into her legs.

  “This feels good. I’ll take two dozen of these…some for myself and some for our other mama’s to be. We have classes and spa services just for them so if you’re ever pregnant we’re your place for relaxation.”

  Gillian wasn’t sure why but an image of Cade came to mind. She guessed Cade would father beautiful children.

  “Can I get you something to drink? I’m in need of a mid-morning pick up myself.”

  Gillian was beginning to get thirsty. “Sure, whatever you’re having,” she said.

  Maisie picked up the phone. “Hey, could you bring two of the new fruit sodas to my office.”

  She put the phone down and looked at Gillian. “We make the sodas here and they’re great because I’m a diabetic and have to be extra careful during this pregnancy.”

  There was a knock on the door and a young girl brought in two glasses filled with pink bubbling liquid with ice.

  “So, what other goodies are in that bag?” asked Maisie.

  “Oh, I have plenty to show you,” said Gillian.

  *****

  Cade glanced over at Gillian’s store. He didn’t know if he was hallucinating or actually wanting to see her, but he’d been shocked when he’d ridden by her at the traffic lights. He stood in the parking lot, washing a bike he’d just brought in Columbia Falls. He was going to overhaul and sell it for a huge profit. He guessed wherever Gillian had been heading, she hadn’t returned because her parking space was empty.

  Maybe this would be a good time to go to her store, chat a little with whoever was in there and try and find out more about Gillian so he could report back to the other shifters.

  He wiped his hands and walked across the lot, trying to figure out what excuse he was going to give for stopping by. And listen to me, find out for the other shifters. He had one motive, and that was to find out more about her for himself.

  Cade suddenly had the best of excuses for visiting the store. He needed a good hand soap to wash away the grease. He was pretty sure he’d seen a whole display of them at the opening. Of course, they had fragrances that he’d probably hate but at least it would give him a legit excuse for going there.

  The bell tinged over the door. An older lady was ringing up a candle for a young girl who stood at the counter.

  “I’ll be right with you,” she told him.

  Cade nodded and pretended to be looking around the store.

  “It’s Cade isn’t it?” she finally asked him after the girl had left.

  “Sure is.”

  “I’m Gillian’s aunt. Louise Finnagan. I saw you the other day working on the bikes. I have to say they look so much fun.”

  “Oh, they’re fun all right. You in the market for one?”

  “Me…” she gave a nervous laugh. “Someone my age riding one of those beasts.”

  “You don’t look a day over 40.”

  The Mallory brothers had always known how to compliment to get what they wanted. Charlie had always told them he believed they were born with the talent. He could see a slight resemblance to Gillian and guessed by her having the same last name, this lady was the sister of Gillian’s dad. If anyone knew everything there was to know about her niece, it would be this lady, so he’d up the compliments all he could.

  She smacked his arm, jarring him out of his current thought. “Oh, you, young charmer and a sneaky salesman too if I may say so.”

  “Can I interest you in taking a test ride?”

  He gave her his best smile, the one that brought out the dimples.

  “I wouldn’t know how to even start the engine.”

  “I’d ride with you, and should you purchase one, I’ll teach you all there is to know about motorbikes. I think you’ll find I’m an expert on the topic.”

  Another smile, another display of those Mallory dimples. Women couldn’t resist. Well, her niece had but that was a whole different story.

  She ran her hands through her hair. “I guess with an offer like that. Holding onto a gorgeous man like yourself. Well, what women of…” she coughed. “Could say no. It’s almost lunchtime. Gillian won’t mind me closing the store for 30 minutes so could we go right now?”

  Putty in his hands. Yeah, those dimples were paying off big time. Pretty soon he was going to know everything about Gillian.

  “I’ll fire up the machine and get you a helmet and your ride awaits.” For added charm, he lifted her hand and kissed the back of it.

  Cade had walked in with one motive and was walking out with another. Win over the aunt, get her talking, and he’d bet his life savings, she’d start spilling the beans.

  Back to Top

  Chapter 10

  Gillian walked out of Downward Facing Wolf a very happy young woman. She’d sold a lot of products to Maisie for the spa. Even if the store didn’t have a great few months after opening, the sales to the spa would keep her going until the New Year.

  Gillian got back in her car and pulled out her phone. She’d call Lilly Renner about the book club and ask if they were accepting new members.

  She pressed the numbers and a young woman’s voice answered on the third ring.

  “Hi, Lilly speaking.”

  “Hi Lilly, my name’s Gillian Finnagan and I just saw your notice about the book club and I was wondering if you had room for one more member.”

  “We certainly do. We meet at different member’s house every two weeks, usually for an hour sometimes more. We each bring something to eat or drink and we read all sorts of books so if that sounds l
ike a match, then we’re it.”

  “It certainly does.”

  “Great, and we actually have meeting at my house tonight at 7 p.m. You want to come along and introduce yourself and get to know us before you dive straight in reading the next book on the list?”

  Gillian hadn’t expected it to be so soon, but sure, it was just what she needed.

  “I’d love to.”

  “Perfect, I’ll give you my address and directions and we’ll see you at seven.”

  *****

  Cade hadn’t taken one thing into consideration when he’d offered to give Louise a ride on the bike. It was loud, the wind was whipping over them and making it hard, if not impossible, to hold a conversation.

  Louise hung onto Cade and dug her fingers into his leather jacket as he rounded one of the bends.

  “Oh my, this is fun,” he barely heard her saying.

  He knew she’d probably want to take a short break, being that this was her first ride and all. He stopped at the state park which had views over the valley, and on a clear day, you could even see some of the peaks in Glacier National Park. Ideal spot to take in the view and talk. Cade glided the bike into the parking lot and shut off the engine.

  “Now young man, I hope you haven’t brought me here to fool around,” Louise said.

  Cade burst out laughing. He liked this lady already. He only wished Gillian was more laid back around him like her aunt.

  “Thought you’d enjoy the view.”

  “Isn’t this beautiful,” she said. Cade held her hand to help her down from the bike.

  “You’re not from around here, you or Gillian?” he asked.

  “No, but I’m glad she chose this place.”

  “So, she decided to open her store here. Any particular reason?”

  Louise looked at him, as if she knew what he was doing. She leaned against the brick wall.

  “I’m guessing that taking an attractive older woman on a ride and trying to sell her a bike, isn’t your only motive.”

  He smiled, showing those dimples again.

  “Young man, you want to know all about my niece.”

  She run her fingers down the front of his jacket.

  He wasn’t going to fool her, women her age couldn’t be tricked.

  “Guilty as charged,” he said, this time hoping his baby blue eyes instead of the Mallory dimples would win her over.

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Well, I detect that she’s interested in me but at the same time, she’s not.”

  “That sums it up perfectly.”

  So, he hadn’t been imagining it.

  “She’s very shy. You’ve probably seen she blushes a lot.”

  Oh yeah, her cheeks had lit up red when she’d seen him naked.

  “If you want to pursue her then I suggest you take it slowly, let her lead.”

  “That’s tough for…”

  “A bear shifter.”

  “You know too?”

  “I can’t tell you how we know because well, that would get us in a whole bunch of trouble.”

  Now he was even more intrigued.

  “Perhaps if things progress with you and Gillian, she will tell you all, but like I said, she has to pursue you and not the other way round.”

  “Okay, thanks for the tip.”

  She looked at her watch. “Now, we should be getting back because I’ll have one angry niece if she returns and sees the store is closed.”

  Cade helped Louise back on the bike, got on himself and then headed out of the park.

  He’d take Louise’s advice, by playing it cool and casual and let her come to the bear.

  *****

  Gillian pulled into the parking lot and saw the sign on the door long before she parked her car.

  She hoped everything was okay. Gillian grabbed her bag and headed toward The Apothecary.

  The writing on the note becoming easier to read the closer she got.

  Back in 30 minutes, gone riding a hog.

  Riding a hog, wasn’t that what they called a motorbike? Had her aunt purchased a bike? Nope that was a stupid thought. Her aunt was the last person to buy a bike, push bike maybe, but motorized one, no way.

  Unless of course, Cade had sweet talked her into making a purchase.

  The sound of a motorbike broke the silence and as she looked around, riding into the parking lot was Cade and her aunt. Skirt hitched up high, her long legs on full display, and her arms wrapped tightly around Cade’s chest.

  If it wasn’t her aunt, Gillian knew she’d be jealous. Stupid, right?

  No, not at all stupid. In fact, Cade being involved with another woman would be perfect. It wouldn’t be against the rules because he’d been available when she’d selected him.

  “Gillian, look at me?” shouted her aunt, waving her hand in the air. “I’m riding a hog.”

  Cade pulled the bike up directly in front of Gillian. He took off his helmet and smiled at her. The first time she’d noticed the gorgeous dimples.

  He stepped off the bike and held out his hand, which her aunt took and then slid off the bike. She removed her helmet and her normally groomed hair was now unkempt and her face was flushed.

  “I will definitely be by the store to look at the bikes. I haven’t had that much fun in years.”

  Did she see her aunt wink at Cade?

  “Stop by whenever you want and I’ll make sure you get a good discount. I meant it when I said I’d even give you free lessons.”

  Was Gillian hearing correctly? Her aunt had enjoyed it and considering buying a motorbike?

  Her aunt leaned over and kissed Cade on the cheek. “Thank you, you sweet young man. Well, I better get back to work or my niece will fire me.”

  “I should get back to work too,” said Cade, glancing at Gillian. He then turned to face her. “I will pick you up around 7 p.m. tomorrow,” he told her.

  “Me?” asked Gillian, putting her finger at her chest.

  Maybe her aunt had a date with him or another motorbike in her future.

  “Oh, that’s right,” said her aunt, turning around to look at her.

  “I accepted Cade’s invite to have dinner with him on your behalf.”

  Gillian turned back to look at Cade. “Tomorrow, the Starlight Café holds its salmon night. I thought you might like to meet lots of people so you can feel part of the community,” he said.

  “I…” she looked at her aunt and then back to Cade.

  She didn’t know who to be angrier with, Cade or Aunt Louise.

  *****

  Cade tried to keep the grin on his face to himself until he got back safely inside the store.

  Aunt Louise was a hoot. Life and soul of the party.

  “Does Gillian like salmon?” Cade had asked her aunt when they’d stopped at the lights on the drive back.

  “She loves it.”

  “I know a place that holds a weekly salmon dinner. Do you think she’d go with me?”

  “How about I say yes on her behalf. I mean just in case she’s too shy to accept.”

  Maybe he should check with Hannah to see if he needed reservations. What would he wear? What would she wear?

  He was going on a date with Gillian.

  He pumped his fist in the air.

  “Celebrating something?”

  He turned around to see Liam standing in the store.

  “I have a date tomorrow and I also sold a bike.”

  “I assume to your date?”

  “Actually, her aunt…I mean I’m not going on a date with the aunt. I sold the aunt the bike.”

  Liam patted him on the back. “I’m hoping it’s the store owner, what’s her name…”

  “Gillian,” said Cade. “Yes, it is.”

  “Research or the real thing?” asked Liam.

  Cade was going to be honest. “Real thing. Her aunt said she’s shy.”

  “The best kind, it makes it sort of naughty when you finally get them horizontal, or vertical if that’s th
e way you like it.” Liam winked at him.

  “Okay, enough about my love life and potential sex life. Ian said you needed a part for one of your bikes.”

  “Yep, putting one of Danny’s bikes back together for Sam.”

  “Hannah okay with that?”

  “Well, I haven’t broken the news to her yet, but I thought he’d like it as Christmas gift. I don’t want him to feel left out once he gets a sibling.”

  “Good luck convincing her.”

  Cade pulled out the part from the back of the counter and handed it to Liam.

  “How much do I owe you?” Liam pulled out his wallet.

  “It’s on the house.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Buy me a drink next time we go out.”

  “Will do and good luck with your date tomorrow.”

  Cade looked at the clock on the wall. He’d do some more work on the rebuilt bike and quit early because tonight he had a book club to attend.

  Back to Top

  Chapter 11

  Gillian put the last of the huckleberry muffins into the container and secured the lid. Hopefully, everyone would enjoy them. She turned off the lights and headed out to her car. She typed in her destination and let the GPS guide her.

  It was supposed to be a twenty-minute trip so she decided to head out early just in case GPS led her to the wrong place. It had done that once before.

  Traffic was light and soon she was in a subdivision on the other side of town. Cars were already on the driveway and also parked in the road, and the outdoor lights were turned on. This was the place. Gillian got out, grabbed the container and headed to the front door. She rang the doorbell, heard a dog bark and soon a young woman answered it. The dog, a Pomeranian, ran out of the house and jumped up.

  “Hey, Barney, behave,” said the young woman.

  Gillian leaned down and patted the dog.

  “Hi Barney,” Gillian said.

  “Hi I’m Lilly and I’m guessing you’re Gillian who called earlier.”

  “That’s me.”