Bear Read online

  Bear

  Wild County Curves: Book 4

  Flora Madison

  Copyright © 2020 by Flora Madison

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

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  **Edited by: Geeky Girl Author Services

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  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Epilogue

  Also by Flora Madison

  1

  Sylvie

  I never expected to be on a job interview at a fancy mountain lodge, but then again I never expected to be on the run either. My entire life’s been fairly normal, but all it takes is one lousy guy to send your entire world into a tailspin. If it weren’t for my cousin Eden, and her husband, Dane, I’d be drifting. Laying down temporary roots doesn’t necessarily make me feel safe, though. Staying in one place presents the chance to be found. But it’s a risk I’m willing to take, for my own sanity’s sake.

  My palms press against the dark skirt I borrowed from my cousin as I head toward the Wild County Creek Lodge’s front desk. An older woman greets me with a smile, her white blonde hair shellacked into a style I’m certain wouldn’t budge in a hurricane. “Well hello there. Checking in?” The name Grace is engraved on her name tag.

  “Actually, I have an interview with …” I can’t believe I’m saying this, it sounds like a porn star’s name. “Bear Montana?”

  “Oh, of course. You must be Sylvie.” She places her freckled hands on the front desk. “Bear is expecting you. Come on back.”

  The woman leads me behind the desk and down a natural stone lined corridor. The temperature change gives me goosebumps. This place is too fancy for me. Even if it is just a housekeeper position.

  “Can I get you a water, tea, or coffee?” Grace’s three inch heels click against the stone tile, her smile unwavering.

  “I’m fine, thanks.” Truth is I want to get in and out of this interview as fast as possible. I don’t plan on laying down roots. I’ll be here long enough to save some money and head out to New York, and not one second longer.

  Grace raps her knuckles against an oversized oak door, and doesn’t wait for an answer before twisting the knob. Upon Grace’s introduction I step inside the posh, sunlit office. It takes my eyes half a second to adjust but when they do, A tiny gasp escapes my lips. The man behind the desk isn’t anything like I pictured him. The name Bear Montana conjured up images of a glorified cowboy, but when he rises to shake my hand it’s clear he’s anything but.

  The man towers over me. I raise my chin to meet his gaze and am met with the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen, like fresh leaves on a summer tree. His trim beard can’t hide the square, chiseled jaw of a Norse god. He extends his oversized hand and my eyes flicker to the tattoos peering out from his rolled up sleeve. The minute our hands makes contact a dizziness shoots through me. I don’t know if it’s because of the sheer size of the man, or because I haven’t eaten this morning.

  “Nice to meet you Sylvie.” His commanding voice weakens my knees. “Have a seat.” I do as he says, as he adjusts the papers on his desk I have a moment to ground myself. Yes, he may be attractive as hell, but so is my ex-boyfriend, Joel, and look how that turned out. Besides, he’ll be my boss and I need to tap the brakes.

  “Did you bring a resume?” I reach into my bag and slide the piece of paper across his desk. Bear takes it and his eyes grow wide. “You’re a little overqualified for a housekeeper position.”

  “I’m sort of starting over.” It comes out before I can stop it. He doesn’t need to know my life’s story only to potentially use it against me.

  Bear sets down my resume. His wide open gaze sends my senses unwillingly into overdrive. There’s no denying the man is hot as hell and built like a bodyguard. “I’m good friends with your cousin’s husband, Dane, you know?”

  “He said you guys go back.”

  “Way back.” Bear’s lips turn up at the corners. “And when he said you needed a job, I already decided to hire you.”

  “So this little interview is for show?”

  “I’d call it following procedure. If others get wind that I hired you without making you come in, it’d seem unfair and that’s something I’m not into. I treat everyone here equally. From the man who designed our rooms to the staff who cleans them.”

  A jolt of pity for myself nabs me in the gut. Thanks to my no good asshole of an ex-boyfriend I’m cleaning hotel rooms instead of running my dream business back in Wyoming. But I couldn’t stay there. Not when he treated me like he did, and if he ever finds me, I know I’m in deep shit. So, I have to play along. The less anyone besides my cousin knows about me running from Joel, the better.

  “You can start immediately.” There’s a shift in his tone. Not quite as accommodating as before. “Tomorrow if you’d like.”

  “I would.” I say, rising. The sooner I can save up, the sooner I can blaze a trail on out of this town. “Thank you for the opportunity.” Bear stands, and shakes my hand. Only this time, my long sleeve raises enough to reveal the purple and yellow bruise fading at my wrist. He pulls my hand toward him enough to take a closer look, but before he gets the chance I remove it from his grip.

  “I really do appreciate it.” I push my sleeve down over my wrist. “And so do Dane and Eden.”

  “They said you were in a tight spot.” Bear’s jaw tightens, fists now balled at his sides causing his triceps to flex.

  “So you know why I’m here?”

  “No.” His dark brow furrows. “I didn’t ask. When a friend reaches out to me for help, especially one I’ve known as long as Dane, I don’t ask why they need the favor. I just do it.”

  A bead of sweat forms at my hairline. I brush it away before it has the chance to trickle down the side of my face. “I’m not here to cause trouble, Mr. Montana. I’m here to get away from it.”

  He rounds his desk, stepping closer to me. Standing right in front of me, the man’s even bigger than I thought—a beast of a man, really. Still, he keeps a respectful distance. “Good, Sylvie, because I don’t like trouble. I used to be wrapped up in a little bit of it myself, and I don’t take kindly to it. Not anymore.”

  He peers down at me through thick, dark lashes. Damn he smells amazing. Fresh and naturally clean like the crisp, mountain air. “You’ve got nothing to worry about, and thank you again for the opportunity.” I give a curt nod and excuse myself from his office, but the weight of his captivating stare stays with me long after my car leaves the parking lot.

  2

  Bear

  The afternoon sunshine highlights the pile of paperwork sitting on my desk. With our big donor’s convention next weekend the work feels endless, but I couldn’t possibly concentrate on work right now. Not when Sylvie refuses to leave my mind. I haven’t been able to shake her presence since she left my office, and it’s not just her lingering honeysuckle scent. Everything about the woman is stunning, from her cascading auburn hair and sparkling sapphire eyes, to her generous curves reminding me of a Renaissance goddess. My mouth watered the minute she walked in, having never seen a woman even near close to this level of perfection.

  I lean back in my chair. It squeaks beneath my weight as I turn to fac
e the waterfall outside in the distance. There’s no mistaking that bruise on her wrist, and my gut tells me it’s directly connected to what—or who—ever Sylvie’s running away from. My nostrils flare thinking of anyone who could lay a hand on a woman, let alone Sylvie. Strange as it sounds, the minute we locked eyes something loosened inside of me. A longing that I’ve been forced to put aside so that I can make Wild County Creek Lodge the best in the state of Colorado, hell, the entire nation.

  And wanting to possess your newest employee doesn’t look good for business, but I need to know more about her. Sylvie Horne’s been through some shit, and I have a premonition about why she’s here in Wild County.

  Too antsy to work, I grab my keys and head out back to where my bike is parked. I straddle my Harley and rev the engine, enjoying the purring between my legs. It’s been a while since anyone’s shook me like Sylvie has. I need answers. If she’s going to be working under my watch, no one will lay a hand on her or else they’ll have to answer to me; I’m not afraid to kick an ass or two if that’s what needs to be done.

  The fresh mountain air blows against my face, and an immediate sense of relaxation washes over me. I take the back roads, leaning into each curve with expert precision. After taking the scenic route, I pull up to the large Victorian mansion nestled in the eastern part of the woods.

  A wave of doubt washes over me. Maybe this wasn’t the best idea, but I want answers, and I’m entirely too impatient to wait. I hop up the front steps and ring the bell. A symphony of birds chirp in the tall trees surrounding me. When the front door squeaks open, I expect to see either Dane or Eden. Instead, Sylvie stands in front of me. Barefoot, she steps onto the porch. Her long hair is pulled up into a bun and she’s wearing a pair of tiny sweat shorts and a well worn heather gray t-shirt. Sylvie’s natural beauty has me hard, pulsing against my zipper.

  “Mr. Montana?” Her curious eyes search my face. Dammit this woman is a bonafide wet dream. Even dressed down and make-up free there’s nothing I want more than to pull her into my arms and taste her sweet little heart shaped mouth. “Is everything okay?”

  “Please, call me Bear.”

  “Bear.” She says it more to herself than to me. “Okay.”

  “And I don’t know if everything’s fine, Sylvie.” I run a hand through my hair, suddenly wishing I’d remembered that she lives here.

  “Is this about the job?”

  “No. The job is yours.” I’m searching for words on how to breach this subject when she peers over my shoulder.

  “Holy shit you drive a Harley?”

  “That’s one of my bikes, yes.”

  She tiptoes off the porch and toward my motorcycle. Usually I’m cautious of anyone coming too close to it, but with Sylvie it turns me on. Her fingers stroke the handlebars, and smiles. She licks her lips and flips her head in my direction. “I love motorcycles.”

  “Do you want to go for a little spin?” Damn. That’s another thing I don’t do. Especially with an employee of mine.

  “Are you crazy? Yeah. Let me go and put on my shoes.”

  She passes by me, leaving a trail of honeysuckle assaulting my senses. I stiffen on the spot. How does she have this effect on me?

  “On one condition.” My words stop her stride.

  “What’s that?” Her eyes are an ocean. I’m drowning in them and I don’t want to be saved.

  “Tell me more about what you’re doing in Wild County.”

  Every bit of excitement falls from her delicate face. She crosses her arms in front of her chest and tilts her head. “You came out here to get information about me?”

  “You are my employee.”

  “I don’t have to be. I can find a job anywhere.” Her voice falters on the last word, leading me to believe that she’s bluffing.

  “Okay, then.” I call her on it, turning to face my bike. “Find one.”

  “That’s manipulative.”

  “Sylvie, I’m not trying to be a dick. And I thought I’d approach this with a little more finesse but fuck it. I saw the bruise on your wrist.”

  Her head flies back, eyes to the sky and she lets out a long exhale. “Shit.” She whispers before rubbing her face with her long fingers. “I thought maybe you did.”

  “You thought right.”

  “Look, it’s no big deal.” She heads up the stairs but I’m hot on her trail.

  “Like hell it isn’t. If you’re running from someone who’s out to hurt you, I need to know about it.”

  “Look, Bear.” She turns on me. “It’s my business, not yours.”

  “No, Sylvie.” I keep my voice calm, but a commanding tone I rarely use overtakes it. “You are my business.” For a long moment she stares at me, her expression unreadable. Finally, Sylvie’s the one to break the silence.

  “Maybe you’re right, Bear.” The freckles painted across her cheeks are downright adorable. It’s hard to concentrate on her words when all I want to do is scoop her up and protect her, make her mine forever so that no one will ever touch her again. No one but me.

  “Right about what?”

  “Maybe I am trouble.” She shrugs, causing a strand of auburn hair to wiggle free from her bun. “And maybe it’s best I go and work somewhere else.” With that she waltzes back into the house, leaving me wondering where the hell we stand. I do know one thing, Sylvie Horne is a force to be reckoned with, and I’ve never been more turned on by a woman than I am right now.

  3

  Sylvie

  No one tells you how cold early mornings are in mountain towns. I rush to my car, tempted to turn on the heat even though it’s summer, and smooth down my polyester uniform. After a few hours on the internet after Bear left last night, I realized there aren’t that many options for work out here. It’s mostly small businesses who aren’t hiring. So here I am, donning a maid’s uniform at six in the morning and reporting to an overbearing boss. It’s a far cry from where I was last year at this time, running my own vintage boutique and believing that the man I was dating was one of the good guys.

  There’s not much traffic on the road, and being perpetually early for everything I pull into the lot and park in the back per Grace’s introductory email instructions. Wild Creek is undeniably gorgeous. I’d planned on staying in my car and fidgeting with my phone, but the minute I see the rushing waterfall a few feet into the woods, I decide to take a walk instead.

  Wrapped in a hoodie I left in the backseat, I cross onto the back of the property, and down the stone path, which leads me directly behind the glorious waterfall. Droplets hit my face, and although the water is cold there’s something therapeutic about the white noise filling my ears. With a long exhale, my shoulders melt down my back.

  Maybe this won’t be so bad. A few weeks here to save up cash and I’m off to New York City where I’ll blend in with all the other weirdos, square pegs, and people outrunning their past. In my brain it’s the only place a person can truly start over without the fear of being found. Plus they have tons of vintage stores for me to work in until I figure out what my next move will be.

  After trading my car for this piece of shit I’m driving now, I got the hell out of the state and told myself I wouldn’t stop until I got here to Colorado. Thank God I never told him about Eden and her husband, Dane. Joel will assume I headed further west to be with my father, at least I hope that’s the case. I close my eyes, fighting the anxiety wrapping its warped fingers around my ribs. His words ring in my head. You can’t leave me, Sylvie. I’ll always find you. Being a police officer, he has tools at his disposal that can help him do just that.

  “I wasn’t sure you’d be in today.” A deep voice pulls me from my thoughts. My head snaps around and I find Bear sitting on a nearby bench I didn’t even know existed. My hand darts to my chest, willing my heartbeat to steady.

  “Have you been sitting there this whole time?” I exhale in relief, knowing that the voice belongs to my boss instead of my ex.

  Bear shrugs. “I’m out here every mor
ning before work. It clears my head.”

  “You could’ve said something instead of creeping up on me like that.”

  The bench creaks as Bear stands and I’m again struck by the size of him. I’ve never seen a man this big in the flesh, a towering slab of pure muscle. He makes his way over to me. “You’re the one infringing on my private moment, I’ll have you know. So, maybe you’re the creep.”

  I stretch my chin upward to meet his stunning emerald eyes. I’m not a small woman by anyone’s standards, a classic pinup shape with a little extra around the middle, but being this close to Bear makes me feel tiny, delicate.

  His scent surrounds me, spicy soap on clean skin. I allow myself one breath of him. It sends a wave of wetness into my panties. I imagine pressing my lips against his, letting his massive arms pull me closer to him until his hardness rubs against me. My nipples stiffen, threatening to burst through the lace on my bra. I say a silent prayer of thanks that this horrid uniform material is so thick that he can’t tell.

  “I’m hardly creeping.” I clear my throat, fighting to maintain my composure. “And for your information, I almost didn’t come in today.”

  “Speaking of which.” Bear extends his hand. “Can I walk you into work? It’s about starting time.”

  Shit. How long have I been out here?

  “I guess that’s okay.” Bear nods and we head up to the employee entrance. He is wearing a buffalo plaid flannel over his t-shirt. The sleeves rolled up, again showcasing his bulging forearms swirling with ink. For as big as he is, and after what I just went through, it’s surprising that not one ounce of me feels threatened by him. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. With a kind demeanor and protective nature, Bear’s the kind of man I’d want to come to my rescue.