Bear Read online

  “I want to apologize.” His hands press into his pockets, head dipped enough to make me believe him. “You’re right, Sylvie. Your personal life and history is none of my business, even if you are my employee. But…” His pause causes my eyes to shift toward his face. The sun hits his brown hair, highlighting the tiny flecks of silver at his temples. “You’re different.”

  My heart stops in my chest. Every nerve in my body ignites. “Different how?”

  “You’re one of my best buddy’s relatives.”

  My chest deflates. What did I expect? A love confession? “Oh.” I reach for the door, but Bear puts his palm against it.

  “I don’t know if that bruise is from some asshole that you’re running away from.” His eyes beam down at me, pupils dilated. When I don’t answer, his nostrils flare and it’s clear I don’t have to say the words. Bear knows. “I don’t take kindly to men who lay their hands on women. And if that motherfucker comes anywhere near you while you’re under my watch.” He leans closer, our noses nearly touching. “I will kill him with my bare hands.”

  I swallow back a wave of pure desire. This strong, sexy boss of mine, though overbearing in his own right, has my back and dammit if it doesn’t send my center bursting into flames.

  My fingers graze his arm. His rock hard bicep stone beneath my soft touch. “Thank you, Bear.” Something softens in his gaze. “I promise he only laid hands on me once, and after that I got the hell out of dodge.”

  “Well, you can bet your sweet ass it’ll never happen again.” Bear pulls the door open and holds it wide. As I pass him it dawns on me that this is the first time I’ve felt truly safe in God knows how long.

  4

  Bear

  Now that my suspicion is confirmed, it’s even harder to get any work done. When I said I’d kill that man if he harmed Sylvie again, I meant it. My neck cracks when I tilt my head to the side. Tension racks my body. No matter what I do, I can’t seem to get the situation out of my mind.

  And it’s not just because Sylvie is my employee, I realize that. Ever since she walked in with those grade-A curves and a take no prisoners attitude she’s all I can think about. It sucks I have to find a way to control myself around her. It’s not cool to fuck around with employees, but the image of her soft, bare body shivering beneath my touch won’t leave my mind. Dammit I want that woman. I need to possess her, not only so I can protect her from any other asshole that tries to do her wrong, but because cupid’s arrow pierced my heart and it’s wedged in deep.

  My eyes remain on the clock all morning. When it nears two o’clock, I head down to the employee time clock, where I know Sylvie will have to punch out before she goes home. To avoid being called a creeper again, I hang back a bit until I see her sexy frame round the corner. I could watch her walk a mile and be a happy man. Her full, rounded hips sway with each step. Not even that purposely kitschy housekeeper’s uniform can hide her full, sexy breasts. I bet they’re soft as silk. I twitch in my pants imagining her delectable, marble hard peaks.

  Sylvie tightens her ponytail, then clocks out. By the time I reach her I’m burning up, but I’m well aware that a woman in her position—getting out of an abusive relationship—doesn’t need a caveman pining to claim her. No, she needs a gentleman, and lucky for her that’s exactly what I am.

  “How was your first day?”

  A huff of air escapes one side of her lips, blowing a stray strand of auburn hair away from her face. “Let’s see, I found three pairs of stray underwear in three different rooms, a half-eaten candy bar on top of a toilet tank, and someone left me a tip.”

  “One out of three ain’t bad.”

  “A two dollar bill.” Sylvie reaches into her front pocket and pulls out the proof.

  I can’t help but smile. “Technically, a two dollar bill means good luck.”

  “Technically, a two dollar bill won’t even buy a decent cup of coffee.” I cover my mouth with my hand to stop from laughing, but Sylvie notices. “The glam life of a hotel maid, huh?” She rolls her eyes playfully.

  “We prefer the term housekeeper.”

  “We as in you? Because after a full day’s work I can tell you now,” She leans in a bit closer. “I’m a fucking maid.”

  “You’re the prettiest maid I’ve ever seen.”

  Sylvie’s smile falters slightly. I cannot believe that just came out of my mouth. Damn this woman, it’s so hard to conceal my truth around her. If I had my way I’d slip a ring on her finger right now and tell her she never has to clean another hotel room again.

  Her face flushes bright crimson. “Whatever. I’ll see you tomorrow.” With her purse hoisted on her shoulder, she heads out the back entrance.

  “Sylvie, wait.” Her ponytail flicks when she turns back around.

  “What’s up?”

  What is up? Why didn’t I just let her go? It’s bad news to feel this way about someone on my payroll. But do the rules apply when it’s pure destiny involved?

  “I know a place where that two dollar bill will get you a fantastic cup of coffee.”

  The air around me grows thick. I haven’t asked a woman out since college. Most of my relationships have started and stopped in one night. Building a business doesn’t exactly leave a lot of free time for girlfriends.

  Sylvie sinks into one hip, eyes locked on mine. Her natural beauty isn’t something you find every day. While most women are worried about being perfect, Sylvie actually is.

  “Are you asking me out?”

  My mouth drops open. “I guess I am. Thanks for calling me out.”

  “It’s in my D.N.A.” A smile plays at the corners of her lips. “Calling it like I see it.”

  “So, do you see a coffee date?”

  She sucks the air in between her teeth and for a moment I think she’s going to turn me down. Instead, she slaps her hands against her sides. “Why not? I could really use a friend right now, and I hear that it’s good to get in with your boss.”

  A friend? That’s not the kind of getting in I had in mind. But still, it’s better than nothing. I catch up to her in the hallway, and once we’re outside I take it upon myself to place my hand on the small of her back, slowly but surely showing Sylvie that she’s going to be much more than my friend. I’m happy to take it slow though. I have a feeling she’s worth the wait.

  “Are you good taking the bike?” I ask, leading her to my motorcycle.

  “Are you kidding me? Absolutely.” She outsteps my touch and moves closer to the bike. Again, I stiffen in my pants imagining what she’d look like wearing nothing but her bra and panties, straddling my bike. Her hair blowing in the wind. “Oh, but on one condition.”

  “What’s that?”

  Sylvie pulls her hair out of the ponytail, causing her waves to cascade over her shoulder. The afternoon sun catches strands of gold highlights weaved into her wavy, auburn mane. Her palms press against her uniform skirt. “Can we swing by my cousin’s house first so I can change out of this disgusting—”

  I furrow my brow at her.

  “—ly cute housekeepers uniform. It itches like hell, Bear.”

  “Deal.” I say, “but after you change, you’re all mine.”

  Sylvie’s face flushes bright red. I hop on the bike and Sylvie runs her hand through her hair before nestling in behind me. Her soft arms weave around my waist, breasts pressed firmly against my back. A smile spreads across my face, and it’s all I can do to hide the excitement pinging through me. I’m about to have a coffee date with a real life angel.

  5

  Sylvie

  I change my clothes as quickly as I can, aching for my arms to be back around Bear’s toned waist. The ripples of his six pack press firmly against my arms as we leave Eden’s house—me, in a sensible pair of jean shorts and a t-shirt—and we make our way back into town. When we pull into the parking lot, I peer around Bear’s solid frame and squint at the adorable café in front of me. “The Fated Cup? This is not what I was expecting.”

&nbs
p; “Really? Why?”

  “That sign in the window says they do Tarot readings.”

  “So?”

  “So…” Bear steadies the bike as I dismount. “So, I’m not into that.” His strong profile further enhances his rugged handsomeness. “Are you getting a reading?”

  “Me? Nah. I make my own fate.” Bear scrunches his face up, making him seem adorable in addition to tough as fuck. “I just really dig their doughnuts.”

  “Cool.” I stare at the sign on the door and bite my lip, a wave of relief washing over me. The last thing I need is more bad news. I’ve had my fill of shit luck for a while. Although, maybe it would be nice to see what’s coming? I have the sudden urge to reach up, grab Bear by his beard and pull his lips to meet mine. But I don’t.

  The door chimes overhead and from the looks of this place, it’s clear that the coffee costs a little more than two bucks a pop. Something also tells me that I probably won’t be paying, so it doesn’t matter anyway. The feminist in me shames myself, but overall I don’t care. Every penny saved is a step closer to freedom. A funny feeling swirls in my tummy. I have no desire to deviate from the plan, but Bear is awfully nice to look at. How hasn’t some woman swiped him up and never let him out of her sight? It also doesn’t hurt that being around him eases my worry that Joel will pull a sneak attack on me.

  Bear said he’d kill the guy if he ever messed with me again. I’m sure it was an exaggeration. Right?

  Up at the counter a bubbly blonde shoots us a gigantic smile. “Well, well, well! If it isn’t Bear Montana in the flesh.” She scoots out from behind, her full bottom brushing the nearest table, and wraps Bear up in a warm hug. My eyes narrow and I’m ashamed to admit that the cool hand of jealousy rests on my shoulder. It warms slightly when Bear turns his attention to me.

  “This is Sylvie.”

  “You’re Sylvie, huh?” She places her delicate fingers on top of mine. “Eden said she had a cousin in town. She’s one of my very favorite humans.”

  “She’s okay, I guess.” I tease.

  Bear orders two coffees and two coconut creme doughnuts, whipping his credit card out before I even have a chance to offer to pay. “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I know.” He runs a hand through his thick, brown mane. “I’m not going to let you spend that good luck bill. It belongs in your wallet, attracting more wealth.”

  I open my mouth to object, but Bear’s already carrying both cups of coffee and heading toward the table by the window. Tarot cards and Astrology books line the walls of the shop. A sudden wave of nerves washes over me. I haven’t been on a date in ages, not since I met Joel when I was bartending and he was called to the bar for a disturbance.

  Once I’m settled, I raise my cup of coffee. “Thank you. For the coffee and for the job, Bear. You’ve been very good to me.”

  He presses his cardboard cup to mine. His eyes beam, and for the first time I notice the navy blue ring around his emerald iris. He’s like a magical unicorn that just keeps getting hotter with every passing glance.

  “So.” He says, setting his coffee cup down before taking a sip.

  “So.” My lips twist. I forgot how awkward these situations can be. This was not on my agenda, going on a date with my boss. Hell, I planned on talking to no one but Eden and Dane. But I’m not mad about it. In fact, my body tingles with excitement just being this close to Bear.

  “This is the last time I’ll ask you this, but I can’t not put it out there.” Bear’s commanding voice melts me. I love a man who takes control, calmly and respectfully. “Is there a chance this asshole’s going to show up here looking for you?” His eyes narrow. “Do I need to be ready?”

  The serious expression on Bear’s face tells me he means it. “I sure hope not.” My fingernail picks at the chipped, retro formica table top. “But I don’t know for sure.” I take a sip of my coffee, still too hot to fully enjoy. “Joel is his name. He’s a cop in Cheyenne.”

  Bear’s fists clench so hard the veins in his forearms bulge. I place my hand over his, hoping to ease his tension. “He’s a jerk, but you have to know he only hurt me once.”

  “That’s one time too many.” He spits.

  “I agree, which is why I left. He was drunk, and accusing me of cheating on him. I never did. My mom was a cheater, and it ruined our family.” My voice remains steady, but I can feel the emotion sitting like a lump in my throat. “He grabbed me and threw me to the ground. I cried all night. He’d always been emotionally abusive, gaslighting me into thinking I’m crazy, but this was too much. As soon as he left for his shift the next morning, I packed my shit and I headed out. I didn’t even call Eden until I’d gotten the hell away.”

  “I’m sorry, Sylvie.” Bear’s hands engulf mine. His warm, tender touch brings tears to my eyes.

  “I feel so stupid for staying for so long. You know?”

  “My father used to hit my mom.” Bear’s eyes remain downcast. “Hell, he probably still does. I wouldn’t know. He kicked me out the day I stood up to him.” His top lip curls over his teeth. “And my mom didn’t even say anything.” He takes a long inhale through his flared nostrils. “She didn’t even beg me to stay after he kicked the shit out of me, too.”

  “Oh, Bear.”

  “Yeah.” A switch seems to flip, bringing up a cold emotional wall with it. “So I won’t tolerate anyone touching a woman. My mother may not have appreciated me sticking up for her, but I’ll be damned if I let an asshole like my dad play Mr. Tough Guy and hurt a woman ever again.” His eyes are laser beams.

  I nod, unable to speak. Bear is a knight in shining armor. It’s too bad I can’t stay here. I need to disappear, to start over. I open my mouth to tell him this, but I’m interrupted when Chloe sets down two doughnuts in front of us. Bear lifts up his doughnut and wiggles his eyebrows. I follow suit, silently thanking Chloe for the disruption.

  6

  Bear

  Looking into Sylvie’s eyes, I feel like I’ve known her all my life. She’s so easy to talk with, and we do talk until Chloe tells us it’s six o’clock and she’s closing up shop. We hop back on my bike and I drive her back to her car, still parked back at the lodge. With the sun beginning to set, I help her off my bike, silently wishing we could stay together the rest of the night…or longer.

  “I had a really nice time.” Sylvie says, scrunching up her nose. “I needed it.”

  “One bad apple doesn’t spoil the bunch. There are still good guys out there.” Everything in me wants to pull her in for a kiss, but Sylvie keeps her distance, and I respect that.

  “You’re proving that in droves, Mr. Montana.” The evening breeze kicks up her hair. She smooths it back into place and shoots me a heart stopping smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Yes, you will.” I watch her until she’s in her car and almost out of the lot. That’s when I notice the white truck pulling out from the front of the building right behind her. Normally this wouldn’t be a suspicious thing, the lodge is always filled with patrons and different cars, but with Sylvie’s situation my gut tells me something’s off.

  I follow the truck out of the parking lot. It could be my own paranoid suspicion, but I won’t know unless I trail it. As soon as Sylvie makes that right toward the East side of town, the white truck shadows her, just like I suspected it would.

  “Son of a bitch.”

  I keep enough distance to remain inconspicuous. My heart’s beating out of my chest by the time we’re less than a mile away from Dane and Eden’s place and the white truck is still trailing her.

  Memories of my father, staggering in after a long night at the bar come flooding into my memory. The sound of furniture skidding across the kitchen floor. Of my mother begging him to leave her alone.

  I don’t care if this asshole is a cop or President of the United fucking States, I’ll be damned if he thinks he’ll be laying a hand on my woman. Not now. Not ever again.

  Sylvie’s barely out of the driver’s seat when the t
ruck pulls up behind her. Even at this distance, the look on her face tells me everything I need to know. Her purse falls to the ground and she stumbles over her feet attempting to back away. The guy’s out of the car faster than expected, but he’s no match for me. He’s tall with broad shoulders cropped hair. He moves toward Sylvie, but I rev my engine and slide into the driveway just before he reaches her. Both of their heads flip in my direction. Sylvie’s wild eyes beckon for help.

  There’s no need to worry, baby. I’m here. This punk’s as good as dead.

  Rage vibrates throughout my entire body as I get off my bike. “Let me guess.” I crack my knuckles walking toward him. “You must be Joel?”

  “Who the fuck are you?” I notice there’s a gun strapped to his belt.

  I don’t give him a chance to answer. Without breaking my stride, I punch him square in the face. Joel rears back as Sylvie gasps. When he looks up at me, he’s bleeding…and he’s mad.

  “Step the fuck away from my woman.”

  A humorless laugh escapes his mouth. “Your woman?” His hand stretches for his gun, but I’m two steps ahead. I twist his arm around and squeeze it behind his back.

  “I certainly didn’t stutter.”

  “Let me go. I’m a cop.”

  My eyes meet Sylvie’s, still filled with fear. It’s all I can do from breaking this guy’s arm. “Didn’t anyone ever teach you not to hit girls?” I apply a little more pressure. The front door swings open and a very pregnant Eden shuffles onto the porch. She screams, and grips the post. I know Dane’s on call tonight which means that I don’t have backup in this situation. Not that I need it. Keeping Sylvie safe gives me superhuman strength.

  “You promise me now that you’ll never bother Sylvie again.”