Bare Instincts: A BBW Paranormal Bear Shifter Romance (12 page)

Diane, their waitress, came over, and took their drink orders.

As soon as she scurried away, her friend leaned back. “You know my thoughts on that topic.”

“You don’t believe in it, I know. Do you think there’s any harm in me seeing where this can lead?”

Emmaline grabbed her hand. “I want this to work out between you, I really do, but just be careful. My mom used to say that cheetahs can’t change their spots.”

She laughed. “Burke’s a bear, silly.”

“It’s just a saying.”

Tasha wasn’t sure what she was implying. “Do you think I should cool it?”

She shrugged. “I’m not saying that. Do you have fun with him?”

Tasha thought back to their fight over the fish. “Yes.”

“There you go. I say enjoy your time together and see where it leads.”

“I will.” She slumped. “The problem is that we’re total opposites. He loves TV and I don’t own one. I know he loves college football and I’m not sure I could name one team. He drives a Harley and I hate motorcycles.” That was a depressing comparison.

“At least you both appear to like sex.”

Emmaline had a way about her. “You’re right about that.” But was that their only common ground? As good as it was, a relationship couldn’t be built on sex alone.

Tasha glanced over at Dee Dee. “Besides the fact our flirty hostess is a loose cannon when it comes to men, what else can you tell me about her?”

“You want the good or the bad?”

Tasha wanted to assess the threat level. “The good.”

“She graduated from Edmonds University in Chicago with honors.”

That put them on even ground. She, too, had done very well in school. “Why is she a hostess then?”

“Never asked, but her parents are richer than sin. Rather than have her leave town, perhaps they’re supporting her.”

Or Hidden Hills didn’t have any job offers in her major. “What else?”

“She’s very knowledgeable about all types of sports.” Emmaline placed her napkin on her lap. “She used to be a bartender, too, and did you know she tried race car driving for a while?”

Shit. Tasha had none of those skills. She was just great with kids and loved to read. “Sorry I asked.”

Their drinks materialized in front of them. “Do you ladies know what you want?” Diane asked.

They each ordered, but Tasha wasn’t hungry anymore. “Have you heard Dee Dee talking about Burke?”

“No, but watch out for her.”

Tasha almost smiled. “I take it she’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing?”

“You got it.”

Chapter Eleven

N
o sooner had
Burke stepped out of the shower than his cell rang. With a towel around his waist, he rushed into his bedroom and grabbed the phone. When he saw it was Tasha, he smiled. “Hey, beautiful.”

He’d called her last night to make sure she was okay after all the sex they’d had, and it had taken all of his resolve not to suggest they get together Sunday. When Wade had called to remind him about his Dad’s birthday party tonight, Burke had inwardly cursed. As much as he adored Wade’s family, he wanted to spend his time with Tasha. Hell, he barely slept because he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He’d hoped this incredible rush every time he saw her would wear off soon. If not, he’d end up a zombie.

“Hey, I wanted to call and let you know I have to go out of town from Wednesday to Sunday.” She explained that her boss’s mother had a stroke, and that she’d asked Tasha to take her place at a conference.

“Four days? Wow. When can I see you?”

“You want to come over tonight?”

He sucked in an audible breath. “Can’t. It’s Wade’s dad’s birthday. I’d ask you to come, but then I’d have to drag you into a spare bedroom and have my way with you.” She laughed, just as he’d hoped. “All kidding aside, I promise to behave myself if you come.” For a moment, he’d debated canceling on Wade, but Burke was trying to rebuild his reputation and wanted to be known as someone who kept his word.

“I honestly forgot about Mr. Black’s birthday party. My dad and mom are going, too, but I’m not sure I can keep my hands off you.”

“I like the sound of that. You want me to pick you up then?”

“I’d like to go, but I really have to pack. I’ll send a card and bring something over for him when I get back.”

“If you change your mind, let me know. Tomorrow then?”

“Perfect. Is seven okay?” she said.

“It’s a date. How about if I bring dinner?” Something without sauces or covered in batter. His waistline wouldn’t be able to handle too many splurges.

“Great. I’ll supply the wine.”

“See you then.” He was dripping all over the floor so he disconnected the call and towel dried.

The thought of being with Tasha again had his temperature rising. While he and his dad were close, talking with him about mating would surely get back to Tasha’s dad, and that wouldn’t be good. If his conversation reached her, she might think he was having doubts—which he wasn’t.

As he dressed for the party, he tried to ready himself for the possibility that Tasha would think him not her intellectual equal. He didn’t read fiction, kind of sucked at fishing, and rode a motorcycle, which she said she didn’t like. He was so fucked and had no idea what to do about it.

*     *     *

Tasha paced the
living room. Burke was late, and she hoped he was merely delayed. She checked her cell to make sure he hadn’t messaged her, but there was nothing.

She smoothed down her outfit. She’d gone to Gina’s lingerie shop after work and splurged on a bra and panty set. Never before had she spent so much money on so little fabric. For the first time in her life, she had on a bra that actually fit. No fat lumps poured over the sides. While Gina had tried to talk her into a thong, there were some things no man should witness.

Tasha glanced out the window for the umpteenth time but didn’t spot any vehicles on the main road to her street. To keep busy, she centered the dishes on the placemats and straightened the silverware once more.

The doorbell rang, and she jumped. She shouldn’t be nervous. They’d eat. They’d have sex. And she’d send him on his way. Simple.

You want more
.

No, she didn’t. Burke was Burke, so she’d take what she could get. Fat girls couldn’t be picky.

She pulled open the door. Holy mother of shifters. Burke had on a button-down white shirt and black jeans. In his hands was a bag from The Taste Of Hidden Hills restaurant—her favorite place to eat. She inhaled, and the scent invaded her body.

“May I come in?”

She must have been staring. “Yes.”

He grinned, grabbed her around the waist, and kissed her. “I’ve been waiting for days to do that.”

She lightly punched him. “You say the sweetest things.”

“We’ll see how sweet you think I am after dinner.” He winked then strode past her to the kitchen.

She followed. “It smells wonderful.”

“Sorry I’m late. The restaurant was incredibly busy.”

“No worries. I was a bit delayed myself.” In truth, she hadn’t arrived home until five thirty. By the time she showered and changed, she’d only had a half hour to spare.

“I need another kiss.” He drew her near then steered her to the kitchen counter, pressing her back against it. Memories of lust, heat, and pure desire from when she’d been against the tree at the lake flooded her.

The first contact had her forgetting about whether he truly liked her. Passion poured out of him like water from a sieve. She needed to enjoy the moment, and questioning their future would only lead to disappointment.

She dragged her hands up his back and tugged him closer.

Burke glanced down at her. “It’s your call. Eat or make love?”

Her stomach needed food, but her hormonal brain answered. “Take me.”

He laughed. “You are something else.”

As if there was a fire, they tore off each other’s clothes. When he’d stripped her down to her bra and panties, he stilled, and then whistled. “Holy fuck, you look hot. I almost hate to take them off.”

“Their purpose was merely to entice you.”

He grinned. “They succeeded, totally and completely, but give me a second to devour this image.”

She posed for him then bent over to suck on his cock.

Burke immediately lifted her up. “He’s about to go off, girl. The bear in me has been biding his time way too long, so I hope you’re rested because we’re in for a wild ride.”

She smiled and ran a hand down his amazing abs. “Do you talk like that to all your women?”

“I’ve only had one real woman—you.”

He was so full of shit, but she ate it up. “We’ll play it your way.” Tasha twisted around, grabbed onto the counter edge, and wiggled her hips. “Ready when you are.”

“Who is this sassy woman? I thought librarians were supposed to be reserved and cultured.”

She looked back over her shoulder and laughed. Deep inside, she’d wondered the same thing. “It’s all your fault. You get my bear all riled up. Now touch me.” Her blood was boiling and nothing was going to satisfy the driving urges inside her except for Burke’s cock.

He flipped her back around. “I have to taste you first.” He slipped off her panties, retrieved a dishtowel, and then carefully placed it on the counter. “Hop on up.” With seemingly little effort, Burke helped her. “Let the pleasure begin.”

He eased her onto her back, bent her knees, and slid her feet onto the counter’s surface. As much as she loved his cock, his tongue could do wonders to bring her to new heights. Rubbing his palms in slow circles across her thighs, he moved nearer to the apex, his fingers ever so close to where she wanted him. She scooted closer, her juices flowing just from the anticipation of what was to come.

“You seem a bit tense,” he said.

She nudged him with her foot. “I thought you needed me. Tormenting me won’t get you anywhere.”

He raised a brow. “Oh, I don’t know. Desperate women do desperate things.”

“Like what?” She’d already ripped off his clothes.

“Not saying.”

That was because he had nothing. She wasn’t able to give his comment any more thought because he dipped two fingers into her pussy, and bolts of electricity shocked her. She pressed on her feet to lift her hips, as she always seemed to be in a state of neediness when she was around him.

“Missing me?” he asked.

“Bastard. I’m not missing you. It’s the damn animal in me that is making me so easy.”

“Give me some credit.”

He deserved all the credit but telling him would make him insufferable. The men she’d dated thought sex was all about intercourse—not about attempting to bring the woman pleasure.

He wiggled his finger until she nearly screamed. To help release some of the tension, she crunched the dishtowel.
Don’t come
. She never wanted him to stop.

With his free hand, Burke unhooked the front closing bra, one that was clearly made for seduction. Once free, her breasts popped out.

He whistled. “I’ve missed them.”

Burke always seemed to fixate on her tits. Perhaps it was the same reason she couldn’t stop herself from admiring his big, hard cock. Withdrawing his fingers, he leaned over to nab a nipple with his teeth. Oh, how she loved the rush of ecstasy with each tug. Her pussy lit up, heating her to the core, and Tasha wasn’t sure how much longer she could last. “Kiss me.”

Not that kissing was any easier on her libido, but that way more of him would touch her. Now that she thought about it, having the added contact would only make it worse.

He leaned over and barely touched her lips with his. He was going down. She grabbed a handful of his hair. “Kiss me like you mean it!”

He laughed. “So demanding.”

Burke slanted his mouth across hers and deepened the kiss. His exploration made her even wetter, and she abandoned herself to the erotic bliss coursing through her. As if he couldn’t wait any longer, he slid her off the counter and spun her around, forcing her to grab hold for support.

“Need you too much.” With his foot, he widened her stance and then flattened his hand on her back. “Hold on, beautiful.”

He edged his cock against her wet opening then cupped her breasts, his inhale deep and sounding desperate. When he brushed his thumbs across her nipples and growled, her body ignited, and she arched her back for more contact.