Page 15 of Delivered to My Grizzlies

Gods, they made my core ache.

Ugh, they were charming and sexy and entirely too nice to be true. They opened doors for me and complimented me more often than I thought possible. Their velvety, bass voices coaxed secrets from me, confessions I told no one. Not even my best friend.

The men sitting by the pool laughed about something and the sound reached right into my chest and tugged at me. Truth was, I wanted to be down there, sitting in one or both of their laps and joining in whatever stories were making them happy.

I didn’t understand this pull toward them. This absolute mindless craving.

No. That wasn’t me. I didn’t need anyone. I wanted to be back in my apartment, surrounded by my books, with Mavis acting a fool somewhere close, knocking over cups or demolishing one of my lamps. That’s where I wanted to be.

Not here with their plush bed and their fancy sheets. Not their shower with eight, yes, eight, heads. And the litter box they’d set up for Mavis without even having to be asked.

With their smiles that curled around me and warmed my skin.

Men simply weren’t that nice or gentlemanly or kind. They wanted something from me, maybe.

I’d read enough books to know that some men found status out of mating.

Leaning forward, I pressed my forehead against the cool glass and sighed, my hot breath making condensation on the window. Ulterior motives didn’t seem like something Ansel and Edward would have. They struck me as genuine and real.

But that’s what I’d asked for, right? I’d asked for older men who were wise and caring and had life experience. No games. No fucking around with my mind or my heart.

The two of them got up from their chairs and while Ansel walked into the house, Edward paused before turning around. I sucked in a breath as he turned his gaze up to my window. They had told me earlier of all their heightened senses, so I knew he could see me up here. We locked gazes and even though we were a good distance away from each other, I felt his presence as though he were standing next to me. I wanted them both to be up here. Their strong arms wrapped around my middle. Whispering soothing words in my ear. Holding me until I fell asleep.

I sighed and turned from the window, no matter how my heart pinched with unease.

No.

I came here for one thing and that wasn’t to stay or fall in love.

If I couldn’t help myself from wanting them, I would have to find a way to make them not want me.

Making people ashamed of my presence seemed to be something I was good at, especially with my family.

I could make Ansel and Edward send me back one way or another.

Tears welled in my eyes at the very idea of leaving them, but staying and falling for them might be even worse.

Chapter Eleven

Ansel

“Good morning.” I was in the kitchen, adding pecans and honey to a pot of oatmeal until it was just the right sweetness, when Monroe came downstairs. “Morning,” she said.

Edward came from his study and walked up behind her. She let out a loud, girlie yelp. I took in her heaving breaths and her hand pressed to the middle of her chest.

“Whoa, female. I’m sorry to scare you. Are you okay? I thought I heard you coming.” He pushed a lock of hair from her face, and she backed up.

“I’m okay. You startled me a little. You need tap shoes or something.”

We both laughed, and Edward invited her to take a seat. “Name your poison, Monroe. I know you love coffee, and we have every kind under the sun. Espresso. I can make you a latte, cappuccino, or plain ole drip.”

“I can make it myself,” she answered. Another standoff. Interesting.

“I understand that you can do anything you want to, Monroe, but I want to make your coffee this morning. Would you allow me the pleasure?” Edward’s voice dipped low, and my bear felt him push a little of his alpha power into the request. She had responded like such a good girl the night before.

“Oh, um, yes. Double espresso with cream, please.”

He nodded and I turned my attention to finishing breakfast. “I hope you’re hungry. I cooked everything since you listed breakfast foods as one of your likes. Did you sleep well?”

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