Page 25 of His Determined Bear

I smiled, “I’m glad you think so.”

He rolled his eyes, but then his grin widened, and he became more confident like his snarky self. “Well, I guess we should get this show on the road.”

I laughed and shifted the car into drive. “I doubt those two will go inside until we leave.”

Cooper turned towards the front door and groaned when he noticed Kelly and Aaron still watching as we drove away.

* * *

I watched as Cooper took in the atmosphere and décor at Root 245. The small upscale Italian bistro was nestled in the heart of the small arts district in Asheville. The owners had designed an intimate atmosphere for their dinner guests with a fireplace centered in the room so that every table had access on a cold Montana night. The exposed wooden beams overhead were wrapped with fairy lights. The tables were perfect for two people set with linen napkins and low-burning candles. There was no better place in Asheville to woo the love of your life with a romantic evening out on the town

The food and wine selection were impeccable. The limited seating allowed the Italian chef to focus on a regional cuisine menu. Most people assumed a small town had very little to offer, but that wasn’t the case for us. Asheville was a getaway for many shifters and non-shifters alike. With a large portion of the population being shifters, the town did its best to make sure certain B&B’s and guest chalets for rent were not available for those not in the know… couldn’t risk exposure. But Asheville was still a stop for people that came for the day and shifters that wanted to get out of the big city. That meant we had to offer a lot of amenities, and fine dining was one of them

“Impressed?” I asked Cooper as we were led to our table for two.

“Quite. Many people think when you review a restaurant, it’s just the food that’s important. But it actually includes the location and the whole vibe… well, except if it’s a dive, then that’s the vibe,” he said, amused with his answer.

“So, what’s the vibe here?” I asked.

His head tilted to the side, “Intimately romantic, but still upscale.” I liked the low lighting and white lights in the trees at the entrance. It filled the space and lit it up without taking it over.

“Well, I’m glad you approve,” I said.

Cooper gave me his full attention at my comment. A look of concern crossed his face that had me frowning. “I know I can get annoying when I talk about food, so if—”

I shook my head. “Let me stop you there. Trust me, that won’t happen. Ever. Plus, I have a feeling I would love listening to anything you have to say.”

Cooper’s eyes widened, and he followed it with a deprecating laugh. “You don’t have to say that, Graham. I know how I must come across to people.”

“I know I don’t. But it’s true.”

He swallowed, drawing my eyes back to his throat again. And Great Urs, all I could think about was putting my mark there on his tanned skin. My teeth sinking into him as my cock pushed into his body, claiming and making him mine in every way possible. I had to stop this line of thinking before I was forced to sit through dinner with a hard-on.

But before I could do any of that, my man deserved to be wined and dined.

I nodded to the waiter hovering nearby to let him know we were ready. He approached, carrying our menus. After I ordered a bottle of wine, our waiter described the chef’s special of the evening, then left us to peruse the menu.

I was unable to take my eyes off Cooper’s beautiful face. His silky light brown hair shone under the soft lighting when the flames caught a curly lock just right. I watched him tuck his bottom lip between his teeth as he studied the menu, no doubt mentally calculating which entrée would reveal the chef’s expertise the most. I had a feeling I wouldn’t ever get tired of watching him and studying his reactions. Learning his reactions to my touch in bed would be a fun endeavor too. I saw his lips lift slightly as he went through the menu. And I couldn’t help teasing, “Surprised at what you see here?” I asked.

Cooper momentarily shifted his eyes up at me. He must have seen something telling on my face causing him to wave a finger at me. “Don’t look smug just yet, Mr. Hallbjorn. The menu might appear to be fantastic, but the food has to live up to the billing.”

“Oh it will,” I assured him. “Would you care to place a wager on it?”

Cooper’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned toward me. “Bring it on big guy. What do I win?” Cooper asked in the most self-confident tone I’d ever heard, that apparently my cock appreciated as well. As I leaned closer to him, I took in the scent of his cologne with irresistible notes of Calabrian lemon, ginger, and vetiver into my nostrils. It was times like this that I sincerely appreciated my sensitive olfactory senses. It was perfect on my California man. My bear and I both approved.

I pretended to think about what I wanted, but I already knew. “How about if I win, you go out on another date with me.”

Graham’s eyebrows shot up as he leaned back in his seat and folded his arms across his chest. “Is that what this is? A date?”

I smirked and mirrored his movement. “Isn’t it?” I asked.

A slow smile spread across his face as he relaxed his body. “I guess it is. Now, what do I get if I win the bet?”

“You get another date with me,” I said confidently with the most seductive expression I could muster.

Graham threw his head back and laughed at my response. When he looked back at me, his eyes darkened and traveled down my chest. I shivered as if I could feel his caress of my skin.

“Well, Graham,” he rasped, moving in closer to me, “you are definitely a prize.” A look of surprise ghosted over his face as if he couldn’t believe he’d said it aloud. I, on the other hand, was not embarrassed in the least but instead puffed up like a peacock. Our mate liked us… well, at least this part of me, but I was sure he would like my bear as well once they met.

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