Page 69 of Combust
“Well, at least you both got to see the whole package before you decided to buy,” he said dryly. “I knew you were mine from the moment I saw you havin’ dinner with ol’ Stuffed Shirt at that club. You were too good for that asshole. Hell, you’re probably too good for me, but I’m hopin’ you won’t notice that part until it’s too late.”
She laughed and pressed her hand against his cheek, tenderly stroking his beard before leaning in to kiss him softly. “I’m in love with you, Cade Hunter. Even if youareoccasionally clueless.”
“You…loveme? Really and truly?” He thought his heart would burst in a bright explosion of joy. But he’d die happier than he’d ever been.
* * *
Maggie’s chest tightened with sudden shyness as she saw his radiant smile reach his eyes, making them glow like sapphires touched with a hint of gold. She nodded.
Cade moved off the sofa with the lightning speed that still surprised her. In a flash, he was kneeling before her.
He took her hand and raised it to his lips, his warm lips and beard brushing softly across her knuckles. “Maggie Swanson, would you do me the honor of becomin’ my mate and my wife? I want to spend the rest of my life with you here in Bearpaw Ridge, raisin’ a family and growin’ old together.”
Her eyes welled with joyful tears. “Yes,” she managed in a choked voice. “I want that, too.”
“My darlin’ bear goddess,” he murmured, rising from his knees.
She saw the moment that his bear rose inside him, and the flecks of gold in his eyes became a sheen.
“I need you.” His voice was low and hoarse now. His big hands settled on her thighs, cushioned by the layer of bandaging.“Allof you, Maggie. My bear is fixin’ to claim you for our mate, and I’m not minded to stop him. If you’re not ready, tell me now.”
Chapter Twenty - Bearly Mated
“I’m ready,” Maggie assured him. “More than ready. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Cade.”
“Good. I’m gonna make you mine now,” he said, reaching for the button fastening the waist of her jeans.
She lifted her hips eagerly, allowing him to yank off the jeans and her underwear in one smooth motion.
Then she peeled off her Cinnamon + Sugar polo shirt, sending a strong waft of stale pine smoke to her nose. He sat back on his heels, his golden gaze burning her skin as she deliberately arched a little, thrusting out her breasts before slipping her bra straps over her shoulders.
The hot pulse of arousal kindled between her legs as she slowly bared herself to his gaze.
When she’d finished removing her bra, he began to rise to his feet. She read his intention to sweep her up into his arms and carry her into his bedroom. He had done it regularly during her previous sleepovers.
Moving quickly, she leaned forward and put her hands on his shoulders, keeping him on his knees.
“You’re not supposed to be doing a lot of walking,” she chided him gently. “And you sure as heck shouldn’t be carrying anything heavy if you do have to walk.”
He frowned, then moved with the lightning speed that still surprised her. An instant later, she found herself sprawled on top of him, a thick sheepskin rug cushioning them from the unyielding hardwood floorboards.
His arms came around her waist, and held her captive against him. His metal belt buckle was cold against her bare stomach, with a warmer but equally hard bulge just below nudging her belly.
“You wish is my command,” he said. “If you don’t want me walking, then I’m gonna make you mine right here.”
“I like that plan,” she told him, feeling her desire wind up a notch at the urgency in his voice. She tapped the tip of his nose playfully. “And remember, Dr. Nika warned you about using your hands too much, so I’m going to have to undress you.” She leaned down to give a long, leisurely kiss, then added, “It’ll be like unwrapping an early Christmas present.”
“Not gonna fight ya on that,” he said, grinning up at her. “I mean, a beautiful naked woman wants to tear my clothes off. Darlin’, I’m happily at your mercy.”
“You won’t be sorry,” she promised, pushing herself upright.
She eagerly began unbuttoning his shirt. She couldn’t wait to mate him. To make this remarkable shifter hers forever.
After a few playful contortions and some giggling on her part as Cade took the opportunity to grope her while she was divesting him of his clothing, he stretched beneath her, naked except for the bandages. They reminded her of his courage in coming to her rescue.
She eagerly straddled his hips and dipped her head. As her hair slid forward to form a curtain around their faces, she kissed him deeply.
He returned the kiss with hunger. Gauze tickled her naked skin as he reached between them. His swaddled fingers parted the swollen folds of her pussy, brushing the exquisitely sensitive bud. At the same moment, he raised his head and captured the tip of one breast between his lips.
