Page 13 of Bear Creek Valentine
“Shifters mate for life. Harv promised to take care of me, and we were happy. After he died, I... I never expected to have another mate. You can’t know how hard it was to lose him and the bond we shared. I like you Aiden, but what we’re doing brings back all the pain and I’m afraid of losing you, too. I’m not strong enough to go through it again.”
Aiden’s heart ached for the tender bear, and he desperately wanted to ease his pain. When he opened his arms, Dash gratefully walked into them, face buried in his neck. They stood that way for a while, saying nothing, while Aiden stroked his back. Finally, after Dash’s breathing returned to normal, Aiden chose his words carefully.
“When you’re ready to share, I’d like to hear about Harv and your life together. I’ve never lost anyone close to me before, and I’m not a shifter, so I don’t fully understand. But I can learn and wait as long as you need. You’re worth it, and I think we could have something special. Let’s just enjoy our time together and see how things go. No pressure, no deadlines, and no running away if we hit a rough patch. Agreed?”
Dash lifted his head to give Aiden a soft kiss. He wasn’t smiling, but he no longer looked frightened.
“Okay. Thanks for understanding. I’d like to... could we...that is, when can I see you again?”
Aiden heaved a sigh of relief and let go of a nervous laugh.
“Call me or stop in atDeliciouswhenever you have time. I know your schedule is pretty wild right now, but we should be able to find a few minutes here and there. Plus, I need to give you an answer about your offer. But before you go, let me grab the rest of the chocolates.”
Aiden boxed up the leftovers and brought them to the front door, where Dash timidly stood waiting.
“Here’s something to snack on. I’m going to try your ideas and have you taste-test them for me—assuming I’ll be able to concentrate on something other than you. Now kiss me goodbye, you sexy bear.”
Dash readily complied, and a steamy minute later, walked out the door with a little spark of hope.
####
Early Wednesday morning, downtown
Ryder parked the car on a side street and walked down the alley to a nondescript, gray metal door attached to the back ofDelicious. He probably shouldn’t be there, as it would likely anger his best friend if he knew about it. Perhaps it was a bad idea, but his intentions were good, and who else was looking out for Dash’s interests?
The shop didn’t open for another ninety minutes, but his ears and nose told him Aiden was inside, busy mixing up his signature confections. He’d likely been there for at least an hour already, known for putting in long days at his successful business. Ryder approved of the man’s dedication and work ethic, giving him another reason to like the human who’d finally captured Dash’s attention.
Ryder knocked on the door and stood squarely in view of the peephole so Aiden could see who it was. As two heavy deadbolts slid aside, he detected the man’s now-thudding heart and the scent of worry. The door opened to reveal Aiden, dressed in a spattered apron and with genuine concern on his face.
“What are you doing here, Ryder? Has something happened? Is Dash all right?”
It pleased him that Dash was Aiden’s first thought, confirming his positive opinion of the human.
“Dash is fine. If I may, I just wanted a word with you in private.”
Aiden’s brows rose, but he gestured Ryder inside and closed the door. Bear shifters were known for being direct, and this one was no exception.
“I understand you and Dash are interested in each other. I’ve been watching his back for almost a dozen years, and he’s happier than I’ve ever seen him. While that’s a good thing, I think you should know he’s been through an experience some shifters don’t survive. He’s still fragile, Aiden, and I don’t want him to get hurt.”
Aiden wasn’t surprised by Ryder’s concern, though it prompted even more questions about Dash’s past.
“I’m not playing games if that’s what you’re worried about. I think Dash and I could have a future together if he can overcome his past. I know little about him, except that he lost his mate and a new relationship scares him. I’ll tell you the same thing I told him—we’ll take things one day at a time, and I’ll listen when he’s ready to talk about it. Believe me, thelastthing I want to do is hurt him.”
Ryder’s training and ursine nature enabled him to spot liars a mile away. Thankfully, Aiden wasn’t one of them.
“I believe you. I rarely stick my nose into Dash’s personal life, but this is the first time since Harv died that he’s shown interestin anyone. I’m happy for him, and you seem like a good man, but there’s a lot going on here you might not understand.”
Aiden’s scent soured, and he crossed his arms.
“Just because I’m human doesn’t mean I can’t learn. What are you to Dash, anyway? Were you two ever involved?”
A growl escaped Ryder’s powerful chest, though not in anger. Most humans were too afraid of him to be so direct, but apparently, Aiden knew how to stand his ground.
“No, we were never together that way. I’m an attorney by trade, and he hired me to represent him in a lawsuit after Harv died. We worked well together, and I joined Bear Paw Holdings as his Executive Assistant when the legal matter was settled. We’ve become good friends along the way, and I care for him like a littermate. I’ve always hoped he would find someone else to love, and if that’s you, then you’re one lucky man.”
Aiden knew Ryder left some things unsaid, but was it on purpose?
“I already feel lucky, so thanks for that. I’m not sure if I should ask this, but did the lawsuit have something to do with Harv?”
