Page 22 of Bear Creek Valentine
“Forgive me, Aiden, but I’ll have to get personal to answer your questions. From what you’ve said, you’re usually in chargeduring intimacy, and Dash is probably expecting you to make the first move. Have you thought about reversing your roles? You know, give him instructions so he’s part of the action and has some control of what’s happening.”
Aiden’s imagination provided a very alluring mental picture of how to put Dash in the driver’s seat without undo pressure.
“Okay. I’ve got a good idea of what to do.”
“I thought you might. Now, to answer your question—I’m almost certain Dash’s bear is urging him to mate with you. So he probablyisafraid that penetrative sex will push his bear over the edge, and you’ll end up mated before he’s ready. Dash will needverbal confirmationthat you want a lifetime commitment with him before he claims you. Given his past, the worst thing you could do is pressure him by talking about it. By all means, tell him you love him, and make lovetohim, but don’t muddy the waters by mentioning mates unless he brings it up.
“In a way, Knox and I had a similar problem. We enjoyed plenty of sex while we dated, but Knox fought his bear from the beginning because I wasn’t sure about the whole thing. It only happened after I told him I wanted it, and I assume it will be the same for you and Dash.”
Aiden’s mind swirled withwhat-ifscenarios, scaring the crap out of him. He’d come awfully close to hurting Dash or losing him without even knowing it. It felt like walking a tightrope, and one false step could end in disaster. He must have been too quiet, for Levi interrupted his troubled cogitation.
“I’m sure this sounds overwhelming, but you’re not alone. You have me and Knox, the Shaws, and the Tillmans—all ready and willing to help if you need it.”
He was right, of course, and it was humbling to know he had friends who cared.
“Thanks, Levi. I appreciate your advice more than I can say, and I promise to let you know if the wheels come off. Tell Knox hello for me.”
Aiden hung up the phone and finished closing the shop for the night. When he reached the condo a few minutes later, he sent Dash a text.
>Home now. Give me fifteen to get cleaned up. I have plans for you after supper.
Dash promptly responded with a smiley emoji and a row of exclamation points.
Chapter 8
Dash rang the doorbell, listening for Aiden’s footsteps while holding extra-large takeout bags in each hand. Aiden must have been running a little behind, for he answered the door barefoot and shirtless. Dash growled at the sight of him—half-naked, damp tousled hair, and smelling freshly scrubbed. Aiden tugged him over the threshold, slammed the door, and relieved him of the bags.
“Kitchen first, then kisses.”
Dash didn’t have to be told, though it stirred his cock to be bossed around. Added to Aiden’s earlier promise of “plans after supper,” he’d do anything the man wanted. After setting the food bags on the nearest stretch of countertop, Aiden allowed himself to be scented. Dash licked and kissed his way from shoulder to ear while caressing the sexy human’s bare chest and back.
He could smell Aiden’s simmering arousal and went weak in the knees when the eager human leaned down to claim his lips. No one had ever kissed him this way, as if he were the most important person in the universe. Dash purred through the heated greeting, pulling Aiden closer for a bit of friction. If growling stomachs hadn’t finally forced them apart, Dash would have soon fired off a load in his pants. Aiden appeared to be in a similar condition, gazing at Dash with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
“Hello, handsome. I’ve missed youall day. Let me put on a shirt, or we’ll never get through supper.”
Dash simply growled at his retreating back, unable to conjure up a pithy response. Somehow, they ate without ending up horizontal on the dining room table, but it was a close thing. They flirted and caressed their way through the China Garden specials, occasionally feeding one another and often pausingfor flavorful kisses. At the end of the meal, Aiden plucked two fortune cookies from the bag, cracked one open, and read it aloud.
“Now is the time to try something new.”
“Hmmm... I couldn’t agree more. Here, Dash, see what yours says.”
Eager to get to the action, Dash crushed the cookie with his fist and snatched up the tiny, printed slip.
“You are in good hands this evening.”
Dash moaned, panting lightly. Aiden simply stood, grabbed his hand, and tugged him toward the bedroom.
“Get naked; ass up and head down on the bed.”
Dash keened with excitement and nerves, wondering what his bear would do if his lover took him from behind. Aiden grabbed the lube and spread a hand towel on the bedding under Dash before soothing him with soft words and caresses.
“Shhh... relax. Let me explore your body tonight. It will all feel good, I promise.”
Aiden let his hands wander over Dash’s powerful back, humongous thighs, and spectacular butt. They hadn’t tried ass play yet, but he was confident the randy bear was aching for it, with or without penetration. Long, slender fingers slid up and down Dash’s hairy crack, brushing against the rosy pucker and causing it to twitch with anticipation.
Dash’s huffing was quickly replaced by a constant rumble of pleasure, and Aiden upped the ante by focusing on the sensitive flesh with his tongue. The warm, wet lapping produced an immediate chorus of deep moans, prodding Aiden to take the next step.
“Is it all right if I use my fingers?”
