Page 31 of Bear Creek Valentine
“Is construction still on track for August? We have a grand opening bash planned for the twentieth, and I would hate to cancel it.”
Dash reassured her.
“They expect to finish by the first, leaving plenty of time to care for any last-minute issues. I think it’s safe to move ahead with your plans.”
DeeDee gave him a satisfied nod.
“Wonderful! I don’t suppose I can talk you into saying a few words at the dedication?”
Annoyed, Dash growled and Ryder gave her his best glare. Dash wasn’t interested in public acclaim, and the stubborn woman knew it. Ryder ran interference and shot down the idea with alacrity.
“Mister Hawthorn will attend but will not be speaking. However, I would happily represent Bear Claw Holdings at the event if you wish.”
Unperturbed, DeeDee gave them a small chuckle.
“Very well, Ryder, I’ll send you details closer to the date. The amphitheater will make a wonderful addition to Bear Creek, and I expect a huge turnout. I hope both of you join us for the celebration.”
They parted ways, with DeeDee heading back to her office while Ryder and Dash went to check on another charity project in town. Just past the Post Office, they turned onto Heatherhill Road—an older neighborhood with large, widely spaced homes. About two blocks in, on the right, stood a 1931 classic red brick colonial—at one time, the family residence of a lumber baron. The property had been neglected through the years and was in foreclosure when Dash bought it—not for himself, but for the local Bureau of Shifter Affairs (BSA) office.
While Dash liberally supported the BSA’s general fund, they lacked the resources to purchase a centralized home for orphaned shifter cubs. As soon as he learned of the need, Dash instructed Ryder to find a suitable property for the little ones. The old colonial fit the bill, with five bedrooms and a large backyard that abutted the Bear Creek Preserve. Though Dash had purchased it for a song, the Cub House, as it was now called, needed a lot of work before he handed it over to the BSA. Meanwhile, the Bureau’s director began searching for someone to run the new facility.
Ryder parked the car, and they got out to see how the work was coming along. The exterior crews were busily tuckpointing, re-roofing, and installing energy-efficient windows. Many of the workers were shifters, and heads turned as the pair walked up the driveway. Dash could smell their curiosity and interest, though most of it was probably aimed at his handsome friend.Ryder checked them out as they passed, growling quietly when he saw someone he liked. He seemed content without a mate, preferring occasional hookups to scratch his itch, with no strings attached.
Dash’s bear couldn’t miss the scent of arousal in the air, reminding him of the treasure he’d found in Aiden. The smart, sexy, patient human had overtaken his mind and heart, and a blinding wave of affection caused him to stumble on the porch steps. Ryder reached out to steady him, but Dash waved him off with a grunt. Inside, the crew was repairing and painting walls, stripping wood flooring, gutting the kitchen and bathrooms, and installing new mechanicals. At Dash’s direction, they’d even restored the original staircase and woodwork.
Ryder led them downstairs in search of the site foreman, where the old musty basement was being converted into a clean, comfortable play area for the children. The lower ceiling gave it a den-like atmosphere, adding extra appeal for shifters who often craved confined spaces. The human foreman, Henry, summarized their progress to date and brought some unexpected expenses to their attention.
“We removed an old septic pit in the backyard that had collapsed, which led to the discovery of unsafe water and sewer lines from the house to the street. With the old fuel oil furnace gone, we needed to run a new natural gas line into the house. Most of that work wasn’t included in the original plans, and we’re way over budget.”
Much to Henry’s relief, Dash approved the extra expenses without hesitation. Next came a short list of questions and an update on the proposed landscaping. When all parties were satisfied, Dash praised Henry for the good work, promising a bonus if they remained on schedule. On the way out, he continued to the car while Ryder stopped for a quick conversation with a worker who’d caught his fancy. Momentslater, he got in the driver’s seat with a whiff of pheromones and wearing a smug smile. Dash couldn’t help teasing just a little.
“All set for the weekend, then?”
Ryder’s lusty growl filled the confined space as he steered the car toward Dash’s home.
“I am, thanks. How about you?”
Dash snorted, turned red, and ignored his friend’s laughter.
####
Sunday morning
Dash was doing it again.
Even in his sleep, the adorable shifter made a low rumbling sound that Aiden called a purr. Dash usually did it when he was content or happy, but what quirk of physiology made it possible? Compared to humans, did shifters have internal differences while in their human form? Curious as he was, he found the motor-like noise comforting, sleep-inducing, and often arousing when they were pressed together as they were now.
A cuddler by nature, Aiden spooned the sleeping man from behind—chest to back, one arm over his side, and legs entangled. The position itself was enough to get him excited, but combined with morning wood and memories of last night’s lovemaking, Aiden was ready for more action. Being fully human meant he couldn’t get it up repeatedly, or with little or no foreplay, and he often worried that Dash wasn’t fully satisfied. He’d never complained, but then Aiden hadn’t asked him directly either.
Dash stirred, breathing in noisy gusts as he sampled the air. Aiden hadn’t meant to wake him, but the scent of his arousal always got Dash’s attention—awake or asleep. Good, now maybe he’d get a little something before breakfast, and he didn’t mean coffee. Aiden used the hand splayed across Dash’s muscular chest to find and tease a nipple. The big man responded witha lascivious growl and ground his naked ass against Aiden’s engorged cock.
“More. Fill me up.”
Aiden teased Dash’s ear with his teeth and moved his hand to fondle the man’s enormous balls.
“I’d love to, but the lube is onyourside of the bed.”
Aiden snickered when Dash grunted irritably at the delay, reached out to snag the bottle from the nightstand, and passed it to him. It didn’t take long to grease up and slide into Dash’s hot passage. The aroused shifter moaned as they connected flesh to flesh, and pulled Aiden’s already-slicked hand to his own erection for some simultaneous stroking. It would be a slow, steady pace this time—an unhurried orgasm on a lazy Sunday morning.
