Page 27 of Bear Creek Valentine
Ryder’s scent and half-smile told Dash what he needed to know.
“No argument from me. I’ll write it into the contracts so everyone understands. You haven’t said anything about the Blakeslee area. Wouldn’t it make sense to see if there’s interest around here, too?”
Dash grunted but shook his head.
“Bear Creek comes first. Aiden prefers to make it through one harvest season and see how things go. We can always put the word out later for shifters in this area.”
Ryder’s phone chimed with a message, and he muttered at the screen.
“Looks like we’re needed at the new ski lift again. The foreman is claiming there isn’t enough room for the topside gate, and he wants clarification before they move any more dirt. I’ll text Henry to meet us up there with the plans. Are we going on two legs or four?”
####
Later that afternoon, Delicious
Aiden had been in a good mood all day; perfectly understandable when one awakened to a hot bear shifter and fantastic sex. Sharing breakfast with Dash was special too, but the day got even better when the local florist, Petals and Thorns, delivered a bouquet of roses. At first, Aiden thought the delivery was meant for someone else, and then blushed when he found out they were from his lover.
No one had ever sent him flowers before, and the small card contained a short but meaningful message—“Hope you like them. Love, Dash.”The sweet bear had avoided using the “L” word; precisely why Aiden did as well. He was afraid it would put pressure on Dash to claim him, even though Levi told him there was no direct connection for a shifter.
The act of mating certainlyincludedthe concept of love, but the primary meaning was a lifetime commitment. Actually, it made perfect sense if Dash was making incremental steps toward mating with Aiden one day. He already knew how the sexy shifter felt about him, but his use of that word meant their relationship was moving into deeper waters. He’d have to find a memorable way to thank Dash for the gift, preferably something hot, sweaty, and naked.
The next pleasant surprise came when Aiden checked his email and found messages from Leo and Serena. Both accepted his offer of employment and were tending their resignations today. As expected, they’d be forced to break their apartment leases in order to move, resulting in some hefty penalties. Dash had wisely included such costs, along with moving truck fees, in their incentives package.
Serena was only required to give two weeks’ notice to her employer and could start before the end of April. However, Leo’s situation proved to be more complicated, pushing his arrival to mid-May. Fortunately, Knox had the inside track on availableapartments in the area and promised to stop byDeliciouson his way home with the information. Blanche and Toby were all smiles when Aiden broke the news, excited to show their new manager the ropes when she arrived.
Toby was all too obvious in his excitement over Leo moving to Bear Creek. Aiden noticed him daydreaming, and the poorly hidden boner in his jeans. Though he could talk to the boy about first crushes and getting hurt, it wasn’t his place to interfere unless it affected shop operations or Toby asked for his advice. He decided to say nothing and let the situation play itself out. He well remembered his teen years and all the angsty hormonal moments. Toby would survive them, just like everybody else, though Aiden would be there to help him if necessary.
####
Sunday afternoon
Since the weather was unseasonably warm and sunny for early April, Dash held their gathering of potential suppliers outdoors. Though Aiden wore a jacket, Dash and his invited shifter guests would be quite comfortable in shirtsleeves. Arrivals began well before the hour, some in bear form carrying a small pack around their neck containing a change of clothes. Those who didn’t own a car or lived too far to walk were picked up by Knox in a van emblazoned with the Pocono Ridge Resort logo.
Aiden had never seen so many shifters in one place simultaneously, all busy scenting him, Dash, and one another. Three of them were female and noticeably smaller than their male counterparts. While it was fascinating to watch them interact, Aiden remained by Dash’s side—exactly where his overprotective bear wanted him. Of course, it wouldn’t have been an issue if Dash had already claimed Aiden as his mate,forcing him to warn off a few guests with growls and aggressive posturing.
Just after two o’clock, Knox arrived with the last group, including two shifters Aiden knew well. One was Malcom Nesbitt, a beekeeper who supplied much of Aiden’s honey. He was a young, single shifter with a sunny disposition and a great sense of humor. Usually, they only saw each other in September when Malcom made deliveries to the shop.
Aiden didn’t know what the guy did with the rest of his time or what kind of life he led. It was common for unmated shifters to keep to themselves, especially those who lived off the land.
Malcom hurried over to greet Aiden, introduce himself to Dash, and scent them both. His nose told him what was happening between his friend and the newcomer to town, and it pleased him.
“I’ve heard good things about you, Dash. Your charity has already helped several of my friends, and they’re very grateful. If I had the money, I’d place more hive boxes in the area, get some updated equipment, and buy a bigger processing building. Is that possible?”
The man obviously knew his business, and Dash was impressed.
“Not a problem. I’ll get all the details later.”
Malcom gave him a relieved smile and turned back to Aiden.
“Hang onto this one. You deserve a good man.”
Malcom stepped away to visit with the others, leaving Dash tongue-tied and uncertain. Aiden leaned over to whisper in his ear.
“Don’t worry, love, he’s just being friendly. You’ll like him.”
Dash huffed a couple of times and then hauled Aiden in for a scorching kiss. When they came up for air, they had an audience of recent arrivals—all grinning except a tallish, fierce-lookingfellow with a scarred face. When he finally reached them, Aiden introduced him.
“Dash, this is Gruff Cunningham. He owns Shady Lane Orchard east of town and provides my apples and berries.”
